I have been very lucky with getting chairs. So far I've always got the chair I wanted, including a Permobil. Though that was from a state insurance program for uninsurable people with pre existing injuries. That was great insurance, bought me a Permobil and a Surehands ceiling lift. Though the premiums were a lot. Just as I was moving out of state so losing that insurance, I got a TDX3 from them. I hated the electronics on that, the jerky steering, the clanky electric legrests, the back hurt my shoulders a lot. A year later with new insurance, I got a new TDX5, so much nicer. With the same insurance still and the chair only 5 years old. I now might have to wait awhile. It is breaking down a lot now. And with my back curving more. I might need some major chair seat/back modifications. But I sure would like 11.6 mph.!
I'd love to take a chair to a motorcycle or car customizing shop. I'd cut a bunch of needless stuff off, hide more wiring, maybe a custom cover over the bottom half of the chair, a gps unit that could be tracked from a home computer (incase of emergency), a flip down platform on the back a friend could stand on, cstom legrests more like sport manual chairs, maybe a armrest pad could flip open for a phone, etc. If you no longer need things adjustable, you could make things much smoother. Just make it to your size/.fit. My armrest, thigh pads, joystick bar, have all kinds of knobs, nuts, etc that could be left off. There are so many things that could be done to make chairs better looking. Greg _____ I might have missed something as the rules for obtaining a new chair has changed in the last 5 years. Just ask anyone who has received one. What you want, you may not get or you may get more. Much depends on how well you follow the protocol, with your doctor, occupational therapist, the DME's ATS, they way the order is coded and pre-approval of CMS. I know of some who were surprised at what they got and others complained. But there is nothing wrong with starting a list and hoping that your doctor and CMS agrees. Happy New Year Best Wishes In a message dated 1/2/2010 4:49:45 P.M. Central Standard Time, bobbie...@aol.com writes: Hopefully soon I can qualify for a new chair. Greg, Start NOW making a list, literally, of things you want for your new chair - right down to the size of the foot plates, arm rest size EVERYTHING. ~ Bobbie
