Give It Time

by Marie Pontini

Give It Time   “Give it time”! It’s advice that is quite relevant when it comes to using a new mobility aid, especially for the first time.
Since I received the Jazzy Carbon foldable power wheelchair, the comparison with my daily Edge 3 Stretto Quantum Rehab power wheelchair has been extremely different because I use them for completely different reasons. They both have different advantages and are used for different settings and situations.
My Edge 3 Stretto is for my everyday needs. It has been built for my needs at every level, with personalized positioning, accessories, and even the sensitivity of every setting on the joystick like acceleration, deceleration or breaking.
My Jazzy Carbon is a foldable power wheelchair that I use to travel, make quick shopping trips with or when I need to use a regular car instead of an adapted vehicle. It is perfect for ambulatory wheelchair users on the days that they don’t have enough energy for long stretches of time in hospitals, malls, at the grocery store, during business conventions or for unexpected moments. It can also be left in the trunk of your car in case of emergencies.
The adaptation to a new wheelchair is necessary. By using my Jazzy Carbon foldable power wheelchair more often, I keep discovering new features it has that I appreciate and love!
Yesterday, I used it all day to visit friends and attend a great party! Beyond the comfort it provides me, I became much more confident in driving it. Now that I’m getting used to my spacing while driving it, it's truly becoming second nature. I also got to know more about the sensitivity of the joystick and how reactive the motor and brakes are.
If you are using a new wheelchair, before judging if you like it or not, I highly suggest giving yourself the time to adapt to it. Use it daily for 2 weeks, in different settings and places, and I’m sure you will be very comfortable after! It’s worth it, for your own well-being and ease of mind!