Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Purple Bullet

A little over 8 years ago I bought my first wheelchair. I felt such relief when it arrived because the wheelchair gave me more freedom. It enabled me to go on shopping trips and go to church more easily. It helped to get me out of the house. 

Six years ago I bought my second wheelchair. I didn't feel relief when it arrived; I felt disappointment. I was sad that I needed another wheelchair. I hadn't gotten better like I thought I would. I was only getting worse.

Now I'm on my third wheelchair. It arrived this winter, and I am so excited about this new wheelchair! I've gotten (mostly) used to the idea of being sick for a long time, so I'm totally having fun with my wheelchair this time around! I chose a purple wheelchair with light up wheels. I'm probably the only 32 year old in Minnesota with light up wheels, but who cares? I'm having fun!




Because I have help from insurance and a medical supply store this time, I was able to get a very good wheelchair.  It is sturdy, has nice wheels, and it rolls oh-so-smoothly!  It's an ultralightweight, which makes it easier for me to roll on my own.  I still need to do some wheelchair adjustments to get it to fit me just right, but overall I'm pleased with the chair. 



Will has named my chair The Purple Bullet because it can roll so quickly.



My color choice was Electric Plum.



My favorite part?  The light up wheels!

I chose light up wheels mostly for fun. After 8 years, I'm ready to have fun with my wheelchair.  No more black wheelchair blending into the background.  It needs to have a little pizzazz!

There is also a purpose for the light up wheels that goes beyond just fun. My hope is that the light up wheels will make me and my wheelchair more approachable. Wheelchairs can be awkward and make people feel uncomfortable. It can be hard to get to know people from in a wheelchair, but light up wheels might be an ice breaker. Hopefully others will notice them and realize that I don't take myself too seriously.

My insurance company doesn't actually cover light up wheels, but the kind people at Sanford Home Medical gave them to me for free. They've been great like that. :)



See the light up wheels in action!

7 comments:

  1. Your wheelchair is awesome! And I never thought about the wheels being a way for people to approach you easier. What a great idea. It looks like Adelaide loves it too :)

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  2. You're super cool! I would totally want those wheels. And then I'd race you! ;)

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  3. Love your new wheelchair! After 8 yrs you deserve a good quality one and one that fits your personality. Not only are the wheels and the color are cool but also that it is ultralight. So happy for you! :)

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  4. Woohoo! Wheelchair races! :)
    The two year old at church thought I was super cool too. Or at least my wheels were. :)

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  5. Haha, yes I figured it was Janie. :) Yep, the children all love the wheelchair. I'm really cool now with the 2-7 year olds!


    When I was choosing the light up wheels I explained my reasons for wanting them to the wheelchair rep. He said that I was right about the light up wheels, and that they do help to make people more comfortable around the wheelchair/person in the wheelchair. It was interesting to hear that confirmed.

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