Choosing Freedom: My Journey Toward a Power Chair

I didn’t wake up one morning and suddenly decide I needed a power chair. It wasn’t one dramatic moment. It was a slow, honest realization that mobility had become the foundation of my daily life — not a convenience, but a necessity. I’m not in a power chair yet, but I’m actively working toward it. The process has involved a full OT and PT assessment, a lot of practical planning, emotional ups and downs, and quiet moments of prayer where I talk to Yeshua in my mind and feel His peace settle over me.

This is where I am right now — the real story of my transition, the support that carries me, and the hope that keeps me moving forward.

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My Husband: My Caregiver, My Best Friend, My Steady Place

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Before anything else, I need to acknowledge my husband. He is my full‑time caregiver — 24/7 — and has been since my ICD surgery in April 2024, and even more so after my stroke in April 2025. I am Total Care, and he helps me with everything: transfers, hygiene, cooking, cleaning, mobility, safety, and emotional support.

He doesn’t just “help.” He cares.

One of the small things that shows his heart is how he cooks for me. It’s never plain. He goes all out — nutritious meals, beautifully decorated plates, little touches that make me feel loved and seen. Those moments mean more than I can explain. He is my best friend, my trusted companion, and the person who has walked every unsteady step of this journey with me.

I thank God for him.

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OT & PT Total Assessment: Clear Direction

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On June 10, 2026, I had a full OT and PT total assessment. It was thorough — transfers, endurance, balance, posture, home layout, safety, everything.

Occupational Therapy Recommendations

• Power mobility for increased independence at home and in the community
• Mechanical homecare lift for all transfers
• Wheeled commode trial to support safe toileting
• Consider applying for accessible housing through Wood Buffalo Housing due to space constraints in my current apartment

Physical Therapy Recommendations

• Full mechanical lift
• Nighttime AFO
• Power wheelchair

The biggest concern: I am a fall risk because my legs buckle without warning.

Their combined recommendation was clear — transitioning to a power chair is the safest and most effective path forward for safety, mobility, and independence.

That clarity helped me move from wondering if to planning how.

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Daily Mobility Challenges: Living With EDMD

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I live with Emery‑Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy, and it affects every part of my mobility.

Walking

Walking is difficult because my legs are always tight. The pain is constant, and the tightness increases the risk of buckling and falling. I cannot walk without support — either holding my husband’s hand, using my walker, or using my wheelchair.

Standing

I can’t stand for long. My legs tighten, my back hurts, and the pain becomes overwhelming.

Distance & Terrain

Long distances are impossible. Uneven surfaces are dangerous. My legs are too weak to manage either safely.

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Pain
• Balance issues
• Muscle weakness
• Contractures
• Tight tendons

The worsening of my EDMD — especially the sudden buckling — has made the need for a power chair painfully clear.

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Home Environment: Tight Spaces & Real Limitations

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I live in a non‑accessible apartment with:

• Narrow doorways
• Tight hallways
• Sharp corners

My OT has already taken measurements, and once I try out a power chair, my husband will rearrange the furniture to make space. Even that step feels like a small move toward independence.

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Faith: Quiet, Constant, Personal

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My faith is part of my daily life, but not in a loud or preachy way. My prayer life is simple — I talk to Yeshua in my mind, wherever I am, whatever I’m doing. He is my constant peace.

Certain verses have carried me through some of the hardest moments:

Psalm 73:26 NKJV — My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (This one comforts me deeply because of my heart failure and ICD.)

Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV — Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV — For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

I don’t attend a physical church, but I love to watch Cornerstone Chapel (Leesburg, VA) here: Cornerstone Chapel. Pastor Gary Hamrick’s teachings have helped me stay grounded. I consider myself a Non‑Denominational Christian woman — a Child of God.

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Emotional Journey: The Hard Parts & The Hope

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This season has been an emotional roller‑coaster.

Frustration

My body doesn’t cooperate. Tasks that used to be simple now require help.

Grief

I miss my independence — going to the bathroom alone, standing on my own, cooking, cleaning, moving freely. Losing those abilities has been heartbreaking.

Fear

The idea of needing a power chair used to terrify me. It felt like crossing a line I wasn’t ready for.

Hope

As my condition worsened, the idea of a power chair became less scary and more comforting. It represents safety, freedom, and energy I desperately need.

Relief

When the therapists told me I needed a power chair, I felt relief wash over me. It was the first time the future felt manageable.

Encouragement

My husband’s support has been the biggest encouragement. He helps me with everything, and even though it’s hard, I wouldn’t trade our closeness for anything.

And through all of it, Yeshua has been with me — every unsteady step.

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Practical Steps I’m Taking Now

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Because I’m still working toward the power chair, a lot of my daily focus has shifted toward preparation — but I’m not doing any of this alone. I’ve been getting support from Muscular Dystrophy Canada, my Occupational Therapist, my Physical Therapist, my Family Physician, and my Specialists (Neurologist, Cardiologist, and others involved in my care). Their guidance has made this transition feel far less overwhelming and far more achievable.

These are the real, everyday steps I’m working through, with their help:

• Scheduling follow‑ups for seating, controls, posture supports, and adaptive equipment — guided by my OT and PT, and medically supported by my specialists who agree this is the safest path forward.
• Measuring doorways and planning furniture rearrangement — my OT has already taken measurements, and once I try a power chair, my husband will rearrange our apartment to make space.
• Researching accessible housing options — encouraged by my OT and supported by Muscular Dystrophy Canada, especially since our current apartment has narrow doorways and tight corners.
• Testing vehicle compatibility and transit routes — with advice from my care team on what to look for, how to plan safe transport, and what mobility supports I’ll need.
• Arranging demos for different power chair models — my OT is coordinating this process, working with Muscular Dystrophy Canada and my medical team to ensure I can try chairs that match my medical needs, posture requirements, and safety concerns.
• Practicing transfers and safety procedures — directly supported by my PT and my husband, who helps me every day with hands‑on care.
• Building a list of repair and maintenance contacts — with recommendations from Muscular Dystrophy Canada and my OT, so I’ll have support ready when I need it.
• Exploring grants, insurance, and funding options — with guidance from Muscular Dystrophy Canada and my medical team, who understand the financial realities of mobility equipment.

Each step is practical and intentional. And having this level of professional and medical support — along with my husband’s daily care — makes the transition feel less intimidating and far more achievable. Instead of facing everything alone, I have a team behind me, and that has made all the difference.

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What I’m Looking Forward To

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Independence

Being able to move safely on my own again.

Longer outings

Without pain, exhaustion, or fear of falling.

Family activities

More time together, more memories, more freedom.

Nature

I want to spend time on local nature paths — feeling the fresh air, seeing the trees, being outside without worrying about my legs giving out.

Everything

Honestly, I’m excited for anything and everything I’ll be able to do once I have the chair.

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Closing: Moving Forward With Purpose

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Working toward a power chair has been a mix of faith, practicality, grief, hope, and courage. The OT and PT assessment gave me clear direction. My husband gives me daily support. My faith gives me peace. And the planning gives me confidence.

If you’re on a similar path, give yourself grace. Take it one step at a time. Let your support system carry you when you’re tired. Let your faith steady you. And let yourself hope again.

I’m moving toward this next chapter with gratitude, honesty, and purpose — and I’m ready for the freedom ahead.

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Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear from you! How has God been working in your life recently? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out via email. If this post encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend who may need some inspiration today. Subscribe to my blog! Don’t miss out on future faith-filled encouragement. Simply enter your email in the subscription box below to receive my latest posts straight to your inbox. Have a prayer request or want to connect? Feel free to email me at info@faithfuladvantage.ca. I’d love to hear from you! Follow along for more devotionals, testimonies, and encouragement at www.faithfuladvantage.ca.

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