Long time no speak & new wheels...

[TremF]

Hello to anyone that's still around that remembers me. 🙂 It's been a while.

I hope everyone is well and still rolling along on whatever EUC's they have nowadays. I've seen some I'd love to try and am very jealous. 🙂

This is a long one so bear with me.

Unfortunately I had my last ride on my ACM2 in November 2019. After trying an e-bike for a few months, that made worsened the problems I was having due to partially  unknown medical issues (I have lumbar spine degenerative disease and compression of the spinal cord at C6/C7 but something else was going on meaning I was able to do less and less the more I stayed active), I went back to the ACM but was struggling with just the commute to work. One morning I was feeling very weak and tired and had bad brain fog, hit a pot hole and came off. Luckily I had a helmet on and jacket with various pads so wasn't too badly hurt.

I then struggled using the bus to commute for a few months before a consultant finally diagnosed me with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, in February 2020, and I was advised to pace myself and work within my energy limits. Hard to do with my job.

Luckily COVID restrictions mean I have been able to work from home since the end of March 2020 but my restrictions now mean I have pretty much constant brain fog, weakness and fatigue (from mental exertion with work load) and struggle around the house, sometimes having to crawl up the stairs. 

I recently got the courage to admit I need, and to use, an electric wheelchair (picture somewhere). It seems strange moving so slowly, being limited with distance and trying to find routes I can take it but I'm finally getting out and about again, other than commuting to work, for the first time in over 2 1/2 years.

I still watch EUC vids to see what's available but I'm quite jealous at missing out on some fantastic wheel. Watching vids on electric wheelchairs isn't so exciting hehe though there are some cool ones for off road and that can manage steps but they are more expensive than EUC's. 🙂

Anyway, just thought I'd pop by, say hello and give an update.

Take care all. Enjoy your life and freedom, while you can, but stay safe and I might pop by again some time. 🙂

 

 

 

[meepmeepmayer]

Any idea where your condition comes from? Did is just happen suddenly (or gradually)?

I think this proves we need better "wheelchairs". No reason an electric wheelchair can't go as fast as a EUC, can be lighter, more suited for offroad, etc. Good enough to join a EUC group ride.

[TremF]

3 minutes ago, meepmeepmayer said:

Any idea where your condition comes from? Did is just happen suddenly (or gradually)?

I think this proves we need better "wheelchairs". No reason an electric wheelchair can't go as fast as a EUC, can be lighter, more suited for offroad, etc. Good enough to join a EUC group ride.

It's been building up over around 10 years or more, thinking back to when I was first unable to cycle distances. 

Had it been picked up on earlier I could have been advised to pace myself sooner and possibly not been as bad by now but, also, had they not picked up on the compression of my spinal cord I wouldn't have had an op to relieve pressure at C5/C6 in 2015 (surgeon didn't do the C6/C7 as it wasn't as bad at the time but I've had constant neck pain since so unsure what's going on there) so maybe things could have been worse.

Unfortunately pain aggravates the condition so my spine and neck issues don't help. Then once I have a CFS flare up I'm in even more pain so it's a vicious circle.

To be honest, with my brain fog, I think I'm safer at slower speeds. I struggle taking in the surroundings, just enough to focus on the immediate terrain and anyone nearby. I've got stuck on kerbs a few times and misjudged slopes and veered towards hedges, walls and metal fences so speed wouldn't be a clever idea hehe

I'd just like some more range and to handle more terrain to try my old ride routes again.

The chair is very little physical exertion, with the joystick, but isn't the most comfortable ride so my spine and neck are really hurting but I don't want to stop. Though I should pace myself better or risk making myself worse. It's just that now I can get out again I want to be out all the time like before. I just need to get my kids out with me again. They've become quite lazy. 🙂

[OldFartRides]

Bummer. Tough row to hoe. I sometimes think I shouldn’t be risking my bod on these damn things. 
But they’re just so damn fun.

Hang in there buddy.

[Tawpie]

I feel so badly for you... do hang in there and do stop by. You know we're a bunch of nutcases and can on occasion provide some light entertainment. We're usually good for a smile or two... after all, watching us squabble like children over the most inane thing might brighten your day. Seek smiles and laughter, it's powerful medicine for the soul.

[.....]

On 8/30/2021 at 6:41 PM, OldFartRides said:

Bummer. Tough row to hoe. I sometimes think I shouldn’t be risking my bod on these damn things. 
But they’re just so damn fun.

Hang in there buddy.

Quite the opposite. Risk it while you can, so you don't end up regretting wasting a moment of life you didnt have to.

 

Sorry to hear about the health issues. I bet its a hard row to hoe, once having energy to do things and now not. I hear they have some powders out that can replace energy, tho you may experience other side effects. Did they not offer a gasoline model chair like in the movie. "quicksilver"?

[TremF]

1 hour ago, ShanesPlanet said:

Quite the opposite. Risk it while you can, so you don't end up regretting wasting a moment of life you didnt have to.

 

Sorry to hear about the health issues. I bet its a hard row to hoe, once having energy to do things and now not. I hear they have some powders out that can replace energy, tho you may experience other side effects. Did they not offer a gasoline model chair like in the movie. "quicksilver"?

It's very hard going from being active to being so limited and relying on the wheelchair for my freedom.

Using the chair is painful still and the limitations it brings are frustrating - range and terrain then because of my memory issues and brain fog I get disoriented in places I used to visit regularly.

Unfortunately anything that may boost energy actually has the opposite affect and can cause a "crash" where I have to sleep. The only thing I can try and do is pace myself but I don't even know my limits to be able to do that properly.

I'm currently looking at other chairs but they are speed limited and always electric. I'm looking for range mostly but also comfort and one that can handle terrain and weather as not many are good for proper use outside.

I don't know how much longer I will be able to continue working or if my chair is actually making me worse from the lumps and bumps causing pain and the exertion from trying to stay focused.

Yesterday I smashed one of my lights. I was focusing on where I was going but I got too close to a wall, crunched the light and scratched the rear fender - that just bends so wasn't more damaged. Luckily it's slow speed, imagine doing that on one of today's fast EUC's.

Edited September 6, 2021 by TremF

[TremF]

In case anyone would like to make a small donation or share for me on social networks I have created a GoFundMe page to try and get a more suitable chair. 

I was out Monday or Tuesday (hard to remember with the brainfog) then as I was struggling I didn't go out again until yesterday to go to an opticians appointment with my eldest. Because I was still struggling I struggled navigating the shop and gaps I shouldn't have problems with. When I got home I had a CFS crash and I have crashed twice today and don't remember anything of the day so far.

A more suitable chair will have tilt and recline to relieve pressure on my spine and neck so ease pain and manage my CFS better, hopefully.

Ive been looking at a Meyra Optimus 2 RS (image attached) as configured right it can do up to 37 miles, works great off road, but can still go on the bus, and has tilt and recline options. Top speed is 8mph - nothing like today's EUC's but ok for a wheelchair heheh

Here's my link if anyone could possibly either donate a little or share please.

Go Fund Me link...

If it's not allowed I apologise and please remove.