Wheelchair

Waverly has outgrown her MacLaren Major Elite stroller.  It has served her well the past 2 years and will continue to wheel Oliver around, since he has outgrown his regular stroller.  (The photo below is Wavey's first day in the stroller - so cute.)

We were given a prescription from her physical medicine doctor for a pediatric wheelchair.  I started the process in January and finally met with a medical equipment rep yesterday.  He came to Wavey's therapy appointment, so we could have the PT's input.  Unfortunately, the stroller-like options are all too small for Waverly.  So we had to select from the pediatric wheelchair options.  We settled on one called the Convaid Safari Tilt.  We needed something that could be used as transportation on the school bus, because she is having a more difficult time climbing the bus steps.  We also wanted something more all-terrain, since we spend a lot of time walking outside.  The chair will come with a sun canopy and a tray. The tray is vital, for eating out or when visiting family/friends.  It can also tilt back, so on the rare occasion she would fall asleep, we could lean her back to make her more comfortable.  The Safari comes in a multitude of colors.  We are currently deciding between a dark purple or bright pink.

Waverly is still walking quite well, although the past 2 weeks we have seen a decline.  The PT is hopeful that once we pick up her new orthotics on Friday, we may see an improvement.  She is walking on her toes a lot more and her toes are curling, causing an unsteady gait.  She loves to walk, but needs a hand for support.  She also tires quickly, so having a safe and comfortable place to allow her to rest is vital.  She also doesn't understand she must stay with us, so if we do not hold on to her she will run off through parking lots, into streets, etc.  Her safety is a factor in deciding on a wheelchair. 

I have spent so much time researching the different wheelchair options, that I neglected to deal with the fact that we are picking out a *wheelchair* for our little girl.  It is not unexpected.  We were told upon her diagnosis that she would eventually lose her ability to walk.  However, anticipating the change doesn't make it any easier.