After being at Sutter- Roseville Rehab for a few days my physical therapist wanted to get me on a powerchair. Ultimately I was against it. I thought that that would be me giving in to my disease. Saying that Guillain Barré won and I would be using a powerchair as the easy way out. As a crutch. There was nothing easy about two plus months before then. I was in fight mode and I wasn't ready to give up.
My therapists explained that by using a powerchair I would regain some of my independence. After I passed my drivers test I was able to cruise around the rehab, inside and outside (as long as I got permission from nurse and let them know where I would be. Lol)
Learning how to drive the rehabs chair... No early picture is complete without the lovely pee bag- gross. But like I promised before. This blog will contain the raw not always so pretty truth. And this was my life not too long ago.
The pressure relief feature made it easier for Aunt Kim to shave my legs lol.
I was at Sutter-Roseville for about a month when I saw an add on a Facebook resale page. It was for a powerchair/ scooter. After debating with my dad and husband, Bryan- we decided to get it. I craved for freedom and couldn't wait to be home and cruise around Corning. To be able to go see my grandparents, my sister and her family and my best friend, Whitney who all live in a 1/2 mile radius from me. I missed those random drive byes that I was always able to do pre-GBS. Since having Guillain Barré everything has to be thought out... It doesn't leave a lot of room for spontaneity.
Today marks a year since we bought my chair- according to my Facebook memories :)
Hands down, purchasing that powerchair has been the best thing for my recovery. After being home for nearly a year now (how is that possible) I'm starting to use my chair less and less. But it gave me so much freedom. And saved all of our sanity; Bryan's, dads, Aunt Deedees and so many more of the lovely people who helped me. I didn't have to constantly need help getting pushed everywhere- a wheelchair on carpet is a bitch. I was finally able to go the restroom by myself which was a huge victory.
It aloud me to freely zoom around the kitchen and almost cook/bake like I used to... All of my kitchen adventures will be in another post. But I'm so thankful for the independence that a simple powerchair gave back to me. My home may not be as grateful lol. There may be a few dings in the walls & appliances and a few loose doors.
It mostly stays at home because it's a pain to haul around. We did take to go my cousins wedding where I was able to cruise around the dance floor.
It came with us to Fort Bragg CA, camping. It was so nice to be able to go back and forth from our two campsites and to the bathroom at my convenience.
It became a jungle gym for 5+ munchkins at my best friend, Rylees wedding... My picture is lost in the "cloud" somewhere lol.
If your in the early stages of Guillain Barré or any illness that restricts your mobility... I strongly recommend getting a powerchair/ scooter. Even if you only use it for a month or two. You can always resell it. But trust me shove over your pride if it will give your freedom.
