Wheelchair Assistance

[jjmagpin]

Group,
I was wondering if I could ask a simple question as I need some assistance with some gear.
I have fought tooth and nail against using a wheelchair until it was pointed out to me how much stuff I was missing out on because I was being an idiot.
Can someone make a recommendation on a decent folding wheelchair?
I got the recommendation for "Sidestix" from this site (they have been awesome) so I figured I would ask about a chair.

[LivWell]

I am right there with you jjmagpin!! I'm tired of not doing stuff and ready to get myself a set of wheels!

In fact, I logged in this morning just to post some info that I think looks good (I'll do that in a separate thread). But, to your question -- I've been researching a manual folding wheelchair. I've decided on an ultralight model I found on spinlife.com.

It's important to get someone who knows what they're doing to measure you before you purchase something. I like the TiLite Aero X Series 2. It weighs 16lbs (before you start adding stuff). I'm going to purchase a basic seat cushion for now and upgrade if my use merits it. Cushions are a critical piece in wheelchair use.

I called spinlife this morning to ask some questions about the customization options, but there isn't an ultralight specialist available today.

You'll want to do your research. If there is a vendor in the area that might have some chairs on hand you could go see what they look like. (spinlife is online only which is probably why their prices are reasonable). I highly recommend talking to a physical therapist or mobility specialist too.

Good luck and happy shopping! I see freedom in your future!

p.s. I bought sidestix too after reading the review here - never regretted it - they are my best mobility aid right now.

[teena marie]

https://www.factorydirectmedical.com...wer-wheelchair

Great chair. Invaluable to my recovery.

[jjmagpin]

Wheelchair Assistance

Teena Marie and LivWell,

My apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I have not been on the site in about a week. I really appreciate the recommendations. This has been a bit of a struggle to get to this point. The recommenations on chairs are a huge help. Thanks again

[GoatHerder]

While the folding chairs are nice, I find that the drive wheels are so small and thin on most, that getting the thing stuck in the sand/dirt etcetera to be a real problem.

I use a pair of Jazzy Jet 3 chairs. My "going to church" chair is stock. I only use it when going out in public.

My "work" chair, has after market, deep treaded knobby tires, and a rotationally molded seat from a dune buggy. This makes the chair impervious to damage from sharp items on the farm, as well as goat hooves and teeth!

Folding chairs are sure nice, but if you want to be active in the outdoors, you'll appreciate the extra traction and support that larger, wider wheels provide.

2 inch receiver hitches can be fitted cheaply to almost any vehicle, and while I welded up my own chair carrier, there are many options, from custom, to simple units sold by Harbor Freight.

[SAW]

Group,
I was wondering if I could ask a simple question as I need some assistance with some gear.
I have fought tooth and nail against using a wheelchair until it was pointed out to me how much stuff I was missing out on because I was being an idiot.
Can someone make a recommendation on a decent folding wheelchair?
I got the recommendation for "Sidestix" from this site (they have been awesome) so I figured I would ask about a chair.

Jjmagpin and others, I'd like to probe further into your thought processes of transitioning into a wheelchair. Obviously, feelings of missing out are a huge motivator, but something that is holding our son back is knowing if he doesn't walk as much as he can using his rollator that he will lose the walking ability he currently has. Do you have any thoughts you can contribute about this difficult transition?
Thanks,
SAW

[ActiveMSers]

I use a walker exclusively at home and a wheelchair when I go out (and forearm crutches for short distances). I use my legs as much as possible, exercising them regularly and walking with them daily. The wheelchair let's me go farther and explore deeper. There is no downside to using both.

[GoatHerder]

I use a walker exclusively at home and a wheelchair when I go out (and forearm crutches for short distances). I use my legs as much as possible, exercising them regularly and walking with them daily. The wheelchair let's me go farther and explore deeper. There is no downside to using both.

I agree with this completely. I also use my chair exclusively when out in public, but use a walker or canes in the house. I also force myself to walk *(such as it is) at least 20 minutes every day to keep my legs working as much as possible

[ActiveMSers]

Incidentally, my w/c is nearly 10 years old, and having used it to get through my most recent cold, I'm thinking I need to research my next one. Two (one for the home/garage/back up and one for the car) wouldn't be the worst set up. Plus, I've beat the hell out of my old one!

I'll look at these recommendations and probably have a few others as I dig into it.

[LivWell]

Good food-for-thought Goatherder. Your Jazzy chairs sound perfect. I have given some consideration to getting a chair for more rugged terrain. Portability is important for me. The one I am purchasing now will be for indoor use, from car to sidewalk to front door.

Getting about on bike paths or trails seems a little more complicated and I'm not sure what approach to take there. I've seen knobby tires for manual wheelchairs and they look pretty durable. There are also "solid" tires out there that are supposed to be more or less puncture proof. That seems like a good idea, especially for a chair you would do any traveling with.

Anyone else found something they like that can handle unpaved surfaces? I don't mean mountain climbing - just something that won't leave you stranded with a flat tire.

[GoatHerder]

Anyone else found something they like that can handle unpaved surfaces? I don't mean mountain climbing - just something that won't leave you stranded with a flat tire.

Wheel width and ground clearance are the most important things for "off roading." My old Jazzy Jet 3 has fully 6 inches of ground clearance. I constantly drive over branches, mounds of hay, curbs up to 4 inches high *(If I go over them backwards!) I even use that chair as a small tractor with a dozer blade I welded up for cleaning out animal pens!

A short video of me abusing my Jazzy: CLICKY

[LivWell]

Thanks for sharing the video. I agree that the manufacturer would probably not be a fan of your ingenuity!

Looks like a nice compact chair with good turning radius and maneuverability. The goats are pretty awesome too!

[GoatHerder]

Thanks for sharing the video. I agree that the manufacturer would probably not be a fan of your ingenuity!

Looks like a nice compact chair with good turning radius and maneuverability. The goats are pretty awesome too!

They are my therapy animals, give me a reason to get my fat backside out of bed in the morning! If they are not fed as the sun comes up, they let me know about it in no uncertain terms!

[LivWell]

Of course it is best to start with your care team for one-on-one training but there's this guy..... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsj...sT4PDglcMseatw

He uses a manual wheelchair because because of a spinal cord injury. Great info on manual wheelchair use and maintenance.

[ActiveMSers]

Starting to look into super lightweight chairs. Just waiting on an official referral from my health insurance to start. But I hear it's unlikely they'll support crazy cool ones made of titanium with a hidden electric motor with turbo boost and a built-in massager. The nerve.