Change Is So Hard

OK, I have had the new Jazzy/Quantum 1121 almost five days now. I have forced myself to sit in the new chair, all day for three of those days. Imagine, if you well, a new pair of shoes or starting new physical regimen of one sort or another. Your body reacts: muscles are stretched and challenged and soreness results. This is true with a new wheelchair especially this chair. I have to relearn transfer techniques at the office as well as home. The ride in the Quantum compared to the 1120 is day and night. I see the analogy as riding a Caddy to an MGB—the Caddy will render comfort and ease where as the Quantum renders performance at the cost of physical comfort and convenience. The seat in the 1120 was huge and afforded me lots of storage space for books, back packs sweat shirts bottles etc. There is none of that ,naturally occurring on the Quantum—there are some options to consider but I have not really considered their exploitation as yet. I used to glide over cracks in the side walks, railroad tracks and the new chair jars my teeth out of my head doing the same and just keeping put in my Quantum is a challenge riding in the van, train and bus. The Quantum is much lighter. I used to be able to use the weight of the 1120 to safely brace against for transfers and cruising stability but not any more. I have to pay attention to everything from curbs to corners. This is OK though, just part of change. I have accepted the speed differential of the two chairs and can live with slower speed. I still get to where I am going. I’ll just have to get used to the lack of comfort this is life, a “free” chair, brand new, under warrenty I CAN CHANGE!!