2 replies to this topic

[brockit79]

Hi para-bods

Some of you may or may not know I have been battling with a stubborn ass wound for the past 7 months, during this time I have lay or sat trying my best to avoid pressure in that area. To set the scene it is between the ischial tuberosity (sitting bone) and the scarum. Not really a pressure area but due to having a totally inappropriate wheelchair, which a hospital physiotherapist measured me up for and ordered from my wheelchair services, I believe that my posture was altered in the chair which has contributed towards the development of the wound. Any way, I don't want to drift off topic too much at this stage but it took me from my hossy discharge in Feb11 until Dec11 to sort out a new wheelchair due to a decreased workforce in wheelchair services.

I had an appointment with posture analysis OTs a couple of weeks ago with the new chair that I got just before Christmas and they said that I had started to develop scoliosis which is a lateral deviation of the spine (EEK!)probably due to sitting/lying position; no wonder I have been in so much pain!

I have been strict with sitting and I use lumber support as well as a specialist cushion for my armchair and pain levels have definitely reduced (HALLELUJAH!), not completely and I'm still to have a procedure which I hope will kick the pain I experience in to touch so that life can begin again.

Plain and simple: A poorly chair advised/chosen chair took 12 months of my life. Drama queen? Maybe. I am serious though the health problems and pain that have arisen, although not solely, from an unsuitable chair has meant that my rehabilitation back in to the wild has been seriously stunted.

I felt it my to pass this on as anything that we alter be it posture, a mattress, a wheelchair etc. will have knock on effects some positive and some negative so be mindful. During this time I have seen physios doctors and nurses but it was the OT (occupational therapist) at the rehab hospital who put me on the right path. I recommend to all who are experiencing stubborn wound and/pain to get a posture and cushion/pressure mapping assessment.

Thanks for reading and I hope this helps. Over and out.

Broc

Edited by brockit79, 17 January 2012 - 11:08 AM.

[Edinburgh Colin]

Thanks Brok,
I had a similar experience, my chair specd for discharge was 2 inches too wide 3 inches too long in the frame and had only 1" dump.
Same problem I ended up slummping and getting a sore hip.
I went to chair services here in edinburgh and luckily they agreed and ordered me a new chair. When it came it felt Soo good, holding me in rather than rattling about.
Been good since although my left shoulder is starting to drop.
For you how about one of these rigid contoured backs? Keep your spine straight and your shoulders square.
Also the dump should help with stability if you can get it right and you can get used to it.
Good luck and keep us informed,
EC

[brockit79]

Edinburgh Colin, on 17 January 2012 - 12:20 PM, said:

Thanks Brok,
I had a similar experience, my chair specd for discharge was 2 inches too wide 3 inches too long in the frame and had only 1" dump.
Same problem I ended up slummping and getting a sore hip.
I went to chair services here in edinburgh and luckily they agreed and ordered me a new chair. When it came it felt Soo good, holding me in rather than rattling about.
Been good since although my left shoulder is starting to drop.
For you how about one of these rigid contoured backs? Keep your spine straight and your shoulders square.
Also the dump should help with stability if you can get it right and you can get used to it.
Good luck and keep us informed,
EC

Shocking, EC it absolutely should not happen :/
Yes my new chair is rigid and the OTs at rehab services in Brum tightened it so actually I don't need the medium density D shaped lumbar cushion that I bought, I really can't fault their service so far.
My Action 'no action' 3 was also too wide, the foot plates set too low which shifted my pelvis forward, the back rest was up to my shoulders which forced them forward (I'm a fairly low injury at T10), the back rest was soft which caused further slumping and finally no dump; UTTERLY WRONG!
I'm a compliant patient and have followed the OT's advice to the letter and things are improving , it didn't occur to me that scoliosis would start so rapidly

The rep set my chair and I think he has done a good job and I'm :-) as pain levels have def improved, I think there is def room for improvement but it's a great start some 10 months after hossy discharge

Edited by brockit79, 17 January 2012 - 04:12 PM.