Saturday, July 20, 2019

Equipment For Paraplegics Helps Patients To Live Independently

By Edward Cole


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.

Any paraplegic will agree that the most important thing for him is to be able to move around. Thankfully, there is now a very wide range of devices designed to help such patients to be fully mobile. There are wheelchairs that are electrically driven, chairs for use during personal toilet and chairs for standing up in. To improve access to almost any place, an astonishing variety of ramps are available too.

For many people, the ability to drive a vehicle is the ultimate mobile freedom. Paraplegia patients need not be denied this freedom. There are many companies that specialize in converting cars specially for paralysed clients. All the controls are operated with the hands. These vehicles can be even be equipped with hoists and racks that will enable to patient to take his wheelchair with him wherever he goes.

There is also an amazing range of devices that are specially designed to help a paraplegic to live an independent life. There are special devices that help the patient to get into and out of a bath. Hoists can help them move from one location, such as a bed, to another, such as a wheelchair. There are products that will allow a paraplegic to control lights, and other devices without having to move from his wheelchair.

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 have no control over the functioning of their more intimate lower body functions. This is a great source of embarrassment for most of them. However, with easy to use catheters and other aids patients can now exercise a great degree of control. This enhances their dignity and the quality of their lives. There are also many other products designed to prevent bed sores and related conditions.

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.

Most paraplegia patients require a lot of time to come to grips with the fact that they will have to live within certain limits. There can be no doubt, however, that the many devices and products on the market today can go a long way in improving the quality of life of a paraplegic. One can just hope that they will become more affordable in the future.




About the Author:



0 comments :

Dí lo que piensas...

 
twitter facebook google plus linkedin rss feed email