On canes and service dogs - information from Pat

[Guest guest]

Pat is a special friend, a wise woman, one of the original group

members, and a former moderator. She has RA and a demanding job and

can't be with us here much, but she does read when she can.

Previously, Pat had surgery on her lumbar spine and suffered a " spinal

stroke. " So, she has experience with and understands mobility issues

very well.

Regarding canes, Pat said that, while she was learning to walk again,

supporting her entire weight with her arms and shoulders while using a

cane was very difficult and painful. A forearm crutch was much better,

but then she developed a lump on her wrist and could no longer use that

method of support.

As an alternative to assistive devices like canes and crutches, Pat

recommends a service dog or assistance dog. Pat has a wonderful dog

named who helps her in amazing ways. This is an option only for

people who really enjoy dogs - is with Pat 24/7.

It is possible and legal to train one's own assistance dog - there are

individuals, groups, tapes, books, and Web sites available to help.

Professional dog trainers and physical therapists can provide valuable

tips and training. A service dog need not cost thousands of dollars or

take years spent on a waiting list.

When Pat's hands hurt, she uses a waist leash and helps her

maintain her balance - no hands! When is full grown (she is

around 70 pounds right now), Pat will fit her with a special harness

that has a handle.

In addition to helping Pat balance and walk with a more normal gait,

can help pull Pat just enough while she is walking up inclines to

make it less stressful on her legs.

Once, Pat fell in her kitchen, and helped get her first to sitting

position, then to standing again. With around, Pat feels safer and

confident that, if there is a fall, she will have a way to get back up.

Even better, can also prevent falls.

Pat has trained to pick up objects for her; for example, dropped

car keys.

Pat and are a team. They work together, learn together, play

together, take care of one another, and enjoy each other's company.

has allowed Pat to do things that she hasn't been able to do for

three years.

I'll provide some links about service dogs in a separate post.

Thanks, Pat, for sharing your experience with !

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org