Going to the doctor for annual healthcare checkups is a normal occurrence for most individuals. Making these appointments so that they don’t interfere with work or school schedules takes some thought. Once the appointment is booked, you just wait for the day to arrive. For someone with a physical disability who uses a wheelchair, however, there are many logistics that still need to be worked out. There are many questions that run through my head every time I consider going for annual healthcare checkup. Here are just a few of the questions I think about and plan for.
Questions I Ask Myself Before Medical Appointments
- Will I be able to open the door to access the building?
- Will the check-in counter be too high for me to reach the sign in sheet?
- Will the exam room be large enough to accommodate my power wheelchair?
- Will I have to transfer to an exam chair or table?
- Will I have to ask for assistance with any of the above tasks?
If my doctors require any additional tests, procedures, or lab work, then that list of questions continues to grow. While I realize these healthcare checkups are necessary, they sure can be a major pain for wheelchair users to deal with. Honestly, I used to dread having to schedule and plan for medical visits. All that changed, however, when I started using my Stretto Power Wheelchair with tilt, recline, leg lift, and iLevel (power adjustable seat height).
Opening Doors and Reaching the Check-In Counter
Because of iLevel technology, I no longer depend on the kindness of strangers to open doors for me. Instead, I can adjust my seat height which allows me to open doors for myself and return the favor for others. iLevel also allows me to sign myself in at the check-in counter for my appointments. Thanks to my Stretto Power Wheelchair, I can mark two questions off my list of logistical concerns.
Maneuvering My Wheelchair into the Exam Room
The Stretto is a super narrow power wheelchair. The narrow base allows me to navigate in the smallest of medical exam rooms. I no longer worry about my wheelchair being too large. This checks another question off my list!
Using Tilt, Recline and iLevel During the Exam
The tilt, recline, leg lift, and iLevel features allow me to remain in my power wheelchair for routine visits to my dentist, optometrist, gynecologist, general practitioner and rheumatologist. There is no longer a need for me to transfer to an exam chair or table because the features on my motorized wheelchair can put me in the positions needed for each healthcare checkup. This marks another question off my list.
My life is greatly enhanced because of the design and features on my Stretto Motorized Wheelchair. I can now schedule my annual healthcare checkups with no worries!
About Bliss Welch: Bliss is a Quantum® brand ambassador and Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2013. Bliss is actively involved in the disability community. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her daughter. Click here to learn more about Bliss.
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