Avoidance comes at a cost...
For 8 months I've equivocated about this purchase...
But in truth, I was avoiding the reality of life with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and the fact that I am 100+kg and needed to seriously de-load my left foot and ankle to truly affect change in my recovery.
I should have bought this wheelchair in January as soon as we arrived in Perth. But international moves are complex and stressful, so it's hard to make major decisions during that period.
The medical boot I've been in and out of since late December and all the ankle straps and custom orthotics in the world weren't going to take enough of my weight off that foot. And my life was going to be limiting. My outdoor recreation opportunities were diminishing and depressing me.
I have already been using crutches too as needed and still will. Daily life will probably involve a little of all three:
- Wheelchair for longer 'walks'
- Crutches when my foot needs a break from the medical boot
- Medical boot around the house
I have up until now been able to ride my bike as long as I'm super careful when I dismount, so I'll keep doing that for now with my ankle heavily strapped! But each day is about adjusting to suit the changing needs of my body.
I'll need to build upper body strength slowly in the coming weeks and months.
I am considering the possibility of foot/ankle surgery but right now I'm just de-loading the foot and trying to avoid surgical treatment.
The wheelchair I chose:
