Adapted vehicles

[Deb]

Hi Everyone, I hope it's ok to start a new thread on this because I realise there are lots of existing ones and I am sorry if I am repeating things.

Thank you to everyone who have sent me messages and advice about getting a WAV. I have swapped my mobility allowance to get a new WAV and Allied Mobility came to our home to show us different vehicles which my husband was able to test drive . I was able to stay in my wheelchair so no more precarious and very undignified transfers to the car, which has really put me off going out recently. It's a Peugeot Horizon and it is due to be delivered this week.

Because we will have a WAV I have been able to ask for a powerchair from wheelchair services to drive in the back. I had another wheelchair assessment last week and It is a salsa mini 2 and we are due to pick it up this week.
I have fingers crossed that all goes ok because I am really looking forward to being out again even if just for a drive.

Sorry to be insensitive to those of us who are not able to be out and about.
Love Debbie x

[Terry]

Hope it all works out Debbie;

Get out and enjoy yourself as much as possible. Tell us about it and no need to apologize .

Love Terry

[Ellie]

That's great Debbie - just in time for summer

Hope the spec on the wheelchair is good and it's comfortable. You have to go pick up your wheelchair?? (Is that normal?)

Love Ellie.

[Gillette]

Hi Debbie,

Good news on the WAV and the powered chair. I have the Salsa Mini 2. I find that it grumbles if I am going over a dropped kerb of more than about 1.5 inches / 4cms. I don't know how used you are to being in a wheelchair - I've only been in one since January - but the Salsa doesn't feel very stable when I'm going along an uneven pavement, or negotiating the slopes of dropped kerbs. It may just be that I haven't built up much confidence in the chair.

I find the tilt function very useful, especially when I'm tired, as I have little core strength. I can tilt the chair back and use gravity to keep me in the chair.

Have fun with the WAV and the Salsa and go out to lots of places!

[Kayleigh]

Hi Debbie,

I hope you enjoy getting out and about in your new WAV and Salsa powerchair.

Love Kayleigh x

[Barry52]

Good news Debbie. You can start planning days out and may I recommend national trust and other gardens as they are wheelchair friendly and a good place to have lunch.

Happy travels.

Barry x

[Deb]

Thanks Everyone, looking forward to being out and about again! I will definitely have a look at the National trust, Barry.

The transfer board to our car from my wheelchair has led to some very unladylike transfers !

I tried different powerchairs at clinic last week and decided on the Salsa mini as I will be able to get round our home in it and then out . They did offer to deliver, Ellie but we would have had to wait longer as apparently you need a technician to make sure it is OK. I also couldn't decide on the seat so I am going to try different ones. Not sure which to go for ?

Thanks again... I realise I should have taken sound advice and put these things in place sooner but at least they're happening now... just hoping for sunshine.

Love Debbie x

[Ellie]

... the Salsa doesn't feel very stable when I'm going along an uneven pavement, or negotiating the slopes of dropped kerbs. It may just be that I haven't built up much confidence in the chair.

Hi Dina,

The chair should manage 4cm kerbs without a problem. The drive might feel a bit odd as it's a mid-wheel drive so, as you say, it may just take time for you to build up some confidence in its abilities.

Given you've a weak core, I wonder would it help, at least when you've your 'L' plates , if you wore a restraint? I don't mean a full racing car seat belt type, but a simple padded strap around your middle which would give you confidence.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wheelchair-...GTDT8P96HE2TAB

(they also come in plain colours!!)

Your OT may have them too.

Have to get you ready for your treks with Lynne

Love Ellie.

[Gillette]

Hi Ellie,

My Salsa has a lap belt which I do use but I'm not sure about using one like the one you mentioned. I think it would take a while for me to come round to the idea of using it, but thank you for telling me about it. I quite fancy the idea of a full racing car seat belt!

I don't know why I am finding it so difficult to accept how it feels when the pavement is uneven. After all, I've been using the chair for several months now.

Lynne and I are already planning our first expedition!

[Ellie]

... I'm not sure about using one like the one you mentioned. I think it would take a while for me to come round to the idea of using it

You and me both, Dina.

I'm getting to know you better

Love Ellie.

[Deb]

Oo I thought I had done well to choose the car, colour and powerchair!

I didn't realise I now have to decide on the restraint or racing car seat belt ! I could easily be dangerous on it !

Love Debbie x

[JAY TEE]

Debbie, you will find the Salsa M2 ok I have mine for three years and did have updated seat for it which is very comfortable. The only thing I need is a strap to keep my legs on the footplate. I have Citreon Berlingo WAV which is very easy to ride in and out of and well strapped in.The wheelchair is good on all my riding around and gets up kerbs ok and I get over grassed area. But did make mistake at National Trust site and got stuck in graveyard area looking for family grave stone, luckily some people managed pull me out. Best wishes John

[Deb]

Thanks John,

I got my Salsa M2 last week and it manages drop down kerbs really well. They are coming to our home to adjust the height next week and will change the cushion as and when I need it. Such a good service because the wheelchair services department is adjacent to the MND clinic and they have a specialist nurse and wheelchair technician there on clinic days. Good advice about the leg strap too as that's just what I need.

Our Peugeot Horizon is great.. I just wish it would stop raining so we could get out into the country.

I shouldn't have joked about being dangerous! Bringing my Salsa home from the hospital my husband opened the door and I ran over his foot. Luckily no broken bones but some very colourful language.

Love Debbie x