14 replies to this topic

[Emily C]

Hi everyone, I hope this finds you well.

My OT came here on Friday and sat me in a lightweight chair. It was about 22 lbs. Still not light enough, but he wanted me to try it. I have EDS and my left shoulder is permantely "out" of it's socket. He saw this and is concerned that if a few years time, I won't be able to transfer or sit upright if I use a manual. I suggested a compromise, like getting the rims that help propel me, but I'm concerned about the additional weight. I was just wondering if any of you have problems propelling your selves and if you do, how do you help yourself to continue?

I'd appreciate any/all insights, comments or suggestions!! THANKS

[eujei]

Emily C, on Apr 9 2008, 06:27 AM, said:

Hi everyone, I hope this finds you well.

My OT came here on Friday and sat me in a lightweight chair. It was about 22 lbs. Still not light enough, but he wanted me to try it. I have EDS and my left shoulder is permantely "out" of it's socket. He saw this and is concerned that if a few years time, I won't be able to transfer or sit upright if I use a manual. I suggested a compromise, like getting the rims that help propel me, but I'm concerned about the additional weight. I was just wondering if any of you have problems propelling your selves and if you do, how do you help yourself to continue?

I'd appreciate any/all insights, comments or suggestions!! THANKS

did you know about this?

http://www.ottobock....s.xsl/5566.html

its very useful for quads or people with low arm strength.. The additional weight is not signicant because this really makes it very easy. Invacare also has one of this.

Edited by eujei, 24 April 2008 - 09:27 AM.

[Emily C]

eujei, on Apr 24 2008, 04:26 AM, said:

Emily C, on Apr 9 2008, 06:27 AM, said:

Hi everyone, I hope this finds you well.

My OT came here on Friday and sat me in a lightweight chair. It was about 22 lbs. Still not light enough, but he wanted me to try it. I have EDS and my left shoulder is permantely "out" of it's socket. He saw this and is concerned that if a few years time, I won't be able to transfer or sit upright if I use a manual. I suggested a compromise, like getting the rims that help propel me, but I'm concerned about the additional weight. I was just wondering if any of you have problems propelling your selves and if you do, how do you help yourself to continue?

I'd appreciate any/all insights, comments or suggestions!! THANKS

did you know about this?

http://www.ottobock....s.xsl/5566.html

its very useful for quads or people with low arm strength.. The additional weight is not signicant because this really makes it very easy. Invacare also has one of this.

THANK u so much!!! As u can see, you're the only one who replied, and I'm greatful. I just wish they mentioned how heavy they actually are... thanks again!!!

[Motor]

Emily C, on Apr 9 2008, 01:27 AM, said:

Hi everyone, I hope this finds you well.

My OT came here on Friday and sat me in a lightweight chair. It was about 22 lbs. Still not light enough, but he wanted me to try it. I have EDS and my left shoulder is permantely "out" of it's socket. He saw this and is concerned that if a few years time, I won't be able to transfer or sit upright if I use a manual. I suggested a compromise, like getting the rims that help propel me, but I'm concerned about the additional weight. I was just wondering if any of you have problems propelling your selves and if you do, how do you help yourself to continue?

I'd appreciate any/all insights, comments or suggestions!! THANKS

Hey Emily,
If the chair was 22 pounds with everything
then I don't think you'll find much lighter. I have a Quickie Ti and with all attached its 30 pounds and thats considered light. You should try the wheel assist devices. I don't know the name. Sorry.

Good luck!

Motor

[Emily C]

Motor, on Apr 24 2008, 09:37 PM, said:

Emily C, on Apr 9 2008, 01:27 AM, said:

Hi everyone, I hope this finds you well.

My OT came here on Friday and sat me in a lightweight chair. It was about 22 lbs. Still not light enough, but he wanted me to try it. I have EDS and my left shoulder is permantely "out" of it's socket. He saw this and is concerned that if a few years time, I won't be able to transfer or sit upright if I use a manual. I suggested a compromise, like getting the rims that help propel me, but I'm concerned about the additional weight. I was just wondering if any of you have problems propelling your selves and if you do, how do you help yourself to continue?

I'd appreciate any/all insights, comments or suggestions!! THANKS

Hey Emily,
If the chair was 22 pounds with everything
then I don't think you'll find much lighter. I have a Quickie Ti and with all attached its 30 pounds and thats considered light. You should try the wheel assist devices. I don't know the name. Sorry.

Good luck!

Motor

Hey, Richie,
How are you? Thanks for the reply..I've had a few people mention the weight issue. My OT is concerned b/c of my EDS/shoulder/wrist issuses. I still hope once we take off the Springey's and I get the froglegs that the chair will be LIDFTER then 22. It will almost be a waste of time for me unless it's light. Once the cushion/wheels are off, shouldn't it be LIGHT now as a 16/16 titanium??

thanks

[Texaswheelz]

i lighter chair is nice to have, but to be honest I don't think that with your condition that 2 or 3 lbs here in the chair weight is going to make any difference. If the chair weight was all your were moving then it might make a difference as 2 lbs out of 20 lbs is 10%. Add your own weight to the chair also though and it's barely anything and probably not noticeable in how your shoulder will react. Those wheels that also help roll could be the answer, I don't know, I have never used them. To me it doesn't seem as much as a weight issue as it does a force issue, when you apply force with your shoulder it pops out. So the wheels, even if they add weight, should allow you to roll them with less force and hopefully keep your shoulder from popping. This is all pure speculation of course as I'm not a Dr. nor have I had shoulder problems or used those propulsion wheels. But I have had lighter and heavier chairs, and if your setting on a flat surface and just pushing straight ahead, there really is not much difference if any noticeable difference at all between a 20 and 30 lbs chair. When your out jumping curves, getting it in and out of the car and other such things is when it makes a difference.

[KarenFerguson]

Have you heard of the company "Magic Wheels"? They are super light weight and perhaps might be something worth trying.

[edlee]

I have to agree with Tex on this one. The small amount of weight you are likely to shave off of a 22 lb chair isn't going to make much difference in propelling the chair.

It may have some small advantage when putting it in the car, but one must believe that if propelling has you worried, lifting the chair would be out of the question.

There are a couple of devices on the market that will stow your chair with a push of a button. Perhaps that would be a better investment than the powered wheels.

Don't know if any of this helped, but I hope you get things staightened out.
ed

[LuckyinKentucky]

Just yesterday i was talking to my agent at the place where I get my chairs and he said that a lot of people with developing joint issues choose to use a motorized chair for strenuous activities and a manual for around the housing... the way he put is that once problems start you have a choice.. on one hand you can strictly use a manual for the next ten years until you get to the point where you are forced to use a motorized chair ... or you can use both a manual and a scooter or something and save you joints a bit, extending the amount of time that a manual chair is an option... he also mentioned that Medicare and many private insurances will pay for both, whereas a few years ago they wouldn't.


p.s. you do still need a very light chair if you plan to load it in/out a vehicle a lot... but a chair lift is another way to go there as well...

Edited by LuckyinKentucky, 27 April 2008 - 07:32 PM.

[Dancingdolphin]

Hi

A couple of weeks ago I got a pair of E-Motions...battery assisted wheels...

I got them to assist me going up +down steep hills..really love them...minimal effort required
has 2 levels

Good luck

[Texaswheelz]

LuckyinKentucky, on Apr 27 2008, 02:29 PM, said:

he also mentioned that Medicare and many private insurances will pay for both, whereas a few years ago they wouldn't.

Unless this has changed in the last few months then when dealing with Medicare you have to get a manual first and then a power later. If you have them purchase a power and then try to get a manueal they won't do it. But if your in a manual and for some reason you get worse off and need a power chair they will buy it. Sad they if you need a power and then get better, your S.O.L on getting help from them in getting a manual. When I worked with a DME when dealing with the elderly we would always get them a cane and then a walker and then a manual and then a power chair/scooter, because if you got the scooter first they wouldn't pay for any of the other stuff.

[Emily C]

Texaswheelz, on Apr 25 2008, 10:00 PM, said:

i lighter chair is nice to have, but to be honest I don't think that with your condition that 2 or 3 lbs here in the chair weight is going to make any difference. If the chair weight was all your were moving then it might make a difference as 2 lbs out of 20 lbs is 10%. Add your own weight to the chair also though and it's barely anything and probably not noticeable in how your shoulder will react. Those wheels that also help roll could be the answer, I don't know, I have never used them. To me it doesn't seem as much as a weight issue as it does a force issue, when you apply force with your shoulder it pops out. So the wheels, even if they add weight, should allow you to roll them with less force and hopefully keep your shoulder from popping. This is all pure speculation of course as I'm not a Dr. nor have I had shoulder problems or used those propulsion wheels. But I have had lighter and heavier chairs, and if your setting on a flat surface and just pushing straight ahead, there really is not much difference if any noticeable difference at all between a 20 and 30 lbs chair. When your out jumping curves, getting it in and out of the car and other such things is when it makes a difference.

Hi and thanks for the response!!
Actually, my OT was happy that I've moved the chair around this well, he weighed it and said it was closser to 33lbs. We took off the footplates and I just moved my legs into the "lotus" position. That took off some weight. My concerns are the ability to propel myself and having the chiar light ENOUGH so my friends stop complaining about their backs! I want to make it as easy as possiable to get me out into life!! This takes a LOT of energy for me but I've been laying supine for over a year now 24/7. ALL excercises are out of the question due to how it affects my brain stem. So, my only ability to do any excercise is this, so I'll keep trying!! I can't do a wheelie and when someone does it for me, my high ICP issuses go into overdrive. All PT/OT flip out b/c they can't help me! I appreciate the trying though. I hope the lightest chair (I read that TILIGHT has a rigid 9 lb chair. I hope it's a 16/16..I should be finding that out when I go to clinic. They are trying to come here since cars make me seize. So, a 9n lb chair should be great, right? Off w/cushion/wheels?? THANKS again!!! Em

KarenFerguson, on Apr 26 2008, 11:58 AM, said:

Have you heard of the company "Magic Wheels"? They are super light weight and perhaps might be something worth trying.

Hi, Karen

Yes, I've looked into them, thanks...my OT wasn't too thrilled....thanks

edlee, on Apr 26 2008, 03:16 PM, said:

I have to agree with Tex on this one. The small amount of weight you are likely to shave off of a 22 lb chair isn't going to make much difference in propelling the chair.

It may have some small advantage when putting it in the car, but one must believe that if propelling has you worried, lifting the chair would be out of the question.

There are a couple of devices on the market that will stow your chair with a push of a button. Perhaps that would be a better investment than the powered wheels.

Don't know if any of this helped, but I hope you get things staightened out.
ed

Hi, Ed...Please read my post to Texas....I'd like to knpow what u think!!! Thanks for the valuable insight and good luck..I just want to practice and learn...can't do too much until I get the chair. My thinking is that whenI get the new chair, it will be so much lighter that it will be so much easier...esp. since the chair was heavier then we originaly thought!! Thanks...E

[Emily C]

LuckyinKentucky, on Apr 27 2008, 02:29 PM, said:

Just yesterday i was talking to my agent at the place where I get my chairs and he said that a lot of people with developing joint issues choose to use a motorized chair for strenuous activities and a manual for around the housing... the way he put is that once problems start you have a choice.. on one hand you can strictly use a manual for the next ten years until you get to the point where you are forced to use a motorized chair ... or you can use both a manual and a scooter or something and save you joints a bit, extending the amount of time that a manual chair is an option... he also mentioned that Medicare and many private insurances will pay for both, whereas a few years ago they wouldn't.


p.s. you do still need a very light chair if you plan to load it in/out a vehicle a lot... but a chair lift is another way to go there as well...

THANK YOU!!! I was very glad to read about Medicare...I was told they will only pay for $1700 and my chair will be about $4000. I do have a scooter and I use it for outside use. I'm hoping, though that the new chair w/the Springeys'/froglegs will help all of the bumps/jolts that I get now. I have to use a miami J collar and this scooter is pretty and works well, but it is too big for my frame and I bounce aroud a lot.
As for the car situation, I don't have anyone that I think would be willig to put that as an "appendenge" on their car..unfortunaley. But then again, I can't blame them. If I was married, yes, u know?
Thanks again!! I so appreciate it!! EM

Dancingdolphin, on Apr 27 2008, 03:11 PM, said:

Hi

A couple of weeks ago I got a pair of E-Motions...battery assisted wheels...

I got them to assist me going up +down steep hills..really love them...minimal effort required
has 2 levels

Good luck

Thanks...how heavy are they and are they easily removable?
I'm glad u found something that makes your life easier!!
Take care...EM

Texaswheelz, on Apr 27 2008, 06:50 PM, said:

LuckyinKentucky, on Apr 27 2008, 02:29 PM, said:

he also mentioned that Medicare and many private insurances will pay for both, whereas a few years ago they wouldn't.

Unless this has changed in the last few months then when dealing with Medicare you have to get a manual first and then a power later. If you have them purchase a power and then try to get a manueal they won't do it. But if your in a manual and for some reason you get worse off and need a power chair they will buy it. Sad they if you need a power and then get better, your S.O.L on getting help from them in getting a manual. When I worked with a DME when dealing with the elderly we would always get them a cane and then a walker and then a manual and then a power chair/scooter, because if you got the scooter first they wouldn't pay for any of the other stuff.

Hey, Texas!
My scooter was paid for by a private ins. after my first brain surgery. It doesn't fit into the bathroom and it's just too big and clunky for an apt. My thinking is that when I explain this and needing help to get to doctor's offices, it should be ok...right?! I understand that they (Medicare)won't pay for anything outside the house, but they will inside. Well, my scooter's too big!!
THANKS!!! EM

ps////what do u think?!

[JT80]

i have been using e-motion wheels for approx 2 years now and generally i find them excellent, allowing me to push over surfaces that i would otherwise not be able to.
they are easy to get on/off and can be interchanged easily with 'normal' wheels.
only downsides-
1. they obviously require charging, and while charge is decent, if it runs out on you, you're left with a very heavy chair to push.
2. the width of your chair will be increased by a couple of inches.

[Emily C]

JT80, on Apr 28 2008, 08:34 AM, said:

i have been using e-motion wheels for approx 2 years now and generally i find them excellent, allowing me to push over surfaces that i would otherwise not be able to.
they are easy to get on/off and can be interchanged easily with 'normal' wheels.
only downsides-
1. they obviously require charging, and while charge is decent, if it runs out on you, you're left with a very heavy chair to push.
2. the width of your chair will be increased by a couple of inches.

Thanks, I appreciate the info...we decided since I had my evalu yeserday..that I'll try te springey's first...and then add the motorized wheels if neccessary. I had SO much of an easier time with a 20lb chir then the 33 lb one that I can only imagine how easy the chair I'm getting will be. Also, he measured me as 15' wide, so I know that will make it lighter too..plus titanium. Man, I hope Medicare will have a heart...I know, don;t hold my breath I may faint!!! Take care and thanks again..EM