Me and My New Legs

[SongStream]

I woke up one morning and was determined to get "the wheel(power) chair of my dreams which meant the Whill Ci: whill.us/model-ci/ Because I do not require one indoors, my insurance will not cover it. I miss San Francisco, Berkeley, my native haunts but no longer have the strengh to venture. I have been somewhat of a shut-in.

This chair breaks down into 3 pieces and fits inside my sedan. However, eventually, I will have to move up to a SUV where I can remotely drive it up a ramp so I will no longer need to break it down. The largest piece only weighs 42 pounds, but as we know our balance and strength varies. I have shoulder pain which ruled out a manuel chair.

Here I am at the Ability Expo(abilities.com/expos/) held in locations nationwide. I feel confident, comfortable and I love this chair and yes, it was quite the expense, however, it now will expand my world and open new opportunities. I still walk into the theatre, symphony, restuarants, etc., but on longer ventures, I now will thrive. California coast/piers,beaches/state parks, here I come. No more denying myself freedom. And if I progress to rely and in need of it full time, I will be satisfied.

[LessThanRich]

I use a 800watt electric quad for walking my dogs and zipping around my village, otherwise manual wheelchair (plus freewheel) for the rest of the time.

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

Hi Songstream, Good to see you are doing so well and thank you for telling us about your new chair. I just looked at the WHILL web site video and it's impressive. They key thing for me would always be the weight of the heaviest piece, as it's usually my wife who hasto do the lifting! It doesn't look like there are any European or UK dealers and support yey but that must only be a matter of time as the need is global.

[julie_]

Steve, I'm so glad for you finding a chair that suits you and gives you possibilities for the future! I'm sure that's worth the expense.

I'm also finding greater difficulties with long distances and ... hills! I'm in New York City but I do love San Francisco and I understand what you mean about not having the strength to venture out.

I take breaks during walks now, even if just for 5-10 minutes. It helps me to continue on the rest of the walk.

I wish you lots of adventures with your "new legs"!

[SongStream]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It's difficult for others to grasp what we experience and I'm so grateful for this community!

Chris, I understand they recently expanded in the U.K. and it may be purchased at TGA:

tgamobility.co.uk/whill/mod...

And you're so right about the heaviest piece!. There are times, I'm like a weeble: youtube.com/watch?v=dFzhjnj...(Not working as expected?)

And yes, I have fallen down!

Tell your wife, I'm scared of her. I certainly don't want to meet her in an alley. : )

Julie, thank you and I think of you managing in the Big Apple (my first love). I was inspired by Rich to post here and I think it would be awesome if we had a community page where we can post pictures, etc. to put a face and image behind this rare disease. We are collectively and individually much more than AMN.

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer in reply to SongStream]

Thanks for pointing me at a UK supplier. I have been in touch but I am not yet ready to upgrade to WHILL. I use TravelScoot which is very light but perhaps a bit minimal.

Don't forget you can complete your profile and include a picture which would go some way towards being a full community page.

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

TravelScoot at travelscoot.com/

[SongStream]

Thanks Chris! I checked out the TravelScoot and it's amazing how compact they've become. And you're right, I need to get on it with my profile. Everyone has their story. As of now, I'm the invisible man : )