Well, at least I'm getting started!
Yesterday they delivered a manual wheelchair for me to try out. This one is bright blue but when I order one myself, I will order bright red. You may wonder why I'm moving from an electric chair (which costs enormously more) to a manual chair which is a lot more work. I'm doing this so that I can get some serious exercise, have a lighter folding wheelchair for travelling, and have a quieter chair for indoors. Both my doctor and my physiotherapist have been recommending it.
Apparently most wheelchair users, younger than myself, start out with a manual wheelchair and may eventually end up in a power chair when their shoulders give out from pushing. I was given an electric chair initially because I did not have the strength in my arms to push a manual wheelchair, but I have now built up enough strength to manage that. And it's about the only way for me to get a serious cardio workout.
I plan to use it indoors over the winter and by next spring be out on the street going up and down for that exercise. I will still be using my power chair part time and for longer trips like going downtown for coffee and for outings with Mrs. F.G. That being said, it will take a good deal of getting used to and building up more strength for pushing over any distance. Yesterday it was difficult to even hold the wheelchair back while driving down the gentle slope of our driveway, and very hard to turn around and drive back up the driveway, so I've got some serious work to do. A manual chair also makes you sit up much more straight, whereas my power chair is set so that I'm always leaning slightly backwards. The new chair is therefore a good deal more demanding on my trunk muscles.
It would be very easy for a person of my age to stay in a power chair for the rest of my life, and perhaps that's what they expected at the rehab hospital. But if I'm going to have the active life in the community that I want this is an important step for me to take. If anything I have arrived at this point sooner than I expected and I plan to enjoy it!
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ReplyDeleteI am not surprised at all at your progress, FG. You have an indomitable spirit which shines through your very being. Take your time and you will overcome this latest obstacle.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a wise move for you, being still young enough to get out and about. You are a determined guy and building up and keeping those upper body muscles will be easier for you than some. I wish you the best of luck with the new chair!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! It will certainly give you a good workout, but I'm sure it will be better for your health in the long-term.
ReplyDeleteThe inner strength of your spirit is amazing, and your arm and muscle ability will so soon equal that which you have shown us from Day ONE.!!! Those of us with able bodies have no idea of the effort needed to do this, and at almost 80 , I know how easy it is to slump rather than stand tall . We have a friend in a wheelchair, after an accident many years ago. He has an inside chair, to save the dirty wheels coming in on the floor. And a car with hand controls, and he has the same determination and inner strength that you have.
ReplyDeleteHurray for you! You will be building up your upper body strength for sure!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I would love to see a picture of the style you are using once you get your picture capability back. There are so many styles of manual wheelchairs, some are very racy looking. Bellingham has a wonderful wheelchair bus service. I used it a lot for my mom. They will take you anywhere you want to go (locally) either for medical reasons, shopping or recreation. You can schedule pickup times for beginning and end. A neighbour uses it to go to Starbucks all the time. Sometimes there's a short wait, but they are very reliable. And the cost was free for both of us, Mom because of her age/wheelchair and me as her caregiving. Others could ride for a very minimal cost to go along with the person eligible to ride. - Margy
ReplyDeleteGood progress Furry. In a year or you'll look like Charles Atlas (surely you remember him -- I assume). You'll be pretty spiffy with a bright red chair.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, this does sound a very good idea.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Good going. I hope everything works out for you.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed but not surprised. I think this will be very good for your whole self. I sleep so much better when I've gotten my juices flowing. You are an inspiration for many who suffer setbacks and decide to take a different path in life. Red, huh? :-)
ReplyDeleteA very logical and commendable decision and it makes a lot of sense the way you have explained it. Of course you realize you will also have to get a corn cob pipe and whit sailor hat. Why?? With all the exercise you will be getting you will soon have big arm muscles just like Popeye:))
ReplyDeleteI think that sounds like a terrific idea. I bet you build up your arms sooner that you think!!
ReplyDeleteThat is good news.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. They should make the power one with an option to go manual, with power assist when you need it or whenever you go over the speed limit!
ReplyDeleteGlad to read that you are taking the road with more challenges like you did before the Surgery. By doing the increased Cardio and Strength training will ensure a lengthier Life.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy your new challenge.
It's about time.
Happy to hear you're transitioning to a manual chair. I'd want the exercise too. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGreat attitude. You will be much happier, healthier and live longer with this approach to health.
ReplyDeleteYou sound very determined, that's a good thing.
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i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
or
call/whatsapp:+2349057261346
Good for you! I am certain it will be good exercise! :)
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