Figuring out where to buy a lift chair for my FSHD symptoms was no small task

Recently, standing up has become even more difficult for me than it previously was. The last few times I sat in my comfy recliner in my music and writing room, I worried I might have to call 911 for help getting up.

My son, Ryan, had already added 3-inch risers to the bottom of the recliner to make it a bit easier for me to stand. I loved that chair. Whenever pain from my facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) flared up, it was my go-to spot for recovery.

I replaced a recliner in our living room with a lift chair, thanks to Pennsylvania’s Catastrophic Loss Benefits Continuation Fund, a program I qualify for due to being the victim of a head-on collision with a DUI driver. However, they wouldn’t cover a second chair. But there are times when I need a private, comfortable place to sit.

Medicare only covers 80% of the cost of the lift mechanism, not the chair itself or the remaining 20% of the lift assembly. Additionally, the chair must be purchased from a medical supplier. A quick online search made it clear that buying from a furniture store might actually be cheaper.

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Three weeks ago, my wife, Wendy, Ryan, and I set out to shop for a lift chair at several local furniture stores.

I’ve written before about my adventure shopping for a new mattress. Wendy thought I was picky then, but that was nothing compared with lift chair shopping. Partway through our search, she started calling me “Goldilocks.”

You probably know the fairy tale about the little girl who breaks into the home of the three bears and finds each chair, bowl of porridge, and bed to be too hard, too soft, or just right. I was the same way — but with 23 chairs, not three.

With little padding left of my own, I need my seats to be well-cushioned. My winging shoulder blades also make it difficult to get comfortable if a chair has any buttons, tucks, or even textured fabric.

The first chair I tried at store No. 1 seemed OK; it had adequate cushioning, and the single tuck in the back didn’t interfere with my shoulder blades. It was pricey, but I told Wendy it might work. We tried the other five lift chairs there, but none of them worked for me.

Store No. 2 offered 15 different lift chairs, all quite expensive. Ryan reminded me it was likely a one-time purchase and that comfort was most important, so I tried every chair. None were truly comfortable — not even the “Z” chairs the salesman claimed were good for both sitting and sleeping.

Ryan had found a third store online that he thought we should check out. Since it was nearby, we gave it a try. Store No. 3 had a lift chair in the display window and one on the floor — not much selection. I tried chair No. 22. It wasn’t bad, but the adjustable headrest never quite stopped bothering my neck.

The salesman — who turned out to be the owner — offered to pull the other lift chair from the display window. After 22 chairs, what was one more?

Chair No. 23 turned out to be the winner. The seat was comfortable, and the area where my shoulder blades rested was well-padded. Best of all, it was the least expensive chair I’d tried all day.

We went back to store No. 1 to compare with the first chair, but it only took a moment to know that No. 23 was really No. 1 for me. We returned to store No. 3 and bought the lift chair.

I can’t say I’m happy to need help standing up, but I feel blessed to have the resources for the adaptations I need and caregivers patient enough to let “Goldilocks” try out 23 chairs to find the one that’s not too soft, not too hard, but just right.

Note: Muscular Dystrophy News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.