Mary Legan,
Unfortunately I know of what you speck. I was just issued my first
electric wheelchair this past Thursday. This is after spending the last 8 months
in and out of Physical Therapy trying to get some strength back in my legs in
hope that I wouldn't have to use a wheelchair. Anyway I was told that I needed
the wheelchair vice the scooter because of my balance difficulties. I think the
Doctor and my wife thought if I were in the wheelchair that I might slow down
some and not try and do as much as I had been trying to do around the house and
yard. Around the house I just used a lawn cheer and a cane to get around and to
have some thing to rest in as I tired easily, which I spent more time in the
cheer than I did working in my gardens. So which ever you go with try not to
relay on it all the time if you can, keep on your legs as long as you can.
MURPH 44/5+4
Lost in a small village in Arkansas
Mary Legan wrote:
> Dear List Members,
>
> You've been so helpful to me already; I have another question.
>
> I'm at the point in PD where, to go out & about for any length of time, or to
> get around at any speed or distance, I must consider using a wheelchair.
> Facing this has been a long time coming. Would you believe I traveled
> around Europe pushing my packages, or suitcase, in the rented chair, rather
> than let my friend push me in it? I wore out quickly, & I'm sure missed out
> on experiences because of it..
>
> Recently I'm begun to overcome the embarrassment of using the power skooters
> which some large stores make available to their customers, & was thrilled at
> the distance I could cover without tiring. (But, honestly, I'm 55 & don't
> look disabled, so did get some stares from 70 yr. olds who were creaking
> along with some difficulty on their legs.) The relative (86/1+) who stays
> with me part time now, maybe full time in a few months, could also benefit
> from the use of this.
>
> Now for the questions. Is there a difference between a motorized wheelchair,
> & a "power chair"? I have a brochure from a company that's selling the
> "Jazzy Power Chair". They claim this is the #1 selling power chair in the
> nation. It looks classy & comfortable, & seems to be usable on almost any
> terrain. The intriguing difference is the it's turn radius------only l9.5.
> These cost about $5000, & I understand that insurance sometimes pays part.
>
> Is anyone out there familiar with these, or with other brands of these?
> Are you aware of any disadvantages of a chair like this? I understand
> that they can be transported by attaching a lift to the back of one's car, &
> it then sits on this lift behind the car as you drive.
>
> Thank you in advance for any guidance you can give. Mary Legan 55/5 & CG
> for Earl 86/1
