This is a hard post for me to write because I never thought I’d be in a position where I needed a wheelchair, let alone a wheelchair that is so expensive with functions I never knew existed. I have this constant stabbing in my chest because I’m so worried that I’ll never reach my target, I’ll never get the chair that does it all, the chair that will change my life. It makes me feel sick thinking about it.
The Invacare TDX SP2 with all the add-ons I need will cost £5,000. And that’s with part-exchanging my current powerchair; the number terrifies me. It’s a mountain to climb. I’ve never had £5k in my life and yet I’m desperate for it. To say it’d make a difference is an understatement.
My current chair is very basic; I was a complete wheelchair novice when I got it and didn’t consider anything else other than price. I didn’t consider functionality or comfort. Although my chair is comfortable for approximately an hour, after that I’m in agony. The captain seat is too hard and even though I have other cushions on top, it doesn’t help. I want a chair that will help not hinder, and at the moment my current wheels are destroying me. I’ve completely come to resent it, I don’t want to go for days out, I barely want to go out at all because it hurts me so much. My wheelchair shouldn’t be making me have flare-ups. It shouldn’t be harming me. It should aid in my independence and freedom whilst being comfortable and do all the things I need it to. If I’d have had help from Wheelchair Services they’d have been able to advise me on the type of chair to go for, but the services in my county aren’t the best. Unfortunately, Wheelchair Services vary from county to county and in Northamptonshire they’re very strict. I’m not too sure why I don’t qualify but I am definitely going to follow this up. I guess the only solace I have with my current chair is now I know exactly what I need to suit my conditions.
Talking about my conditions; I have quite a list, mainly that result in me living with chronic pain. I’ve been in chronic pain since I was 13 and I’m now 29. I have Ehlers-Danlos type 3, PoTS, Fibromyalgia, Kyphosis, Osteoarthritis and Endometriosis. Agony, fainty, dislocatey (I’m just making up words now).
The TDX will have an electric tilt to help relieve pressure on my ever-painful joints, an electric backrest and elevating leg-rests to help me when I’m having a PoTS attack. It’ll have super-duper comfortable pressure cushions, a snazzy headrest, swing-away easy-to-use joystick and I can get it in a variety of colours, but I have my eye on purple. It really is the powerchair of my dreams. I went for a test-drive in it on Wednesday, and as soon as I transferred from my chair to the TDX I noticed a massive difference. Comfort levels went from a 1 to a 50, it’s absolutely perfect.
So, here’s where I ask for your help; instead of buying a coffee in the morning, consider donating to my campaign. Even if you can only contribute £1, it all adds up. If all my Twitter followers just donated £1, I’d be so close to my goal and it’d make my enormous total much more achievable. Do a good deed and make a massive difference to my life, please, please, please donate. And if you can’t donate I’ll still love you if you just share my tweets, you never know who might see it and be feeling generous. I’ll be forever grateful and if we ever meet I’ll owe you a hug! The more support the better. Thanks <3
Donated love. I can't wait to hear all about your new chair!
Love Tamsin xxz