Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, You still have some choices. If someone can come in and check on you, you can wear Depends briefs and change them every 4-6 hours. If not, you may need to consider staying in bed except when you can have help available. There are power hoists which could get you back to bed by yourself, if you can operate them with your hands. I think it is time to call in a social worker and an occupational therapist to work out what is best for you. Your doctor can prescribe this and get it paid for through Medicare or your insurance. Take care, Bill Werre ========================== Sherry Sherry wrote: > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. > > I'd love to hear from you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, You still have some choices. If someone can come in and check on you, you can wear Depends briefs and change them every 4-6 hours. If not, you may need to consider staying in bed except when you can have help available. There are power hoists which could get you back to bed by yourself, if you can operate them with your hands. I think it is time to call in a social worker and an occupational therapist to work out what is best for you. Your doctor can prescribe this and get it paid for through Medicare or your insurance. Take care, Bill Werre ========================== Sherry Sherry wrote: > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. > > I'd love to hear from you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, You still have some choices. If someone can come in and check on you, you can wear Depends briefs and change them every 4-6 hours. If not, you may need to consider staying in bed except when you can have help available. There are power hoists which could get you back to bed by yourself, if you can operate them with your hands. I think it is time to call in a social worker and an occupational therapist to work out what is best for you. Your doctor can prescribe this and get it paid for through Medicare or your insurance. Take care, Bill Werre ========================== Sherry Sherry wrote: > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. > > I'd love to hear from you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, I must agree with Bill. It is time to get someone in to do an evaluation of your needs and go from there. My husband decided on the catheter about six months and it has made our life so much easier. We can now travel without stopping constantly and I don't have to worry about him in the men's room and me yelling to him through the door. We recently had a PT come in for an evaluation of needs and she was able to get insurance to pay for a slide board, shower/commode chair and a few other things. The slide board helps him a lot moving from the wheelchair to bed and from the wheelchair onto the toilet. I have no experience with the lifts Bill refers to but it might be time to consider that for moving if the slide board will no longer work. Good luck, please take care. Hugs, Jan > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. > > I'd love to hear from you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, I must agree with Bill. It is time to get someone in to do an evaluation of your needs and go from there. My husband decided on the catheter about six months and it has made our life so much easier. We can now travel without stopping constantly and I don't have to worry about him in the men's room and me yelling to him through the door. We recently had a PT come in for an evaluation of needs and she was able to get insurance to pay for a slide board, shower/commode chair and a few other things. The slide board helps him a lot moving from the wheelchair to bed and from the wheelchair onto the toilet. I have no experience with the lifts Bill refers to but it might be time to consider that for moving if the slide board will no longer work. Good luck, please take care. Hugs, Jan > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. > > I'd love to hear from you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, I must agree with Bill. It is time to get someone in to do an evaluation of your needs and go from there. My husband decided on the catheter about six months and it has made our life so much easier. We can now travel without stopping constantly and I don't have to worry about him in the men's room and me yelling to him through the door. We recently had a PT come in for an evaluation of needs and she was able to get insurance to pay for a slide board, shower/commode chair and a few other things. The slide board helps him a lot moving from the wheelchair to bed and from the wheelchair onto the toilet. I have no experience with the lifts Bill refers to but it might be time to consider that for moving if the slide board will no longer work. Good luck, please take care. Hugs, Jan > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. > > I'd love to hear from you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 How's your upper body strength? I also have SDS. Since my legs are a bit wobbly (if I'm tired especially), I rely heavily on my arms (after all we are decended from apes). If it were me I'd have rings and small trapezes strategically hung from the ceiling to manoeuvre from place to place. I've worked hard at gaining upper body strength, and strong abdominal muscles, because I have a pretty good idea what lies ahead. Of course we are all completely different, I'm 48, 110 lbs. and have always been in good physical condition. My small apartment is set up so there is always something on either side of me to safely grab, and I've put cushions around to keep falls from doing too much damage. I've a pile of sketches on what I might find acceptable intead of the standard wheelchair. I loathe the idea of being dropped from adult height - an open invitation for people to become patronizing, and leave you out of the conversation. When I've got the concepts fleshed out a bit I'll scan it in and have you engineering types give it a go. - small wheelbase, independent leveling wheels, solar panels, body properly suspended to allow bloodflow (not on your ass all day), go up small stairs using a pole vaulting sor of mechanism, self generating power, on board laptop, to communicate, send distress signals, or work of boredom, idealy I would lose no more than 2 " in stature, and being suspended gyroscopically I could maintain eye contact even while moving. I have a friend who builds robots and things for science fiction productions, and he's game to give it a shot. Sorry guys, as nice a s cure sounds, I'm pre-occupied with having a life worth living. At 6/6/02 10:36 AM Thursday, you wrote: I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . what is the logical next step? Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call lifeline. No one was at home. Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. I'd love to hear from you If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 How's your upper body strength? I also have SDS. Since my legs are a bit wobbly (if I'm tired especially), I rely heavily on my arms (after all we are decended from apes). If it were me I'd have rings and small trapezes strategically hung from the ceiling to manoeuvre from place to place. I've worked hard at gaining upper body strength, and strong abdominal muscles, because I have a pretty good idea what lies ahead. Of course we are all completely different, I'm 48, 110 lbs. and have always been in good physical condition. My small apartment is set up so there is always something on either side of me to safely grab, and I've put cushions around to keep falls from doing too much damage. I've a pile of sketches on what I might find acceptable intead of the standard wheelchair. I loathe the idea of being dropped from adult height - an open invitation for people to become patronizing, and leave you out of the conversation. When I've got the concepts fleshed out a bit I'll scan it in and have you engineering types give it a go. - small wheelbase, independent leveling wheels, solar panels, body properly suspended to allow bloodflow (not on your ass all day), go up small stairs using a pole vaulting sor of mechanism, self generating power, on board laptop, to communicate, send distress signals, or work of boredom, idealy I would lose no more than 2 " in stature, and being suspended gyroscopically I could maintain eye contact even while moving. I have a friend who builds robots and things for science fiction productions, and he's game to give it a shot. Sorry guys, as nice a s cure sounds, I'm pre-occupied with having a life worth living. At 6/6/02 10:36 AM Thursday, you wrote: I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . what is the logical next step? Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call lifeline. No one was at home. Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. I'd love to hear from you If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 How's your upper body strength? I also have SDS. Since my legs are a bit wobbly (if I'm tired especially), I rely heavily on my arms (after all we are decended from apes). If it were me I'd have rings and small trapezes strategically hung from the ceiling to manoeuvre from place to place. I've worked hard at gaining upper body strength, and strong abdominal muscles, because I have a pretty good idea what lies ahead. Of course we are all completely different, I'm 48, 110 lbs. and have always been in good physical condition. My small apartment is set up so there is always something on either side of me to safely grab, and I've put cushions around to keep falls from doing too much damage. I've a pile of sketches on what I might find acceptable intead of the standard wheelchair. I loathe the idea of being dropped from adult height - an open invitation for people to become patronizing, and leave you out of the conversation. When I've got the concepts fleshed out a bit I'll scan it in and have you engineering types give it a go. - small wheelbase, independent leveling wheels, solar panels, body properly suspended to allow bloodflow (not on your ass all day), go up small stairs using a pole vaulting sor of mechanism, self generating power, on board laptop, to communicate, send distress signals, or work of boredom, idealy I would lose no more than 2 " in stature, and being suspended gyroscopically I could maintain eye contact even while moving. I have a friend who builds robots and things for science fiction productions, and he's game to give it a shot. Sorry guys, as nice a s cure sounds, I'm pre-occupied with having a life worth living. At 6/6/02 10:36 AM Thursday, you wrote: I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . what is the logical next step? Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call lifeline. No one was at home. Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. I'd love to hear from you If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, I agree with Bill, it's time to have a professional come in and evaluate your needs. I am amazed at teh contraptions people have come up with to help people with special needs navigate! Perhaps there is something that can be done for you to be able to transfer more easily by yourself. Or perhaps you need someone to come in while you are alone and check on you. Please let us know what you find out. Carol & Rob Lexington, MA --- Sherry Sherry siblings@...> wrote: > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up > til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support > me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to > give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not > get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying > with me. > > I'd love to hear from you > > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, I agree with Bill, it's time to have a professional come in and evaluate your needs. I am amazed at teh contraptions people have come up with to help people with special needs navigate! Perhaps there is something that can be done for you to be able to transfer more easily by yourself. Or perhaps you need someone to come in while you are alone and check on you. Please let us know what you find out. Carol & Rob Lexington, MA --- Sherry Sherry siblings@...> wrote: > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up > til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support > me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to > give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not > get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying > with me. > > I'd love to hear from you > > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, I agree with Bill, it's time to have a professional come in and evaluate your needs. I am amazed at teh contraptions people have come up with to help people with special needs navigate! Perhaps there is something that can be done for you to be able to transfer more easily by yourself. Or perhaps you need someone to come in while you are alone and check on you. Please let us know what you find out. Carol & Rob Lexington, MA --- Sherry Sherry siblings@...> wrote: > I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up > til now could get myself > on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support > me. What do I do > next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to > give up and go to bed . > what is the logical next step? > > Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not > get up. I had to call > lifeline. No one was at home. > > Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying > with me. > > I'd love to hear from you > > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 Sherry, We had a lift installed in our home. We have one that will take my husband from his bed to the wheel chair or to the bathroom/commode/shower. We have another in another part of our home that will transfer him from the wheel chair to a regular chair. This lift is power. You might could operate this lift on your own for a while, depending upon your arm agility. Speedy could at first, but is unable to do so now. He must have assistance. We tried a portable Hoyer Lift for a while, but found them to be very unstable and difficult to move. Our lift came from the Surehands Company. I think you will find them on the web. If it would help, I could give you a phone number. Lifts are not cheap, but for us they were an absolute necessity. My husband weighs 250+ lbs. Before his illness took over, his weight was beween 185-200/210. If I can be of futher assistance, I will find a telephone number. Marilyn in TN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2002 Report Share Posted June 7, 2002 Sherry, I wish that I had an answer for you. I know others on the list will offer suggestions that may be of help. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and pray that a workable solution can be found, inexpensivly and quickly. Hugs, Deborah aka Tenacity Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2002 13:36:14 -0400 I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . what is the logical next step? Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call lifeline. No one was at home. Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. I'd love to hear from you If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2002 Report Share Posted June 7, 2002 Thanks to all who responded. I have an appointment w3ith a Physiatrist for an evaluation . nnext step? I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . what is the logical next step? Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call lifeline. No one was at home. Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. I'd love to hear from you If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2002 Report Share Posted June 7, 2002 Thanks to all who responded. I have an appointment w3ith a Physiatrist for an evaluation . nnext step? I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . what is the logical next step? Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call lifeline. No one was at home. Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. I'd love to hear from you If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2002 Report Share Posted June 7, 2002 Thanks to all who responded. I have an appointment w3ith a Physiatrist for an evaluation . nnext step? I have sds. I am confined to a wheelchair, but up til now could get myself on and off the toilet. Now my legs will not support me. What do I do next?? Do I opt for a catheter? I'm not ready to give up and go to bed . what is the logical next step? Yesterday I got stuck in my wheelchair. I could not get up. I had to call lifeline. No one was at home. Tonight and tomorrow night I have someone staying with me. I'd love to hear from you If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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