التسميات

الخميس، 25 يوليو 2019

Equipment For Paraplegics Helps Patients To Live Independently

By Edward Cole


Quadriplegia and paraplegia are both the result of serious injuries to the spinal cord. In the case of the former, both the lower and upper body is paralysed but in the case of the latter, patients still have the use of the arms and entire upper bodies. It is a tremendous shock to learn that one will not walk again. However, with innovative equipment for paraplegics they quickly find that they can still enjoy life to the full.

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.

Because a paraplegic still have the use of his upper body, he can also become fully mobile with a specially adapted auto that needs only the use of the hands in order to operate. These vehicles can also be fitted with special hoists and racks to load and transport the wheelchair. Unfortunately, these conversions are incredibly expensive but the ability to travel truly frees paraplegia patients.

There are also numerous devices specially designed to allow any paraplegic to live fully independent. Lights, televisions, stereo systems and, in fact, almost every other household appliance, can be controlled remotely. There are plenty of aids to help in the bathroom. Special winches can help the patient to hoist himself into and out of the bath or from the wheelchair into bed, for example.

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.

Paraplegia patients do not have control over the functions of the lower body. This means that simple matters such as urinating can become a problem. Luckily there are many products such as catheters and other personal devices that can help to avoid embarrassment and to give the paraplegic some measure of control over his own toilet routine. Most medical insurance companies will cover the cost of these products.

It is a sad fact that many of the products and devices that can make life so much easier for a paraplegic so is expensive. Medical insurance will only cover the cost of the most basic items. It may be a good idea to look for second hand products and devices and if there is no other way out, it may even be possible to obtain help from charities that try to help paralysed people to live better lives.

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:



ليست هناك تعليقات:

إرسال تعليق