My surgery to remove the metal rods from my right leg and replace them with a cast is in two days.
Hopefully, that means I’ll be able to go home before too long.
I’ve been thinking about how I’m going to get around the house while I’m still recovering. A small wheelchair could give me more freedom than the walker, especially if I can move it myself instead of depending on someone else to push me.
That immediately rules out the little transport chairs with small rear wheels. I definitely want the large wheels that let me propel myself.
The two chairs I’m looking at are both versions of the Drive Medical Blue Streak.
The first has an 18-inch seat. It is a little roomier, about 24 inches wide overall, folds for transportation, has flip-back desk arms, and can be ordered with elevating leg rests to support my cast.
The second has a 16-inch seat. It has the same large self-propelling wheels and similar features, but its narrower size could make it easier to maneuver through tight spaces at home.
Since I don’t have especially wide hips, I’m leaning toward the 16-inch chair—provided my therapist agrees that it fits comfortably and gives my cast enough room.
The most important features for me are:
Large rear wheels so I can move myself.
An elevating right leg rest for the cast.
A folding frame.
A narrow overall profile for getting through the house.
Before I order anything, I’m going to have the physical therapy staff check my seat measurement, the cast position, and the width of the doorways at home.
And yes, I still think towing a folded wheelchair behind my trike to Walmart sounds perfectly reasonable.
Apparently, everyone else disagrees. What, they think I'm going to crash?
ChatGPT and I have come down to one chair, available at Home Depot for $140.94
Drive Medical Blue Streak
16-inch seat
Elevating leg rests
Model: BLS16FBD-ELR
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