[reaven85]

My bf is a T8-T12 Paraplegic. He cannot sit up on his own he has to hold his self up with his hands or sit back against something. But I have noticed that I havent seen any other paraplegics doing it? So is there a trick?

[Ches]

Its just balance Raevan.. Think of it LITERALLY as a baby would learn balance. The more he works at it the easier it will get.

I can sit up and do things without holding on,, but if Im trying to sit "straight up, shoulders back" that usually requires me gripping with one hand.. am trying to wing myself off it. Its hard work..

[qbounce]

Took me maybe 8 months post injury. Just continue therapy, weight training. It'll happen. If he had a back brace just give it time.

[Webwych]

I am a T-12 due to Spina Bifida, with scoliosis and I find it easier to cross my legs and sort of 'lean' on them, as this makes my spasms relax enough to stop me toppling over. This probably has a lot do to with my spine not being straight and that changing my center of balance, so it might be slightly different for someone with a straight spine. He just needs to find out what works for him.

[Trinity]

reaven85, on Aug 23 2008, 05:37 AM, said:

My bf is a T8-T12 Paraplegic. He cannot sit up on his own he has to hold his self up with his hands or sit back against something. But I have noticed that I havent seen any other paraplegics doing it? So is there a trick?

Hi Reaven,

Balance can be tricky, I still have moments where I wobble like a weeble however it gets better with practice. To be fair most of the time i'm supporting myself with an arm. I can sit unsupported but it doesn't take much for me to lose my balance.

It's a case of using what muscles you've got and practising hard!

Take care

Trinity X