Hi everyone, I hope everyone has been having a good or great summer. Not so good for me at all. I have recently been received by 2 big companies want something very important came up with my Permobil M 300 power rehab chair that I got in late 2011.
Many of you can probably remember that I acquired a wound because of a doctor and a nurse's negligence that put me in bed the better part of 2 1/2 years. So when I knew what was time for me to get any chair I decided to stay with a Permobil and because my skin was so very very very compromised and would break down going nowhere the least little threshold or bump - it was decided that it would be best for me to go with pneumatic (air) tires. I chose a made wheel drive so it came with 6 tires. This is simply because pneumatic casters offer a smoother ride, with shock absorption capabilities against rough surfaces. And I have found out that they surely do which is great for my skin and health. However, they are and can ultimately go flat, and thus require maintenance. I experienced this a couple years ago and they were replaced. Then, a couple months ago my front right caster went flat. So I went through the motions I did a couple years ago and I was led to believe they were on order. In the meantime solid casters were put on and boy are they terrible when riding over anything but super smooth areas. Thankfully, Tucson offers exactly that but since I am now in an apartment complex with people moving in and out a lot there are simply nails and tacks and screws that maintenance man used to put down new carpeting, etc. etc. etc. When going for walks with my dog I am ALWAYS watching where I am going but I guess there just those times when I am looking and straight that I must have run over or something causing my tire (or tires) to go flat. At the other end of the spectrum, there are smaller, solid casters, which are more effective at moving at speed but offer a less smooth ride. Solid casters are less effective at shock absorption, but last longer because they can’t go flat. These make up the majority of front caster wheels. So after two full months of waiting for a pneumatic front tire to come in and being told that they would keep me updated... that never happened and it was just today (Thursday) that I found out that they do not make pneumatic casters anymore. I had to call and find out the status of my order (for about the 5th time) that a Permobil rep looked into it further trying to find out what, if anything, he could do. He found 2 on eBay and if I order them ($58 total including shipping and handling) he would put them on for me. I know that many of you have or are going through the terrible problem/issue of having skin breakdown and then shearing (skin opening again very easily) because of compromised skin. I must come to the conclusion that over 99.999% of the spinal cord injury population (statistically speaking) is using solid casters. With all the technology out there today and the differing needs we all have (types of cushions, wheelchair additions like lateral supports, types of phones and a million other things) you would think they would still have access to pneumatic tires for the needs of what I just described for myself. And these companies are making billions of dollars from all of us. Not to be funny but their are even so many different kinds of toothpaste, deodorant, etc. so why in the world would they completely discontinue having access to pneumatic casters may I ask. Rather rhetorical question though. Anyone like to share their experiences when it comes to wheelchair tire needs? Now wants. Big difference. Thanks! ~Lori Coming up on my 40th year of being a quad in the last 3 1/2 years being the worst. -- “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz
