It might not sound like a big deal but trying to get the bus when you use a wheelchair can be a pretty nerve wracking thing, I worried about there being parents with prams in the wheelchair space who would refuse to move. I worried about coming across an unpleasant bus driver. I worried about people staring at me throughout the whole journey (you have to face the rest of the bus when you are in the wheelchair space). Basically, there was a lot that I was worrying about! In the end though it wasn't as bad as I expected, I was lucky to get a lovely driver both times and when parents with prams did appear the driver made sure I got on the bus first. Getting into the wheelchair space wasn't too hard either, my choice of getting a midwheel drive powerchair with a small turning circle benefited me a lot when navigating the bus. My Mum came with me for the trip just so I could get used to it but I think I'm already confident enough to get the bus on my own!
Now I've mastered the bus I really can go anywhere on my own! I feel so free and independent when I use my powerchair, it really is the best feeling in the world. I still have to be pushed in my manual sometimes if I'm going out with family in the car but I don't hate it as much anymore as I know when I get home if I wanted to I could go anywhere I wanted and be in full control. Going into town and browsing shops is so much better when I don't have to direct someone and tell them to stop all the time, shopping becomes a pretty unpleasant experience when you aren't in control so I can't wait to have a proper shopping trip on my own. I feel like I always saying this but really I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who donated and shared my gofundme page, I'm not exaggerating when I say that this powerchair really has changed my life.
I'm so pleased the powerchair is working out so well for you! Independence is so important so it's great you've gained so much of that back
ReplyDeleteCaitlin - Chronically Caitlin
Thank you lovely! x
DeleteReally chuffed you have your power chair it looks like it's really opened some doors for you
ReplyDeleteMel ★ meleaglestone.co.uk
It really has! x
DeleteYay such a positive post :) Independence is the best !!
ReplyDeleteIt most certainly is :) x
DeleteI'm SO happy for you Shona :) I can also understand why you might feel nervous about doing certain things at first but I'm really glad you feel confident enough now to do things like get on the bus on your own, you deserve to have the independence and freedom to do what you like - it's great that your power chair helps you have that!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear more about what your power chair allows you to achieve in the future <3
Thank you so much lovely, your support has meant a lot to me! I'll definitely keep you all updated about everything I get up to in it! x
DeleteI am SO happy that it has been so helpful for you! :D :D :D
ReplyDeleteMy mum has fibro (amongst other stuff), and I know how much she values things that aid her independence.
I was so thrilled when I saw that person had donated the remaining amount, it was really cool! :) x
Thank you! It really does make a huge difference having things like this to make me more independent and just so I can live my life! It was amazing wasn't it :) x
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