Benefits of a standing wheelchair
Sarah Morris
Open Door - May 2008 pages 12-13
Sarah Morris and her family
A few years ago I changed to a standing wheelchair. This has given me back my life.
I trained as a nurse in Cambridge where I looked after people with MS. You can imagine my shock when I was myself diagnosed with this disease years later. I now have advanced secondary progressive MS and as a result am nearly quadriplegic with just very limited mobility in my left hand. In 1998 I went into a standard electric wheelchair and spent many years sitting in an 'L' shaped position all day. Late in 2005 I upgraded my chair to an Easycare Genie which has revolutionised my life.
My chair allows me to stand fully upright, sit, recline, or even lie down fully prone. It can also be driven around while in any of these positions. To suit my circumstances the controls are fitted on to the left side of the chair and I also have upper body supports fitted. The design feels very safe with a comfortable harness – I feel totally secure unlike my previous chair where I often felt unsafe.
Well being
On getting the chair I noticed an immediate improvement in my psychological well being and also gradual benefits in my physical health. I had spent seven years only sitting and had become used to being looked down on, both physically and psychologically. With the new chair it has been very noticeable that when I stand up, I am looked at and spoken to. It was incredibly good to once again look people in the eye and join in conversations as an equal.
"I felt I was able to take back control of my own life. I have improved my confidence and am more assertive. I am able to think more and be involved with my children, husband and family life."
My carers find it much easier to hoist me into it in the correct position as they can position my chair to accept my body. No manual handling is involved and therefore their backs are protected. They don't need to put me to bed to have a rest as I can recline the chair and take a nap on my own.
MS makes me very fatigued but now I can take frequent rests in the chair when and where I choose - I am no longer reliant on others to put me to bed to take a break. Consequently, I feel more refreshed, I do not suffer so many cognitive problems and can do so much more. We have more time to do enjoyable things together and I am able to join in family life fully as I used to before MS.
"I have noticed that my clothing and jewellery sit much better on my body, which improves my self confidence and sense of well being. Also, I feel as though my family are benefiting from me having this chair as they reflect on my well being. If I am happy within myself then so are they."
Breathing and digestion
When I stand my thoracic cage is extended and my chest wall and diaphragm are able to contract and expand normally. My lung capacity has improved and my oxygen intake is greater, therefore the supply to my brain and organs is improved. I am able to think, speak and breathe more easily. Even my singing in church has improved!
As I find it easier to breathe properly, my swallowing is also better. I find that I do not cough as much (coughing wears me out). When I find it difficult swallowing I can change position and also allow my food to settle better in my stomach. Standing means that my abdomen is not compressed therefore my digestive system is able to work more effectively so it's easier to eat comfortably and enjoyably. I eat more and feel better for it!
Muscle tone and circulation
The chair moves my body easily, so my muscle tone and my circulation are improved. This reduces the risk of swollen ankles and oedematous feet and, since my skin tone is improved, it reduces the risk of leg ulcers. As I can move easily my muscle tone is improved and the risk of pressure sores is much reduced (the NHS budgets £9,000 to treat a pressure sore). My muscles are less likely to get tense and painful.
Conclusion
I became aware that these chairs were available at a mobility show held at Reading racecourse. I tried the chair out and for the first time in seven years I was able to stand on my feet. It was incredible; it took days to take the smile off my face. After coming home and researching the availability through the internet I found that these chairs were available but not on the NHS even though they could prevent severe health problems. The cost of the chair was £5,400 - with three children to support through college and university, this was impossible to find. Having spent months looking into how it might be financed, we found that our local Primary Care Trust might supply funding if they believed that I was the right candidate for the chair. We had to fight for six months but eventually the PCT agreed.
I do feel incredibly frustrated that others would have to fight so hard. A chair like this could make such an impact on their lives and improve their every day living. I believe the benefits are priceless. There are many disabled people out there that are not aware these chairs exist and that funding might be available.
"Wouldn't it be great if these chairs were readily available for others through the NHS?"
- The 'Easycare Genie' wheelchair referred to in this article was supplied by Easycare Products Limited, Park Lane, Old Park, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4TE. Telephone: 01952 610300 www.easycareproducts.co.uk
- It was financed by North Somerset PCT, Waverley House, Old Church Road, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 6NN www.northsomerset.nhs.uk
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