[Judy2]

I've had a Golden RWD standard powerchair for 5-1/2 years. Just about everything has been replaced since I use it all the time, but now quite a few parts need to be replaced again. Being I live alone, I do most of the "regular" housekeeping things myself so the chair gets a real work-out.

Does anyone have any experience with the powerchairs that have a powered elevated seat? Some of them are driveable with the seat raised, which would be nice, while others have to remain in one place while the seat is up. It's very difficult and tiring to constantly have to reach up at my kitchen counters or try and stand for a couple minutes holding on for dear life. It would also be wonderful to have a conversation with someone standing "eye-to-eye" instead of "eye-to-stomach or butt". You get the picture!!

It also has to be suitable for a little "off-roading" in order for me to get to my patio in the rear of my house. There's a grassy, small hill that I would have to negotiate without tipping. Of course I have to be able to fit through the doorways of the house like my present chair does.

I know something like this will cost an arm and a leg, so I'd like to be well informed in order to not make a wrong purchase. One good thing -- medical "tools" are deductible on income taxes! Thanks for any info you might have!!

[SallyC]

here's one...

http://www.spinlife.com/Invacare-Pro...roductID=74573

[gonnamakeit]

The chair shown in the link posted by Sally is the one I have and I really like it.

The chair will move VERY slowly when the seat is elevated.

I got a chair with the elevated seat because it is difficult for me to raise my legs to put them on the foot holder and I find by elevating the seat it is easier to "drop" my legs on the foot holder.

I have had the chair since last July and have had no problems with it.

gmi

[DavidT]

I have a Permobil chair with the elevating seat. You can drive it with the seat up. They have their own website. Check it out.

[kicker]

I have an Invacare TDX Spree with an attached part of chair seat that has Tilt/Recline seat. The seat cushion is air (Valve opens/closes inflates/deflates with an easy twist. There is also gel where coxxus (Tailbone)meets chair. I am in chair 24/7 so seat is very important to my comfort. It was expensive, Health insurance did not cover full price, but to me well worth it. If I had the money I'd have elevating too.

[SandyC]

Jim also has an Invacare and loves it. He has the TDX SP with elevated seat and tilt/recline option. We were able to program the chair to do what we wanted. Shhhhhh, our orthotic guy gave me a programmer. So, ask them to program it to your specs. The lock out can be turned off or on and usually comes on from the factory. Jim also has an air cushion called a ROHO and elevating leg rests rather than a foot board.

[wkikta]

A friend has a chair that the doesn't really elevate, but there are frames around her legs so that the chair can stand her completely up to full height. It is pretty nice, not sure if you can or would want to move with it standing up. I do not know the name of it.

[kicker]

Everyone is so different. They gave me elevating foot-rests - I hated them. They seriously hindered my ability to self toilet, made navigation hard. Kept me too far from kitchen counters. So I called and at no cost to me a flip up foot board was installed. Hated initial seat I got, called, got the one I am best with now. Wheel chairs are important, I was kind of a pain until I got what helped me be most independent.

[Judy2]

Thank you all so much for the suggestions regarding different brands of powerchairs. There's a lot to think about and consider -- hopefully my MS brain will cooperate and sort through all the options. A couple of these I'd never heard of before.

My insurance is noted for not wanting to pay anything for chairs, etc., but even a little would help being they are all quite expensive. I'll be checking out everything.....from the seat to the feet, and of course the elevating one. Thanks again my good friends....