Natalie,
First question: Are you one of the walking wounded? If so, a ridged frame could make it not only difficult but dangerous getting up. The foot plate can trip you very easily when standing up and stepping over it. Then when you go to sit down, you might have to sit from the side then swing your legs around. That kind of depends on your height. I stand at around 6'3", and have very long legs, so it's a long way from the foot rest to the seat. If your not a walker. It is often harder to transfer from or to a ridged frame.
Second question: Are you on Medicare? If so, it may not be your choice. I have noticed, (at least down this way) that Medicare is denying the more expensive chairs. They seem to only approve the lower end center folding chairs. If medicare denies you, vocational rehab. might be an option.
One of the differences in folding vs ridged frames is the the ridged is the ridged is often lighter. They are sometimes made of composite materials or titanium. And they often sit lower to the ground. I have a Quickie GPV ridged frame and a Quickie II. The Quickie II is 2" taller than the GPV. I use the GPV at work and the QII at home. I also have a Quickie Shadow. It is a great chair. It folds much like a lawn chair. The back folds down towards the legs. The legs fold up under the seat. Take the wheels off and it will fit in the upper luggage compartment on an airplane! The only problem with mine is that I've grown wider & it hasn't! It also sits lower than the standard folding chairs. If you spend any time in a chair, it is really important to be accurately measured for your chair. I would even go to at least two different suppliers to be measured just to see the difference. You don't want a chair too long in the seat or too narrow. I would even consider getting one at least one to two inches wider than what the suppliers suggest. But remember, the wider the chair, the less accessible it is. The reason I don't use my GPV at home is that it is too wide to get through my bed room door way. The seat is 20 inches wide, the QII is 18. I would get a hard back if your in the chair for long periods of time. But be sure it is one that easily removes if you have to travel. Think about it this way. When your at home relaxing. Do you sit in a lawn chair (wheel chair backs are similar) or a solid back chair with (lazyboy) padding?
That's my two cents worth. I hope it helps!
Larry in Oklahoma who has had way too many chairs over thirty years & is tired and going to bed.
PS Tell your PT that you suggest she/he spend 30 days 24/7 in a chair before they recommend any chair. My first chair wieghed almost as much as me. I ended up donating it to a nursing home because it was so uncomfortable.
From: natalie mizenko <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Transverse Myellitis <[email protected]>
Subject: [TMIC] Wheelchairs
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:25:38 -0700 (PDT)
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