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I have a neurological disabilty of spinal nerves called Transverse Myelitis. It is related to MS, and can become MS in some cases.

I now need a walker or a wheelchair for mobility, and walkers are becoming less useful. I have one power wheelchair, (I can't use a manual chair because of the deficits in my arms and hands). However, this wheelchair is too large to get through some of the small hallways and doorways of my condo.

I have been shopping for a second small chair that will get me to my bedroom and bathroom and fit in tight spaces. However, dealing with a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider has been a nightmare. Even though I know what chair I want, (a Pride Go-Chair), and am paying CASH NOT THROUGH INSURANCE), I have to wait for them to send me a form to sign to exempt my insurance company from any liability. I have stressed to the DME, (wheelchair salesman), that I need the chair ASAP. After all, I got my first chair from them two years ago, which they billed my insurance for about $8000.00, so you might think I would be a preferred customer, NOT. Fine, but where is the form? It was supposed to be sent last week. No form. I asked if we could expedite the ordering of the chair. They said yes, if I gave a deposit. So last week I gave a 20 percent deposit on a credit card to the assistant, Michelle. Not a word since, I need this chair desperately. I called Ray, her boss today and asked what's going on? I haven't received the form, no word about the chair. He said: "We can't order the chair until we get a deposit." I could, and still can, feel the bile rising up my esophagus. "I GAVE MICHELLE A $500.00 DEPOSIT ON A CREDIT CARD LAST WEEK!!" His reply: "Oh, she didn't tell me."

I am literally getting sicker from the 'who gives a shit' attitude of the people I am paying to do a job. This country deserves to go down the tubes.

Views: 9

Comment by spacemonkey1310 on December 28, 2009 at 5:09pm
I'm sorry to hear about your poor health and situation but I wouldn't condemn your country for it. You live in an amazing country full of brilliant people and places. I know nowheres perfect but there are worse places you could be. Just my Europinion : )
Comment by photo2010 on December 28, 2009 at 5:55pm
This is not an isolated incident, in fact it is common ocurrence. I will stick by my statement.
Comment by JustAnotherUserName on December 28, 2009 at 11:36pm
Is this the only place that sells that chair? Can you take your business elsewhere?
Comment by photo2010 on December 29, 2009 at 5:00pm
I'm not sure it is possible for those who aren't dependent on others for daily existence, or who are caregivers to us, to FULLY understand the frustration, humiliation, and desperation that is often a part of this "life". Those who are chronically ill, disabled, or elderly, are abused in one way or another by people who work for agencies, companies who are supposed to be advocating for us. There are rare exceptions. I hope to share another story I just read about.
Comment by photo2010 on December 29, 2009 at 6:33pm
Ruth, I've been shopping. The last place just as bad. I hoped because I already purchased one for $8K from this one I would have gotten better treatment. Would you agree with my logic? I am too ill at the moment to look any further. If I were well I would buy online, but then I'd have to assemble the chair.
Comment by spacemonkey1310 on December 29, 2009 at 7:55pm
I know I'm not fully dependant on others to exist but I lived in an old folks home for two years (long story) and worked with kids in care for four so have seen and worked closely with people reliant on Government institutions to provide their care.

No system is perfect. Far from it. I think I was just surprised how you condemned America for the ineptitude of few. Still you're entitled to feel however you want. I hope the situation is rectified to your satisfaction soon and that you feel better.
Comment by photo2010 on December 29, 2009 at 11:13pm
@SM..we all form our world views from our very personal experiences that accumulate thoughout our lives. You say "the ineptitude of few", I can assure you that it is not a few. If you look at the state of our banking system, auto industry, medical care, you will find the consequences of staggering greed, and ineptitude by those who are supposed to be overseeing these institutions. Obviously there are good people with good hearts. I have also been through a year of dealing with a couple who were supposed to be caregivers to my Mother and me. They were physically and verbally abusive to us, stole from us, and I was finally able to get them out of our lives a few weeks ago. These are not isolated incidents, or just bad luck. I have lived here long enough to see changes for the worse. My parents and I worked until we were physically unable to work anymore. My Mom worked until she was 80. I was raised to observe the Golden Rule. Whatever my opinion is, this country WILL go down the tubes without a miraculous intervention.
I appreciate your opinion and kind thoughts and wish you all the best.
Comment by photo2010 on December 29, 2009 at 11:16pm
@Suze, thank you so much. I'm glad you've had good experiences with your Mom's needs. Take care.
Comment by Jim on January 9, 2010 at 8:57pm
Would it be easier and cheaper to enlarge the doorways in your condo?

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