As you know my responses can be a bit sporadic but here I am. The
ambulance folks not knowing or understanding TM is a given. We cannot find
physicians who know anything about TM so ancillary folks would be clueless.
When it comes to vehicles, I'd have to say an obvious choice might be
foreign. A lot has to do with Bill's ability to transfer. I own a 1990 Honda
and it is nice and low thus getting from my chair to the car is cake.
Obviously, I have to remember to retain sufficient strength to lift myself
from the vehicle back to my chair. I'm not sure why but I find that the
initial task, when it is upward, presents a greater fatigue factor thus I
prefer a download transfer initially. (Keep my strength and energy as high
as possible for the task I am trying).
If you are not buying a modified vehicle, I'd take Bill out to try transfers
before buying. Wheelchair width from my experience, 26 & 27 1/2 depending on
which chair I'm using makes no difference except when I'm trying to get by
the vanity and up to the commode in my bathroom. (Remember the path to the
stool must be kept open at all times). My position adjacent to a car door is
not different and only depends on my ability to lift. With the lift
accomplished, I am on my way.
If all or any of this this is problematic give me a shout and I'll put my
prosthesis on and drive to Louisville (about 100 miles) and we can try my
car. I have hand controls and this might be something Bill could try.
Please let me know.
Doc