Wheel chair users
 

Basically I have to use a wheel chair at times now and I just wanted some advice especially about curbs I just can't figure that one out but any advice from wheel chair users would be very helpful xx

Could you get some input from occupational therapy/wheelchair services/physiotherapy to help you get to grips with techniques for better wheelchair use?

Carmen thankyou that genuinely made me laugh.

Rodulphus ironically the wheel chair has arrived before the OT appointment to tell me how best to use it in just trying to practise as I have load of appointments to get to which will require it if much of a walk would be necessary due to the nerve damage and my local gp said when it arrived to start using it immediately even just down the road to build up the strength in my arms as the nerve damage is in my arms as well (and my eyes which is a bitch for reading but going to optician soon to hopefully improve that)

Me and my support worker are going to practice today when weather improves she's going to put objects in my way and I'll have to manoeuvre round them. The large text is genuinely so helpful xxxxxx

will respond to rest when not too tires

Hey cocker!
Best way to get up a kerb is to do a wheelie, push your chair back while leaning backwards and bounce the casters off the ground, then push them up onto the pavement. Then you need a big shove to get your big wheels up.
To go down, always go backwards and slowly!
Grippy gloves make a big difference, try cycling or weightlifting gloves.
If you have a very active user chair, make sure you practice with anti tip wheels on, or on a soft surface.
You'll need a good hand cream too, haha!

BTW, I'm registered blind so if there's anything you need advice on re right loss I'm here! Xx

Wheelchair users
 

Has anyone got any advice for a new wheelchair user? I'm especially worried about curbs I really haven't figured that out yet. Also getting on a bus. I won't need it all the time but on bad days (like today) I will have to use it. Haven't got a properly fitted one on the NHS will be 2-4 weeks so my doctor referred me to the Red Cross for a temporary one so I can get out and about even on a bad day so have that for now.

All buses have ramps you can ask the driver to do there elctric here in London my mate hates when they break but out of London they have manual ones . X

That's not necessarily true as in my area there are some old double deckers with steps on some routes. Certainly they are getting better than they used to in providing wheelchair friendly buses.

My suggestion is to get there early to your bus stop as legally there's no rule to make buggies move for wheelchair users (and if they are like my area the mums won't move/fold their buggies for wheelchair users).

Why so? Not to pry...

Thanks so much everybody for all your advice especially you bear will try that.

Am scared of falling backwards mainly.

Jack I have been diagnosed with a degenerative nerve disease which affects basically all my nerves including arms legs and also my optic nerves so my eyesight has deteriorated rapidly and new glasses won't help. They can't tell how fast it will progress so am trying to stay positive just trying to adjust as best I can.

Getting a more properly fitted wheelchair on the 28th so hoping they will give me some more advice on top of all of your top notch advice <3

I can't even do a sodding wheelie. I'm screwed tomorrow o.0

I dont know where you live but in my gp surgery this morning I saw an advert for a wheelchair users support group and it made me think of you and if you have anything similar in your area?

Awe hugs good luck it will take time to get used to take things slow maybe to start xx

Okay after hours of practice can now sort of do dodgy wheelies if I concentrate which should help with very small curbs

And thanks lily I'm going to look if there's anything similar in my area tomorrow x