Since Maggie turned 1 our minds have been thinking about a power wheelchair for Maggie. It seems so appropriate for our feisty, tea cup loving, want to go-go-go girl. So we mentioned it to our therapists, who were kind of like..yea ok maybe 18 months. We were a little bummed by that response, but do trust their opinion. So THIS Monday when our OT was like, I think Maggie would do great in a power chair, you should call the wheelchair shop...we did! And yesterday we went in and Maggie was evaluated.
She did GREAT!!
The ladies were so impressed. We went out of a room, turned the corner, went down the hall, turned around, came back down and back into the room. Maggie never ran into anything, was slow and observant and just did so good. I had no clue what to expect, so of course bringing the camera didn't cross my mind, but whit did capture some on his phone.The quality is terrible! The one lady is holding her elbow down so she won't turn her hand funky (she over-pronates or something technical like that). So it does kind of look like she is helping her, but she really isn't. This is there job and they know it would not benefit to cheat. :)
Video 1 is her at the end of the journey, there was a little bribing to get back into the room
Video 2 is the very first moment she engaged the chair...it made her cry.
Video 1 is her at the end of the journey, there was a little bribing to get back into the room
Video 2 is the very first moment she engaged the chair...it made her cry.
So we are getting a loaner chair in about 2 weeks, then start the process of practicing so she can get her very own. So cool!!
I would love to hear others experiences with practicing, what wheelchair you have, tips, etc.
Leave a comment or you can email me at lindseyray4@yahoo.com
11 comments:
You need to talk to my friend Melanie. I sent you an e-mail, in september I think, telling you about her special daughter Emylie. I'm not sure if you got it. Anyway, she is a Queen in her power chair and I'm certain her Mom would have great tips to share. I'll pass on your e-mail address if that's okay. Or, if you want to contact her, I'll send you her info!
Hooray for Maggie and her new wheelchair!
I am in LOVE with having a powerchair for Megan. I am so excited for Maggie. At first cut a swim noodle and put it on the front so when she bumps into your wall it won't damage it. I think you'll be surprised at how fast she'll catch on and begin driving like a pro!
HEY!!! She is doing GREAT!!!!! We totally went to the IHC wheelchair shop too with Shane and Sherry and they are both amazing advocates and will help you fight for it for her!!! It took us about 1 year from our first visit til we got the chair we have now. Best advice is parctice practice practice!!!!! And then VIDEO LIKE CRAZY!!! I sent 13 videos which Shane hand delivered to Select Health after 2 or 3 denials and watched them watch a few and FINALLY APPROVED no questions. We got the permobil k450 and we love it! Its kinda big, but it can go EVERYWHERE. No problems over grass, dirt, bumps, anything. But our van had to be rear entry to fit in in. They were able to mount her vent on the back, so maybe have them put a spot for bipap on whatever chair you decide on. Tell Shane and Sherry hi from Presley and call me if you have any questions on the process we went through!!! Its changed our lives! LOVES!!! Maggie, you are a little determined chick!!!! smooches cutie!!!
ok, i obviously don't have any advice on wheelchairs, but just wanted to let you know those videos made me cry, she is SO STRONG. what a little angel. good luck with the process of getting one for maggie. it looks like she totally LOVES it, and what a blessing for her to have some independence. love you guys.
ash
Look at her! This is such exciting news! It was so much fun to watch her--I'm so glad you caught it on video. Thanks for sharing! I can't believe how big she looks, especially sitting and maneuvering that wheelchair! So excited for her and you guys!
YAY MAGGIE!!!!!! I can't believe how big she is getting!
Wow that is great news. Oh my gosh she looks so big, where did the little Maggie go? :)
Maggie!!!!!!! You are such a big, strong girl!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow. These videos made me cry, too. I love that you have a chair and can go all over the place. I also love the delight in your Daddy's voice as he talks to you. I don't know if they give out awards for parents who love a LOT - but if they do, your parents are getting one. They should.
I never can get over how much you look like Jonas. Your own sweet self is all there - and there is so much of him, too.
You are loved,
Cathy in Missouri
It's wonderful that she's starting early! If she did not have SMA, she would be starting to walk by now,and so, learning to drive a power chair is appropriate for her age. I wish our Joseph started early. He didn't get his power chair until he's about 4 or older. Just be patient when your daughter is starting to drive. Expect a lot of dents on the wall and on corners. It's so worth it, though. Maggie is so pretty!
Ahhhh! So, so awesome. We love Lucy's powerchair, the seating is the most important thing. Lucy usually doesn't tolerate sitting up that much but she can sit in her power chair for several hours. If you want, I can get you the info for her powerchair orders but it looks like you have a lot of advice:) so just let me know! I am just so excited for you guys.
Oh my goodness! I am so excited for your sweet Maggie to get a power chair. My daughter, Emylie got one last March but used a loaner the summer before that. It is amazing to watch the progress and the ability for her to move where she wants to move with grace and a freedom she doesn't otherwise have.
As far as a tip... just practice, practice. You could get someone to open up the church and use the cultural hall and as she advances set up an obstacle coarse for her. Wishing her and you the best of luck. So happy for her!
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