Wheelchair and weight

john_1969

Before i go to a mobilty place is it feasible for a 23 stone man to self propel a wheelchair?

sunnyone

john_1969 wrote: »

Before i go to a mobilty place is it feasible for a 23 stone man to self propel a wheelchair?

Baratric (sp) wheelchairs are very expensive and very heavy to self propel but if you have the strenght to push yourself it must be possible or they wouldnt make the 'chairs.

Dogger69

Certainly feasible, I know someone that did when he was a fair bit heavier.

Maybe worth asking your GP for help with weight management, before it gets to the point when you cannot help yourself?

Brassedoff

If you have a referral to wheelchair services, they can get a XXL Cobalt chair. That takes up to 28st. But the difference is you are measured for it, if you are genuinely thought by the professionals to need it (no offence). As for self propelling, it's easy, well over time. I have arms I am quite proud of with the chest o go with it. Saying that, I still cannot get around the local Tesco Extra!

If you are thinking of buying one, you have to ask why if the HCP are not issuing you with one.

My chair is max 19st, I was 23st but have lost a fair bit of weight and on tine to do so, and I find it easier and easier to move my chair, well subject to my back not hurting me. I have a brand new Invacare XLT with a shed load of extras that costs me just over £800 added to the £1700 prescription cost.

There is a big XLT XXL for sale on the spinal injuries forum, http://forum.spinal.co.uk/default.aspx?g=forum

sandy_smith_2

john_1969 wrote: »

Before i go to a mobilty place is it feasible for a 23 stone man to self propel a wheelchair?

Providing you're reasonably strong and don't have any major respiratory/breathing problems then yes it's feasible.

Brassedoff

sandy_smith wrote: »

Providing you're reasonably strong and don't have any major respiratory/breathing problems then yes it's feasible.

If he gets the right chair. Get the wrong one and it will be like pushing with a concrete bag on his lap