I answer that it is February 20.
“Not bad, let’s see,” he shuffles through the paperwork. “Ordered this on November 4, that means it’s been a little more than three months. Really, not bad, huh?”
I answer him, “Nope, not bad at all.” All the while, I’m thinking, “You weren’t the one stuck sitting in a wheelchair, sitting on a painful pressure sore for the last six months (because actually, I’d been treating this sore that long – but hey, who’s counting?)”
Honestly, Roger, the salesman from Saginaw Medical, Karen & Sue – the wound care specialists who treated my sore – my doctors, and social workers, basically all parties involved, did a great job filling out oodles of forms, dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s, necessary to help me get my snazzy new power wheelchair.
My Grape Ape.
So named for its pretty purple base, and because I was a kid in the ’80s, and by naming it, like every chair I’ve ever had (guess they’re kind of like pets, or kids) the chair becomes mine. And a name makes it real.
Yes, it’s real. My chair. My MS. And hate it as I did, the real truth is that, like it or not, I need this chair.
And I hope that you have gathered from its name, it’s a big, powerful chair. It’s not small. Not subtle like my old chairs Fred and Belle were. No messing with this chair… it means business. It has hydraulics, a headrest, and better foot positioning to relieve pressure from sitting all-day, everyday.
I need a chair that relieves pressure and, fortunately this one does. As I’ve mentioned, it’s bigger but as strange as it sounds, that makes me uncomfortable.
I’m uncomfortable because, does this mean my MS is worse? Will it make people look at me differently? Do I care? Will Dan and my caregivers still be able to transfer me? Will I see myself differently?
Lots of questions. Not a lot of answers. That is so typical of this stupid disease.
But for right now, I’m just sitting comfortably… kind of forgot how good that feels.
I got a new chair too over a month ago and it is sitting in the other room waiting to be used! It looks similar to yours (except not grape) and does more than my current wheels do. What’s the problem? To me it seems like a chair needed by someone with greater disability than me. After reading your blog, I think I am going to get in it today. Thanks.
Hope you are comfortable sitting in your new chair. And like Dan pointed out, treat the different chairs like they are shoes. Each has a different purpose, one may not always be perfect for you that day, but thankfully you have them when you need them 🙂
Hi Jen, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having an exacerbation. Also that you have a sore. Definitely not good. Do the best you can to keep the pressure off your bottom. Lying on your belly as much as you can will stretch the front of your legs and give your bottom a chance to get some good circulation. Sores can really put a damper on your lifestyle. My sister has been a quadriplegic for 30 years and got her first sore about a year ago. She did pretty good,she got rid of it quickly. The faster you heal that, the better you’ll be. I’ll be praying for you.
Lori
Thanks Lori. I’m happy to report that my sore is healed! I was released from the wound care clinic 2 weeks ago, and with Grape Ape’s help with pressure relief, I don’t intend to get any more sores. Also, I’m exacerbation free. The sore came about from my sitting. Hmm, imagine that 🙂 All the best, Jennifer
I can’t imagine what it must have been like to deal with such pain for SIX MONTHS. So glad you have your new chair finally!
Thanks Cynthia! I’m glad too.
Love the name grape ape! Patti’s always gone for a fashion statement when it comes to mobility, screaming “look at me – see me”. Her chosen wheel chair frame is the bright yellow normally associated with pediatric chairs and her collection of socks are best described as the wilder the better.
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick
Love the name grape ape! Patti’s always gone for a fashion statement when it comes to mobility, screaming “look at me – see me”. Her chosen wheel chair frame is the bright yellow normally associated with pediatric chairs and her collection of socks are best described as the wilder the better.
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick