Permobil Power Wheelchairs: Nu Motion Solutions for Mobility

It's time to talk about power wheelchairs or start the conversation of Permobil, the power wheelchair and solution for mobility presented to me by Nu Motion. I expect this post will eventually expand to cover a wide range of topics related to mobility after paralysis in many subcategories. It's been two years since I purchased my Permobil wheelchair, and I wasn't very confident about it for my situation. The chair was not sturdy enough for my lifestyle. The chair felt tipy. The chair is also too tall for my converted vehicle. The chair tipped backward every time I ascended the ramp, requiring my caregiver to walk behind me to provide support. When I descended, my spasticity caused my legs to kick off and caused several minor injuries. I had called repairmen out to address my concerns and many would simply address the visual issues.

Despite being replaced three times already, the pads on the armrests and thigh supports still show signs of wear and tear. The repairmen all shrugged, their lack of answers indicating that my specific injury posed a challenge. They encouraged us to try to invent our own solutions, which I would love to do. Still, I am paralyzed, I am a parent, I am training my service dog... let's summarize by saying, "Invention is a later-in-life assignment." First I need to be able to navigate this life and these current responsibilities.

In the long run, my spasticity increased. This was especially concerning because I began to develop deep tissue injuries. As I became more uncomfortable, my leg spasms became more pronounced, and it would take a longer time to get them to come to rest. Spasms hurt particularly after hours of them. As I felt worse, Connie and I actively sought a solution.

This led us to research online, looking for solutions to my mobility needs. We found a few helpful resources, but I was mostly overwhelmed and needing clarification. Ultimately, I reached out to my Physical and Occupational therapists for wheelchair provider advice and support. Within a few weeks, a Nu Motion representative was at my house measuring for solutions.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that adaptive support structures can be fitted to chairs to prevent spasms. I was measured for them, and I will update my post once I have the chair equipped with the adapted equipment.

I am beginning to notice some improvement in my leg spasms since we discovered a pair of myofascial trigger points in the upper thighs, which had formed due to the inflammation in the muscles around my thighs. After adjusting the support padding on my chairs and undergoing multiple massage therapy sessions, I am beginning to feel some improvement in my leg spasms.

The tipy chair was addressed when the Nu Motion rep was in our home. He could adjust the chair with me and stayed to ensure his adjustments worked with my home and car ramp. The new Motion representative was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. He was professional and very polite. I was very impressed with his service.

For the car height: We are in the process of trying to get a solution. I believe this should be a consideration for the wheelchair companies to address and discuss before the sale. No one told me my Permobil was taller than my previous wheelchair. The height difference only affects me entering the car by about 3 centimeters but requires that I tilt my head to get into my vehicle, and even then, I still bonk my head 80% of the time. For now- it is in the books as a small price a paralyzed veteran pays to go to the park with his family.

But now, to the most critical part of this entire post and the motivation behind it. While on our latest travel adventure to discover ways to get out in the world, I encountered other Permobile users with quadriplegia who had excellent wheelchairs fully customized to meet their needs. Their customizations went far beyond what my representative had said was available from the company.

These other users loved their Permobils, and I need to know what is available to me to love mine, too. We can't get what we don't know exists, so what adaptations do you have? Do you love them? What could be different about your chair to improve your quality of life? Let's discuss it!