This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

No I don't really need one yet or in the foreseeable future, however I have been giving some thought on how one could benefit me in my daily routine. Right now I mostly use a stick, sometimes on a bad day I feel wobbly, I'll get my granny walker out or use the rollator. I am slow on my feet now, I can get winded in the middle of a store, but I can manage fine on my feet regardless. Sometimes though I feel as if I'd like to get in and get out a bit faster, plus the better storage capabilities I'd have with a chair going in stores...no more help from everyone to get my stuff(if I have a lot) to the car. I could shove things in the pockets and sit them on my lap with the wheelchair and perhaps be pretty energetic afterwords and not run down.

I have been looking at wheelchairs, neve rhad much before and most of the cheap ones are ugly, big and heavy. The sport jobs are a lot of money, money I don't have and I doubt my insurance will buy it. 2,000 dollars and up is insane...I had no idea. However they weigh like 19 pounds VRS 32 and 40 pounds of the plain chairs. I'd have no trouble with 19 pounds putting it in my trunk. 32 pounds?? I dunno about that. The ole legs are just waiting to buckle under these days.

Simple of it is I want a sport chair light and nice looking, but I can't afford 2,000 plus dollars. I looked on Ebay and found a Quickie racing chair with a starting bid of 375, but I reckon when the bids are all in, it'll be around 1,500 or more. I out in a bid anyways, becaus eit says it is a store demo, like new never left the store...plus it is nice looking and has expensive bicycle looking wheels and tires. I may bid higher I don't know...I could possibly talk my bank into giving me a lone.

Are there any cheaper sport wheelchairs, lets say 500 dollars and under? I only need it from car to store and home to mailbox...things like that so it isn't like I will be living in it...it doesn't have to be really fancy, but I'd like to have it look pretty nice and not "hospital like" and light would be nice.

Any ideas are appreciated, my friends.

P.S.

Are there any places that have old, run down sport chairs? I mean something I could fixx up and restore? I am handy that way(fixed up ,many a bicycle) and would be a fun project.

A frame and axle to start would be great...I would customize it including paint.

here's the chair I am looking at..... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kuschall-17-16- ... 6rk%3D1%26

I started with a 3wheel scooter (mine is by Pride). I still use it while I am waiting for a power wheelchair. My scooters was 85 lbs, maneuverable , and I ould break it down into pieces and put it in the trunk of a car, etc. They are more affordable than power chairs and less cumbersome.

My scooter allowed me to do all sorts of activities with my son, i could stay longer at events and wasnt scared. Of falling. I have flown a lot with this scooter too.

Good luck!,

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Kathy, 49 with PPMS,full time scooter.
Married to a wonderful man, mother to a darling 9 yr old boy

When it comes to wheelchairs and MS, I'm going to advise you to seek the assistance of an OC (occupational therapist) before you make a final decision. I went through the exercise with my wife on two different occasions and money was never better spent.

There are a lot of factors to consider when getting a wheel-chair and you want to insure that you get the one that works best for you. Otherwise, you could end up with something that will actually do you harm in the long run. OCs work with the people who provide these chairs and will help you avoid getting something that is a waste of money.

Harry

Harry is absolutely right-scooters are fine to do on your own but I have been " fitted" by an OT for a power chair and there are many things to consider. You do need a professional for a wheelchair purchase. However, your description of your functioning made it sound like a scooter could be a good fit for you right now.

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Kathy, 49 with PPMS,full time scooter.
Married to a wonderful man, mother to a darling 9 yr old boy

Did you notice the shipping cost of that ebay chair? $65 !

I found this website: http://www.bachmedicalsupply.com/Pages/Used-Medical-Supplies/Used-manual-wheelchairs.html

the wheelchair you are looking at is snazzy. if your upper body strength and arms aren't weak probably it wouldn't be a problem.but if you're thinking about a few packages on your lap it might be kinda hard. and if your arms do get tired nothing to kinda lean against. but you know what you can handle.

i have a power chair as i am past the stage you are. but, a friend of mine was in our local salvation army and they had a reg. wheelchair very nice like brand new she picked it up for me. paid $50.00. you might want to inquire places like that say goodwill or thrift shops. there is stuff like that donated. we have a small newspaper that comes out in our area called the "smart shopper" you can place an add free if you're looking or selling. depends on where you live but i think if you're in the states these are options.

That's right, and also pawn shops. I've seen wheelchairs and scooters in pawn shops. You might be able to negotiate on price there.

You'd think getting a wheelchair would be simple, but no way in hell is it. I found one in a thrift store near my town for 20 bucks so I got it, took it home and played around in it for a while. I actually wheeled around great in it, even popped some wheelies, but upon trying to lift it into the car, oh hell no, not going to happen, because this thing is a tank the wheels don't come off ect ect. I couldn't get it in the car and gave up. It also looks like something from a 1800's mental institution and would be a great prop in some scary movie in some run down hospital corridors. This thing should be covered in a blanket and never seen again. Needless to say I took it in for scrap. What a waste.

I feel I don't need a scooter, besides I drive a little car, can't load a scooter. I just wanted something I can go from car to store and back, not live in it like a paraplegic or something. Those ordinary chairs roll great, but getting it into the car and out...huge problem for me, just not worth the trouble.

I want one of those chairs a paraplegic uses, wheels come off quick and I;ve seen them toss the frame into the car with one hand quickly, but those are a lot of money.

Like everyone says, I'll keep looking on sites and thrift shops for one, because I feel I need one for convience sakes....sometimes I decided to not go out, because I feel I won't make it...A chair could help me out on those days.

I hate this fucking disese

thganks all.

Like I said earlier, trying to purchase a wheel-chair on your own is just too difficult. There are so many different features and aspects to these chairs that you need someone who knows a lot about them and can get you a chair that fits your needs. Otherwise, you are going to experience frustration after frustration. Contact an Occupational Therapist and save yourself a lot of grief.

Harry