Sitting Satisfactorily Soon

Just two weeks ago, I had my evaluation for a new wheelchair. This week, I made further progress toward getting a new system. This is much faster progression than I expected and it's a welcome change.

Early Friday morning, dad, my caregiver Sara, and I loaded into the van. First off, the rubber pad on my chin control popped off, making it so I couldn't move to get positioned. In the process of retrieving it, my control/display box was leaned on and broke the mount. Therefore, going to look at my chair's replacement caused my current chair to fall apart.

After getting my parts back together, we got to the Des Moines suburb thanks to Google's directions. The first order of business was to fix the seat I was sitting in. Searching through their parts inventory, the chair tech I met at my first evaluation found a duplicate part to support my box. Thirty minutes after arrival, using tools he had available in the van and provided pieces, dad had it fixed. Next up was what I actually came for, getting fit for a new back rest.

I was situated in a chair that had a foam pad on the back. The technician pushed and pulled until I was sitting straighter than I have in years. After he was satisfied, air was sucked out from the foam-like substance to keep it in place. He then took pictures of it and less than an hour later, a new back support was produced. The last time I had my back adjusted, it took several months and no longer fit when I got it. I didn't get the back rest fitted to my current chair, but look forward to using it.

Finally, I was shown demonstration models of the chair that was suggested. I have hardly heard about Quantum chairs, but liked what I saw. The frame is slightly narrower than my current system and the sit has more functions. I can go up to 10% of a standing position and raise the entire seat a full foot. Therefore, when speaking to someone tall or preaching from the floor (no stage access), I can elevate myself. In these situations, I can be seen more easily and hopefully preach more effectively.

If insurance approves everything, I may have a new chair in three months. Considering it took me eight years to get my current chair, this is a great start. Living the quad life has perks in seeing new technology. I am thankful for what God has provided and look forward to what may come.