2 replies to this topic

[mike]

Hey Sam
I dont know if your standing or seated have you ever thought of a service dog for people able to stand and have problems standing you attach an apperatice to the dog that works like a cane to help with ballance.
I am unable to stand but my dog merlin has been trained to support me while I make transfers
he picks up things I drop wich would be of great help to you seeing you are having ballance problems.
Plus he is a real babe magnet wich sometimes gets me in trouble with the wife.
The best thing about having a service dog is he is a great ice breaker. I have made alot of new freinds thanks to him. People approach me now rather than walking real fast past to pretend they dont see you.
He has also helped out when I dropped my keys under my van he went under the van and retreived my keys and I was on my way saving me alot of time before I would have had call some one to come to the store to get my keys for me.
I would not be with out a service ever again

[Joed]

I've performed torso strengthening exercises in my physical therapy, which included working with Theratubes (rubber tubes of various gauges and strengths, that can be lodged into a door or attached to a door knob, then pulled on from a sitting or standing position) and exercise balls (where you sit atop a big ball, under supervision, and rock slightly side to side, front and back) These exercises greatly improved my torso strength.

But not knowing your abilities/strengths, I'd definitely consult with a qualified PT and receive instruction first. I hope you're able to access a rehab treatment center?

Strengthening the torso muscles, when possible, is very important, as torso loss usually results in increased falls, etc...as I'm sure you already know. Before my PT with torso strengthening, I would bend forward to pick something up, and simply fall right out of my w/c.

If you can, please seek out some form of PT...I hope you'll realize some improvements.