[hillbunnyb]

I'm doing a study of wheelchairs. I have spent very little time in one. I had a list of things I hated already. Would any of you chair sitting folks, who really know their chair, tell me your gripes please. Thank you. Oh yeh, if there's anything you do like, please add that too. Double thanks.

[Rhapsody]

Based on My Daughter 10 years in a wheelchair.....

DISLIKES:
1.) Not built well enough for the individual having to use it
2.) Heavy - hard to lift into the trunk of a car
3.) Need a VAN for the special needs ones

PROS:
1.) Good form of transportation and mobility
2.) Enables the entire family to be together on outings


LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Sabrina]

I spent two years nursing my ex-husband who was wheelchair bound in that time.

it was an essential way to keep him off his crushed legs but accessibility and places, actually our entire city is not very wheelchair friendly. For 2 years we could not go watch a movie as not a single movie theatre cater for wheelchair users. Parking was always an issue despite having a "disabled permit" on the vehicle. These parking spaces were almost always used by non-wheelchair users. (There is quite a campaign on the go at the moment to combat that problem).

My heart goes out to wheelchair users, especially with accessibility problems.

[Christina86]

Ho hum... Can I say everything?

No, not that bad. Okay, in all of my entire life (all almost 20 years of it) ...

Cons:
* Strange looks. And never-ending questions (which can be good or bad)
* Sitting for long periods can make you very sore and stiff
* Accessibility. Or lack therof. Even with being able to "pop" over bumps and curbs and the like, I still can't go up and down stairs in it! (Well, tried with some help on an escalator... don't try it, its SCARY!)
* Expensive. With any wheelchair, its not just the original payment for it, its also a LOT of maintenance.
* Weight. Most wheelchairs weigh a lot and are hard to lift (mine is not, its a new model, made of lightweight titanium ... making it more expensive, but I can lift it over my head!)
* Folding ability (storage, or tranportation). Some fold better than others and can be placed in small trunks. Some (like electric wheelchairs) can't be taken apart, and therefore can't be stored in pieces anywhere. Or its just a really lousy design and a lot of effort to take apart (like mine).
* Parking. I don't have a parking permit (then again, I don't drive yet... haven't gone for my license) but my parents could have one. (the last one got lost and never replaced) But it really doesn't matter since all accessible parking areas are always full. I'd like to remind people that its ILLEGAL to park in a handicapped spot unless the person who the license is addressed to is IN the vehicle!
* Did I mention the strange looks and the never-ending "help" and support from well-meaning strangers? (I'm only slightly bitter, honest!)
* Discrimination. Being turned away from jobs (even when very qualified) because people don't like the wheelchair. Also other types, but I'm not going on a rant.

Pros:
*Ability to "run over" people who are meanies and blame it on faulty breaks (I've done it once or twice, but they deserved it honest.)
*Perks. Special treatment to do some stuff or get places.
* Tax benefits. Also financial assistance.

I know there's more, but this is all I can think of right now. I'll come back to it!

[Sabrina]

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canders7 said:
Ho hum... Can I say everything?

No, not that bad. Okay, in all of my entire life (all almost 20 years of it) ...

Cons:
* Strange looks. And never-ending questions (which can be good or bad)
* Sitting for long periods can make you very sore and stiff
* Accessibility. Or lack therof. Even with being able to "pop" over bumps and curbs and the like, I still can't go up and down stairs in it! (Well, tried with some help on an escalator... don't try it, its SCARY!)
* Expensive. With any wheelchair, its not just the original payment for it, its also a LOT of maintenance.
* Weight. Most wheelchairs weigh a lot and are hard to lift (mine is not, its a new model, made of lightweight titanium ... making it more expensive, but I can lift it over my head!)
* Folding ability (storage, or tranportation). Some fold better than others and can be placed in small trunks. Some (like electric wheelchairs) can't be taken apart, and therefore can't be stored in pieces anywhere. Or its just a really lousy design and a lot of effort to take apart (like mine).
* Parking. I don't have a parking permit (then again, I don't drive yet... haven't gone for my license) but my parents could have one. (the last one got lost and never replaced) But it really doesn't matter since all accessible parking areas are always full. I'd like to remind people that its ILLEGAL to park in a handicapped spot unless the person who the license is addressed to is IN the vehicle!
* Did I mention the strange looks and the never-ending "help" and support from well-meaning strangers? (I'm only slightly bitter, honest!)
* Discrimination. Being turned away from jobs (even when very qualified) because people don't like the wheelchair. Also other types, but I'm not going on a rant.

Pros:
*Ability to "run over" people who are meanies and blame it on faulty breaks (I've done it once or twice, but they deserved it honest.)
*Perks. Special treatment to do some stuff or get places.
* Tax benefits. Also financial assistance.

I know there's more, but this is all I can think of right now. I'll come back to it!

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

I was looking forward to your response to this thread.

I just want to say that I really enjoyed your first pro - way to go girl!

I am so sorry for all the different ways you have had to suffer! These things make me sad and angry. I really do feel for you!

[SeptemberMorn]

I'm ever so thankful for my power chair!!

PROS:
It gives me mobility in and out of the house. Although it's big, where I live, there's a law for wheelchair accessability. All curbs have a small ramp at every corner.

Mobility, again, gets a thumbs up because I can take my dog for a walk and get out and meet my neighbors.

When Jerry had a small trailer, he'd put it behind his RV, load up my powerchair and I could cruise a whole mall and never get tired.

My powerchair will go 4Xing, almost. I can drive it over grass, some rocks, and some dirt. No sand, though. Too heavy although it has wide tires; non-inflatable. They never go flat. As a matter of fact, there's a chunck missing from one of the back tires. LOL Very little stops me. hehe

Now for the manual wheelchair, it does fold in two, you might say, and Jerry can put it in the trunk of his Miata. It doesn't allow the trunk to close but he uses a tie down.

At this point, I can still use the manual wheelchair as a support for walking and it allows me to sit when I get tired.

CONS:
The powerchair is very heavy and bulky. Like Canders mentioned, it doesn't fold down or come apart. As of yet, I don't have a vehicle that I can carry it in. So... that leads me to the manual...

I don't like to have anyone else but Jerry push me. Familiarity, I supposed. I haven't built up enough strength in my arms to push myself, so I have to help my arms with my feet. LOL I've seen people do that and I think it looks stupid. My bad, I suppose.

For both the manual and the powerchair, I've found that I need to talk to managers of stores, especially craft and fabric stores so that they space their tables, displays, etc. farther apart. If I get no complaince, there's a woman that I met, in a powerchair, that is advocating for us chair users and gets the powers that be on the cases of these people that don't care to comply with the laws for the disabled.

IMO, both manual and powerchairs are OUTRAGEOUSLY PRICED!!! The insurance paid for my powerchair, the same price I paid for a 1991 Pontiac!! $7,000!! But... it's build out of the same metal that cars are. I've "crashed and burned" and no scars or dents to my powerchair!

In short... I LOVE MY POWERCHAIR! It goes a whole 7 mph!! WooooooooHooooooooooooooooooooo!!

[(JD)]

I am not comfortable in a push type w/c... it isn't for long term sitting without extra cushion, and I am unable to tug the wheels. I rented one without the side guide wheels, which means someone had to push me (my thighs wouldn't do the pulling with feet) It was quite inexpensive and lightweight though. I don't like the wobble effect when going over uneven terrain in a push w/c.


I am about to go into a power wheelchair for activities etc... I have rented them many times. There are a few Jazzy Pride models that can be broken down and put into a trunk. I wouldn't be able to do that, but a friend or family person would I think. Pay attention to battery weight on them.

I find ease of use with the joystick and adjustable speeds and modes..and the fold away so I can ease under and up to a regular height table (though Disney has higher tables for w/c users if available) The seats are very supportive. I have to have a high back, with a head rest... and tilt back since I need head support and can't bend neck to look up.

The anti tip wheels are a must. I would want one with a light on the front, for night seeing.The adjustable armrests are important and since I'm taller, always adjusted.

If anyone is thinking of a power chair, get the higher battery power one, since it makes going up a ramp into a bus or such much faster and easier. I had one that had to go backwards to have enough power (even though that is best also if you don't have anti tip wheels.)

Some power chairs won't go up any curb... I like the ones that do at least a 4" one. a seat belt is something you should USE... in bus or vehicle, or when going high speed... it has instand type sto pand can send a person flying.

Some have elevating leg rests. I also like the ones with non flattening tires. and larger(at least 12")knobby tires for out doors dirt/sand manueverability.

When you buy new, be sure to get an extended warranty, and buy from someone local who provides the maintenance. Also get long wear batteries that are easily replaced.

I won't rent or buy one that has a separate power/transformer charger... but one that plugs in from the back of the chair directly.

I would get one with a cane, reach extender, or umbrella holder

Whether you get a mid wheel drive or not will be a choice to consider.

There are also some that now RISE up for working at a higher table or perhaps a kitchen counter, or to reach something in a store on a higher shelf. The ones that do stairs are ugly and expensive imo.

There's a new Golden chair that has most of this on it and it's about$3900.00

I don't like having to worry when it rains... and the wheels don't have fenders (but at least aren't right in front of you) One where the "neutral" controls are..and preferably LEVERS to turn for when the battery power dies and yo u need a push to a source or "wrecker tow" lol Small turning radius is important.

Now that I have shared all this... I'm sure you can find all you want to know by googling with type of w/c. The more you read about them, the more options and problems you find! TC

[(JD)]

BTW there are a few thoughts about the handicapp parking spots...

I am limited walk now... but I need the space to be able to park and to exit/enter my car...that's the reason I had to buy a 2 door car! Also, when I travel with my guide dog, I need the access space to get him and me both out!

I am limited walk and need a close parking space.

Sometimes they put the handicapped parking near the building, but way down at the end of the walkway... thinking everyone is in a wheelchair and is on wheels so it isn't so hard for them to wheel farther.

I do more than my share of educating even handicapped ppl as to when and how to use the spaces... many think they can park in the access spacing just because they are handicapped. NO ONE is allowed to park there. To utilize that space I often have to back into the space for it to be on the side I exit my vehicle.

I place papers that inform them they have parked illegally. I call the police when someone without handicapp rating parks there (delivery men think it's wonderful.)

Please don't support anything that limits non wheelchaired handicapped ppl... but DO make them crack down on WHO gets the privilege, and also in putting money in for ENFORCEMENT! Thanks!

ANOTHER THOUGHT Here in Florida we also have GREEN spaces for those who have children. I can't count the times I have seen grown able bodied men park there with the green placard and NO CHILD!!!!!! Handicapped can also park there... and it's counted somehow in the ratios

But that was off topic, sorry.

[Christina86]

I'm BACK!

(Because I have lots and lots to say on this topic)

More Pros:
*Going really really fast and beating people on bikes, skateboards and those who run. Never fails to amuse me when someone challenges me to a race!
* Always nice to bring a place to sit where you go, so you don't have to find a seat
* Comfy. In short bursts, it really is nice to just sit and relax. (I can walk, but I choose not to)
* Pop-a-wheelies. Otherwise known as tipping the wheelchair back on its anti-tip bars (tippy bars) and just sitting like that, the two front wheels not touching the ground. I get the most amazed looks when I do it, so I find it really amusing.

What else can I possibly say? Like it or not (and I admit it, there are days when I don't like it) I'm stuck in this wheelchair for the rest of my life, and it is a part of who I am. It doesn't define me as a person, but its the equivalent to "legs" for all of you bipedal pedestrians. (My nice way of saying, all of you nice folks who can walk without support)

I really don't think I'm going to say anything about any more cons, because they are still in the making (in my mind). Also, I don't want to be negative...

Being in a wheelchair is pretty darn cool.

[jennie]

I hate how some people assume you cannot walk. It never occurs to them you are too weak or have balance issues, etc. When they see you can take a few steps and stand, they think you are faking an illness and give disapproving/shocking looks.

[(JD)]

I think it's kewl to put battery operated holiday lights on it and toole around

[jennie]

I'll never forget the time I was asked by a stranger to stand in front of the public bathroom stall while his daughter used the toilet. Of course the stall was within legal standards for accessibility, however, the girl could not pull herself up off the chair and onto the toilet seat with the chair on the side of the toilet. She needed to keep the chair in front of the toilet, which prevented her from being able to close the bathroom stall. She was crying, so embarrassed.

I don't know if the laws have changed for larger dimensions of bathroom stalls. A person using a wheelchair should be able to approach a toilet from the front or both sides. Rails should accommodate that or have rings hanging from the ceiling.

[(JD)]

... this isn't about the w/c itself, again... but having to use one... doors that aren't electric down here the outside doors to building have to be heavy duty, to withstand hurricane forces... and if they are regular push open ones... someone in a chair with weak strength, capabilities has to sit and wait till someone else comes along to open the door.

Elevators with buttons too high to reach.

[hillbunnyb]

great feedack, thank you all, keep it coming as long as you like. I am interested in design implications.

[(JD)]

on motorized: remember to check ground clearance. If all you will be is on pavement, np, but if you will be stuck from time to time at no curb cut, or on uneven surface, you will want more than 3" of ground clearance.

There are tires that inflate (and go flat) and there are no=flat tires. I can't remember but it seems the no flat tires are firmer and will give a harder ride. meaning you need a thicker cushion seat bottom.

There are seats that curve slightly in at the edge from sides, which helps those who have limited leg control, to keep their legs secure/together.

Did I say to check for free battery replacement option under warranty service?

[bebop]

I hate the regular wheelchair seats dip down making it very uncomfortable to sit. I don't have a cushion in the old one I bought at a yd sale. I am fighting to get a scooter so I can be more active with my family.

[Zorah]

As a new & hopefully temporarily wheelchair bound person,

I'd like to say how hard I'm finding it to learn to steer

the chair,

especially as I have only one foot & one hand, both on the

same side to do this with.

Does anyone know of any good links that might teach me this ?

This is a bit off topic (((((bunny))))), sorry, but I really could do with some help on this.

[tita]

I know this is probally an old post but the biggest dislike I have about being in a wheelchair is that around here I am treated like My brain is defective also.
another dislike is being treated like a coatrack, ya know ppl. putting all their junk on you.
if I didnt have some serious speed on my power chair it can go up to 35 mph thas real good nice consoleation for not walking.
I have a bad problem with pressure sores, I can't tranfer my wheight so I have to really take care of my skin.

[Zorah]

We already hate being in a wheelchair and it's only been

two and a half months. We live on very steep land and in

a three story house with very steep stairs. We can't even

get outside the house, or off the centre floor.We really

need a chair with tractor treads

We got an old wheelchair from a deceased estate, and it

is more manouverable than the modern one we were

hiring.

We are having a lot of psychological problems with the huge restriction in activity levels

We admire all of you heaps for conquering that hideous psychological blow.

We may be able to walk again on crutches, one day, but the docs say we probably will never use the foot again. We'd be too scared anyway, because we fell off the crutches down the back stairs before. Our self-confidence is shattered.

Sorry again {{{{{hillbunnyb}}}}}, keep messing up your thread.

[hillbunnyb]

zorah, messing up? huh? I want to learn about wheelchairs, you are helping!!!! i am learning. this is good.

[Zorah]

We are a very short, small person, but none of the wheelchairs (manual type) seem to have any height adjustment capabilities at all. Although we can use one foot for power, it won't actually reach the floor. Also, it won't adjust in height so that we could reach the sink & stove.

[Christina86]

Lack of adjustibility, thought up another one.

You CAN NOT adjust mine (well, not really). Height, or angle of the wheels or the footpedals or anything like that. It just HAS to be difficult and complicated.

I already said foldability, or the ability to take it apart right?

Easy to clean too. Or lack therof. You CAN NOT clean my wheelchair, too many nooks and crannies, and the bolts on my brakes are actually RUSTED over, for no good reason.

Size of the front wheels is another thing. Small wheels look cute and everything, but they wind up getting stuck in the weirdest areas, or can't help the wheelchair to "pop" over a bump or curb. The same thing with the big front tires too though... they're not as quick to respond, and can jam on occassion (or the bearings go screwy)

Handlebars are another thing. I don't have ones on mine, simply because with ones there, people feel that it is necessary to push me around without asking. Without the handlebars, they actually have to ask me first, since they have to push on the actual back of the chair (actually there is a bar, but its a lot lower than handlebars, so people have to almost stoop to reach it!)

And a general suggestion of something I'd LOVE to actually be put on a wheelchair model sometime in the future... a cup holder. Don't ask me where the darn thing would go, but trying to hold a drink (especially the hot ones) and wheeling at the same time isn't fun (and has resulted in several leg burns for me)

I think thats it. If you ever want to ask me anything, feel free to PM. Thanks for this thread, its really nice to hear people's opinions instead of me being the only one with any experience with a wheelchair!!

[(JD)]

oh good canders, I had forgotten to post again here and had been thinking about this today.

What I dislike? Being in a crowd. You are at many ppl's crotch and tush heighth. Also, the crowd looks out and about at their eye level and just don't see you.

Others don't know how to talk to you, try to squat slightly, or refuse to make eye contact.

Ppl you are with tend to walk in front of you or behind you...not beside you.

[SeptemberMorn]

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Also, the crowd looks out and about at their eye level and just don't see you.

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ARGH!!! I feel like running over those who don't see me!!! Or they think you can stop on a dime!!!

[ErinBear]

Hi,

I'm not in a wheelchair so probably not qualified to post! I've only been in them for short periods of time. However, when I was in the hospital for a pain management program, we had a gentleman who used a wheelchair daily due to spina bifida. His #1 complaint was the seat cushioning, or lack thereof. It caused him a lot of pain. They were able to get him a custom-made seat cushion while he was in the program, one that provided much better padding and pressure relief. He said it did a lot to ease the pain he had been feeling. So that was one thing I learned! It sounded like in his case, a custom-made cushion really made a huge difference.

Take care,
ErinBear