4 replies to this topic

[Irenec]

My husband has developed a pressure problem on his scrotum. We are trying to adjust his cushion so as to take the pressure off this area.He is C5/6 tetra, therefor cannot sit up dead straight.
I am wondering would it be better to tilt the front or the back of the cussion, in order to distribute the wieght differently
There is no specialist seating clinic in our area,we have to fathom things out for ourselves.Idont know if Stanmore have a seating clinic for out patiencs,

Having tried Jay and Roho cushions years ago he had an intolerance to them and could not pee.
He was prone to ischial problems on his left as he hooks on the right.


The only cushion_ he found he could use at that time (4YEARS AGO) and is still using is the ISCH_DISH made by SPAN AMERICA This has been really good

It is only now after 4 years of using this cushion has this scrotum problem started.by the end of the day it causes AD.

Does anyone know of another cushion to try that could accomodate his problems?

[nomis]

I realise you say you have no seating clinic in your area but it's pretty dicey offering advice for such a sensitive problem without all the info an onsite therapist or technician would have. You really need that level of expertise.

He might be best not getting into his chair till things heal. I don't know what is right.

However, if he is getting up then the first thing that comes to mind is to check that once seated all the jewels are sitting comfortably which means a quick handful check. He should be able to sit without squashing said parts. Arrange so legs are splayed (at least a little). Make sure any trousers or undies are loose fitting or better still go with a kaftan/robe for a while.

I'd be most concerned if you altered the seating position by tilting back because that is going to put added pressure on the tail - ok the ISCH_DISH has a depression for that but the weight is going somewhere near that region and will lead to other troubles.

I would have thought the Roho would be your best bet cos you can tie off an area for the coccyx and another at the front for the scrotum - but you say you've tried and dismissed the Roho.

Heck. I hope someone has some better ideas and experience.

[kewlcatkez]

Hi,
I agree with what Nomis says in his post. I did a little mooching and found the following:

Quote

Spinal cord injury centre
The Occupational Therapy (OT) service in the Spinal Cord Injury Centre commences at acute admission and continues through to discharge into the community and also offers ongoing outpatient support. Patients are allocated a named Occupational Therapist for the duration of their admission. The main areas of OT intervention are:

>>cut

Wheelchair, Posture and Cushion Requirements:
e.g. trail and assessment for a wheelchair (manual and powered) that allows for maximum independence. Identification of appropriate pressure relieving cushions and postural supports. Liaison then takes place with each patient's local wheelchair service for provision of equipment.

The above was found on the Hospital website and the link to the exact page is: STANMORE SPINAL INJURIES UNIT


I also came across the following site http://www.aspire.org.uk/ which may or may not be of some use.

Hope this helps and that your hubby is able to sort out adequate and pracrtical seating soon,

Take care,

K

[john S.]

AD will kill. I'm a firm believer that quads, AKA tetras should have certain drugs on hand for just such events. I do not take 911 rides unless I'm dead. I take Hydrocodone and keep Oxycontin in case of pain triggering AD. I also have a bad heart but your husband should have something to bring down his blood pressure while you determine the cause of the AD. I call it testing for the three P's. Check to be sure he is urinating or may need his bladder drained, (1st P). Check his bowel for any obstruction (2nd P). And finally, search for a source of pain, broken foot, other bone, or a skin breakdown happening. As quads get older pain becomes a more persistent issue.
As far as seating, Nomis was pretty dead on. I will tell you that I have seen ROHO seats over inflated and this will cause problems. Once he is seated properly, tilt back every 15-20 minutes.
I wish you both the very best.

john

[Irenec]

john S., on Jul 30 2008, 08:31 PM, said:

AD will kill. I'm a firm believer that quads, AKA tetras should have certain drugs on hand for just such events. I do not take 911 rides unless I'm dead. I take Hydrocodone and keep Oxycontin in case of pain triggering AD. I also have a bad heart but your husband should have something to bring down his blood pressure while you determine the cause of the AD. I call it testing for the three P's. Check to be sure he is urinating or may need his bladder drained, (1st P). Check his bowel for any obstruction (2nd P). And finally, search for a source of pain, broken foot, other bone, or a skin breakdown happening. As quads get older pain becomes a more persistent issue.
As far as seating, Nomis was pretty dead on. I will tell you that I have seen ROHO seats over inflated and this will cause problems. Once he is seated properly, tilt back every 15-20 minutes.
I wish you both the very best.

john

Thanks john.
What do yoy mean ---TILT BACK?