Here I am!
I thought I'd stop by to let you know I'm still around, and --- to share. Last September, I finally had my Mobility Assessment with a physical therapist. She agreed that I was in need of an electric wheelchair, but she also wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to be just sitting all day, which is pretty much what I have been doing. This puts me at risk for getting a pressure sore. Who knew? (PS - I knew that; you don't live with MS for 32 years without learning a thing or two along the way!)
So she referred me to NuMotion, the local company that deals with Medicare and insurance and wheellchairs. On December 9, 2013 I got to drive a Quantum Q6 Edge inside my house, and found that it actually fits through my back door and into the kitchen and through the dining room and into the living room and around into the hall and into my bedroom. I think it will actually squeeze through the short narrow hallway back into the kitchen, but we would have to remove a folding door for that to happen. And, of course, the bathroom is still off limits, with only a 23" doorway.
I ordered the Cherry red one, but now I'm thinking purple (sapphire blue) might be, well, more cool. I don't know anyone who has a purple wheelchair, and I think it would be cool. Also, it goes with all of my favorite colors: pinks, reds, oranges, and greens. I tried all the neat features; it raises, it tilts, it reclines, it will fit through a 25" space if I'm careful. It will go 8 - 10 miles on a full charge, so I could make it to the mall! (not that I could afford to buy anything once there, and there is the issue of a dearth of curb cuts in my neighborhood). I could get on a bus, though - or sign up to get a Shuttle Pass. (Next, I would have to visualize getting a van with a ramp.)
I am just saying that this means freedom to me. I have been getting around my house by sitting on my walker and pulling/scooting around the house since last May's relapse. I have progressed to the point that I no longer can stand without having a good grip on something. The progression has been both frustrating and depressing. This has been my worst year with MS since the very first year, back in 1981.
So, now I am waiting to hear a progress report from the vendor. I have asked her to send me the 12 page package when she gets it together so I will have all of the details regarding price, etc. I was told it costs $35,000! (GULP) And I know I will have to pay 20% after insurance. I will need to apply for a grant from the NMSS, and perhaps ask for help from other sources as well. Still, when I google the model, the prices don't seem as high as all that ---- more like in the $6500- $8500 range. So, we'll see. I haven't seen the invoice yet, and haven't actually signed off on one. I am thinking there might be some wiggle room in there somewhere. I certainly hope so.
I promise to be more consistent with my blog posting come the new year. I just needed a break, ya' know?
Good night, TTYL and Be Well,
Lovely to see you back - and with exciting news too. Fingers and toes crossed that it is the lower range, and you can get some freedom again.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
Oh, I have missed you and your posts! So glad you stopped in to report. I can't believe that wheel chair costs more than many cars!! Is it gold-plated? I guess I'll be putting such a purchase on hold for quite a while!! Good luck with the application, and let us know how things are.
ReplyDeleteOh, good luck! And welcome back :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to 'see' you, too! I hope you can find an affordable option. The one you're looking at sounds like it might be the right thing for you.
ReplyDeleteHope 2014 is good for you. :)
I'd go with purple. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you're getting a WC Never should have taken that long, especially when you have nothing. I am also hoping that the 20% you'll owe is actually that which is on the Medicare price not the inflated retail price. It sounds like you and I could tell war stories abthe past 6 months
Great to have you back! We wish you the best with getting your new chair and working through the funding issues! And Jennifer agrees with Karen to go with purple (She's named her chair "Grape Ape" http://danandjenniferdigmann.com/?p=1735). Have an incredible 2014!
ReplyDeleteCOOL! So happy for you! Do get a pressure cushion. So much to figure out, but it will get done. YAY!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of your comments.
ReplyDeleteI am going to call a few different vendors to get a price quote from them; I need a starting point so I can negotiate... $35K just sounds like too much to me, especially when I see them on EBay selling new for $6800-$7800. Doesnt matter if insurance is paying for most of ot or not. It's the point that they're gouging Medicare. . Believe me, if I had $35K, I'd be buying a van and a cheaper chair for sure!
BTW, Marc, the Wheelchair Kamikazi, owns one, though a faster model, and he puts is through its paces on the streets of NYC! Watch his videos.
Gretchen, send me an E-mail with your phone #; I'll call you and we can share those war stories.
I also just ordered a peddler exerciser so I can get these legs moving again. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I so hope this works out. It is a really wonderful chair. And it will give you an emotional lift as well as a physical one, I think.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that this means freedom for you that is the best possible attitude. I know a friend of my who started using an electric wheelchair felt exactly the same way. One day when it is my turn, I hope I will feel that way too.
ReplyDeleteHope you have the chair by now....I have been absent too from my blogging. Medicare usually will not let them charge that much, they say no, about 5k for a power chair. Special orders will cost more. I certainly feel like I have freedom with the power chair
ReplyDelete