Re: Aase...

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

The iGlide really seems wonderful. I can't wait to really try it.

When I have done so, I will post about it, so you can hear more. I

agree, you really need to get help from an expert. Not just any OT

either, but one who specializes in wheelchairs. I have now had chairs

for a few years, and have had four different manual ones (and tried a

few more) and two power ones. I used a lot of time researching this

issue before choosing too, something that has been of tremendous help

in choosing. Not only for me, but for friends and others who have got

chairs they did not function well with. Choosing the right chair with

the right features, means a whole lot. When you go for a manual

chair, there's a lot of things you can do with it to make it easier

to use. And you really should choose a light weight and sporty type

one in the first place, because with bad joints, such things really

make a difference. Not just a little difference either, but a huge

one. But if you have problems with your shoulders/arms, and you are

getting one chair, and would prefer not getting a heavy power chair

which you might need a special van for, the iGlide is IMHO a really

nice option. Compared to the E-Motion on a manual chair, you would

also be much more safe as an EDSer, since the computer analyzes how

you push and don't just give the same force all the time. That is

something you should mention to the right people. Also, it is cheaper

with the iGlide than with a manual chair and the E-Motion, at the

same time as you get a better alternative. So it should be a good

option also for e.g. the insurance who has to pay for it...

Discuss the use of a wheelchair, prevention of manual wheelchair

syndrome (which is a real possibility for people like us, much more

than for others) and which features to think about - first with the

surgeon and then with the specialist. But don't settle on just

getting a prescription from a doctor, something I think many ins.

companies prefer, cheaper for them, but it can soon enough be

expensive for you and them in the long run when you get the wrong

chair and get problems because of it and just have to get another one.

If you should end out preferring to go for a manual one, let me know

and I will make a list over things you really have to consider....

Aase Marit

>...I've been considering an iGlide. Good to hear the details -- the thing

>that set me back a bit was the price -- but then I'd been looking at manual

>chairs and not power ones. One of the items for my orthopedic

>surgeon appointment

>is to get his recommendation for someone to help me figure out what I really

>want in a w/c....there are so many options I just want an expert....

>

>Mark

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