Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Getting a new wheelchair

I took my husband to be evaluated for a new power wheelchair yesterday. The RSD is in his legs and his arms, so he cannot walk much and he cannot use a cane or a walker to help him get around. He has a power wheelchair, but it is very wide. It's hard to maneuver, so he won't use it much and therefore, he rarely gets out. I told him a smaller chair would be better and since Medicare did not pay for the first one, it should pay for a new one. Now that he has seen his options, he agrees and we should have a new chair in about 2 months. It will fit our new van and new lift that I bought about 8 months ago. That's good because Medicare does not cover wheelchair lifts and there isn't money to buy a new one right now. Funny that it will pay for the wheelchair, but do not pay for a ramp so that you can get it inside your house, any modifications that need to be made to the house or to the car so that you can actually use the wheelchair.

It was a long car ride, but it gave us some rare alone time to talk about things. At home, we have a little one who takes up most of our time when I am not working. It was nice just to be able to have a conversation without interruption. We'll have to make more time for that. Sometimes the rest of life gets in the way. That happens to couples who are not dealing with a chronic illness too. But for those who have the added distraction, it can be really easy to overlook your relationship with your spouse/partner.

No comments: