2 replies to this topic

[Scott_C4-5]

This mainly goes out to quad's, but para's are welcome to respond. When I was in rehab 19 years ago my weight shift regime consisted of a 5 minute recline every half hour but I had pressure sores at the time. I later did them less frequently over the years, but now, after several sores and one flap surgery I'm more cautious. I do a tilt in my power chair for about 10-15 minutes every hour unless I'm out or in confined quarters. If I'm upright for a few hours without a rest I'll tilt back for anywhere from 20-30 minutes or more to make up for the difference. I use a roho high-profile cushion too. What do the rest of you do and are you having any pressure areas on your buttocks or tailbone?

My answer would be:

Tilt in my power chair for 10-15 minutes every hour on a Roho Cushion.
I have a small place above my tailbone, but its not from my weight shifts.

[wheeliebear75]

I'm a partial para but still need to do lifts to avoid sores. I lift myself up using my arms and just take the weight off my butt for a good 5min or so every hr or 2. I use the ROHO low profile but I'll be getting the high profile next time. I have always done lifts since the wheelchair. Luckily the only problems I have had were relatively minor & were caused by the skin not breathing during the humid parts of the summer.......but I have not had any problems since getting the ROHO.

[qbounce]

I got my pressure sore on the cocxyx while stabilized in the ICU at the hospital directly after my accident. So, I too am VERY cautious of getting another sore now. I lift myself every 30 minutes for 30-40 seconds, and I fidget alot. I'm moving my feet often too. Crossing my legs, or taking them off the foot plate when I'm just sitting still.

I have a ROHO QUATRO (high profile, 4" cells) also, but would like to look into a RIDE cushion. I've heard many good things about them, except the price is rather steep . . . . something like $600. But they're more stable, light weight, and you don't have to fuss with air, so it won't tear or deflate.

If you have something on your tail bone now, it could be the type of clothing you wear. Jeans in particular have a seam directly at that point, and are renouned for causing or reopenning sores in that area.