Hello Net, long time lurker, first time poster. I'm sorry but this is a novel, I tried to answer anyquestions I could think of in advance. I didn't realize I had so many issues until I wrote them down, then I realized, I have so many issues I should open a comic store.
A bit of background, I have Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Chiari Malformation. Failed Chiari surgery has left me with migraines 3-5x week, lifting heavy definitely a trigger. I drive and will be transferring the chair over my lap so any help is appreciated. My abilities, left side spasticity and minor right leg spasticity (legs scissor). Turning my neck w/o turning my torso is a migraine trigger. I'd like a seat back that is so supportive it becomes a second skin so I can turn my chair and interact without fearing it will land me in bed for the rest of the day...
I've owned a manual, a scooter, and a power chair. At the time I purchased my last chair I really wanted a power assist for my manual (somewhere around 2003 I think), but I could only find three reviews, negative, on the power assist that was currently available. I've owned three chairs over the years, but this site introduced me to the idea of a seating clinic, thank you! If memory serves, DME may have measured me for my last chair, a foldable electric Quickie V-121, (2004), but they added so many bells and whistles it doubled in price compared to Spinlife. If Spinlife had a choice in size I don't remember, I could fit a Big Gulp in my 18?next to me at my highest weight. My one constant has been portability, each time I've tried to find a chair that I can breakdown and carry in/on my car on my own. However, as everything has it's lifespan, the electronics in my Quickie died 5yrs ago. I used my forarm crutches for my daily, and my manual if required for a day out.
That worked for me, until I loaned my manual out to a family member who needed it more than me...
I've have two severe M.S attacks this last year, and combined with daily migraines, if I'm not in bed it's a toss up between my muscles freezing up, falling on my crutches,crawling around the house. It's tough keeping up withan active family on all fours. I've been lurking for months, for my first ultralight I thought I had it narrowed down to a ZRA or TRA with Smart Drive. Then I found the post about Medicare codes changing. I have BCBS, and it took 10mos for my SideStix to go through because they were an out of state provider and the script needed to be rewritten three times, I don't want to do that again. I've been referred to a seating clinic, and my GP will write out whatever I need. So, now what? TRA with W/ Smart Drive and Freewheel with codes and dx codes? Should I just go to the seating clinic and have written out what I want? With help I can spec out my Invacare Patriot SL(manual), an Ebay special 14yrs ago, it's definitely not perfect, but I think it's 16? which is the closest I have to fitting me. The script to the seating clinic has gone through already. I told my GP I would provide them with a prescription request for the wheelchair,thoughts are;
Lightest Ultralight Manual Titanium Wheelchair Possible. Titanium,due to the dampening qualities for Spastic Hemiplegia and Migraines; ultralight weight for Multiple Sclerosis, Chiari Malformation and Encephaloceles
Smart Drive MAX Mobility Due to Spastic Hemiplegia, Multiple Sclerosis,Chiari Malformation, Encephaloceles
Freewheel Due to Spastic Hemiplegia, Multiple Sclerosis, Chiari Malformationand Encephaloceles
Thoughtson hand rims? I'm allergic to latex and neoprene, I think Out FrontSurge LT and Spinergy Flexrim are the only two latex/neoprene freehand rims. Thoughts, comments?
If you've read this far you deserve a medal, but I don't have a medal, so if we ever meet up I'll buy you a drink!:beer2: Thank you so muck in advance!
-Beth