9 replies to this topic

[mike13]

I got my first pressure sore about 2 months ago, I've been in the chair since 04 and just got my first one. I guess thats lucky?? not sure.
But anyway right after I got the pressure sore while it was in the process of healing. I had a hard spot, like a lump. The begging of like a boil? I tried squeezing it a couple times and nothing happened, then when it came up or erupted? it had a dark almost black spot in the middle. I was at the wound center and they informed me that it was almost an inch deep. Now a nurse comes out and they have to change the packing every day, for I don't know how long.
I have a gell chushion, they keep telling me with a perscription to get an air cushion, but I don't have the $$ for that right now so I just keep changing positions and hoping for the best.

Any sugjestions and help would be greatly appresiated.

Thanks all
Mike...

[goose]

Sorry to hear this Mike! I can't help with the pressure sore...never had one in 25 years. However, I'd advise you to get a pressure mapping done. This is where you sit on a pad connected to a computer and it tells where your sensative spots are while trying different cushions. It'll determine the best cushion for you. Have it done with your cushion first. That way you'll know if it's your problem. Replacing a cushion is alot cheaper than trying to heal a wound. Insurance should replace them every few years.

Air cushions have to be monitored carefully since they vary in air pressure almost daily . I'm not a fan of air cushions but everyone has their own preference.

Your cushion is very important...don't forget it!

[A trophy guy]

Roho high-profile cushions are what I use. I must use a high profile (larger, deeper individual cushion sections) because I have such extreme atrophy in my hips and butt (and legs). Roho does offer a low-profile version of the cushion too, however, and that may be something worth checking out. Roho cushions are made out of a special rubber-y material and inflated. I find that I don't have to monitor the air pressure daily, I am accustomed to feeling when it's over or under-inflated.

[mike13]

Thanks to yal for the unbelievably quick response. I am trying to get the ins. to at least do a wheelchair setup.(I bought my quicky used and have just used it that way. the place I bought it from did not even have a clue how to set it up. I adjusted the floor plate and backrest for me. Don't know if it's right but I am able to use it, so thats all that matters. Right? hahahaha
But ya I would love to get that mapping thing done, I know I have the attriphy bad in one spot, like your hip socket. right when I sit, it feels like just bone.

I will try and see if the Ins. will do any of the suggestions.
Thanks you 2...
Mike

[Aparr]

Hi Mike

Sorry to hear your having problems right now. I'm with A trophy guy, I use Roho cushions on both of my chairs.

I can't help with the boil but as far as pressure sores I do have a little knowledge. You need to keep pressure off of it as much as possible. Are you currently in your chair or in bed? Did they tell you to keep pressure off the boil too? If you're in bed, good. Make sure you rotate from side to side at least every 2 hours is what I was told. It wouldn't hurt to make it more frequent. If you have to be in your chair, make sure you do weight shifts. Again, I was told every hour. Move your weight to one side for a few minutes and then to the other side for a few minutes. You can also tilt your chair back to shift your weight. I hope this helps you.

[mike13]

Thanks al.
I am in the chair and am constantly shiffting from side to side. I am sore on my hip from sitting on my sides while I am in the chair. and my chair does not tilt back enough to help with any repositioning. I am still fighting with the insurance over the ROHO cushion.

Thanks for all the help and support yall

Mike.............

[mike13]

Well went to the wound center today, they said the boil thing, that had a small tunnel like hole that was close to an inch deep, Today they said it is only about a 1/4 inch now. wow that's a nice bit of news!!!
And the pressure sore is almost healed. WOW. that would be great...

[goose]

Try going to a durable medical shop that does cushion mapping (call first) Tell them you're in market for a new cushion. They should try out several cushions to see what works best for your rump roast. You can always give them an excuse if you aren't ready to buy one after you do the mapping. They should be able to help with your insurance too. It's always cheaper for them to file for you instead of paying first and letting insurance pay you.

[WC_Sage]

mike13,

Regarding "... they keep telling me with a perscription to get an air cushion, but I don't have the $$ for that right now ..."

If it is true that you are in the Arizona, USA area then there is a way that you might be able to get a free air cushion. The details may be found by clicking the 4th link on the left side of the Wheelchair Cushion Sage website: www.wheelchaircushionsage.com

Please note; however, that an air cushion - regardless of the brand or model - may not necessarily be the best cushion for you. The potential free air cushion option is simply a venue that could help your "... get an air cushion, but I don't have the $$ for that right now ..." situation.

[mike13]

What is that web-site? I went to sage.com and no way. please let me know asap..

Thanks