Scooter/Chair update!

[ThomCat]

I don't have a total yet, because some people sent checks, and those haven't all come in yet. However, all the donations that have come in (paypal, plus two checks so far) have definitely put us over the top!

On the advice of numerous knowledgable DUers, and one of my doctors, I am upgrading from the scooter to a power-chair. I'll need a chair more or less regularly pretty soon, so it makes sense to get it now instead of buying the scooter and then needing the chair.

I really, truly hope nobody minds the change.

This is the chair. I think I have the dealer talked down to $3,900, and I'm still negotiating. :)



I hope to have a total to post for everyone by the end of this week. I get measured for the powerchair and order it on Friday. I should have it within 5-10 days after that.
:)

[NightWatcher]

1. enjoy the cool wheels

[ThomCat]

8. Thank you!

I don't know that I'll "enjoy" the chair so much as I'll enjoy being able to get out and get around again.

The chair is kind of cool though. Power chairs have definitely improved over the years!

[Zoigal]

91. So happy for you, ThomC

Looks like everything is working out perfectly. Can't wait to see
a picture of you and the new wheels. Will you need to take a
DMV driving test? :):):) z

[Starbucks Anarchist]

2. Awesome!

:toast:

[ThomCat]

11. Thank you!

:toast:

:hi:

[flvegan]

3. Did you get the nitrous oxide hookup?

I think a nice 125 horsepower spray would be good.

[ThomCat]

13. Everybody get the hell off of MY sidewalk!

:evilgrin:

[Ellen Forradalom]

82. NOW THAT'S THE ATTITUDE!

[cutlassmama]

93. LOL. While that is funny...the faster you go in a chair, the more chance of

tipping over. Mine tipped backwards and I got a concussion. They aren't as stable as a scooter.

[SallyMander]

4. I want my money back!!!

:grr: :nuke: :grr:



LOL... j/k... that thing looks sweet, and super comfy! Can you get it equipped with a cup holder? :D

[ThomCat]

6. Yes, it could come with a cup holder.

:)

I wasn't thinking about getting that though. I'm getting crutch holders mounted on the back, and perhaps saddle bags to hang off the arms and hold stuff. :)

Their measuring me on Friday to figure out which seat fits me best. There are options! Given my back problems, I'm totally cool with that. :)

[FloridaJudy]

5. Kewl.

Now you need to pimp that puppy to the max!

[ThomCat]

I'm definitely taking suggestions!

And I'm accepting the assistance of anyone artistic. :)

Now that I've upgraded, I think the name should be

Starship Enterpoop
NCC-1701-DU

Bloom County fans will definitely get the reference and get a kick out of it, and it works in a DU reference. :)

[blueraven95]

71. best name ever!

I'm glad it's working out so well!

[krispos42]

88. 'It's a humongous space walrus!"

"With photon fippers or something!"





Happy cruising, Cutter Thom!

[IzaSparrow]

7. that thing is sweet!

are you getting Jazzy Red or Jazzy Blue?
What about a cup holder?

[SallyMander]

12. GMTA

Or minds that have just spend way too much time together (and are way too addicted to coffee)!

:rofl:

[ThomCat]

17. I'm leaning towards the fire-engine red.

No cup holder. I don't think I'll be doing much drinking and driving. :)

I'll need 2 crutch holders though, and saddlebags.

I'll absolutely going to pass on the safety flag through. :P

[IzaSparrow]

22. you could fly a pirate flag from it!

:yawr:

[ThomCat]

30. That is definitely an idea.

:evilgrin:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. Are you getting the afterburner option?

Glad you're getting the cool new wheels!

[ThomCat]

19. Flvegan almost has me convinced that they're

a total necessity. What do you think? :P

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

31. If you're naming it like you described, of course.

You'll need photon torpedos, too.

I assume it comes with a warp drive as standard equipment.

[ThomCat]

36. I have to see if I can somehow build some warp nacelles

that extend back from the top of the chair. :7

[LaurenG]

10. That is great!

I doubt anyone will mind. :hug:

[ThomCat]

20. I hope you're right.

I've been bugging people, getting feedback, worrying this to death. :(

:hug:

[malta blue]

14. that is great news Thom

:bounce::bounce:

[ThomCat]

23. One of the big considerations

is that the scooter could not get over gaps to get onto subways and trains. The power-chair can. So I can visit anyplace I can get to by train.

Albany is only a 3 hour trip north of the city. :7

[malta blue]

40. That is so exciting....

Yes, a 3 hour trip is all it takes....either way :)

[zabet]

15. Hooray!!!

:woohoo:

[ThomCat]

25. You're as happy about this as I am.

:7

:woohoo:

:hug:

[zabet]

46. I am!!

One of my dearest friends has MS.
I watched her go through the same
BS because she continued to work
as long as possible. The system should
not work against those that wish to
stay at work as long as possible.
:hug:

[lost-in-nj]

16. ...

:hug:

lost



:)

[ThomCat]

26. Right back at you!

:hug:

:hi:

[Trailrider1951]

18. Oh that's just wonderful!

You go, ThomCat!!!

Can I have a ride?

[ThomCat]

27. Any time!

But either you have to make it to NYC, or I have to make it down to Austin.

I keep hearing that Austin is "a sane, friendly place in the middle of hell." :P

[Tuesday Afternoon]

21. That is great news! Thanks for the update.

Really good to read this, Thom :hug:

[ThomCat]

29. You're very welcome!

:hug:

I'll have another update as soon as I can get a picture of me in it. :)

[hippywife]

24. That is totally fabooo!!

I really do think you're going to like this better. But ya gotta promise to still get out of it for some exercise occasionally when the pain isn't too bad...if you can. I hope you don't have to live in the damn thing until you absolutely have to.

[ThomCat]

32. I'm getting it with cruch holders

so that I can get out of it and walk whenever I'm only going short distances. I only plan to use it when I would otherwise have to be on my feet for too long. :)

At work I'll be parking it in my office and using my crutches inside.

I promise! :patriot:

[hippywife]

34. Gotta maintain

that svelte figure or you'll outgrow your red flannels! LOL

[ThomCat]

66. I can't let myself outgrow the red jammies!

There will be future DU sleepovers. I have to be prepared! :7

[SeattleGirl]

28. Hooray!!!!

I'm glad you are getting the chair instead of the scooter!

:bounce: :bounce:

[ThomCat]

33. Horray!

:hug:

I'm very glad too, and I'm glad that nobody minds the upgrade.

[SeattleGirl]

37. I think it's a logical choice.

As you said, you'll probably need to upgrade to a chair sooner or later, so why not do it from the start? :hug:

[SPKrazy]

35. Awesome Thom...

I'm very happy for you man...

:hug:

you're a good guy

and I'm very glad this is happening for you...

:hi:

:)

[ThomCat]

38. Thank you!

:hug:

I am really, truly, appreciating and enjoying this good thing that is happening. Life is really pretty grim for so many people I know right now. It's very nice to have something good happen.
:)

[Bunny]

39. I think it's a good move to upgrade, Thom.

Nice ride! :thumbsup:

[ThomCat]

48. Thank you very much!

:hug:

[NMDemDist2]

41. oh Thom, that's excellent and good thinking

glad we could put you over the top

:hug:

[ThomCat]

50. DUers are always over the top!

:P

:hug:
I am so very excited about this I really can't tell you! :woohoo:

[Phentex]

42. Did you name it? I don't recall the outcome of the poll...

or do you have to see the chair first and then name it?

I'm so happy for you!

[ThomCat]

51. It will be

The Starship Enterpoop
NCC-1701-DU

:)

[Dr. Strange]

77. That is the most awesomely awesome name!

Don't forget pics when the time comes.

[Ellen Forradalom]

83. That's too long

Can I just call it Kudzu?

:hide:

Naw, that's a great name!

[IndianaJones]

43. this is great news Thom. nt.

[ThomCat]

52. Thank you!

It really is. We don't have nearly enough of that going around. I hope that a lot more DUers get good news of some kind this year. :)

[matcom]

44. you slap a DU sticker on that sucka first thing you hear?

:hi:

[ThomCat]

53. I definitely will!

I'll have to make another donation to get one though. I didn't keep any of the previous ones. :)

[matcom]

54. how about you PM me your addy

I have some extras

SERIOUS! :D

[ThomCat]

59. Done!

Thank you.

:hi:

[matcom]

61. In tomorrow's mail!

I want pics! :D

:hi:

[lizziegrace]

45. Hey sweetie!!

I'm SO happy for you. :hug:

So very, very happy! :bounce:

[ThomCat]

56. Hi LizzieGrace!

I can't send you nearly enough hugs.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

Now we need to get some good news your way.

[lizziegrace]

57. ...

:hug:

someday.

[Callalily]

47. Kudos on your

upgrade to the Jazzy. And I like your choice of red - my favorite color. Crutch holders, saddle bags are definitely a must. And a cup holder too! You know, we wouldn't want you to get dehydrated. Oh, I'm assuming that you're drinking water!

Here's a 1950s model. This one even holds food! :rofl:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

58. Fur seats (artificial, of course).

Maybe fake leopard or tiger.

And chrome hubcaps.

And flame decals.

[ThomCat]

62. Definitely some flame decals!

:7

Do they make chrome hubcaps for wheelchairs? :rofl:

[Mrs.Matcom]

65. SPINNERS!

You need spinner hub caps! :rofl:

[ThomCat]

67. OMG! I'll get street cred from my wheelchair!

:rofl:

[Mrs.Matcom]

70. OH! And if you have

valve stems we can get you the light up covers! :rofl:

[ghostsofgiants]

86. Best idea yet.

[ThomCat]

60. The red really does look better.

And the blue is so dark that I was concerned about not being seen at night.

The cup holder seems to be an necessary option. Who knew? :P

[Mrs.Matcom]

49. You will have to send us the

dimensions of the seat so we can buy you really cool seat covers. I'm thinking the black with flames would be sweet! :hug:

[ThomCat]

63. Wow. That would be very cool!

I hadn't thought about seat covers, but you're right, I'm sure they're out there somewhere. :)

After they measure me and figure out which seat fits me best I'll make sure I get the dimensions.

[Chovexani]

55. That's great news!

What a sweet ride. We still need to pimp it out. :D

[ThomCat]

64. Yes, we absolutey do.

:7

I'm kind of looking forward to that. Once I join the user-community, there's a forum for people with these power-chairs. I'm sure I'll be able to get some tips for customizing its appearance.

[Duer 157099]

68. Great idea; I certainly don't mind

This is great news :hi:

[ThomCat]

69. Thank you!

:hi:

[KatyaR]

72. That thing looks really cool--

I wouldn't mind having one of those!

I'm happy to hear things are working out for you. You must post a photo of you and the chair when you get it!

[ThomCat]

73. I definitely will.

I hope you never need one. But if you do, I hope you get something this nice and I hope your insurance company is more reasonable than mine. :)

[KatyaR]

74. I hope so, too, but I won't hold my breath.

I doubt that the insurance I have now would pay for something so nice and useful--I can't imagine what insurance will be like in the future.

Oh, wait, I can--it'll be NONEXISTANT. :banghead:

[ThomCat]

75. We'll keep fighting for single payer universal healthcare!

Someday, health insurance companies will be archaic relics of the bad old days. :)

[KatyaR]

79. I'm hoping so--

I don't have much hope for my later years, and they're not that far off.

[astonamous]

76. Coolio! n/t

[uppityperson]

78. Very cool, and don't forget the pirate flag.

Seriously, I'm very glad you are getting more mobility.

[Haole Girl]

80. Mind? Why would we mind?

Just get whatever you need! :hug: :loveya:

[Ellen Forradalom]

81. STYLIN'!

You got the chick magnet! Excellent! :-)

[Oeditpus Rex]

84. Dude, you've *gotta* swap out those rims!

I suggest the timeless classic:

[Writer]

85. This makes me so happy!

I love it when good things happen to good people.

I hope you can negotiate a good deal with the dealer and can acquire your power chair soon!

:7 x 10!

~Writer~

[Flaxbee]

87. FANTASTIC!!

Oh, it is *such* a good idea to get what you want and will eventually need now, rather than futz around with a scooter and then worry about a chair later. That power-chair looks very cool. From what I've read in this thread, too, it sounds much more versatile (getting over gaps to get onto the subway, etc). :hi: :hug:

[hisownpetard]

89. Great decision, Thom, to get the sturdier one. It'll be more durable and better

in the subway, etc. Probably more comfortable, too.

I'm so excited for you!!!!!

[Muttocracy]

90. computer hookups?

You can look into laptop options too! I have a relative who worked on computer equipment for the disabled for many years. Now that wi-fi is everywhere, you'll never have to leave the Lounge!

I'm new here but it's obvious you're very well-loved here. Congratulations!

[bullwinkle428]

92. I think that's a really wise decision, Thom - I'm guessing

from a practical standpoint, it will be a lot easier to maneuver it around tight spaces than that scooter would have been. The wheelbase/length of that scooter would have made it awkward in certain situations!