GOING OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A WHEELCHAIR
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2022
- GOING OUT FOR THE FIST TIME IN A WHEELCHAIR MAY SEEM LIKE A VERY DAUNTING EXPERIENCE. This is why I have made this video, sharing some tips and trick to help lay your fist time out in a wheelchair or with a mobility aid as easy as possible. wether you have a spinal cord injury, or another disability. I hope this video helps you today.
![[UNCUT] ฝันรักห้วงนิทรา | EP.11 (3/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4oyX6CnuonM/mqdefault.jpg)
This video is not sponsored. I wanted to show you one of my favourite places to visit on a day out in my wheelchair. I like to pick places that I know well, and make me feel safe. Let me know your favourite places to visit, and why. and don’t forget to share your tips.
This garden centre is called The Old Barn in worthing.
My partner is a double amputee & I bought her a bicycle bell & fitted it to one arm of wheelchair we find this gets better reception than shouting excuse me!
The first time I went out with my rollator, it was to check out a new museum. Being so new, they had beautiful ramps, plenty of space, and loads of accessibility. It was an absolute pleasure! Patrons and staff were both so kind around me and my rollator. It made waiting in long lines actually doable. ❤ I was nervous at first, but I just sort of owned it. 😊
If it’s your first time, go somewhere for familiar without carpet and when your energy level is down 25% start thinking of heading home. That way you have 50-25% of your energy when you get home. I know it’s exciting but by going home early you are less likely to see it draining in the long term and more likely to go out. It’s going to be full on you are learning a lot like how people interact with you or where the accessible entrance are compared with what you may be use to and a lot more. So give yourself grace.
Thank you for sharing these tips Sarah, Really helpful.
That’s a really great tip thanks x
Good advice! The first time I went out I was exhausted; it took the better part of a week to recover. Yesterday we went out to the same place and many others, and I could not believe how strong I was, plus I wasn't totally spent when we got home.
It took me a few 50-65% energy-drain outings before I figured out exactly what you said, heh. I was too stubborn to accept a short outing at first. But I eventually started to accept it, and notice the window I could stay outside would slowly but steadily grow. Though after getting covid a few times, I had to start it all over, just going outside and right back in! But I built it back up quicker than the first time in a chair.
Amazing advice I needed! Thank you!!
You have me in tears because you make me look forward to something I dread. Thank you, you're awesome!!
AHHHhhhh. Really hope it helps. We are all here for you. :)
The first few times I went out I was so self conscious. It felt like everyone was staring at me. Plus, it was hard to make it up hills and broken walkways. Thankfully I did not go it alone. It takes time to get used to it, but the more you go out, the easier (mentally as well as physically) it gets. It feels good to get past that initial fear; it's empowering.
One thing will become very apparent when you start going out in a wheelchair. Just because the ground _looks_ level, doesn't mean it is!
Know what you mean the first time i
I traveled in my chair I Felt like I was tilting
And even if you gain confidence keep the ground in sight because there will be a bump coming up….🙈
I end up being 8-10ft into the roadway when wheeling in the street because of that - where I live, anything closer to the curb than that is significantly more sloped, but we're allowed to walk in the street here, so therefore we're allowed to wheel in the street (a good portion of town that should have sidewalks doesn't, and even fewer curb cuts at intersections - most intersections here are 4-way, but, except for the main road and 1 block north and south of it, there are generally only 1-2 curb cuts at each, if any at all). Cops have passed me when I've been in the street, and they don't care that I'm so far into the roadway - if one ever questioned me about it, I would tell him that it's far more sloped any closer to the curb and make sure he actually saw that for himself.
@@katharinamonch4223 That's one of the reasons I hated when my dad pushed me - he would only ever look straight ahead, never at the ground, and he nearly threw me out of my chair more than once because of it, even despite my attempts to correct our course before we hit the bumps. It's actually the reason I got a seatbelt with my custom chair - it's one thing if it's my own fault (has happened a couple times, and there's one particular street I always avoid because of it, since I have to pop a little wheelie every 10-20ft to avoid all the super wide cracks in the road), but totally different when it's someone else's; I don't use it anymore when I go out alone (I did for the first couple weeks I had my chair until I was confident enough to feel safe going without it, since I had to get used to using a SmartDrive as well), but if anyone ever needs to push me again, I will be pulling it back out, because I refuse to risk being thrown out of my chair anymore.
One of the biggest hurdles is the psychological one. You will find young children in particular will stare at you but I guess they are just curious, these days a just pop a wheelie for them. I was lucky enough to be taken out during my rehab stay with some other first timers and it helped a lot. Shopping centres are generally good places and you'll get to know which shops to avoid, with aisles too narrow for you or obstacles left in the way. Also when following my wife round clothes shops I lose her quite often because you can't see over the clothes rails
yes omg im 5'9 when on my feet, so im completely unprepared when im wheeling and lose sight of my roommate or aisle signs since i never struggled with that before😩
My big tip if it is your first time out or you are used to going out do not over pack the trip out with chores... stop and come home before you start to feel exhausted.
It took me so long to realise life in a, wheelchair uses more physical and mental energy than when on 2 legs so would cram day or trip out to max then start to feel tired but pushed on and forget I had to have enough energy left to get home and function.
I use to feel a failure if saying need to head home, now if I manage up that's a win, up and dressed bonus, previous 2 and out somewhere all Christmases have come at once.
So I plan a few chores, stop and do top up meds plus coffee re assess if OK do another max 2 sml chores then home so I have energy left and not stuck in bed for rest of week.
Spoons, Pacing whatever you want to call it but big thing be kind to yourself.
For me, it helped when I smiled at everyone I came across, because they tended to look at me and then look away, as though being in a wheelchair was contagious!
I think you should bring wheelchair gloves and a bag of your supplies just in case. I use wheelchair gloves to this day because they protect my hands from the friction. Everything does get better and easier as time goes by. Remember people are usually really genuinely happy to help you if you need it, do not be embarrassed to ask for help.
Hi Rose. Hope you are good today. Thank you for sharing. Really good tips.
@@Wheelsnoheels Hey Gem I am alright, thank you for asking. How are you?
I’m good. Glad it’s Friday. Hoping to get a sleep in tomorrow 😊
@@Wheelsnoheels I hope so as well. Sleeping in is the best 😌. Have a great rest of your day, and I hope your weekend goes well.
Other tips: Gem mentionned remembering to take any medication you might need but I would add: remember to take anything you might need, snacks (especially if you have a restrictive diet and however yummy that scone looked you couldn't eat it...), temperature regulation devices, sensory numbing accessories (sun glasses, earplugs...) etc... remember that it's one of the advantages of being on wheels, you can bring stuff without having to carry it! yes it might be an extra kilo that you could do without but I just thing of it as additional body weight, I wouldn't chop a part of me off to lesson the weight so I'm not going to go without other things I might need!
Also: don't look to see if people are staring or looking at you, if you don't look for them then you probably won't notice them!
And maybe: have a bit of a practice run, just playing around in your house, garden, along the street outside your house (if it's safe to do so) or even go to a supermarket carpark after closing time to have a spin, test out the brakes, steering, manouvering, parking, handbrake turns... ;)
Exactly! It’s so much easier to carry more stuff when the chair does the carrying for you. I’ve got an underslung bag and can hang a few large shopping bags off mine if need be.
I am a part time wheelchair user and I can still walk short distances, but when I am in the chair, people tend to be very accommodating and helpful. Most of the time if I do need help, people are quick to offer. In turn if I see another person in a wheelchair and they look like they need help, I ask them first. Sometimes well meaning people are too helpful and I have to gently, but firmly tell them that I am ok.
I always make sure to thank people when they make the effort to ask first (before trying to help), because it makes a world of a difference when they do.
Wow, they really have their accessibility on point there. They have a lot of fun Christmas things too.
I'm getting a wheelchair for the first time in the next couple of weeks. I'm planning to do a museum for the first time since it's so well set up for wheelchairs. My biggest fear though, is being seen by someone I know - nobody except my wife knows about the wheelchair yet. Sounds stupid, but as much as the chair is to let me get out and about, I'm seriously embarrassed to do so. Anxiety sux.
Thanks for the video Gem😘it feels a bit overwhelming in the beginning when you are a newly wheelchair user. Good news is you will become more confident and it will become natural. When I just had my chair I would never dream going on the train by myself and visiting unknown territory 😂it all felt so weird! Now my chair feels part of me and travel all over the place😘
Hi Elodie. Hope you are good. Thanks for sharing. It defiantly gets easier over time. Do you have plans for the weekend?
@@Wheelsnoheels my eldest daughter is doing a sponsor walk for a school in India, so am going to cheer her on🙏🏼😘💗on Sunday shopping in Manchester with both daughters. We live rural and just take the train. Have a lovely weekend with your family Gem🌺
@@elodieleaf Oh wow, busy one. Thank you enjoy your weekend. x
@@Wheelsnoheels 😘
Our train station has no staff and no accessibility! I am a newbie wheelchair user so I have alot to Learn. Good vid 💙
I agree with all your comments. I'd wear good wheelchair gloves to prevent friction burns etc. It's hard not to feel self-conscious when first using a wheelchair worrying about what other people think. Look at it as a tool to help you maintain your independence, conserve energy, it is En-Abling and gives freedom. It takes time to build up strength to self-wheel, so don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Gosh it's massive! It is amazing how garden centers took off - but that seems to be an especially large venue! Your scone was right proper! Hope it tasted as good as it looked.
I just bought a cane yesterday. The cane is really for my knees and hip, but I pulled a muscle in my back and after a week it has not healed yet. Huge difference with the cane. The pain is bearable with it, and without it I want to hit the floor and not move. I wish I had already bought it more than a few months back. At the time, I wasn't sure if it would work for me, and I was really self-conscious of being seen with it. But now that I am in so much pain with my back and my main knee is flaring up, the cane has made things so much easier. I am still a bit self-conscious about being seen with it since I am so young, but I am much happier with my pain levels being down.
Great video and graphic to go with it. What struck me the most was how different garden centres are from the ones here in Canada. An alternative title for this could be "The UK has amazing garden centres"!
The one near me is so cluttered and narrow, no cafe, pottery painting, kids play area, ... OMG!
This is an especially nice one! Most garden centres here have a café or a farm shop and some will have extras like a dog groomer or nursery (usually a separate business operating out of the garden centre). How accessible they are varies wildly - I can think of a few that are just a hodge podge of various structures bolted on over the years, where each section is on a different level.
Great video has always. So far I have never been out by myself in the wheelchair. Just had my new one delivered today, I got a quickie argon 2 light weight one. hubby took me out of the front so I could get used to it. All I need now is my ramp and then I can go out myself
Hi Brenda, thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it. Oh Happy wheelchair day. I know the quickie brand is quite popular so I hope the wheelchair is better for you. What colour did you go for?
@@Wheelsnoheels I went for brilliant purple. Black wheel trims I think the wheels are called ellipse. It's so I can put the wheelchair in the car myself from the drivers seat once I have got used to left foot accelarator
I bought myself a canvass style shopping basket. Same size as a basket in super markets. Has a zipper for card or cash. Then I know how much I can carry, I don't get overloaded. In my manual chair this basket fits between my feet if I need a couple of heavier items for my lap. Another tip, no one knows it's your first times out, stop and brows to let arms recover. Get leather fingerless gloves if you get blisters. Wrist supports if you need them. Then Go Go Go!!!!!
This video could not have come at a better time for me! Thank you.
You're right on time, my custom chair should be ready any day now ❤️
congrats on the new wheels! hope they serve you well!
Great tips.
Your videos are so helpful!
Paul is awesome! I did some access work a while back for them before the refit. Great video as always!
This is a great video and awesome tips. I choose a movie theatre for my first solo outing because I knew I’d be able to rest a couple hours for the film between taking transit there and then doing the return journey and it worked really well. Anywhere that has a nice still rest in the middle would work well (like sitting in the cafe as you're doing), I just really missed movies in the theatre and I've recommended it to a couple friends as new wheelchair users as well.
Thank you so much! I would recommend to plan with plenty of time because you never know when there is an obsticle or you need a break. 😄
Will be getting my chair in about 4 more weeks. Sigh wish they were just in stock, but the wait will be worth it! Will be able to get out without pain anymore. Too bad there isnt a wheel chair operators course to help beginners like myself! Really enjoyed your video and tips!
this is so useful! i have yet to venture far alone in my chair. i know if i get stuck i can get up in a pinch, but i want to avoid that for both embarrassment and to reduce my likelihood of being harassed. i may try and go check out store halloween decorations soon as that seems easier to do and really fun.
Just found your channel and loving your content❤
First place I used any wheelchair (other than just messing around for fun) - museum with all hard floors and an elevator between all levels
First place I used my first wheelchair - either grocery store or Yellowstone (pretty sure it was the former, but it was more than 4 years ago and we went to Yellowstone the week after I got it, so I don't remember for sure)
First place I used my first custom chair w/SmartDrive - down the street to a park in my neighborhood that has some paved sidewalks/trails (ended up going 1 1/2 miles total - I cried when I checked the mileage after I got home, because it had been more than 2 years since I'd been able to go that far by myself on pavement without having to drive, and over 4 years since I'd been able to walk it); with a 7-8 mile battery life, it's now my alternate mode of transportation for when I can't, or simply don't feel like, driving.
If I were in a wheelchair, I'd be like: Outa my way.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user: The biggest thing I struggle with is getting through crowds. I feel like I basically say "excuse me" on loop and, because folks often don't hear me/see me/realize I'm talking to them, often I have to shout it at a much higher volume than I would like and end up being glared (or sometimes talked down to) at as a result. I've even tried getting the ever insulting wheelchair flag, and then promptly tossed it in the basement because it did not help at all. It drives me nuts because even before I needed a wheelchair I've always been super aware of if I'm blocking others. If I stop, I move me and my things to the side out of everyone's way, but it seems like 75% of people would rather just stand in the middle of walking areas and be oblivious to others trying to get by.
If anyone has any tips for that I'd appreciate it. It's honestly the biggest thing that keeps me from using my wheelchair on days where I probably should.
Nigel mentioned a good idea in his comment - bike bell.
Even as an able-bodied person I have this issue! Why don't other people just keep to one side?
My grandad has fitted a really loud horn to his motability scooter (which looks like a motorbike!), so he can honk at people blocking the way. The horn on my grandma's scooter is quite quiet, so my grandad often beeps his from the other side of the road and people take notice and move out of the way.
The other trick if someone is walking towards you blocking the path is to just stop. They'll either notice you and move out of the way or bump into you and be really embarrassed.
I keep a torch attached to my powerchair so that when it’s getting darker then oncoming people become aware of you (especially on flashing mode)
I'd get a train whistle.
I am disabled but don't have a car so have to 'walk' to the stores. I would appreciate a video on how to get to stores without using a car.
lovely it xx
My first time out in my mine (besides going to work) was the state fair, lol
I didn't know Shaun was from Australia. I'm from Melbourne 🇦🇺. That scone was Huge. I love Christmas. What brand is your new wheelchair?.
Hi Gem have fun love you.
I’m needing a wheelchair now and I’m petrified. What if I can’t push myself along on my own? What type of wheelchair should I choose? Where should I go? Do I get help from the NHS? I’ve put a lot of weight on due to steroids when I lose the weight will I need a different chair?
I love your channel so much as you give such a good range of ideas and problems we face.
How did you feel first time? Did your husband know you before you had your wheelchair or not?
I’m afraid my husband has decided to leave me as it’s not what he had envisioned even though he knew before he married me.
With larger weight changes it can necessitate a new chair, though there’s also chairs with more adjustments! I lost a lot of weight when I first started using my wheelchair, but then started medication known for weight gain and just stayed pretty much steady.
I would recommend looking at self mastering guides at least to have some ideas to fact check any NHS clinic, or get a head start on buying something suitable second hand. There’s also a blog post on Dreamwidth called Reinventing The Wheel which goes into all the intro details about types of chairs and who they’re good for :)
If you’ve got other questions you can reply and if TH-cam shows me I’ll try to help!
Can u do a video taking the bus
Just rember you can see the cars but they don't see you enjoyed the video friends have a day love from TEXAS
That's why I have lights on the front (white), sides (blue string lights), and back (red) of my chair: cars have absolutely zero excuse for not seeing me at night - I literally look like a little vehicle because of the white and red lights, and the string lights on my rear wheels show them exactly how wide I am.
If I have the right of way, I also sort of stare down the driver until I'm positive that they're going to wait; there have been times where a car has gone part way (or all the way) over the crosswalk at intersections, and I make them back up; one time, someone in the right lane pulled all the way across the crosswalk at a red light (right before I crossed in front of him - I was less than 10 ft from the corner when he pulled up), and didn't turn right immediately - I smacked his truck as I went around the back of it (didn't want to go around the front in case he did turn while I was in front of him, since his truck hood was tall enough that he wouldn't be able to see me) because he should have known better than to pull all the way across it when stopping for a red light (where I live, if you have a red light and you're turning right (we don't have any "no turn on red" signs here), you're supposed to pull up behind the crosswalk, stop, then slowly pull forward to turn while making sure there's no one crossing directly in front of you - you aren't supposed to pull up across the crosswalk without stopping behind it first, and definitely never stop in the crosswalk if you're going straight) - turns out he didn't even turn at that intersection.
Sunglasses.. water.. sugar and salt for drop of tension..
Please make a video about your current car
Yes, please. I'm an amputee who cannot walk on a prosthetic and am wheelchair bound. We've made the decision to get some type of a ramp vehicle. We're in the US so I don't think we have the options you may have, but am curious to see how you handle that
I noticed that I am constantly looking 5 feet ahead of me .
I have just recently become a
Paraplegic and im looking for all the help I can get.
the first day i was out in my wheelchair the road they said was “wheelchair accessible” was gravel 😭
What is the little bag attached to the front of your wheelchair?
your wheelchair is same as my son, no armrest, someone gave it to him, but do you know if it’s possible to add an armrest and where to get it?
I hardly go out because of the worry! Haven’t been properly out for years now. I must try and just do it. I don’t drive and either does my partner and I feel that restricts me (busses can be stressful)
What would you recommend for someone who doesn’t drive, and how to start getting the courage to just do it? ❤
I needed 3.5 years to realise that driving opens up a whole new world for me. I am glad I waited so long with learning it because now my arms and habds are used to function as my legs while driving with handgas - if that makes any sense. My legs did not come in the way cause my brain was already rewired. So I just searched for a kind and empathetic driver instructor. Before my first lesson I made sure to cath just before and put on some protection - just to make myself feel even more safe. The lady explained everything to me and I started driving on a nice and secure parking area. The second time around already felt so much more naturally. I was off to the street and drove like I used to before I became paralysed. It made me feel so proud and confident. I love driving and feel so much more independent now. Give it a go! It ll change ur life for the better 😊
for the first time, i never really thought of it. I just did it like normal. Just had to get used to ppl looking at me. Yes here in France ppl look at you like you're a freak and even say you are faking being disabled.
How much courage did you need to go out in your wheelchair for the first time?
Sadly it'll be a long time before I get my chair as I'm paying out of pocket, but I'm excited for it and how it may help in my daily life
My only worry is I live somewhere with very little flat terrain
Mrs Gem, a few people are entirely on their own with no-one to rely on.
I guess it's too individual of a thing, but seing the title, I was hoping to see tips for how to get yourself and the mobility aid in the car. I'm using a wheelchair while recovering from surgery and can stand on one leg, but my balance isn't great. I can get myself out of the chair and into the car and vice versa but haven't figured out getting the chair in the car by myself yet.
Too hyper for me.
Our garden centre is really good they have a great coffee shop with lots of locally produced cakes 🍰🧁☕️and they do a fantastic Xmas display every year with a massive train tacks and 5/6trains going around it daily oh and they have a great range of vegetables you can plant at home 🏡