Practicalities of a new wheelchair

I got a new wheelchair recently. I've been a wheelchair user for about 20 years now, and my main wheelchair was over 10 years old (very battered and starting to fall apart). So I got a new one - my first NHS chair: a Quickie Argon 2.

I thought I'd just share some things about the experience.

1 You need the right wheelchair for the right activity - like shoes. Only MUCH more expensive. I have main wheels, back up wheels, and an offroad powerchair. Main wheels are used everyday. Back-up are for when Main wheels are broken, and also for if I want to leave main wheels in the car -walk a few steps to the house, then I can use back-up wheels in the house, reducing the lifting/twisting required.

2 Wheelchairs suitable for self propelling, long term use are expensive. Replacing my worn out one would be about £3k - money I don't have.

3 What the NHS can offer varies - and in my area is extremely limited: There is one active user chair available. Yep: 1 option that might possibly meet my needs. It's the same manufacturer as my previous one, but a cheaper model - that is slightly heavier. As I can't afford to buy one, it will have to do - and I will need to work out my capacity in the new chair - how far I can push, what type of surfaces am I ok on, and what will I need help on. And then adjust my life accordingly.

4 There are a huge range of colour options! It took me longer to chose than many of the other chair features - because it was about preference rather than need. I ended up choosing this midnight blue colour, and I absolutely love it.

5 Take into account how you will transport and store the chair - rigid frame chairs are more sturdy, usually lighter, and easier to self-propel. But also take up more space when not in use. My chair is a rigid framed one, but the back can fold forward, and the wheels are quick-release. It can't fit into a small car boot, but can fit in a standard one (sometimes needing to be dismantled) - and most importantly, I can put it on the back seat of my Caddy Life without any folding or dismantling. And I have places in my house that it can sit when not actively being used. However, for some people, a folding chair might be a better overall option if storage space or transporting options are limited - especially if they have someone who will be able to push them - making the easier self-propelling slightly less vital.

6 New wheelchairs need to be broken in slowly - even slight changes will change how you use your body in them, and can therefore worsen joint issues and pain if used too much before your body is used to it. Like an overtraining injury in an athlete. For me, as a hypermobile person, this affects me more than an average person. Seating position is REALLY important for managing my pelvis and spinal hypermobility. So the seat is slightly tilted to hold my pelvis in a position that doesn't annoy my SIJs or sciatic nerve. But it's slightly different to my previous chair's angles - and I forgot to take that into account. Just 2 days after getting it, I spent a looooong day sat in it...and really upset my pelvis! Now it's calmed down, I'll be doing a strict 20 minute limit between major fidgeting or standing moments as I build the muscle habits that the new chair needs. If it is still causing issues in a month or so I'll need to see if wheelchair services can help - perhaps adjusting the back, or possibly replacing the back with something more supportive.

7 Bearings matter! Over time the bearings in wheels get dirty, tangled in hair, and become less effective. While I've tried to look after mine and clean them periodically (although admittedly not as often as I probably should) the difference in the new chair is clear - although it's noticeably heavier, the better bearings mean once I'm moving, it's easier to push.

8 Which tyres? I ended up opting for solid tyres as I have a long track record of slow punctures in air-filled tyres (which make pushing SO much harder - and often wonky). The compromise is that it's more joggly on rough ground. I decided that since I use my powerchair if I'm outside for long or off the pavement, it was the best option for me.

9 Push handles? Although I do a lot of self-propelling in my chair, there are times (especially at slopes or rough ground) that I need someone to push me. My backrest is low because that suits my back best - but that means standard push handles are also low. So my 6ft brothers found my old chair a real pain to push. However, this chair has quick release, fold away, extendable push handles. So I can have them tucked away out of use, but when needed, can set them to a useful height - so they are a win all round!

All in all, I'm loving my new chair. Even though I know I still have some adapting to do to make my life work well with it.