Finding Freedom with a Wheelchair
I am grateful I have been independent most of my life. I have used a walker since my late 20’s, accessed and used supports and services when required (and as little as possible to be honest). For the majority of the time I still walk at home with a walker.
As I got older and things like mobility were harder and fatigue a significant factor, I was very stubborn to not hearing the suggestions and recommendations of transitioning to moving to use a wheelchair.
I am now nearly 54 and it took until 43 to agree to a power assisted chair.
It initially felt like a failure. I felt was giving up some of the independence I had so tightly held on to, that I had not done enough physically to not need to use a wheelchair.
Slowly having the wheelchair changed things. I didn’t realise how small my world had become. I wasn’t doing the shopping, not going to events and I was working all day then coming home exhausted. Having the wheelchair meant I was going out more, more active in the workplace and had energy on the weekends.
Having a wheelchair isn’t all roses. You have to have the right car to transport it and then when it breaks down you can get stuck very quickly has you realise how dependent you are on a piece of equipment. Access is not always easy.
In the past couple of years I have had 4 surgeries on my hip. Prior I only sometimes used the wheelchair. All of a sudden I was very dependant on the wheelchair for all outside use. The suggestion came up that I should now use a fully powered chair. Again, I went through the same thoughts and self-struggles. Had I not done enough, was I regressing backwards, what would others think.
The answer was a dog! If I was going to have a fully powered wheelchair then I could get a dog because I would be able to walk it on my own. I know the logic may not make sense to everyone but the incentive worked for me.
Having the wheelchair meant I was going out more, more active in the workplace and had energy on the weekends.
So I have Willow. The love of my life. I have worked out a way to hold her leash and control the chair. We walk twice a day all over our community, going to the cafés, hairdressers, vets and library. I am very independent, less isolated, more connected with my community and definitely less lonely.
Since using a wheelchair I have travelled internationally and will again later this year.
For those that have never had to make the decision, it wasn’t an easy decision for me. One that I had to work through and find peace with. But certainly now very worthwhile.
For more information about accessibility, My CP Guide hosts a variety of information resources. Browse the Accessibility section on My CP Guide to find other relevant resources.
