Traveling and going out comfortably with an O4 wheelchair

Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Daniëlle, I’m 32 years old, and I live with my dog Milly in a small village in North Limburg. I’ve had a heart condition since I was 18, and I’ve known since I was 29 that it’s caused by EDS. Since I was 28, I’ve also experienced failure in other organs. My stomach, intestines, and bladder no longer function.

What do you find important in life, and what makes you happy?
Of course the most important things in life for me are my family and my little dog Milly. They are the reason I push my limits and keep going during difficult times. I find joy in the moments when my health is good enough to get out and make memories. This could be a walk with Milly, but also a trip to the movies, a concert, an amusement park, or a nice vacation.

How did you first come across the O4 wheelchair?
Through my occupational therapist. She mentioned the O4 as one of the few wheelchairs with an adjustable backrest. She thought this would make a world of difference for me, because I couldn’t stay in the wheelchair I had at the time for very long, which meant I could no longer enjoy the outings I loved so much. I went to check out O4 with my sister, and I knew right away: this is my chair.

Leisure

What do you like to do most in your free time?
I love spending time with my family. That could mean watching TV together or going to the movies. But I also enjoy spending a day at an amusement park or going on vacation with my sister.

Do you have hobbies or interests?
Yes I do… creative things, like crocheting, sewing, coloring, building with LEGO, and making things with my 3D printer. I also enjoy going to the movies, concerts, musicals, or amusement parks.

Are there any places or activities you particularly enjoy?
My favorite place to visit is America. We’ve been to Florida many times to visit Walt Disney World, but I also loved a road trip along the West Coast of the U.S. I also enjoy going on cruises. I rely on TPN (total parenteral nutrition), but I still like to travel to countries where the hospital gives me permission. I also enjoy going to concerts, musicals, and amusement parks.

How do you organize a trip like that?
It sometimes requires a lot of preparation, given my TPV and other medications. I need medical certificates and statements from the CAK with an apostille from the court in order to travel. I also have to request medical luggage and wheelchair assistance. My sister takes care of most of this.

What does a perfect day look like for you?
On my most perfect day, I’m on vacation in Florida. I usually don’t get up until around noon because my TPV takes 14 hours to kick in. Then we go to a Disney Park and enjoy the shows, the nice weather, and the rides. My O4 wheelchair makes it possible for me to keep this up.

And what do you do when you have an off day?
Those are often days when I’m in a lot of pain and can only lie in bed. I sleep a lot then.

O4 Wheelchairs

What immediately appealed to you about the O4 wheelchairs?
The adjustable backrest, the standing function, and the comfort.

Does your wheelchair have accessories ?
I have two O4 chairs: a black one with e-drive wheels and armrests, and a white one with a push bar, triangular hoops, and no armrests. The latter stays in the car and is the one we use most often. I mainly use the wheelchair with e-drive when I’m going somewhere on my own.

What do you find important in a wheelchair for daily life?
I think it’s important that the chair doesn’t make me look more limited than I am, that the chair suits me and has a sporty look. That people see Daniëlle and not my chair. Of course, seating comfort and the adjustable backrest are the most important things for me.

How does your O4 wheelchair help you in your daily life, leisure time, and travel?
Without the O4 chair, I wouldn’t be able to go on the trips I love to take; otherwise, I’d have to go home after just an hour at an amusement park because of my ACNES pain, which I can’t manage in a chair without an adjustable backrest. I also wouldn’t be able to watch a whole movie in the theater for the same reason (I always stay in my own chair, which is really the most comfortable for me).

Do you have tips for other wheelchair users when choosing a wheelchair?
Be sure to try out the chair, get good advice, and consult an occupational therapist.

What do you like best about the O4 wheelchair?
The adjustable backrest.

You customize your own wheelchair—how do you do that?
I crochet wheel covers onto a hoop and secure them to my wheelchair’s wheels with zip ties. This gives the chair a more personal look. I also have a matching footbag, because I get cold quickly in the wheelchair.

What do you think is the best thing you’ve made?
My pink wheel covers, though I’m working on a new set right now, so maybe that will end up being my best creation.

Do you have a favorite quote or life motto?
If you’re in pain, if you think you’ve had enough, don’t ever give up. (Coldplay)

This quote means a lot to me because I suffered from severe bladder infections for two years, which made it almost impossible for me to get out of bed. The pain was so intense that I often told my family I didn’t want to go on like this. Together with my family, I fought for a solution that no one was willing to provide at first. Until I met my current urologist in October.

Last December, my bladder was removed and I had a urostomy. It was a difficult time, and the recovery period was long, but slowly I’m getting better and better, and I’m able to do a little more each day. I’m glad I kept fighting and never gave up.

What message would you like to share with other wheelchair users or people with disabilities?
You are more than your disability. Life doesn’t stop when you get sick. Focus on the things you can still do, not on the things you can’t. Live one day at a time and make wonderful memories with the people you love.

O4 wheelchairs is building an online store, what must be included absolutely?
Back covers in many different colors, so there’s always one that suits you. Push handles, cup holders, and other accessories are also handy. A page featuring display model chairs for people on a tighter budget.