It's amazing the OT and PT see when fitting you for a new wheelchair!!!
 

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The other week the OT and PT people were talking about a new wheelchair for me. It's totally amazing what they see when fitting someone for a chair. They brought one in for me to try and "wah la", it was perfect!!

I propel my chair by walking it with my feet so the height has to be just right. They then looked at my transfers to see how I did with the chair and the arm rests has to be a certain type. I can't transfer myself if the arm rests are full size, they have to be the desk type. The full size arm rests tend to be higher whereas the desk type are lower.

Then they looked at the back. To our amazement I do better with a hard back VS. a soft back, I asked them why that was. They said I sit straighter and those of us who propel with our feet tend to hyper extend our backs while making ourselves go and with a hard back we don't do that, so that's a big "plus"!!!

Finally they looked at my cushion that I was sitting on. It wasn't anything fancy, just a piece of foam rubber so that won't be a problem.

All in all I zip around here more faster and easier!! I think back when I was a child 40 some years ago, and back then they just slapped you in a chair and that was it. No fitting, no sizing, nothing!!! This whole fitting thing is truly amazing, I love it!!!

Robin

Howdee!!
 

Hi, ((((((Robin)))))),

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...uggiebears.gif

Long time - no read :D

Glad you finally got 'transportation' that fits. My scooter was killing my back. I told 'em and they said "yeah, you have a bad back". I finally persuaded them to give me a high-back seat with more but* padding. Works like a miracle :D

It's amazing how much damage they (the DME) can do when they don't fit right.

I've missed all you guys. Glad to see you're still around and kicking and zipping :p

BIG HUGS (and love).

Barbara

Hey there Barbara, nice to see you here too!!! :D Major {{{HUGS}}} back atcha,

Robin

Hey!

missed you dear Robin!

I finally got the call that Rileys new better fitted chair will be here this week. I can't wait.. I know it makes a huge difference when you can sit properly and more comfortably....

Hey Danae, I'ved missed you to and you girls!! I hope her chair works great for her, I know mine does! :) I just can't believe how these professionals can look at a child or adult with physical challenges and come up with a great seating for them! :)