DH having trouble staying upright in WC

[mugs]

My husband has ppms and is permanently in a wc. For the past six months he's been going downhill and now has trouble staying upright in his wc. I'm afraid he'll either fall forward or slip out to the side. He gets upset when I suggest any changes but nevertheless I think he needs a belt of some kind.

Is there a harness for people like him with little trunk control? He does not want to be bedbound.

thanks

[Cat Mom]

We got my Mum (not MS) a padded tray specifically for her wheelchair. She put up a fuss at first but then discovered the advantages of having it, putting food/drink on it, holding a book, etc. and it prevented her from falling forward or sideways. Good luck.

Jen

[Kimba22]

Hi mugs,

There is something called a "wheelchair chest harness" that might be helpful. Hopefully, you'll find what you need by using that terminology in a google search. Several vendors came up that had them when I did a search.

Please share with us if you find something that helps!

Best wishes,

[Marco]

Kimba is correct with the with "wheelchair harness" while other vendors and some therapists may use the term "wheelchair trunk support."

• I would also see if he qualifies for physical therapy to work on his trunk and core conditioning. His primary care doctor or neurologist are capable of writing a prescription.
• Some insurance policies may allow an upgrade of his existing wheelchair to one with full trunk support since this is a significant medical change.
• Your insurance company should have a list of DME (durable medical equipment) providers that you can call. If NuMotion is on the list try them first. Many on the list are HORRIBLE even when they list "wheelchairs" since they only carry the same wheelchairs that WalMart of Target does at 3 times the cost.
• If you are paying out of pocket, I would certainly call
  spinlife.com (800-850-0335) to talk to a mobility specialist.
• There is also another forum called apparelyzed.com that provides "Spinal Cord Injury Peer Support" where you may get very helpful information.

Thank you for looking out for your husband and I hope you find a good solution to help him. Godspeed!

[Kimba22]

Mugs,

Marco gave you some great ideas, as usual! Thanks, Marco. They also gave me some other thoughts, which I hope will help you find some answers for your husband.

• I would also see if he qualifies for physical therapy to work on his trunk and core conditioning. His primary care doctor or neurologist are capable of writing a prescription.

A physical therapist and/or an occupational therapist can also help determine exactly which wheelchair positioning accessories would be the most beneficial for your husband's needs. An occupational therapist is actually the one who evaluated me (at a wheelchair clinic, which was part of the rehab dept. at one my local hospitals) for my powerchair. Wheelchair vendors can also make recommendations. A professional can spot other things besides just the obvious leaning that you see, and offer recommendations to prevent further complications to someone who sits in a wheelchair all day long.

Besides working with your husband, a therapist can help train you how to optimally help your husband (without hurting yourself). I've often seen spouses/ caregivers being taught as well as the patient during my PT sessions. I hope you can find neuro rehab therapists, they are the most knowledgeable for treating someone with MS (at every stage).

• Some insurance policies may allow an upgrade of his existing wheelchair to one with full trunk support since this is a significant medical change.

If this is an option, this would be the best for your husband. If not, there's quite an assortment of positional wheelchair accessory items available on-line. There is something called lateral supports that are for wheelchairs, they keep a person from sliding sideways in their chair. You can get them for both manual and powerchairs (this is an add-on accessory you can purchase for both a new or existing power chair, but note each model will have their own). There is also something called hip supports, which your husband might need in addition to lateral supports. In addition, your husband will still need a chest belt (not necessarily a chest harness) to keep him from leaning forward. JMHO, but I think that combination would be the most supportive and feel the least constrictive.

If your husband has a powerchair (which I hope he does) that you can't upgrade right now, a powerchair vendor in your area might still be able to come to your home (they'll do it where I live) to evaluate him and make the appropriate recommendations for accessories for his needs.

I hope you'll let us know what was found that helped your DH. I'd also like to thank you for taking care of him. Best of luck in your quest to find a solution!

[nkh18]

Support in a wheelchair

I'm in the process of getting a motorized wheelchair especially designed to support my back (I've developed scoliosis due to weak core/back muscles) and it hurts to sit for long. I had to get a prescription from a rehabilitation doctor, then see an OT for assessment of my needs. Medicare and my insurance will pay for most of the cost.
You might check out your insurance to see if they cover something like this. Good luck to you.

[mugs]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice -- I'm going to check out wheelchair harnesses with the mobility company and an OT.

Just concerned about getting H to agree

[misslux]

mugs, someone at the CCAC may be able to help you as well.

http://healthcareathome.ca/

[mugs]

Thanks all for the suggestions and support.

Guess what? DH says he won't have a harness.

Absolutely refuses.

[Kimba22]

Sorry to hear that. Well, he will end up bedbound if he starts falling out of his w/c. I doubt you'll be able to get him back into his chair by yourself. Personally, I'd rather go with the lateral supports and a chest belt. The harness would soon begin to feel more like a straight jacket.

Any luck getting him reassessed by an OT? I'd really hate to see him end up completely bedbound.

Hope somehow, someone can offer solutions your husband will be willing accept!

Take care,