After a month completely homebound, I've bit the bullet and ordered my first wheelchair. On the one hand, I'm excited about it because I am sick of being cooped up in my house, and just to be able to "walk" around the neighborhood with my fiance and to actually be a part of the world seems like a marvelous thing.
On the other hand, it's difficult to think that I might need to incorporate this wheelchair into my identity. I hope it's a temporary measure. I'm afraid, if we run into people we know, what they may think. Hell, I'm even afraid my doctors will believe in me less if I show up to appointments in a wheelchair. ("She's bought a wheelchair this time. Munchausen, clearly.")
But to my actual question. I'm getting married in three months, and while I hope to be recovered from this relapse by then, there's no telling. Medical devices are generally hideous and almost never designed with the user in mind (although there's a quiet revolution underfoot http://www.ted.com/talks/scott_summit_beautiful_artificial_limbs.html), and there's no wheelchair I've seen that actually looks beautiful/not out of place at a wedding.
What I have seen and liked are some of the vintage wheelchairs that are more like a wooden, woven-back seat with wheels and legs. They don't look particularly practical or comfortable, but in terms of the aesthetics, would fit in nicely with the palette and design of our vintage/rustic/country wedding.
Anyone know anyone designing wheelchairs with either custom or unusual designs? Ever seen a vintage wheelchair made for modern comfort? Or know of any other online communities (say, of wheelchair enthusiasts!) where I might pose the question?
Any other suggestions for making sure I can enjoy as much of my wedding as possible (whatever my state of health) and conserve energy for the things that really matter?
Thanks!
On the other hand, it's difficult to think that I might need to incorporate this wheelchair into my identity. I hope it's a temporary measure. I'm afraid, if we run into people we know, what they may think. Hell, I'm even afraid my doctors will believe in me less if I show up to appointments in a wheelchair. ("She's bought a wheelchair this time. Munchausen, clearly.")
But to my actual question. I'm getting married in three months, and while I hope to be recovered from this relapse by then, there's no telling. Medical devices are generally hideous and almost never designed with the user in mind (although there's a quiet revolution underfoot http://www.ted.com/talks/scott_summit_beautiful_artificial_limbs.html), and there's no wheelchair I've seen that actually looks beautiful/not out of place at a wedding.
What I have seen and liked are some of the vintage wheelchairs that are more like a wooden, woven-back seat with wheels and legs. They don't look particularly practical or comfortable, but in terms of the aesthetics, would fit in nicely with the palette and design of our vintage/rustic/country wedding.
Anyone know anyone designing wheelchairs with either custom or unusual designs? Ever seen a vintage wheelchair made for modern comfort? Or know of any other online communities (say, of wheelchair enthusiasts!) where I might pose the question?
Any other suggestions for making sure I can enjoy as much of my wedding as possible (whatever my state of health) and conserve energy for the things that really matter?
Thanks!