Wheelchair services

Lithiasma
Lithiasma Community member Posts: 9 Listener
edited July 23 in Housing and independent living
Hello, in December I was diagnosed with scoliosis and advanced osteoarthritis in my spine with fusions and spurs. I've been struggling with my mobility for nearly three years so it was a little bit of a relief finally getting a diagnosis.

At the moment I use a mobility scooter and a rollator for longer journeys. But I've been finding it increasingly difficult to get around. I've also got a percutaneous biliary drain in for my gallbladder which takes a lot of my energy, which doesn't leave much in the tank to deal with my spine problems.

For the first time I'm seriously considering talking to my GP and OT for a wheelchair services referral. I've been reluctant because of my size and the concerns they have about my weight. 

I'm on quite a lot of pain killers so I'm trying to stay as active as I can, but I'm just so exhausted all the time. I think having a power chair could be life changing for me mentally. Just to be able to wander around the shops without agony from my left leaning spine. 

I think I've already made my mind up, I just don't know how to broach the subject with my health care team. Would motability allow me to switch from a mobility scooter to a power chair? 

Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi and welcome to the community 

    Yes you could switch if there are power chairs available on the scheme 

    However if you are assessed by wheelchair services as needing a chair then it will be supplied by NHS 

    Be aware that wheelchair services have very strict criteria for supplying chairs especially power ones if you can use a manual chair inside they may not provide a power chair 

    They are also strict about the correct size chair and weight limit 

    Some areas give a great service but others don't 

    Speak to your gp and ot usually ot get quicker service 




  • littleacorn
    littleacorn Community member Posts: 383 Empowering
    One of the things I have noticed since using a powerchair is that as I hardly move my body very much my weight has increased alot. I have an NHS powerchair and the criteria is strick with those requiring a powerchair inside the house as well as outside the house. They also visit your home to see if it can accomadate the power chair  e.g. doorways are wide and step free  or possibility of a ramp installed.
  • Lithiasma
    Lithiasma Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    I think there's a misunderstanding. I'm fat but there's nothing I can do about it because I'm waiting for my gallbladder to be removed. 

    Until then I just have to live with my drain while I wait for surgery. I can't go on a strict diet because it puts strain on my liver and gallbladder. 

    I was hoping for advice on wheelchairs to help with my physical and mental wellness, I don't need more fat shaming since it's something I'm more than ashamed of.

    I know wheelchair services are strict, it's why I have a motability scooter. It's just as my spine is leaning to left it makes it incredibly difficult and painful to walk. 

    I guess I'll just have to go somewhere else for advice. Thanks.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi again 

    I'm sorry if anything said was upsetting it surely wasn't my intention 

    I didn't realise you wanted advice on types of chairs I thought you wanted to know about wheelchair services 

    Anyway good luck and hope you find the right chair for you 
  • Lithiasma
    Lithiasma Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    janer1967 said:
    Hi again 

    I'm sorry if anything said was upsetting it surely wasn't my intention 

    I didn't realise you wanted advice on types of chairs I thought you wanted to know about wheelchair services 

    Anyway good luck and hope you find the right chair for you 
    It's ok. Types of chair and wether anyone else has used motability to change from a scooter to a power chair.

    I'd want to continue using my mobility scooter dealer since they've been amazing with me, just don't know if it's possible to switch. It would save the NHS a little money if I can. 
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    When I looked on motability for power chair they only had limited range and the cost I thought was very high to say it is only leased and never yours 

    There are other companies that lease them as well depends on your affordability 

    Personally I have purchased my own manual chair and was gifted a power chair after having issues with wheelchair services 

    But I would give them a try first you may get a good service but as most nhs services you may be waiting a while 

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