#Questions: Wheelchair Evals

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raven gale
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TLDR: I have A LOT of questions about manual wheelchair evaluations. If you can answer any of them at all, please do!

(Please take everything I say literally. I say what I mean and I mean what I say.)

Big Boi Context: I will be in a manual wheelchair for the entirety of the day (12-16 hours). I am going through National Seating and Mobility in the United States.

Contextually relevant conditions:

  • Leg weakness
  • Walking instability
  • Severe Ehlers Danlos Syndrome dislocations (primarily hips)
  • Severe Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (Convulsive fainting, constant low blood pressure, poor circulation when standing)
  • Chronic pain (Hips, knees, ankles, spine)
  • Severe chronic energy deficits from the above listed

Contextually relevant strengths:

  • My hands are fine dexterity-wise, but my fingers all hyperextend a lot.
  • My shoulders dislocate sometimes but they’re not super bad, it takes moderate force to do so.
  • I can support my trunk the majority of the time, but during energy crashes, I do lose some of that ability.

Wheelchair Evals???
Heyo! I was recently told that I need to get a wheelchair for my own safety and benefit, as I’m too big a risk when walking. I’ve had one too many falls, and I can no longer get around my house without a family member helping.

I’m not super happy about needing a wheelchair, but I’m trying to trust that my doctor knows what’s best, and I’m hopeful that this will help me.

I have a wheelchair eval coming up shortly and was wondering if anyone who’s had one before could answer some of my questions about them?

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Appointment Questions:

  1. Is there a difference between a wheelchair assessment and a wheelchair evaluation?
  2. How much physical contact is typical for these appointments? I do not like being touched, but I understand that the evaluating PT will likely have to for measurements, and I want to be prepared.
  3. Is there an average duration for these appointments? I was told it could be anywhere from 1-3 hours.
  4. Would it be wise to bring someone with me to back me up on self-advocacy?
  5. What are some questions they may ask me during my evaluation?
  6. Do I need to bring my own wheelchair cushion for when they measure me?
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Specific Questions:

  1. Are oval or circular push rims better for EDS hyperextension in the fingers and hands?
  2. Should I prioritize weight or customization more? A lower weight wheelchair means less energy is spent pushing, but it can’t have as many adjustable features; whereas a slightly heavier chair uses more energy pushing but allows for an adjustable backrest, push handles, etc.
  3. Rigid vs. Folding chair?????? This seems to be important.
  4. Should I get an exact fit chair, or do a few extra inches of width for “growing room”, as my physician called it?
  5. What is the purpose of flip-up footplates? Flip-up vs. Rigid footplates.
  6. What are the benefits/uses of a wheelchair seatbelt?
  7. What is the difference between a more dumpy vs no dump chair?
  8. Is more forward center of gravity better? Does center of gravity matter?
  9. Can I trust anti-tips? They do not look strong, they do not seem trustworthy to catch me if I biff it doing a wheelie.
  10. If someone could please explain to me the types of backrests, I would appreciate it.
  11. Would you recommend armrests? They seem like they would get in the way.
  12. Are quick-release wheels a good idea? For storage and whatnot?
  13. How long does it typically take for the wheelchair to be delivered?
  14. Aluminum vs titanium for the frame material?
  15. Should I get a colored frame or plain metal? This is just a fashion and practicality question.