Reddit mentions: The best wheelchairs & accessories

Gosh, I'm so sorry. If it really is a pilonidal cyst, you need to have the whole area removed. They should have taken the whole thing out the first time. If it is a PC, the recovery may be uncomfortable for a few months, but if you don't take care of it now it will get more painful, and can become infected causing more painful and expensive surgeries.

Here's my free advice (lengthy but worth every penny lol)

-Make sure your surgeon understands what they are talking about, and are current with what these cysts are and treatment. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Ask about the length of hospital stay and post op wound care. If they want to suture it closed, get out of there. That's a good way to have a reoccurrence and infection. Which I'm guessing you don't want.

-The wound is basically like taking an ice cream scoop out of your back. It may go to the bone. It will need to be left open and will heal from the inside out. Your body will create 'granular tissue' that fills it in. In a couple of months, skin will grow to cover it. You will NOT have a lasting scar at all!

-They may offer you either 'packing' or a wound Vac. Go for the Wound Vac. It gently pulls your tissue up, and in recent studies it's been shown that the wound will heal the granular tissue faster and with less pain and trauma to that area. They will have them at the hospital, and will give you a portable one for at home. My daughter carried it in a backpack so it wasn't really noticeable. But it does make a farting sound every so often. Not awesome for a 14 y/o shy freshman :/ )

-My husband had his wound packed with gauze (back in 1983). He had to have his mom change it twice a day for 6 weeks. If this is your only option make sure you get strong pain meds. I suggest for the first month or two go to the wound care clinic and have them do it.

While at the hospital:

-Get as much information as you can. Bring someone who can be your advocate. Obviously, in our case, as her mom that was me. It has to be someone who has a cool head and can listen to the care team to process what they are saying to help you. If you don't have a person to help, keep some note cards or a journal next to you and write down all of your questions as they come to you. Make sure they are answered in a way you understand. Don't be afraid to ask more than once or twice. My thoughts on hospital staff- If you're nice, ask the nurses about their families and don't yell at them you'll get much better care. Be assertive but not aggressive.

-Take any and all pain meds you need. It might start with (most likely) morphine, but they have everything available. Don't be afraid to ask. If you have a history of abuse, they can help monitor so you don't get on fragile ground. They gave my daughter an rx for morphine patches, Vicodin and Xanax for wound changes. Because they caused her severe pain but also anxiety. She never needed the patches and she stopped needing the others after two months. She takes a Tylenol or Motrin every few weeks now. Her granular tissue is healed, her skin is getting thicker, but it's still a bit tender.

Post surgery:
You won't be able to sit on your bottom or lie on your back for a few weeks. Get this body pillow - called the Snoogle was recommended by her Physical Therapist while in the hospital. You could get one now, it might help release the pain in your lower back before surgery. It was VERY helpful and worth the trip to the baby store on the way home. These inflatable waffle pads are also great for when you can lay on your back without putting pressure on the coccyx -- and far better than the inflatable doughnuts they give to some people.

You won't be able to get it wet, so get some dry spray shampoo, and you can use these disposable wash cloths to bathe yourself as needed. Showering wasn't too hard, the wound Vac is sealed and I just set it outside the shower while she was in it. Once she was done with the wound Vac and able to shower again the wound care team recommended this tea tree body wash from Trader Joe's .

I have a list of post op necessities, I can post if want (even more) information lol. I figure knowledge is power, so if you go in knowing what you want, what to ask about, and knowing what's coming up, you'll feel more in charge and have control/agency over your own care.

Best of luck, let me know how it goes! Maybe it's not this at all :) 🤞

All of this sounds promising. Your family's approach to his care is definitely a factor, and while it's incredibly frustrating for you, my main concern is that you don't internalize and repeat the behavior. There are better approaches that can improve quality of life, but if your parents aren't seeking them out (or worse, pretending the problem doesn't exist), then there isn't that much you can do. Please don't see this as a window into your future. There is a certain amount of autonomy into your trajectory through life; hold onto it and learn from other's mistakes. I'm sorry about the decisions your dad is making; you could try to talk to him about the effect it has on you.

A few comments:

1. I'd definitely suggest checking out some anxiety meds (benzodiazepines). I wouldn't recommend them as a daily solution for anyone young since they're addictive, but since your grandfather is 99, I think it'll be okay :)
   
   
2. Videos on a loop - especially things like Chinese movies or shows from the 1950s or 1960s could be really fantastic. Definitely comforting. Great idea.
   
   Check out geri-chairs. They're like recliners on wheels, so that you can wheel your grandfather around and he can be in the room with you guys: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Position-Chair-Recliner/dp/B002VWK2EE/. They also sell additional comfort cushions for extra support: https://www.amazon.com/Geri-Chair-Comfort-Seat-Cushion-Color/dp/B005DLJBK6/. I could understand why he wouldn't want to be alone in his room especially if he was refusing all forms of entertainment (music/tv/movies/podcasts/books on tap/etc).
   
   I think there are quite a few potential paths forward - hopefully we find one that makes things easier for you.

I’m a custom wheelchair provider. What you are asking for doesn’t exist. There are some nice half lap trays which do flip away when not being used you can get on Amazon for between $100-200. When you flip the tray away it will rest against the rear wheel. This means the tray will rub against the rear tire when flipped to the side. They flip to the side for transfers. Not for the chair to roll with the tray in that position. It would also damage the tray to be banged into doorways. I’ll include a link to a tray on Amazon. Look carefully at the different styles. Padded are usually provided to support a non-functional arm. Plastic is for functional for writing, reading, or supporting plates/cups.

SHE SHOULD NEVER USE A TRAY FOR SUPPORT WHILE STANDING. IT WILL BREAK AND CAUSE A FALL

Please send a message if you have any questions I can help with

https://www.amazon.com/Rehabilitation-Advantage-Polycarbonate-Wheelchair-Rubber/dp/B00GC5BMSQ/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1543293960&sr=8-8&keywords=wheelchair+tray+half

I’d suggest sitting down with her and show the options and all the considerations so she can choose the best fit for what she needs

Last thing, the arms on the chair are desk length (about 9” long). There is a full length arm available (14” long) which will support a tray like on the Amazon link better. Her wheelchair provider may be willing to switch the assembly at no cost if you bring it to them

Hi! Mom with vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and tons of fractures/dislocations here (including L4-L5-Coccyx and compressed sacral nerves.) Pregnancy really wasn't horrible, even though at the end my hip dislocated. I had a c-section and recovered well. But nursing was hardest on my body. I nursed for three years. I decided before he was born that I was going to, come hell or high water, but it took a lot of modification. My disease causes almost all of my joints to dislocate, so I needed a ton of positions to try and methods to hold him. My biggest piece of advice is to buy a very comfortable swivel rocker with a gliding footrest, and definitely consider buying a high quality medical gel seating pad like this: The GENERAL Gel Seat and Wheelchair Cushion (20W x 18D) by Miracle Cushion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006K1NDEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jcfnzb6VV5VEV. It made a world of difference. I still use one. But two positions worked best: sitting in the chair with a boppy on my side and him in the football hold to lessen the weight on my lap/lower back, and once he was about 4 months old, standing up with him seated upright in a low sling. The less lopsided you are and the less weight that's on your lap, the better your lower back will feel. And seriously, please message me with any questions whatsoever. I volunteered with LLL for years helping moms with multiples and moms with chronic pain or illnesses successfully breastfeed. I'm by no means opposed to bottle feeding, I just want to help anyone with pain to be as comfortable as possible during pregnancy and postpartum.

Dang! That’s a healthy budget! What a great kid you are!!!!!

As stated in the top post: Gift cards for fabric are always super helpful. That’s the biggest cost for me most of the time, now that I have most of my supplies. Find out her favorite place to get fabric. I have 4 locally-owned quilt shops I like personally, and I know a lot of ladies on here but mostly online; there might be options for you in person or online!

Regarding ergonomics, I recently purchased this cushion for sitting. It is unbelievably helpful for improving my lower back feeing after sitting at the machine all day.

In general I think that people aren't paying attention when walking around, so it's always a bit frustrating for me. The good news is that most people will get out of the way anddddd let you get closer since you have to be sitting down and generally can navigate if you're willing to speak up. I tend to be the person yelling excuse meeeeee at the airport so 🤷‍♀️ Another thing to remember is that you can stand up if you are in a crowd and just can't handle it, or you can't see something - I get a bit self conscious that people around me would be weird about me standing but with my cane and going slow, they generally left me alone when I switched between the two. In crowds, it's also important to have good communication with your pusher (if you need one) on how you want to enter spaces/doorways and where you wanna go (eg entering doors without an auto button backwards is easier imo). It kinda sucks having them behind you bc chatting random observations has to be much louder, but it's alllllll definitely worth cutting down on the pain. Basically, the less standing and waiting that I did and the less time spent on my feet, the better I felt. I also bought a few accessories to hang on the back of the chair and under the chair so that saved me a ton of shoulder/neck/arm pain. Sorry, I'm sure my writing isn't the most linear train of thought tonight but I hope that clarifies things.

Edit: here's are a few accessories I mentioned: under seat bag , cup holder (more set up for this one) , and a good back of the chair bag but I can't find mine online rn

I use a manual wheelchair and use this bag on the back of my chair. It doesn’t come with any organization inside, so I just use zippered bags, like for cosmetics or pencils (they have many that are not feminine looking), to organize items. You can pretty easily reach around and reach inside the bag and into the pockets on the front. It also is adjustable to fit a wide range of chairs and holds a good amount. I just wouldn’t keep a wallet inside, since it is easy to access (I keep my wallet next to me, fastened through my seatbelt).

I bought the Frida mom kit + peri bottle and am 3 weeks away from my due date so this is really good to know, thanks!

A friend also highly recommended this if you have a vaginal delivery - it’s an egg crate foam seat cushion which she said was a lifesaver.

Egg Crate Sculpted Foam Seat Cushion Without Back, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HM13AM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IAcTDbNVH7QBA

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Wheelchair-Desk-Length-Swing-Away-Antimicrobial/dp/B07G8PNH76/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=wheelchairs&qid=1563313437&s=gateway&sprefix=wheelch&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1


Here’s the chair I’m looking at,

And here’s the crutches!

https://www.amazon.com/Millennial-Medical-Motion-Forearm-Crutches/dp/B011NZH1QQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=forearm%2Bcrutches&qid=1563313586&s=gateway&sprefix=forearm%2B&sr=8-9&th=1&psc=1

If you do, please DM me, I’d love to help you in some way as return, or at least offer free drinks at my work!

http://www.amazon.com/Invacare-V18PFR-Wheelchair-Non-Removable-Swingaway/dp/B001KMT8E6/ref=sr_1_31?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1417225348&sr=1-31&keywords=wheelchair


This one looks good to use for a few months.


http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-BLS16FBD-SF-Wheelchair-Footrest/dp/B00C2B6GBW/ref=sr_1_47?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1417225348&sr=1-47&keywords=wheelchair


This one looks good too.


If the hospital gives you trouble, start a gofundme or medgift account and I'd be happy to help donate and spread the word :)

If a new chair isn’t an option I use this cushion for car rides and in chairs I expect to sit in for a super long time!! My physical therapist recommended it and I like that it has optional ice pack as well!

Kabooti Ice Seat Cushion with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H394QSL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I bought a gel cushion from amazon https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-14886-Protection-Wheelchair/dp/B002VWJZHE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1TGKOZ3ZHTH8R&keywords=drive+gel+cushion+seat+pad&qid=1558281509&s=gateway&sprefix=drive+gel+cushion%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-3
It is pretty good -- I use it on my house chairs.

That and trying to use good posture whenever I think of it.

Its an old model Shoprider Flagship. You see them around London sometimes. Great for a busy urban environment. Easy to drive, economical on fuel and easy to park - things that matter in old European cities but perhaps not so much in the US. I'd have one - I think they're cool.

To kind of piggyback off of /u/squiiints comment, a cushion can go a long way for comfort. I'm currently using a generic folding wheelchair that I bought on Amazon for $135 (this one), and a gel cushion for $25 (this guy), and they're holding me over just fine until I can afford my custom chair this fall. I take my chair on all kinds of terrain and the gel cushion is a great shock absorber.

Any chance you are working on something like this that can be mounted to the squat stands/racks? Could really use a nice compact lat pulldown pulley system.

I broke my leg in 2014, and it definitely changed my attitude about my body and mobility. Unfortunately I didn't clue in to calorie counting until I was back on my feet, so I really piled on the pounds while my leg was healing. You are fortunate, you already know about MFP so you make great progress on weight loss during this time.

Getting one of these really helped me be functional: http://www.amazon.com/Roscoe-Scooter-Basket-Burgundy-ROS-KSBG/dp/B00MECBY20/

You mean like this one on Amazon for $1,900? What's that, like 400 pounds more and was the first one I saw?

I got one that was pretty close to this https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Fredericks-Original-BreatheTEC-Tailbone/dp/B01D1QLFQW though it was in a local store.

Just be sure to use the "Gentle" settings when washing & drying or hand-wash(basically like washing a giant sponge) & dry on low if possible.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Performance-Health-Wheelchair-Economy-Eligible/dp/B0056PSNBM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=wheelchair+bag&qid=1565192643&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyR1U5WFhRVFA2MDFZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDQ0NTI2M0hYUDdDREUyNU9HTiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDI1NDYyMzdGN0dHNVA2NVk0NyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Hope this helps, I know it doesn't really have sorted storage but it might help your search

I actually fractured my left fifth metatarsal as well playing volleyball at work about a year and a half ago. Not sure how yours looks but all the skin on my foot transformed into a huge bruise. Was in an air boot for 2 weeks, surgery to put a 2 inch titanium screw into place because my bone was off center, then 2 weeks of the surgical gauze, 4 weeks of a hard cast, then 6 weeks of an aircast. Shit sucks. I recommend getting a knee scooter. You can rent them from medical supply places as well. Much better than crutches in my opinion.