4 replies to this topic

[Rachel75]

Hi all,


seem to be experiencing more frequent skin problems at the moment and in and out of bed like a yo-yo. I only have 1 cushion which is a Jay 2. i haven't had it that long and had a pressure mapping a while back but will be going back for another assessment on 16th June. My GP has just issued a blood test to check my zinc and iron levels.

Currently if I have a problem, I do stay off my skin but that means bed rest. I have a 2 year old so that is particularly difficult. I really want her to be able to enjoy having a fun and active Mummy, not one who is never sure about being horizontal or vertical.

Anyway, the Ischdish claims to 'eliminate pressure at the ulcer site while ventilating heat and moisture' does anyone know if this claim is actually true? If so, how come the spinal world and his wife don't have one? Does anyone have any experience of these? Has anyone used it to sit on whilst having a skin issue? Have you experienced pressure problems elsewhere as a result? Can I buy one from the UK-if so, where- or only from Spanamerica via the US? How much are they? Would you recommend them? Do you use it as your primary cushion or only when you think there might be/is a problem? Any help from anyone with on of these would be great.

Many thanks,

Rachel

[guido]

Hi Rachel


After reading about them on here, I decided to try one for myself, as I had a non-pressure related sore on my bum that just seemed to keep me off my butt for months each year. In the end it was a combination of things that seemed to sort it out: anti-biotics (there must have been a low level infection that was preventing the healing process), professional dressing nurse attention (the right type of dressings and advice really made a difference - these things are quite technical and clever), and isch-dish cushion (the danger area was no longer under pressure), and me being uber careful and sensible (you cannot replace common sense with any wizardry).


If you are in the UK you cannot buy them from anyone here, because they do not have the correct kite mark (it's a bit of Euro legislation that Span America just haven't bothered with for some reason). However you can call or email:


Heather Hayes @ Span America
hhayes@spanamerica.com
001 864 672 8877


http://www.spanameri...m/isch_dish.php


You're going to lay out over $400 for one - but if it works and you are up spending time with your daughter, pay the money and quickly forget about the cost, or mentally divide it over the days you use it. (Over, say, 3 years, that's gonna start to look pretty good value.)


I recommended this to someone else, who had real issues over the timing of the delivery, so you may want them to be upfront about that if you speak to them.


It has irritating features over my last Vicair cushion - like you seem to sit lower, because of that cut out at the back - but small price to pay!


Everyone always asks if something is so good, why doesn't everyone know about it? Design a fantastic product yourself and try making a successful business out of it - you'll soon have your question answered! Business is bloody hard work, and success with a product isn't just about quality: it's about maximum profit and marketing. And the two don't always go hand in hand. Shysters will market crap if it makes them more money, while the good guys go out of business because people won't trade with them. When those good products disappear, we have only ourselves to blame!!

[Irenec]

HI
My husband has been using the Isch Dish for over five years. He could not tollerate most cushions, this one was a life saver.Having said that he is having pressure problems at the moment. I dont know why but he developed a sore on the top side of his leg. Hes had five good years on that cushion.

The local wheelchair services now pay for the cushion. Hope this helps!

Irenec

[Rachel75]

Thanks guys,

would just be nice to get something sorted here! I am tall and not very wide so the available measurements of cushions are no good to me! I spoke to Sportaid yesterday in the US who told me they can make bespoke ones for 70-80$ more...just waiting to hear back.

Irenec, is your husband now in bed due to his leg? Is he a tetra or para?

Thanks guys for your help.

Rachel

[Irenec]

Hi, My husband is a tetra.He isnt on bed rest. Hes trying to relieve the pressure from his leg by putting bits of foam in the pocket of the isch dish, so as to distribute the wieght between his leg and his ITs.With an Isch dish your legs take all the wieght away from your ITs. It has taken five years for his leg to get sore. It is his left leg only. He hooks on the back of the wheelchair with his right arm, thus all the pressure goes to his left side, leg and ITs.

He gets his cushion direct from Span America. Heather is the main person to speak to. They have there own clinical nurse there, she use to be call Laurie. She has left now, but the new nurse could advise you about sizes. My husband has a custom one made.

Hope this helps!