Wheels

So an hour after my last post in which I went on and on about how great he's doing and how he hasn't had a headache in sooo long.... Owen got a headache. 

Found him crying in his bedroom in the middle of the day, laying on the floor, holding his head.   It was almost time for his medicine (which seems like it might be a pattern) so I gave it to him and he felt better after a while.  Thanks for your prayers.

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BUT IN OTHER NEWS....

We pulled the trigger!

Thursday Owen's PT had a mobility guy come in to talk wheelchairs with us.   I went into it a little nervous.  Nervous that this guy too would try to push us into something we didn't want for his own convenience. 

I had researched like crazy on the internet and asked the advice of lots of other SB moms who deal with these things day in and day out.  I went into the meeting with a clear favorite.   

I was just hoping the guy would walk through everything with me.  I still wasn't sure I wanted to order from a local company, but was open to it if I was convinced they would take good care of us.  I just have never really had a bad experience with Riley's brace and wheelchair shop so my default was to go with them.

Deb had me explain our situation.  I told him how mobile Owen was and that he just needed wheels for long distance situations where he would fatigue quickly otherwise.  I explained our experience at Riley when they told me "exactly" what I needed because it folded without going over any other options, as if folding was the feature to trump all else.   I told him it was more important to us that it be a lightweight chair that Owen could move easily.   I told him I was the kind of mom who wanted to understand what Owen needed and why, and discuss what chair would best fit his needs no more no less.

I had not mentioned to Deb or this guy that I was already partial to the Zippie Zone, but as I finished my schpele he pulled out a brochure for the Zippe Zone!    I think I knew right then I was gonna like this guy.  He went on to explain why he thought this chair would be a good fit for Owen and spent the next hour walking me through the order form. 

End result... I feel completely confident that we got the right chair for Owen, although I suppose it is yet to be seen.  Deb will write the letter of need to insurance next week after her vacation.  Then we'll wait for approval (which I hear is the long part) then they'll order, and 10 days later it should come.  couple of months I expect.  We're anxious to get it.

We decided against the light up wheels since they are an upcharge and I had already added an upcharge for the second color.  I'm an artist, so sue me.  hoping they'll cover it, if not, I think it's still wroth it.  kinda silly I know.

So the chair Owen is getting will look just like the one in the picture—toxic green and blue—except the wheels will look more like mountain bike tires.  And there will be a foot plate extension because Owen's legs are so short.  We'll have low push handles and a removable stroller bar for parents to push if needed.  Also little side guards to protect his sides from the wheels.  We're also getting the wheels cambered 3º which will make it easier to roll.

super excited!

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Also Owen had his OT (occupational therapy) eval on Thursday morning.  Excited to get that rolling.  Hopefully it will help with feeding issues, texture issues and strength/fatigue he has with his hands and arms as well as fine motor skills.


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Thanks for checking in on Owen!