Sabtu, 20 Juli 2019

There Is Lots Of Equipment For Paraplegics To Make Life Easier

By Edward Cole


People suffering from paraplegia are paralysed in their lower bodies, normally from the waist down. Other than quadriplegics, who are paralysed in both the upper and lower bodies, those with paraplegia can at least still use their upper limbs and they have normal feeling in their torsos. In the past, unfortunate patients suffering from paraplegia and quadriplegia were confined to bed or chair. Nowadays with such a wide variety of equipment for paraplegics, patients can live full productive lives.

For most paraplegia patients the loss of their mobility is the biggest shock. Luckily, there is absolutely no reason why patients need to be restricted to a bed or couch any longer. There are many different types of wheelchairs and other devices designed to provide mobility to paralysed people. Access to buildings and vehicles can also be made easier by using specially designed ramps. Some are even portable.

There are also many companies that specialize in adapting existing motor vehicles so that they can be operated by people that are paralysed in the lower body. With these conversions special lifts that can load the wheelchair aboard or on the roof of the auto mobile is normally also supplied. Just about every paraplegic will agree that the ability to drive has given them back an enormous degree of freedom.

There are also numerous devices specially designed to allow any paraplegic to live fully independent. Lights, televisions, stereo systems and, in fact, almost every other household appliance, can be controlled remotely. There are plenty of aids to help in the bathroom. Special winches can help the patient to hoist himself into and out of the bath or from the wheelchair into bed, for example.

Paraplegia patients even have a large choice of devices specially designed to keep them fit, to increase the flexibility of their bodies and to strengthen the muscles. These patients are especially prone to conditions that can develop if the muscles are not used or stimulated. If a paraplegic cannot afford these devices, there are always many gymnasiums that make provision for people with special needs.

Paraplegia patients have no control over the functioning of their more intimate lower body functions. This is a great source of embarrassment for most of them. However, with easy to use catheters and other aids patients can now exercise a great degree of control. This enhances their dignity and the quality of their lives. There are also many other products designed to prevent bed sores and related conditions.

Sadly, many of the devices and products designed to make life easier for paraplegia patients are expensive. Medical insurance will cover the cost of certain types of products but even them a limit is placed on the cost of a specific device such as a wheelchair. The alternative is to look for good quality second hand devices or to approach charity organizations specializing in helping disabled people to live independently.

It is certainly a big challenge to adapt to the fact that one is paralysed. With the right aids, however, patients can live full lives and they need not look into the eyes of others for their every need. This cost money, however and one hopes that prices will come down.




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