Charles-
This is an interesting question.  I've used different
DME over my 45 years.  When I was very young I used a
walker and then went to the Candain forearm crutch.
When I got into high school I used an electric
wheelchair because it was so hard getting around the
large campus.  I also had a manual wheelchair my
parents bought for me.  They bought my manual
wheelchair the way parents sometimes buy clothes for
kids.  They bought it a little big figuring I  would
grow into it.  But that another story.  Most of my
adult life I've used a manual wheelchair but about
three years ago I had to go back to a power chair
because my shoulders kind of wore out.  The only thing
I don't like about the power chair is I had to go from
a camaro to a van.  Life changes and so does the DME I
expect.

--- Charles Darr <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I have a question for you older ( with some of the
> recent exchanges I have a
> hard time using the word "adults" ;-D)
> Alex is beginning to outgrow most of his DME and it
> is time to look at
> replacements.  Alex is mild/mod Spastic Quad. As of
> yet he does no
> independent standing or walking.  At this time he
> has a kid kart ( meaning
> he needs to be pushed) a mobile stander, and the
> rifton gait trainer.  I do
> expect in the future that Alex will be able to
> ambulate but it won't be his
> main mode of transportation. (BTW Alex is 4.5 and in
> Special Ed preschool).
> He is capable of maneuvering the mobile stander by
> himself fairly well,
> although he enjoys playing bump em walls...I think
> he likes the
> sensation/surprise as there are some visual problems
> involved....
> On to the question,  just what DME can't you live
> without?
> I know many of you swear by the WC..manual or
> electric.?..canes, walker
> etc...Could you also tell me what you particular CP
> involves and how it
> effected your choice of DME...what about school
> aids?  Computers, writing
> aids etc?
> Do any of you use a gait trainer?  I know that you
> will all keep in mind
> that Alex is young and needs to still develop
> skills,like any kid, so again
> what DME did you really appreciate growing up (
> although I know kids hate
> all things that set aside from the crowd, I just
> figure if we start early
> maybe the WC, gait trainer etc will just seem to be
> a normal part of him as
> he knows nothing else) Please keep in mind that Alex
> shares house space with
> 7 other people and space is limited so if you know
> of any combo products
>  ex...walker with a seat etc) it would be
> appreciated
>
> Joanne
> [log in to unmask]
>



=====
Bill Hyatt
"The shortest distance between two points is.....
 usually not accessible"
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