Some people confuse quadriplegia with paraplegia. Both suffer from serious injuries to the spinal cord. However, quadriplegics are paralysed in both the upper and lower bodies while those suffering from paraplegia are paralysed in the lower body only. This means that they can normally still use their torsos and upper body limbs. Paralysis of the lower body is no small matter but with special equipment for paraplegics these patients can still live full, independent 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.
For many people, the ability to drive a vehicle is the ultimate mobile freedom. Paraplegia patients need not be denied this freedom. There are many companies that specialize in converting cars specially for paralysed clients. All the controls are operated with the hands. These vehicles can be even be equipped with hoists and racks that will enable to patient to take his wheelchair with him wherever he goes.
There is also an amazing range of devices that are specially designed to help a paraplegic to live an independent life. There are special devices that help the patient to get into and out of a bath. Hoists can help them move from one location, such as a bed, to another, such as a wheelchair. There are products that will allow a paraplegic to control lights, and other devices without having to move from his wheelchair.
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.
Because a paraplegic has no feeling in or control over his lower body functions, he needs to pay special attention to matters such as toilet. For this purpose there are special adult nappies, catheters and other devices that will help them stay clean. There are also special pillows and beds to help them maintain a comfortable posture and special cushions designed to prevent complications from sitting down for long periods of time.
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.
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.
For many people, the ability to drive a vehicle is the ultimate mobile freedom. Paraplegia patients need not be denied this freedom. There are many companies that specialize in converting cars specially for paralysed clients. All the controls are operated with the hands. These vehicles can be even be equipped with hoists and racks that will enable to patient to take his wheelchair with him wherever he goes.
There is also an amazing range of devices that are specially designed to help a paraplegic to live an independent life. There are special devices that help the patient to get into and out of a bath. Hoists can help them move from one location, such as a bed, to another, such as a wheelchair. There are products that will allow a paraplegic to control lights, and other devices without having to move from his wheelchair.
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.
Because a paraplegic has no feeling in or control over his lower body functions, he needs to pay special attention to matters such as toilet. For this purpose there are special adult nappies, catheters and other devices that will help them stay clean. There are also special pillows and beds to help them maintain a comfortable posture and special cushions designed to prevent complications from sitting down for long periods of time.
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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