Some people confuse quadriplegia with paraplegia. Both suffer from serious injuries to the spinal cord. However, quadriplegics are paralysed in both the upper and lower bodies while those suffering from paraplegia are paralysed in the lower body only. This means that they can normally still use their torsos and upper body limbs. Paralysis of the lower body is no small matter but with special equipment for paraplegics these patients can still live full, independent lives.
For most paraplegia patients the loss of their mobility is the biggest shock. Luckily, there is absolutely no reason why patients need to be restricted to a bed or couch any longer. There are many different types of wheelchairs and other devices designed to provide mobility to paralysed people. Access to buildings and vehicles can also be made easier by using specially designed ramps. Some are even portable.
There are also many companies that specialize in adapting existing motor vehicles so that they can be operated by people that are paralysed in the lower body. With these conversions special lifts that can load the wheelchair aboard or on the roof of the auto mobile is normally also supplied. Just about every paraplegic will agree that the ability to drive has given them back an enormous degree of freedom.
Most paralysed people do not want to be dependent upon other people. They want to do things for themselves and they want to cope with the demands of everyday life. Luckily, there are numerous products to help with this aim. Hoists and rails are designed to help patients move from a wheelchair to a bed or a couch and there are special devices that makes it much easier to get in and out of a bath.
All paraplegia patients are strongly advised to make sure that they do not allow the unused muscles of their lower bodies to deteriorate. The upper body also need to be strengthened because it has to perform all the work. This this end a large selection of devices designed to help paralysed patients to exercise is available. Patients that cannot afford these devices should consider finding a gym that offers these services.
Because a paraplegic has no feeling in or control over his lower body functions, he needs to pay special attention to matters such as toilet. For this purpose there are special adult nappies, catheters and other devices that will help them stay clean. There are also special pillows and beds to help them maintain a comfortable posture and special cushions designed to prevent complications from sitting down for long periods of time.
Sadly, many of the devices and products designed to make life easier for paraplegia patients are expensive. Medical insurance will cover the cost of certain types of products but even them a limit is placed on the cost of a specific device such as a wheelchair. The alternative is to look for good quality second hand devices or to approach charity organizations specializing in helping disabled people to live independently.
It is certainly a big challenge to adapt to the fact that one is paralysed. With the right aids, however, patients can live full lives and they need not look into the eyes of others for their every need. This cost money, however and one hopes that prices will come down.
For most paraplegia patients the loss of their mobility is the biggest shock. Luckily, there is absolutely no reason why patients need to be restricted to a bed or couch any longer. There are many different types of wheelchairs and other devices designed to provide mobility to paralysed people. Access to buildings and vehicles can also be made easier by using specially designed ramps. Some are even portable.
There are also many companies that specialize in adapting existing motor vehicles so that they can be operated by people that are paralysed in the lower body. With these conversions special lifts that can load the wheelchair aboard or on the roof of the auto mobile is normally also supplied. Just about every paraplegic will agree that the ability to drive has given them back an enormous degree of freedom.
Most paralysed people do not want to be dependent upon other people. They want to do things for themselves and they want to cope with the demands of everyday life. Luckily, there are numerous products to help with this aim. Hoists and rails are designed to help patients move from a wheelchair to a bed or a couch and there are special devices that makes it much easier to get in and out of a bath.
All paraplegia patients are strongly advised to make sure that they do not allow the unused muscles of their lower bodies to deteriorate. The upper body also need to be strengthened because it has to perform all the work. This this end a large selection of devices designed to help paralysed patients to exercise is available. Patients that cannot afford these devices should consider finding a gym that offers these services.
Because a paraplegic has no feeling in or control over his lower body functions, he needs to pay special attention to matters such as toilet. For this purpose there are special adult nappies, catheters and other devices that will help them stay clean. There are also special pillows and beds to help them maintain a comfortable posture and special cushions designed to prevent complications from sitting down for long periods of time.
Sadly, many of the devices and products designed to make life easier for paraplegia patients are expensive. Medical insurance will cover the cost of certain types of products but even them a limit is placed on the cost of a specific device such as a wheelchair. The alternative is to look for good quality second hand devices or to approach charity organizations specializing in helping disabled people to live independently.
It is certainly a big challenge to adapt to the fact that one is paralysed. With the right aids, however, patients can live full lives and they need not look into the eyes of others for their every need. This cost money, however and one hopes that prices will come down.
About the Author:
Get a summary of important things to keep in mind when purchasing equipment for paraplegics and view our selection of high-quality equipment at http://www.rdequipment.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment