Planning for the Unplannable
How a Trip to London Taught Me (Again) to Expect the Unexpected with Long Covid
I have learnt over time that the effects of Long Covid vary. There seems to be no discernible reason why I can go weeks of feeling like every step takes an enormous effort to feeling more optimistic and have at least a small amount of energy. The cycle repeats itself, and I have had to learn the hard way to always use my mobility aids as I never know when my symptoms will change for the worse or bring on post-exertional malaise.
Last Friday, I did something I would not have considered just a week before: I joined my family on a trip to London! From sunny Suffolk, this would be a mission involving multiple trains, and before, I had always sat out of these trips, fearing that I would just slow everybody down. I am not sure if it was the better weather or a newfound determination, but this time, I was going to make it—no matter how I felt!
We planned meticulously. Long journeys always throw up unknowns, even with planning. However, if you have covered the ‘knowns’, then at least you only have the surprises to contend with. My big decision was which mobility aid to use.
In the brown corner, weighing around 48 pounds, was the Efoldi Scooter. The upside: It is lightweight and will go over most terrains. The downside: It is not allowed on trains, so I would need to fold it up and pull it on. The Efoldi helpfully folds into a suitcase-like size for this very purpose.
In the blue corner was my Whill C2 wheelchair. The upside: It’s much more comfortable for a day trip out, and I would not need to leave the chair. The downside: I was worried about getting on and off the train, plus some terrain might be difficult. After much discussion, the Efoldi was selected on the basis that Rachel, my wife, could wheel it on and off the trains. The decision was made, and the day arrived.
Overall, the trip went really well and thanks to my family I managed to conserve my energy for eighty percent of the trip, only flagging on the way home. The Efoldi was brilliant around the streets of London but proved cumbersome to wheel around the platform and trains. Even though it is a lightweight scooter, it’s still a very heavy piece of luggage, and Rachel found it hard at times. It is especially annoying when the front wheel comes off its magnets and falls out!
There was nothing the Efoldi could not traverse, even the shaky but doable cobbled streets of Covent Garden. However, it was low, and at times, I felt easily overwhelmed, especially when groups of people huddled around me. It was also not that comfortable after a while, even though I used an extra-support memory foam cushion that can be purchased with the Efoldi.
On reflection, I might have been better off going for the Whill C2, and that is our next mission! We have decided to go to a London show and do the whole thing in my wheelchair. I will report back!
Listen to the latest episode of the podcast on Monday for more reflections on our trip out and a slightly less successful boot sale visit in the Efoldi the day after.
I hope you are managing to find some joy this week.
Paul
For clarity, I am not affiliated with Efoldi or the Whill C2, so these opinions are my own. Other manufacturers are available!