Ten months ago i wrote an article called ‘you stole my legs’. After being so sick and tired of being lied to and treated like i was ‘less than’ by a company that has contact with the disabled community every single day.
There is a huge misconception that most people believe that when you have a disability we’re given everything so freely. I can’t remember a time when I’ve not had to fight for something I’ve needed to keep my Independence. Just once it would be nice to feel like you don’t have to fight tooth and nail or explain why I think I’m entitled to keep my Independence.
The quote above i still stand by or should say sit by! When your disabled nothing comes easy or handed to you on a silver set of wheels, all while saying this is all you’ll ever need for the rest of your life.
My needs can change sometimes before i have even gotten use to the changes i’m still fighting for. I have a rare form muscular dystrophy a progressive muscle wasting condition and like most things time is muscle precious for me, so when you are left in a situation where your needs aren’t met or listened to it can be extremely difficult on your physical and mental well-being as well as your independence.
I would be lying if I didn’t say it’s been a long tiring road with my local wheelchair services AJM Healthcare Milton Keynes. However, after i posted my article it seem to make waves, a few of the staff since made an effort to make relevant changes and rectify the issues concerned. They have recognise and are trying to make significant changes to provide a better service by working with service uses through running online visual forums – to not just improve their service but also how they deal with service user as well as improving their website. By being more aware, owning past, present and future mistakes is a start – it also proves that if you are a service use and feel you are not getting the service you rightly deserve make your concerns known.
AJM Healthcare Milton Keynes are still a long way to getting it right or really understanding the damage mistakes can make on the disabled community. But definitely on the right path and only time will tell.
Anyway, after three long years of fighting i can finally say ‘I HAVE MY NEW WHEELS’ i can’t explain how excited i was abs still am when i received that call to say we are going to deliver your Wheelchair on…..
My shiny NEW WHEELCHAIR! Did i mention i have a new wheelchair. No, well let me tell you all about it, it’s a Quickie R500 with a few new functions that i haven’t had before and very excited about like the rises and tilt, where has this been the majority of my wheelchair life – yes i am now able to reach the top shelf and be at eye height to someone standing. It was a strange feeling being up that high and if i had the arm strength i could totally paint the ceiling! Hubby on the other hand was a little bit freaked out and said ‘okay, that’s enough you can come back down now’. Haha!
Another new function is the leg lift because i have Lymphoedema in both feet it can sometimes be uncomfortable, being able to take that unwanted pressure off will be amazing, i can control both leg rests together or separately, my posture is now far better in this new chair i have definitely been feeling the difference, i still have to tweak a few things because nothing is right off the bat you always notice a few bits after using your wheel for a few days.
What’s unfortunate about my whole Journey with AJM wheelchair services is it shouldn’t of taken three years and it certainly shouldn’t of been me publicly calling them out ten months ago for them to finally step up – i can only hope that lessons have been learnt and what i was put though was a one off and doesn’t happen to anyone else happen.
I would love to hear about your experiences with your local Wheelchair Services and all the wonderful functions that you might have on your set of wheels? Feel free to leave me a comment.
Kisses K
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Kerry Thompson - My Life, Kerry's Way. 
How do you get in the wheel chair I used to be able to do that I have adrenolecodistrophy so can’t put weight on my legs they just don’t work. My son lifts me into the chair from my bed or couch. I would like to scoot into the chair . I can scoot down on my bed or couch. Or maybe throw myself onto the bed could be fun. My husband has arthris so can’t lift me into the chair. I suppose I should keep trying . My other son bought me an electric wheelchair for 200.00 . It works fine has arms that come down.
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Hi Rose
Thank you for your comment I hope that you are safe and well.
Sorry it’s taken so long to get back to you – my husband stands me then sits me down either in wheels or chair or bed. where is my PAs use the hoist
Have you looked into a banana board it’s a slide board that sits under your bottom and then onto the chair and slide across
Ask OT to come out and assess your needs – you are able to do a self referral now
Kisses K
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Oh wow, that’s fantastic news! I’m so happy for you, you must be incredibly relieved! It is beyond disgusting how long this has taken and what you’ve had to go through – what you’ve had to fight tooth and nail for – none of which should have happened.
When you get into the chair do you say you’re going for a Quickie? 😉
The leg lift is a great idea, I hope that can provide even a little relief with the Lymphoedema as that pressure must be awful to deal with. The new wheels look fab and I hope they serve you well, Kerry!
Caz xx
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Hi invisibly me.
Thank you for your comment.
Yes it was definitely a very emotional day when that chair arrived lol
I think you get so used to fighting tooth and nail for everything and it just becomes second nature as much as it shouldn’t be that case it is unfortunately that case isn’t it. It becomes very much a natural thing to do.
Haha No but I’m deafly going to start doing that!
The leg lift has definitely helped in more ways than one i’m fortunate that my legs aren’t that bad as I do wear compression socks as well. But just having the Leg lifts does take the pressure off of my back and bum
So far so good apparently it goes off road as well i’m definitely excited to use that function!! Lol
Hope you are well and safe
Kisses K
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