What do I need on the wheelchair front? Help please

RosieBrock
RosieBrock Community member Posts: 5 Listener
edited July 23 in Housing and independent living
I have been staggering about on a crutch for four years, with arthritis getting worse in my right knee which is bone on bone. Then my  ankles and right foot started to be painful. Ten days ago I realised I could not manage even a short walk to the car.  I suppose it happens suddenly like that,a gradual tipping towards the edge of immobility without a wheelchair. But a challenge! I have to get to London for three hospital visits- a two hour train journey and a half a mile walk the other end, three times in March and then in April.  This is for very important treatment for another condition - a condition which I have had for two years and is really getting me down. It is the case that people who are not chronically ill or disabled really do not understand and are amazingly unobservant. That goes for friends and husbands too.   I looked into hiring a wheelchair from the Red Cross that my husband could push.  But the hiring costs for 8 weeks mean that I might as well try and buy one.  But the salespeople seem very ignorant. I am worried about getting the wrong wheelchair. I also need a suitable clip/bag for my crutches that works. 
I am a big woman.
I need a 20 inch seat
I need the wheelchair to be the strongest and lightest weight
I would like to be flexible and be able to manoeuvre on the flat a little ( I would not have the strength to self propel uphill or anything, nor the need) but I would like a little freedom. So I was thinking self propelled lightweights can also be pushed can't they? I do know the brakes on a self propel are near the wheels.
I need something that is easy to fold and where the wheels and footrests clip on and off
And I need something to put on the wheelchair to take my crutch. 
I want tyres that won't puncture
  



Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    As per my other reply

    My chair is lightweight a 20 inch seat it easily folds has quick release wheels making it easier to put in a car 

    Yes it can be pushed all self propel can be pushed,  the brakes are at the side a lever just in front of wheels 

    As its your first tho I would try some out in a mobility shop just to see what suits best 
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    My chair is 

    20 inch I GO airrex LT self propelled 
  • RosieBrock
    RosieBrock Community member Posts: 5 Listener
    Very helpful to me. So important. Thank you so so much. 
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    I'm glad to see janer1967 has been a help to you @RosieBrock You're right, getting the right chair for you is very important. 

    Let us know how you get on with your search, and I hope you find your perfect chair soon, it'll have such a positive impact on your independence :) 
  • Danielle_2022
    Danielle_2022 Community member Posts: 265 Empowering
    @RosieBrock,
    I’m also glad to see that @janer1967 has been able to provide such useful advice and information. I like to think of it as being similar to buying a car — definitely make sure to try a few out! Everybody is different and sometimes very specific adaptations have to be made, also. I’m thinking in particular about the support I need with posture etc., for example. Still, it’s great that you have somewhere to start and I can’t wait to get an update soon.

    Finding the right wheelchair is such a liberating thing, so congratulations in advance <3

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