63 replies to this topic

[richo]

ive been in a chair now for three years,i get around on a electric chair.one of my freinds the other day(whos ac6)had ago at me for beeing a T6 para and getting around in elecrtic and not a manual chair.well i got realy upset over his comment.but it dose play on my mind a bit about am i lazzy or am i doing ok. I will tell yous a few main reasons i ride electric-in manual i have spasams and tipmyself backflip out-were i live the foot paths and cerbing are not freindly at all-i cant cruse around with my boy,or carry anything-They are the main ones.let me know what you people think...RICHO

[Beautiful]

Hopefully I don't offend anyone.

My thinking is if you're able to use your arms, you should be using a manual chair. When I was younger, people tried to get me to use an electric chair, but I have complete use of my arms. If I had an electric chair, think of how much my upper body would waste away by not using my arms as much. There is medication for spasms, but if they're too strong for you and make you fall out of your chair, then people should be somewhat understanding. But as far as carrying things go and curbs... people learn how to deal with them.

The choice is yours. If you can't, you can't. If you don't know if you can, maybe you should try and see.

[A trophy guy]

So often, ABs will ask me, "dude, why not just get an electric chair? Then you wouldn't have to push like that, you could just cruise all day." And I have yet to be able to convince any of these people that to do such a thing would actually be bad and unwanted. My manual chair (and my ability to manuever it in a fluid, seemless and competent way) is part of my personality, part of my independence. I would never want to give that up unless I had no choice.

[pistol_pete]

Beautiful, on 09 January 2012 - 01:49 AM, said:

Hopefully I don't offend anyone.

My thinking is if you're able to use your arms, you should be using a manual chair. When I was younger, people tried to get me to use an electric chair, but I have complete use of my arms. If I had an electric chair, think of how much my upper body would waste away by not using my arms as much. There is medication for spasms, but if they're too strong for you and make you fall out of your chair, then people should be somewhat understanding. But as far as carrying things go and curbs... people learn how to deal with them.

The choice is yours. If you can't, you can't. If you don't know if you can, maybe you should try and see.

I concur.
If you're spasms are so bad that they flip you out of your chair then you probably need some medication for that
Make the most of what you've got. My arms and shoulders are really strong now from using a manual.
People have asked me, when they see me pushing up an incline or working hard to get somewhere, why I don't just get an electric one.
I tell them I'll think about it when I'm seventy.
Don't be a pussy, get a manual.
You'll end up with triceps like Danny Green and all the girls will look at your buffed muscles and want to shag you.
You can get in and out of a car easily and drive.
So many positives to going manual.

[Zack]

Ivte been pushing for 30 years! My shoulders are shot.!! Time for me to use an Electric chair occasionally to get down town and socialize, before I lose my mind from isolation when company isn't here.
Rwhab started my C5 butt in an electric chair 30 years ago. I switched to manual by my choice a year later! Now at 50 with severe Arthritis, and I need to do what I never felt alive doing. (Using an Electric Chair) when & if I ever get around to ordering one. Haven't yet, cause in Not going to like to.
Think I've pushed more miles then I've walk in my life time!

Electric Chair Manual Chair

Edited by Zack, 09 January 2012 - 08:22 AM.

[Millard]

richo, on 09 January 2012 - 12:55 AM, said:

ive been in a chair now for three years,i get around on a electric chair.one of my freinds the other day(whos ac6)had ago at me for beeing a T6 para and getting around in elecrtic and not a manual chair.well i got realy upset over his comment.but it dose play on my mind a bit about am i lazzy or am i doing ok. I will tell yous a few main reasons i ride electric-in manual i have spasams and tipmyself backflip out-were i live the foot paths and cerbing are not freindly at all-i cant cruse around with my boy,or carry anything-They are the main ones.let me know what you people think...RICHO

Hello Richo,

Everyone I know that has pushed a chair for 25 years or longer seems to have "shot" shoulders or rotator cuffs. I was able to walk with forearm crutches for 37 years. My right shoulder and ulnar nerves in both arms are damaged. (I refused to use a chair.) Since 2004, I have used a power chair and I love it. I can go places I could never could go before. I work with a spina bifida para who uses a manual chair and his is always in my way and I have to keep decelerating to keep from running over him. I used to hang around with a para who had huge arms and worked out with weights daily...he claimed his arms was a chick magnet He never go married and had few dates. (I have been married 40 years.) My advice is use whatever chair you're comfortable using.

I have a good friend who is a quad can walk with no assistance at all but he is very unstable and can only walk short distances. I finally talked him into trying a power chair. He can now park his vehicle anywhere and use his chair. If needed, he can still stand but can function much, much better now than before he had a power chair.

Good luck.

[Ches]

Indeed a very personal decision..

My two cents, the manual chair offers its own sense of freedom. No more lugging around a 200lb chair that needs charging.

At the least, it couldnt hurt to just test one out. Medical Stores usually have some demo's laying around, and they are typically more than happy to let you play around in one, possibly even borrow it for a couple days. Spend a day or two exploring the world in a manual and see where that leads you.

[mellowgator]

hi richo,

i'm a c 6 quad and i had a friend who was a para who used a huge mac daddy power chair. she never learned to transfer herself and had to use a hoyer lift and lived her life as a quad waiting for someone to get her in and out of bed.

she told me while she was still in rehab they put her in a manual chair and she could only push it around in circles. as a quad a couldn't push my chair while in rehab either. i had to build muscles and then it became very easy to push. i've been hurt for 25 years and in the last 5 years i bought a pair of power assist wheels for terrain. i like them but hate the hassle of charging them and hate having to get the heavier chair in and out of the car when we're not using my van.

i have dealt with neck and shoulder pain but i'm fit and like being independent of a huge power chair. i tried one a few years back and couldn't reach the floor and couldn't do a wheelie in it to get up a threshhold of a friend's house.

over all i'm glad i pushed my chair. i've had two daughters and i was able to care for them in a manual chair fine. a good solution may be to have a power chair for terrain and a manual for the flats.


mellowgator

[rkzenrage]

There are only TWO people who have ANY business discussing your mobility options without an invitation, you and your doctor.
I can use my arms & have to use an electric chair. I have advanced osteoporosis & a manual chair fractured 6 of my ribs.
Looking at me you wouldn't know, good thing it's none of anyone's business.
Just consider the source. Anyone who who would presume to judge your mobility needs should be ignored in all things.

[Trinity]

Different horses for different courses!
Is it possible you could pick up a cheaper secondhand or ex demo manual chair? Then you will be able to pick and chose and have the best of both worlds!

[moses gichuki]

Am glad people do confirm my thoughts. A manual chair means more freedom if you can use it. I dont have any experience with an electric chair.

[edlee]

People who CHOOSE to use power chairs over manual ones,, have their own reasons. Whether they are legitamate ones is no ones buisness. I have both in my house. I doubt I have a half mile on the power chair, in the three years ir's been here. I prefer the manual for so many reasons,, many of which have already been stated.

Only YOU can decide if you are lazy,,, but the very fact you are asking might have insight into your own feelings. No one can know but you.

I hesitate to add this,, but my nature forces me,,, I was wondering,, if your spasms throw you from a manual chair,,, what keep you in the power one? None of my buisness, of course,, and I don't want an answer. It is just for you to examine on your own.
ed

[StillFingers]

Trinity, on 09 January 2012 - 05:12 PM, said:

Different horses for different courses!
Is it possible you could pick up a cheaper secondhand or ex demo manual chair? Then you will be able to pick and chose and have the best of both worlds!

The best advice I've seen so far on this thread...thnx Trin! I use both manual and power, both lock-down in my van, it depends on the venue I'm looking to traverse, semi flat not to hilly it's manual, any substantial grades/hills it's power. If I'm recovering/really weak like now, the power is great, but my end goal is manual when ever possible. It will be 34yrs on wheels in May, 20+ of those in a manual chair, my shoulders n arms are still working but hurt a lot due to arthritis.

When using my powerchair on a regular basis I increase my daily upper body workouts to maintain back, shoulder, arm, wrist/hand strength, lower body range of motion (stretching) stays the same.

Jerry

[peer@pinders]

I'm T12 / L1 paraplegic. My accident was in 1984 and I was able to walk with the aid of calipers & elbow crutches for short distances. Even so I spent 95% of the time in a manual wheelchair, because that was my wish. Some SCI people used to say to me, if they could walk it would be the other way round. (95% Walking).
It is now over 2 years since I walked because of the damage to my shoulders. Not extensive damage, but I new if I carried on walking I would be needing a POWER CHAIR (Not the Electric Chair) sooner rather than later.
I can see the day arriving when I will prefer the power option and will use it with pride, knowing that I have lived my life as I saw fit & would not change any part of it.
I advise you to do the same.

[rkzenrage]

Trinity, on 09 January 2012 - 05:12 PM, said:

Different horses for different courses!
Is it possible you could pick up a cheaper secondhand or ex demo manual chair? Then you will be able to pick and chose and have the best of both worlds!

Exactly!

moses gichuki, on 09 January 2012 - 05:24 PM, said:

Am glad people do confirm my thoughts. A manual chair means more freedom if you can use it. I dont have any experience with an electric chair.

If I could use a manual chair, I would. It's far more versatile.

edlee, on 09 January 2012 - 05:29 PM, said:

People who CHOOSE to use power chairs over manual ones,, have their own reasons. Whether they are legitamate ones is no ones buisness. I have both in my house. I doubt I have a half mile on the power chair, in the three years ir's been here. I prefer the manual for so many reasons,, many of which have already been stated.

Only YOU can decide if you are lazy,,, but the very fact you are asking might have insight into your own feelings. No one can know but you.

I hesitate to add this,, but my nature forces me,,, I was wondering,, if your spasms throw you from a manual chair,,, what keep you in the power one? None of my buisness, of course,, and I don't want an answer. It is just for you to examine on your own.
ed

Yes, both should have seatbelts, or the option of adding one.

[richo]

edlee, on 09 January 2012 - 05:29 PM, said:

People who CHOOSE to use power chairs over manual ones,, have their own reasons. Whether they are legitamate ones is no ones buisness. I have both in my house. I doubt I have a half mile on the power chair, in the three years ir's been here. I prefer the manual for so many reasons,, many of which have already been stated.

Only YOU can decide if you are lazy,,, but the very fact you are asking might have insight into your own feelings. No one can know but you.

I hesitate to add this,, but my nature forces me,,, I was wondering,, if your spasms throw you from a manual chair,,, what keep you in the power one? None of my buisness, of course,, and I don't want an answer. It is just for you to examine on your own.
ed

ed i will answer that Q in the manual chair i hit a bump or slight rise and it causes spasem witch througs me backwards and backflips even over the tipy wheels at the back.........not the experiance i enjoy....and its hapend too me more than 4 times.RICHO

[Zack]

Richo, I think it's the Shark getting even with you for kicking the Beer can off of his head!

[richo]

rkzenrage, on 09 January 2012 - 07:53 PM, said:

Trinity, on 09 January 2012 - 05:12 PM, said:

Different horses for different courses!
Is it possible you could pick up a cheaper secondhand or ex demo manual chair? Then you will be able to pick and chose and have the best of both worlds!

Exactly!

moses gichuki, on 09 January 2012 - 05:24 PM, said:

Am glad people do confirm my thoughts. A manual chair means more freedom if you can use it. I dont have any experience with an electric chair.

If I could use a manual chair, I would. It's far more versatile.

edlee, on 09 January 2012 - 05:29 PM, said:

People who CHOOSE to use power chairs over manual ones,, have their own reasons. Whether they are legitamate ones is no ones buisness. I have both in my house. I doubt I have a half mile on the power chair, in the three years ir's been here. I prefer the manual for so many reasons,, many of which have already been stated.

Only YOU can decide if you are lazy,,, but the very fact you are asking might have insight into your own feelings. No one can know but you.

I hesitate to add this,, but my nature forces me,,, I was wondering,, if your spasms throw you from a manual chair,,, what keep you in the power one? None of my buisness, of course,, and I don't want an answer. It is just for you to examine on your own.
ed

Yes, both should have seatbelts, or the option of adding one.

seat belts is not the isue with me as i dont go forward its backwards........and im prety big....weight wise.RICHO

[richo]

Zack, on 10 January 2012 - 01:40 AM, said:

Richo, I think it's the Shark getting even with you for kicking the Beer can off of his head!

you are a funny man j.....when ya comming over too viset me.plenty room

[Tinbasher]

If you are tipping back over the anti tip bars then that's one helluva spasm or a really badly set up chair!

It's your choice really but pushing my chair is one of the few aerobic exercises I get. Also how do you get about or drive unless you have a van.

[Stand]

I would do anything to be able to use my arms, let alone the chance to use a manual wheelchair. Do everyone a favor and can't do what you can, and do it. If you are not at least trying I would most definitely say you are lazy. IMO.

[A trophy guy]

I put it this way: I already have lost the use of my legs for ambulatory purposes, why on earth would I voluntarily lose the use of my arms for such purposes as well?

[trynity7]

A trophy guy, on 10 January 2012 - 03:21 AM, said:

I put it this way: I already have lost the use of my legs for ambulatory purposes, why on earth would I voluntarily lose the use of my arms for such purposes as well?

^^I HAVE TO AGREE^^
my family members are always asking me why i dont want to go electric but i prefer to push myself until i cant push no more.

[Zack]

richo, on 10 January 2012 - 01:57 AM, said:

Zack, on 10 January 2012 - 01:40 AM, said:

Richo, I think it's the Shark getting even with you for kicking the Beer can off of his head!

you are a funny man j.....when ya comming over too viset me.plenty room

Yeah, Plenty of room in that Shed your building! Put a couch and refrigerator in there and invite Aparr so I'm not sleeping alone out there.
We'll teach you how to stop Flipping over Backwards!

[richo]

trynity7, on 10 January 2012 - 03:34 AM, said:

A trophy guy, on 10 January 2012 - 03:21 AM, said:

I put it this way: I already have lost the use of my legs for ambulatory purposes, why on earth would I voluntarily lose the use of my arms for such purposes as well?

^^I HAVE TO AGREE^^
my family members are always asking me why i dont want to go electric but i prefer to push myself until i cant push no more.

some of you peopel are missing wat is going on with me....yes i can use my arms......nothing to do with my arms,why dont yas use ya eyesRICHO

[greybeard]

Of course you aren't lazy. You wouldn't be able to carry your boy in a manual. That alone is a good enough reason to stay with electric for me. Add in the spasms, and it seems like a no brainer - for you. Others have different reason for their choices. That doesn't mean you should follow them.

[richo]

greybeard, on 10 January 2012 - 06:04 AM, said:

Of course you aren't lazy. You wouldn't be able to carry your boy in a manual. That alone is a good enough reason to stay with electric for me. Add in the spasms, and it seems like a no brainer - for you. Others have different reason for their choices. That doesn't mean you should follow them.

THANKS GREYMAN

[dreamerr]

I won't even answer like others did because the issues doesn't seem to be if you want a manual chair it is you are having a huge problem with spasms and fly over backwards. I think this is a pure doctor issue to help fix this if it can be fix. That is very dangerous.

Now I will say what I did but not in great detail. I was able to waddle when I first got hurt so used a cane. Very soon after knew I needed more. I had zero intentions of working at pushing a chair after all that happened and didn't want a power chair. I bought a scooter and to this day still love it. I eventually realized with the scooter I was being lazy so then got a manual chair.

Now there are pros and cons to both and all are different. The MC gives me more freedom and if ok in da head can go out by myself. I cannot do this with the heavy scooter. The scooter still serves a huge purpose in my life since it is way easier for big shopping to use the scooter. I have a basket and arms that are free instead of having to push wheels.

Bottom line if you get the spasms worked out I also like the idea Trinity said of either getting a used one or my idea of renting one from a company. I don't think until I am really old I will ever have a regular upright power chair I am scooter all the way for power. I do use a lightweight scooter not one of those big heavy ones but it still weights around 125 pounds.

Good luck and it is all up to you and what you feel is right for your lifestyle. I don't think I would wheel on unlevel ground and stuff like that. I have had many accidents in cracks already.

[mcjane]

I'm T6 complete with osteoarthritis in my neck and shoulders so I do both, the manual in and around the house and the electric when I go a mile to town over some dirt road and mean curb cuts~!

As for needing a van for a power chair...NOT SO !!! I have a Tuffcare Challenger that is chain driven, big wheels in the back and good size casters, both with air, it has a 5 inch clearance and goes 5.2 mph. Take off the battery tray and it FOLDS UP and will fit into even a compact car. It's a great chair. Should be a standard in the industry. Those crappy captain seats with little solid wheels and 2 inch clearance were a horrible experience!

[wheeliebear75]

I wanted to take my son to the San Diego Zoo. Now since I didn't have the man power to bring along....this zoo has loads of hills that a manual wheelchair would have next to impossible time trying to get up let alone having to chase around a 5yr old. Thankfully I had a friend who is considered "quad" from polio who was nice enough lend me his chair for the day. I have had my 5yr old ride on my lap in my manual & just had a belt that went around both of us so that he stayed anchored to me. With the hills and all though...it wouldn't have worked. So for that day a power chair was the ONLY way to get around. The Zoo has electric cart style....but those can't get into the bathrooms & so I'd have had issues with a loaner.

So I can see where at times a electric has it's merits that just can't be denied. Although on the same time the benefits of using a manual wheelchair are numerous.

In the end the decision lays with YOU + your Dr/PT, so if you're all in agreement then who is anyone else to judge YOUR life.

Edited by wheeliebear75, 11 January 2012 - 01:34 AM.