Recent content by Diane H

Self horn blowing comments follow. :sneaky:My website gives a lot more details of the process and is specific to ALS patients. I think PALS and CALS will find it more helpful. Getting the right wheelchair for a person with ALS

How a feeding tube is replaced depends on the type of tube you currently have. If it is a tube with a rubber or plastic "bumper" inside the stomach, it is generally removed and replaced using the same procedure as it was put in with. This means having an endoscopic tube inserted down your throat...

There is no pill, procedure, or surgery that can prevent leg swelling when walking is limited. It has to be treated by the three words we hate to hear; Life Style Changes. Minimizing swelling is a do-it-yourself project! There is a more complete discussion of ways to reduce foot and leg...

There are too many things to consider when getting a power chair to cover them here so I suggest Getting the right wheelchair for a person with ALS It covers chair options as well as the process and paperwork needed to get a chair without denials and delays. You are on the right track by...

I had the same problem but with the last tube change, the doctor put in one that has a screw-in port and uses a 60cc screw-in syringe. No more formula drenchings! Beginning in 2015, these were supposedly being the standard for manufacturers. Yeah, right! You can change the connection type on...

You need a simple call system that can have an ability (capability) switch added when the button on the basic call system can no longer be pressed by an ALS patient. An ability switch plugs into the call button transmitter. It has a large, easy to press with light pressure surface and can be...

An overhead lift is easier regardless of the flooring issue. A Hoyer lift takes up a lot of space in a small bedroom. I use it for toileting by placing a bedpan under me on my bed or my wheelchair. A bedpan is easier to clean than a commode and also frees up space. The split leg sling can be...

The decision to go to a ventilator with a trach has to include consideration of more than just the respiratory numbers. How fast is his overall weakness/paralysis spreading and is he in pain because of it? That is a huge factor! Is he adaptable enough to find enjoyable things to do as he loses...

It is not what you are missing, it is what the pants are missing! They are open from the waistband to the crotch. The back is covered by flaps that overlap to keep your lower back covered but don't get in the way on the toilet. The pros far outweigh the single con of not wearing underwear under...

Hi Ruth, I am puzzled as to why you have to pull his pants up and down. Using the U sling with back flap (open bottom) pants should work. With them, you don't have to pull the pants down to use the toilet so there is no need to pull them back up. Just use the Hoyer to move over the toilet...

Hi Tillie and all, If I am the Diane you asked about, I am still out here and doing ok. I am now at 36 years since diagnosis and bewildered by that! I can still move my left hand just enough to use a mouse if my fingers are taped down on it and the moon is in the seventh house and Aquarius is...

A rep from ROHO, now owned by Permobil, should be asked to come to your home to do a pressure mapping. That involves placing a pressure sensitive pad on your seat cushion before putting you in your chair. The pad attaches to a computer that displays the pressure on the pad to identify problem...

Both the Astal and the Trilogy are hybrid (combination or multimode) ventilators that can provide several types of breathing assistance (non-invasive CPAP, BiPAP, AVAP) and full ventilation (invasive through a trach for those who have very little or no ability to breathe). Either will work for...

Enabling Devices has a large variety of "ability switches" that are easy to press and positionable anywhere the PALS has minimal movement. They connect to a "switch adapted" call system from Adaptive Tech. The system consists of a transmitter for the PALS and a wireless receiver for the...

We had the speed and sensitivity adjusted after we moved the joystick to the rear. My husband is my only regular caregiver and does ok with it, but when someone else has to move me, it is a scary thing! They don't want to and I don't want them to, but if I have to be moved, it is no joyride for...