25 replies to this topic

[Doug]

The title says it all.... I finally have managed to get the right sling and now have the ability to get from my bed to my chair unassisted!!! This was going to be my new years resolution but success came early so I am no longer a prisoner to my bed.

My days of being dressed and put into my chair by someone else are over!!!

I still have a few things to work out but the biggest battle has been won

I made a quick video to show others that it is possible and will make a much more detailed one soon. Showing what sling I use and how to get in and out of it.



I am not super strong so this is the only way I can transfer for now. But I am working on being more proactive with working out.

[Meadowlarkmark]

Nice vid-I really enjoyed your systematic use of your lifting system. I use a trapeze currently but would like a system like yours as I debilitate with age.

[Tetracyclone]

Doug, this is fantastic. Well I remember the joy of being able to get out of bed unassisted. Congratulations.

[kim wright]

that was amazing well done .
will make a big difference to your life

[gordonr]

Doug, on Dec 28 2009, 04:34 PM, said:

The title says it all.... I finally have managed to get the right sling and now have the ability to get from my bed to my chair unassisted!!!

Doug,

Bravo. That is a giant step forward.

So... Putting the pieces together, you can now climb in your chair and beetle off to the park.

The next thing would be food. I never saw a guy in a wheelchair roll past the drive-through window at Burger King, but I do it all the time in my van, and I can assure you that if there was one close to the house I would also be doing it in my chair. I also had an inaccessible restaurant close by at one point where I had trained the guys to come out on the sidewalk to take my order. That is a low tech but effective drive-through. The first time I did it, I just called them up on my cell phone (using the number in the window) and asked for a delivery. The guy asked where? And I said, "right in front of you pal, I 'm looking at you through the window". And then there is ordinary delivery. If you called them up about the same time you started to get dressed, you could be headed down to the park with a hot sandwich for your pic-nic.

And be sure to keep some extra treats in your saddle-bag to feed those chicks in the park who will surely be coming up to tell you how cute you are.

(environmentalists. Animal Lovers. Warm and Cuddly. Piping Hot. And amazing just how prime they look when they get those overalls off.)

You're in business now my son.

You da Man!

Best Regards,

Gordon

[StillFingers]

Doug,

Way cool video, congrats!!! One more step towards independence, excellent accomplishment...

Your overhead lift/sling system looks great. I've had carer assistance for years/decades; using slide boards and Hoyer lifts/slings and would like to look into an overhead lift system. Additionally, it looks like your adjustable tilt back power chair helps you a lot, I've been looking at a few designs and wondering what features help the most. If you wouldn't mind, would you post some info and/or links for both your lift and chair seating.

Once again, thanks for the video, very instructional and inspirational...well done!

Jerry

[Avocado Baby]

I'm really pleased for you! Congratulations!

[sciiaf]

STUPENDOUS!!!

Congrats to you, that is beyond major. Just viewing the video, you can tell how elaborate and detailed you are with this process. The video has obviuosly been sped up, but we can all realize how many different steps it takes for you to do this. It also looks like you do this procedure like an old pro! never a moment where you stop to think "what do I do next, did I do that right?" it's quick. AWESOME!

Now, if you get the midnight munchies bad you can get outta that bed and hit the fridge (that was my major beef, up at 3am craving an after midnight snack).

Doug, on Dec 28 2009, 08:34 AM, said:

The title says it all.... I finally have managed to get the right sling and now have the ability to get from my bed to my chair unassisted!!! This was going to be my new years resolution but success came early so I am no longer a prisoner to my bed.

My days of being dressed and put into my chair by someone else are over!!!

I still have a few things to work out but the biggest battle has been won

I made a quick video to show others that it is possible and will make a much more detailed one soon. Showing what sling I use and how to get in and out of it.



I am not super strong so this is the only way I can transfer for now. But I am working on being more proactive with working out.

[Doug]

sciiaf, on Dec 28 2009, 06:00 PM, said:

STUPENDOUS!!!

Congrats to you, that is beyond major. Just viewing the video, you can tell how elaborate and detailed you are with this process. The video has obviuosly been sped up, but we can all realize how many different steps it takes for you to do this. It also looks like you do this procedure like an old pro! never a moment where you stop to think "what do I do next, did I do that right?" it's quick. AWESOME!

Now, if you get the midnight munchies bad you can get outta that bed and hit the fridge (that was my major beef, up at 3am craving an after midnight snack).

Doug, on Dec 28 2009, 08:34 AM, said:

I had to speed it up so people wouldn't fall a sleep watching. It is a process for sure about a 15-20 minute one depending on how my legs and pants behave. I am far from a pro I have only been doing it for a couple weeks now but I do have the steps down.

[Doug]

StillFingers, on Dec 28 2009, 03:30 PM, said:

Doug,

Way cool video, congrats!!! One more step towards independence, excellent accomplishment...

Your overhead lift/sling system looks great. I've had carer assistance for years/decades; using slide boards and Hoyer lifts/slings and would like to look into an overhead lift system. Additionally, it looks like your adjustable tilt back power chair helps you a lot, I've been looking at a few designs and wondering what features help the most. If you wouldn't mind, would you post some info and/or links for both your lift and chair seating.

Once again, thanks for the video, very instructional and inspirational...well done!

Jerry

Lift is a BHM Medical V4 and my tank/chair is a permobile c-300 with power tilt and back rest. A V3 is cheeper and works just as well just no power left an right. I would reccomend just a strait bar from bed to chair. The curve in mine spins me and increases the distance from bed to chair.

[chickadee]

Awesome job, and congrats. And congrats to everyone who beat me to the Speedy Doug commentary.

[ClaraTaylor]

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!

[greybeard]

Well done Doug. It wore me out just watching you getting into the sling. After an effort like that, I would have to get back in bed for a rest!!

[topperf]

Way to go Doug!! -how come you use a electric wheelchair? If you don't mind me asking..
- judging from the video we about 'the same' injury wise - I'm not able to get myself out of bed like you - but a use a manual chair - so I'm a little curious.

[araitn]

Good job Doug, congratulations on more independence!

[shady]

topperf, on Dec 30 2009, 03:01 PM, said:

Way to go Doug!! -how come you use a electric wheelchair? If you don't mind me asking..
- judging from the video we about 'the same' injury wise - I'm not able to get myself out of bed like you - but a use a manual chair - so I'm a little curious.

Guess it could be because you were in Viborg Topperf!! Most c5/6 over in England have electric chairs or both in some cases. I was also in Viborg and use a manual chair. Often wish I had been given the opportunity.

[Cowboysfan444]

WOW, WHAT AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT. CONGRATS! I NOTICED IN THE VIDEO THAT YOU DIDN'T HAVE ANY SPASMS, WHAT DO YOU TAKE? I TAKE BACLOFEN PILLS, BUT THEY DON'T CONTROL THE THE SPASMS COMPLETELY. ANY INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. ONCE AGAIN CONGRATS...

[norma]

AWESOME!!!! Independance oh what a feeling..... keep it up!!!!

[topperf]

shady, on Dec 30 2009, 03:38 PM, said:

topperf, on Dec 30 2009, 03:01 PM, said:

Way to go Doug!! -how come you use a electric wheelchair? If you don't mind me asking..
- judging from the video we about 'the same' injury wise - I'm not able to get myself out of bed like you - but a use a manual chair - so I'm a little curious.

Guess it could be because you were in Viborg Topperf!! Most c5/6 over in England have electric chairs or both in some cases. I was also in Viborg and use a manual chair. Often wish I had been given the opportunity.

- I guess that's it then I feel exactly opposite, if I was in an electric, there would be tons of places I couldn't go, I do however see the point in having both.

[Doug]

Cowboysfan444, on Dec 30 2009, 04:54 PM, said:

WOW, WHAT AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT. CONGRATS! I NOTICED IN THE VIDEO THAT YOU DIDN'T HAVE ANY SPASMS, WHAT DO YOU TAKE? I TAKE BACLOFEN PILLS, BUT THEY DON'T CONTROL THE THE SPASMS COMPLETELY. ANY INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. ONCE AGAIN CONGRATS...

I take the same med you do I just am lucky with my spasms.

[Doug]

topperf, on Dec 30 2009, 10:01 AM, said:

Way to go Doug!! -how come you use a electric wheelchair? If you don't mind me asking..
- judging from the video we about 'the same' injury wise - I'm not able to get myself out of bed like you - but a use a manual chair - so I'm a little curious.

When I got hurt I became so weak I couldn't even reach my chin with my hand to touch my face let alone push a manual chair. That and I am missing the control of a muscle that holds my shoulder blade in place on my right "they call it a winging scapula". I ended up going home in a manual chair due to my insurance not covering anything so I had to pay out of my pocket, but it wasn't set up right and even with a year and a half in it I couldn't push up a simple curb cut. I hate the way my chair looks but it lets me do 10x more then I ever could in a manual chair.

Just last night I went with a friend to Sea World and instead of being pushed up the huge hills she jumped on the back and we flew through the crowd! When we take her dogs out she uses roller blades and I roll with them. I don't drive yet so I ride my chair all over....the store, friends, cruise the negiborhood, the nature trail at the park. None of that would be even remotely possible from my manual.

It just works out better for my situation I guess.

[topperf]

I'm glad it does Doug. - happy new year

[Sean's Mom]

Absolutely Inspiring!

[SuzinNYC]

What a great accomplishment & how inspiring. I am going to show my Boyfriend and his new physical therapy team. He is so set on becoming more independent before we get married....and the video is such a great way to inspire him to try this.....thank you for making the video and sharing all the info!

[McTavish]

Congratulations Doug, that is a great start to 2010

[Bulky]

Nice work champ.