Hello, I have had MS since I was 24 but I am now almost 50. I think its time for me to accept that I need to get a wheel chair for family days out so needs to go in the car. I am keen to stay independent so I think I need to get a self propelled one. I am keen to get one that’s looks ‘quite good’ if possible (maybe a daft thing to say.
Any ideas?
Hello James
Have you thought about contacting your local Wheelchair Services? You’d need a referral, from your neurologist, GP or other local service.
I get mine from Wheelchair Services, it’s not beautiful, but not utterly hideous either. To be fair, there was no choice. I suspect with some local Services there is more in the way of choice.
What I really wish is that the NHS department’s could give more in the way of advice. Quite apart from them giving out ‘chairs, it would be nice if their job were to include assistance in what was available and what would work best for the individual. Maybe your local service is better?
Sue
Hello Sue, thanks for your reply. I am new and this was my first post so really appreciate your post. I will definitely give my GP a call in the morning and see if they will give me a referral.
Thank you
Good shout from Sue. You can also find shops that have a variety of wheelchairs and you can try stuff out to see what suits your needs and wishes. Even better if you can borrow one so that you have more than a few minutes making a choice. All the best
I think knowing what to look for and fits with how you are going to use it is important. My limited use was: for my mother where I didn’t do enough research and regretted purchase (even though it was quick and relatively cheap);
And pushing one round a set of gardens where their mobility scooter had broken down. This made me realise that a rollator might be useful for me and having the right one has revolutionised my life.
If I was considering obtaining a wheelchair I would go somewhere I could borrow one (like our local garden centre or some museums). Then I would see what the wheelchair service could advise. From friends at my exercise group there many variables that are not immediately obvious to the uninitiated, then you have the knowledge to accept what they offer or go out and buy what you want.
With the rollator the ease of transportability was key.
Remember you can use many options to serve your needs each day. Anything that helps you stay connected is useful. Good luck
HI,
I borrowed a wheelchair from the Red Cross to go on holiday which was great.
Then realised that I would use one on days out. I got a referral to wheelchair services and they measured me so fits my size. Due to clawing hand they put grip on the bits you use to move the chair. I also bought snazzy spoke guards so my fingers didn’t get trapped in the spokes.
Drinks holder was an essential addition too.
Try and borrow one and see how you get on.
Let us know how you get on.
Jen
Thank you all for your great advice. I have asked my GP for a referral so I hope that’s progressing (can take ages apparently) I think borrowing a chair is a great idea so I will try that as well.
Thank you