I now have the use of an older electric wheelchair so tthat I can practice driving before we head home. It's not as easy as you might think.
It takes a little bit of fuss to get it fitted to me. I don't think we got it quite right this morning, because it's quite uncomfortable at the end of the day. Just about everything on this chair is adjustable. But there's no tray across the front, so I've had to adjust to eating off the little hospital table which I had been using to store things on.
There are two other disadvantages. It only has a tiny and flimsy little pouch for storage, barely big enough for my cellphone. And the battery only lasts about two hours, although that's probably just the older battery in this particular chair. And you can't read the tiny little control screen if you're outdoors.
Oh, but the independence! After my therapy sessions were done, this afternoon I headed out all by myself. Stopping in the cafeteria, I picked up a Tim's coffee and straight oudoors. I explored most of the gardens, but spent a good while sitting by the butterfly garden watching for things to photograph. Nothing new today, but I got pictures of some of the veggies.
I'm finding it is easy to drive, especially down the straighter paths, but it's tricky in small spaces like elevators. It's almost impossible to position yourself to be able to press the buttons - so I now have an elevator wand to use. I'm very pleased to finally reach this stage!
Just don't drive like a teenager. Seriously, congratulations on gaining some more independence; it sounds like things are progressing pretty rapidly now -- eating, driving the chair, getting outdoors on your own. And, it sounds like your morale is pretty good. Having "died" once myself that type of experience focuses the mind on what's really important in life.
ReplyDeleteI can tell that you feel very good about this achievement. I hope there are many more after this.
ReplyDeleteSounds good. Just don't get stranded someplace with a dead battery. Oh the crazy story my dear old Da had about one of "those" situations!
ReplyDeleteJust as long as you don't get any Evel Knievel ideas.
ReplyDeleteThat is great that you have more independence now that you can 'drive.' I'm sure you'll get better and better with driving.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds great FG. Independence!
ReplyDeleteOh I bet your a wiz on that thing TOOT TOOT OUT OF MY WAY !! you need a horn for it now . I am so glad you are becoming more independent and getting around better more and more each day and recovering more and more each day as well ! YIPPEE for FG !
ReplyDeleteWhat!!!! Now I'm worried you may not have had a cup holder for your Hortons coffee. Hmmmm, do I see a 'wheelchair design' project' in FG's future. From reading your posts these past years I feel that independence and being able to get off by yourself and spend some quiet time closer to nature will be a huge source of inspiration for you. Say, have you thought of getting a 'quackable duck caller' to bring those feathered city quackers in closer. How about an IV set-up on your chair to hang a hummingbird feeder on and don't forget to take a pocket full of birdseed with you on your outdoor hospital rounds...…..
ReplyDeleteDriving your self around, a huge achievement, and the ability to go out on your own, another huge milestone.
ReplyDeleteyou sound so good, i am so happy you are back to blogging. and how wonderful that you got to watch the butterflies today!!!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are getting around by yourself once again.
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ReplyDeleteYeah for mobility! We never appreciate it until it is taken away. Have one of the care workers adjust your chair so you are not sore at the end of the day. They should be able to do that for you. I spent six weeks in a wheelchair once...but self powered and I knew it was only for a short time. My biggest obstacles were heavy doors:(
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like you've got a very poor chair there. Batteries used to last two or three days with most of the young people I worked with and I've never had any problem reading the controls outdoors. I agree that they are not easy to drive when you start off but I can assure you that with practice you'll be able to get to most places. I hope that new chair arrives soon - if it's the model I think it is (based on your earlier description) I think you'll be impressed. You probably ought to be getting a break out of your chair during the day, I'm surprised your physio hasn't demanded it.
ReplyDeleteGotta be loving the freedom and zipping around by your self, the independence you will have is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! It won't take you long to get familiar with the workings of the chair and when your new one arrives, you'll feel like you're in a limo. A waist pouch would hold your phone and a possibly a small camera but I'm not sure could accommodate that. You'll figure it all out, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteYAY for independence! It is great to get outside and see the garden and butterflies. Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteWow, you are getting better and better every single day! I look forward to hearing what new adventure awaits you in your posts. Which are getting much better as you continue to improve. Yay! :-)
ReplyDeleteNever realised you had any problems till I looked back through the blogs. Hope you are recovering well and wish you a good recovery
ReplyDeletewhoop whoop.
ReplyDeleteI am excited for you.
The freedom oaf traveling about on your own must feel so wonderful! You are an inspiration to us all!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for freedom - outdoors on your own is very impressive - as is your spirit. No racing just yet, please. :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this giant step toward more independence.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful! The freedom to explore!
ReplyDeleteYou GO!
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling of freedom...I am reading a post or two along as I find time. Seems like I am slower than Christmas at getting my chores done so don't have the time to devote to blogging that I used to.
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