As you all are aware if you’ve read my previous blog posts,
I’m trying to build my upper body so that I can be independent when using a
manual wheelchair and push myself. I started off with some weight work but then
I thought practice makes perfect so I should push myself further than just
inside the house. So, I started by going around the block, which is pretty
flat. Then, I challenged myself a few times by going down (easy) and back up my
street (testing). Today, I combined both by going around to Waitrose and back.
It’s not a` huge distance but believe me, to an unfit, disabled Wheelchair Boy
pushing himself (and I’m not light, my Harlem Shake proves that), it is like a
marathon.
I am quite proud because it is by no means simple. Not only
am I weak because of my condition, there is also other problems that conspire
against me. Firstly, like I’ve said before, the pavements are awful. It’s like
an added obstacle course, what with the potholes I’m forced to manoeuvre and
uneven ground I have to go over.
Secondly, my wheelchair is from the NHS so is obviously not
the best. My fingers are always getting caught and it tends to veer off to one
side, which adds to the difficulty. It is just not designed properly. I could
do with a lightweight chair but I’m not sure where from.
About 5 years ago, the charity Whizz Kidz bought me an
electric wheelchair because the NHS refused me one. This completely transformed
my life by making me more independent. However, I’m 19 and no longer fit in the
criteria of charities like this. I can’t afford one because a light, easy to
use manual that is designed to fit my purpose would be highly expensive
(talking £1000’s) and I would need assistance.
I don’t know where to turn (no pun intended).
I’m still a long way off flexing my biceps but I’ve just had
a protein shake so I’ll keep you updated.
Bye for now!
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