Frontpage 
It’s all a question of hardware…!!!
Today I was on tour with my Minitrac (see older blogposts) for the first time in the snow.
With its tractor tyres it is a perfect technical aid.
Translator BL
Archive for the ‘Chock’ Category
Addendum Chock Part XIV
Wednesday, June 1st, 2016Frontpage
Already home for four weeks …!!!
As already reported, after taking a shower in March at home the titanium body of my implanted drug pump suddenly peeped out of my belly. It broke through the abdominal wall and I had to sign myself into the hospital again – after only three weeks of “Home” – Holiday (see older blog).
This time I was in the room next door at the same station as three weeks earlier; they still knew me there.
One could have the impression that I like this hospital food. I do not know what you eat for dinner, but this chef salad that is served every evening as an alternative selection is delicious. We can therefore say that the food there is quite good.
After several days of unsuccessful attempt to change back to oral drugs to eventually get rid of the pump completely, the old and no longer sterile pump including lines was taken out. For two weeks an external pump supplied the meds until in a second surgery a new pump including lines between the vertebrae into the spinal canal was implanted – again at the left side.
(Not bad, that dope!)
Nevertheless, the visits from the hospital pastor, various anesthesiologists and several nurses in the intensive care station, who still knew me from eight years ago, got me thinking.
This pump change or better yet new installation required another five weeks of bed rest, but they went without major complications.
Now I am back home for four weeks and I am already looking forward to the empty batteries in 7 years. That is when I will receive a new pump and new scars. I hope that the location of the pump does not need to be changed. Otherwise, above and below the navel there is still some space left.
When I look at the numerous scars on my neck, belly and back, I should probably reconsider my desired profession as a top model.
Translator BW
Eigude Shame XXIX
Sunday, April 24th, 2016Frontpage
Unbelievable – or Tough Stuff
A few months ago I was scheduled to be transferred out of the rehab facility in the Taunus (behind the seven hills where the seven dwarfs lived) back to the hospital in Frankfurt from which I came 6 weeks ago. I was to undergo a special examination named Angiography, a procedure during which one can actually watch his or her own brain function live at work. The transfer service was ordered a few days before with the request “sitting in own wheelchair”. I had already had my bags packed the day before (you wouldn’t believe what all accumulates in 6 weeks!) I cleared my small single room for dismissal at 8:00 AM because it would be reassigned right away.
The next morning at 7:20 two nurses stormed into my room and told me slightly stressed that the shuttle would take off half an hour earlier, which was in 10 minutes! Of course, I couldn’t insist on the 2 drivers delaying their contractually assured breakfast break. After a short handling, also called basic care (I felt like at the Pitstop at a Formula 1 race) the transfer service showed up – but of course, with a stretcher. There was not enough room in the vehicle for me sitting in my wheelchair. Oh well, I had “only” told them about five times! Well…uh… bad. After a successful arrival in Frankfurt I was seated back in my wheelchair and the drivers checked me in at the emergency room of the hospital. I waited patiently while the drivers cleared the field. After approximately 10 minutes a staff member approached and mentioned that I was quite early.
My comment: not that bad, 8:45.
She: ONE WEEK!!!
Those “luminaries” from the rehab clinic, whose priority apparently is not the well fare of the patient, kicked me out an entire week early! Fortunately, the hospital had a bed available and granted me asylum for the time being.
Translator BW
Chock Part XIV
Sunday, April 10th, 2016Frontpage
You may well believe that I currently have become lazy about writing, or suffer from writer’s block. This is not the case, I have enough material, but I also have a relatively good excuse.
When I finally came home mid February after seven months of hospital-hopping, my implanted drug pump (see older posts) decided without asking me to escape from my body through the abdominal wall. And that after only three weeks of “homeland” holiday!
Over the years the skin around the scar got so thin that on March 5th after a shower at home the titanium body of the pump suddenly became visible from the outside. Boy, would I have liked to see my facial expression at that moment! The silver lining doesn’t always have to be at the horizon and a silver wire is not likely to grow out of the belly!
There I was with my non-sterile implant.
I immediately decided at the cost of my health insurance company to rent a hospital bed again. Maybe they haven’t changed the linens from my old bed?
I have always wanted to dial “112″.
It’s silly, but ultimately it’s just a laceration. Now I’m in the room next door.
It took two surgeries to replace the pump and the attached line that goes to the spinal canal and move it to the other side. After nearly five weeks in the hospital bed I’m finally back in my wheelchair.
What an uplifting feeling to finally have WiFi again in the sitting room and not bother the other fellows with my voice control. Although I’m back with my training where I left three months ago but I’d say:
“It could have been worse”
Translator BW
Zur Startseite
Technical Aids Tips und Tricks XLVI
Wednesday, February 24th, 2016Frontpage
It is due to the small fouls that wheelers are exposed every day to new challenges. You are blocked in from the side so that you can’t get into your car anymore, during cleaning the toaster is moved back to the wall, or the installation CD is put out of reach on the cupboard. My last week’s highlight was a beeping smoke alarm because the battery was empty when I was lying in my bed. All this is causing an uncontrollable neuron tornado in my head.
Among my favourites are open windows.
In the summer it’s getting warm and in winter quite cold, if the heater below is not running on full power which I can’t reach either.
There are definitely more important reasons to ring at the neighbour’s door than asking them to close an open window. Grrrrrrrrr…
The do-it-yourself store with 20% on everything except for the parts you really need offers a
Hobbit &wheelchair window closer/
„almost“ usable in their assortment. However, small construction work needs still to be done.
Just take:
- min. 1 meter aluminium pipe, thickness 12mm
- 1 meter aluminium flat bar 15m x 1mm
- 30 cm hose inner diameter 10mm- 12mm
- 2x screw M4 x 25mm
- 2x screw-nut, self-locking M4
- 1x drill 4 mm with drive mechanism
- Construction tools for screwing, or a set of healthy teeth
Cost of material ca. 10,00€
Saw the aluminium bar in ca. 2x 36 cm long pieces and pull the hose on one of the pieces.
Drill a 4 mm hole into all sides of the aluminium bars and the pipe centered with a space of 15 mm from the edge.
Bend the aluminium bar with hose oval e.g. using a bottle and bolt it two-sided with screw and screw-nut on one end of the pipe. This is going to be the window side.
The other aluminium bar is going to be the handle. This can be formed according to hand function or artistic freedom oval, square, round or even heart-shaped, main thing is that the bolting on the pipe is not forgotten.
(My white Vespa scooter from 1992 in the picture below with kick starter is looking for a new master!)
The operating mode of the window closer should be comprehensible, but could on special request be explained personally under phone number 00907/40059449665 for only (1.000.000.000 €/min) by “Bernd das Brot”. (Translator’s note: Reference is made to a satirical sketch to spoof call-in shows on TV, (see also other blogpost).)
All open windows can be closed again now.
And how to open them we will learn tomorrow!!!
The certified re-constructor is obligated to send to the Rollinator a Chilli Pizza online.
Contact: rollinator@eigude.de
Translator BL
Chock Part XV
Friday, February 19th, 2016Frontpage
Paper chase in district court
Yesterday I had some business at the district court in my hometown Frankfurt. Public buildings should by now be all accessible, but I had to go to building A, an old venerable building from 1889. At that time there wasn’t much concern about accessibility…
Quelle: wvs-ffm.de
So I called in advance and got the information that in order to avoid steps I had to enter though building E to get to building A. First, at security control I had to hand over my set of wrenches, one that every experienced wheelchair driver always has on board. Perhaps I could kill someone or gouge out someone’s eyes?!?
Quelle: Hornbach
So off to building E, into the elevator, up to the 1. floor. Then through the dusty hallways, follow the signs “transition to building A” – almost like in a scavenger hunt! At some point I stood in front of this ramp… positive thought first: there is a ramp, yay! However, it is significantly steeper than the specified 6% according to DIN180 40-1… and also a little steeper than the training course at rehab. Although, I know some wheelies, that would have a blast down this “Rolli slide”!
Then continue the search for the next elevator, back down to the ground floor. Then find the right room… fortunately it was the last door before the next steps.
Somehow we found our way back, but not before landing in a cul-de-sac first ……
Next time I’ll scatter breadcrumbs!!!
Translator BL
Â
Chock Part XIV
Monday, March 9th, 2015Frontpage
Frankfurter StraĂźenverkehrsamt (Frankfurt Department of Transportation, FDT)
” finally lowers new “lowered pavement”… !!!
Everybody who is somewhat familiar with Frankfurt am Main knows that the new tram line 17 that was built in the district of Sachsenhausen is running since January.
During the construction months the big intersection Stresemannallee-Kennedyallee, to which I live close by, became an “adventure playground” for people like me.
From the beginning barrier-free construction was planned, of which in the next few years I should benefit greatly. The city of Frankfurt and the Dept. for Public Transportation is currently investing millions for the accessibility, what is absolutely commendable.
However, back in November I was kind of speechless, when I tried to cross the street with the Rolli and couldn’t make it up the “supposedly” lowered curb of one of those main traffic islands.
On the left side the curb was at least 10 cm high and inclined to about 5 cm, so that the Rolli was on three wheels only and I almost unintentionally had to leave my vehicle.
So I went by the running traffic on the bicycle lane next to the island, which was more like a daring challenge for a wheeler…
On the other side of the same island a “specialist” ever so skillfully sawed off a piece of the curb, which made me fear the sharp edge could cause a flat tire.
I approached the construction workers several times and the engineer in charge called me at home to discuss my complaint. He promised to look into the matter, but nothing happened for weeks.
Once in a while I inquired with the Frankfurt StraĂźenverkehrsamt (FDT), but as I now know they were not directly responsible for the traffic island.
By the end of February, the curb unfortunately had not automatically lowered itself; I had a dentist appointment and once again needed to use the intersection.
With some reservations I took the bike lane again, when a car went by so awfully close that I felt its side mirror on my jacket.
That was too much!
With a bit of effort I managed to get a competent clerk of the FDT on the phone and explained to her how dangerous the current status is.
Ten days later I was once again at my “favorite” intersection. Much to my surprise the traffic island had been completely revised. Thanks to Mrs. R. from this sit!
Look at the difference, I am delighted.
The piece of curb “lowered by saw” I will submit to the city as a sample, lol … !!!!
Because of somebody’s effort, the other side of the curb was also replaced.
In the last few years I have seen time and time again, that everybody can make a difference. If you see deficiencies speak with the people in charge. Often it is easier to change something than you might think.
Click here on “Eigude Shame” for similar stories.
Translator BW
.
Translator BW
Addendum I capitulate…!!!
Tuesday, September 16th, 2014Eigude Shame Part XXV
Thursday, July 31st, 2014Sorry, this entry is only available in Deutsch.
Crazy Flash XXI
Friday, November 22nd, 2013Frontpage
No arms, no cookies…!!!
It’s always hard to find good cleaning staff
The picture on the right was even taken at the Rehacare fair in DĂĽsseldorf…!!!
Click below on tag “Crazy Flash”, to see other crazy stuff.
Translator BL
Addendum Simply Great Part VI
Tuesday, June 4th, 2013Sorry, this entry is only available in Deutsch.
Simply Great Part VI
Saturday, May 25th, 2013Frontpage
One ramp more in Frankfurt!
As a Christmas present from my parents, I had received tickets for a Sunday brunch on the river Main with one of the pleasure boats of the Primusline in Frankfurt.
I hardly need to mention that my parents clarify in advance if I can access the boat in my wheelchair or not.
A couple of weeks ago the time had come, and I stood in my wheelchair next to the old Main bridge in front of a recently renovated, red sandstone stairway, certainly placed under preservation order.
This reminded with its steep “stroller rails” a bit of a ski jump which would involuntarily end up in a backflip of Aaron Fotheringham style. Look at the videos, incredible, a backflip sitting in a wheelchair…!!!
So far the boat went according to the captain around 20 m upfront on the landing place after the passengers had gone on board. There the wheelchair and rollator users could get quite smoothly over the gangway and with only two stairs on the pleasure boat. This is currently not possible due to a construction site. The accessibility of the boat with a heavy electric wheelchair should be clarified upfront.
So now I was standing with my ticket at the top of the stairway and enjoyed the view on the river while the other guests were boarding!!!
The crew was not allowed to carry me down the stairway due to insurance reasons. After a conversation with the owner, why they sold tickets to wheelchair users when an access to the boat was not possible I suddenly got little wings, and I was on deck.
The food was nice, and the 3-hour-trip with the Primusline with my family was enjoyable.
Three weeks later I was again on my way at the waterside of the river Main, and I just thought “STRIKE”…
Almost unbelievable, within around 14 days a ramp had been built!!!!
This ramp is indeed steeper than the favoured 6%, but this wouldn’t have been possible from a constructional point, otherwise with a flatter angle the feet would have gotten wet. Therefore the use at your own risk is advised several times.
Now even the tables of the café on the landing place are accessible.
The welded ramp is with non-slip grating and two stable hand rails built very well according to my understanding.
The locksmith has probably gone through an additional nightshift.
I would like to personally thank the responsible people how fast they reacted and arranged the building of the ramp… Chapeau!!!
I can only point out again and again, if you notice a deficit, contact the responsible people constructively. Surprisingly you get feedback quite often, and with regard to the following measures: Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose… But this should not discourage you, if sometimes nothing happens – therefore maybe next time!
Look at the following examples:
Disabled parking place in underground parking lot
Improvement labelling disabled parking place
Assistance bulky luggage Frankfurt airport
Passing prohibited for wheelchair users
Polling place ramp – failed… well, it’s the thought that counts…
Translator BL
One ramp more in Frankfurt!
As a Christmas present from my parents, I had received tickets for a Sunday brunch on the river Main with one of the pleasure boats of the Primusline in Frankfurt.
I hardly need to mention that my parents clarify in advance if I can access the boat in my wheelchair or not.
A couple of weeks ago the time had come, and I stood in my wheelchair next to the old Main bridge in front of a recently renovated, red sandstone stairway, certainly placed under preservation order.
This reminded with its steep “stroller rails” a bit of a ski jump which would involuntarily end up in a backflip of Aaron Fotheringham style. Look at the videos, incredible, a backflip sitting in a wheelchair…!!!
So far the boat went according to the captain around 20 m upfront on the landing place after the passengers had gone on board. There the wheelchair and rollator users could get quite smoothly over the gangway and with only two stairs on the pleasure boat. This is currently not possible due to a construction site. The accessibility of the boat with a heavy electric wheelchair should be clarified upfront.
So now I was standing with my ticket at the top of the stairway and enjoyed the view on the river while the other guests were boarding!!!
The crew was not allowed to carry me down the stairway due to insurance reasons. After a conversation with the owner, why they sold tickets to wheelchair users when an access to the boat was not possible I suddenly got little wings, and I was on deck.
The food was nice, and the 3-hour-trip with the Primusline with my family was enjoyable.
Three weeks later I was again on my way at the waterside of the river Main, and I just thought “STRIKE”…
Almost unbelievable, within around 14 days a ramp had been built!!!!
This ramp is indeed steeper than the favoured 6%, but this wouldn’t have been possible from a constructional point, otherwise with a flatter angle the feet would have gotten wet. Therefore the use at your own risk is advised several times.
Now even the tables of the café on the landing place are accessible.
The welded ramp is with non-slip grating and two stable hand rails built very well according to my understanding.
The locksmith has probably gone through an additional nightshift.
I would like to personally thank the responsible people how fast they reacted and arranged the building of the ramp… Chapeau!!!
I can only point out again and again, if you notice a deficit, contact the responsible people constructively. Surprisingly you get feedback quite often, and with regard to the following measures: Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose… But this should not discourage you, if sometimes nothing happens – therefore maybe next time!
Look at the following examples:
Disabled parking place in underground parking lot
Improvement labelling disabled parking place
Assistance bulky luggage Frankfurt airport
Passing prohibited for wheelchair users
Polling place ramp – failed… well, it’s the thought that counts…
Translator BL
Eigude Shame XXIV
Sunday, January 27th, 2013Frontpage
It is always interesting how my environment is making an effort that my blood pressure doesn’t permanently remain at a low level.
Recently I wanted to go, as it is a Hobbit tradition, to a Punch and Judy show, or rather a show of the Kikiriki Theatre (puppet theatre for adults) in the “Union-Halle” in Frankfurt.
I drove with my car until the gate of the Union premises and asked the gatekeeper (since I am in the wheelchair even gate keepers are usually quite friendly) for admission onto the premises, hoping that I could park near the hall entrance.
He refused in spite of several requests and relegated me to the quite new Union car park which would be located at the rear side of the former brewery ground.
At last a conscientious employee who consequently adheres to his guidelines. He exemplified “Inclusion”, nobody was privileged, to say:
“You’re not coming in!”
I asked him several times if there are disabled parking places. The disabled parking permit behind the windscreen and my wheelchair behind me in the car could hardly be ignored.
When I stood in front of the car park I had to discover with surprise that steel brackets were raised on the two disabled parking places in front of the car park.
It is a mystery to me how you turn down the brackets, maybe I should have tried it with the European disabled toilet key, or with the password “Little bracket duck yourself!”
I don’t know…, I surely don’t have to get out of the car before, any ideas? Please write a comment.
If I have seen it correctly there are two stairs at the entrance/exit of the new car park, these are nice to look at for a wheelchair user like me, but the usage of the car park is therefore very limited.
I found a suitable parking place on the other side of the street.
After I got out of the car at last and sat in my wheelchair again I missed a lowered curb nearby.
I rolled on the street to the alleged rear entrance of the Union premises which wasn’t exactly safe, there my wife helped me over the curb between the parking cars.
Then… I stood in front of it,… a beautiful steep concrete staircase with seven stairs, I was quite speechless, and this happens very rarely.
I could imagine that the usage of the staircase with the missing handrails has already caused difficulties for some partially walking disabled guest of the “King Kamehameha Club” which is located on the same premises
I assumed that there might be an underground access from the car park to the premises, why the gatekeeper should have sent me there otherwise? This was not the case.
In the end my called-up companions (we were a group with theatre tickets) carried me up the stairs. I hate these soaring flights…!!!
I spared myself to point out to the gatekeeper his “great advice” with the car park. Was probably better for both sides.
When I finally stood in front of the entrance of the hall I wasn’t too surprised about the aluminium ramp because I had used it once four years ago, however I was hoping that it maybe had flattened a bit in the meantime…
The ramp winter service probably had its company holidays this week, otherwise the ice and snow on the 25° ramp (max. 6% gradient are normal) are not explicable.
With combined pushing efforts I arrived upstairs at the entrance after all.
It reminded me a bit of a ski jump!
After this precedent “expedition” my laughter to the jokes in the theatre was a bit more modest. I was thinking already about my way back.
After the show my companions decided with me that it would be saver to carry me down the entrance stairs instead of using the “jump” again.
With such training conditions we should consider to introduce wheelchair ski jumping at the Paralympic winter games!
A contact approach with a person in charge is in process
Click on tag “ramp” to read other nice stories.
Translator BL
Crazy Flash XVIII
Monday, January 7th, 2013Sorry, this entry is only available in Deutsch.
