bright_future
New member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
- Messages
- 5
- Reason
- Loved one DX
- Diagnosis
- 08/2013
- Country
- US
- State
- CA
- City
- Moreno Valley
Hi, all -- My father, 60, was diagnosed with PLS this past August. The disease has progressed to the point where he has no functionality in his legs and declining strength in his arms, hands, and trunk. As I'm sure most of you experienced, he was led along for years with incorrect diagnosis after incorrect diagnosis. Since being diagnosed - particularly with the understanding that he will not be able to walk again or improve his strength through therapy - he has had a hard time adjusting, both mentally and physically.
I'm sure I will have more questions as time goes on, but my first is fairly practical: what tips does anyone have for someone who is essentially wheel chair-bound, fairly immobile, and bed-ridden for most of the day? His primary problem seems to be shifting from bed to wheelchair, from wheelchair to toilet, from toilet to wheelchair, from wheelchair back to bed. He's fallen twice and has built a bit of a mental fear of it happening again. This issue also affects his diet because he wants to avoid using the restroom at all costs so he avoids eating - obviously not a good thing. Any medical equipment that might help? Mental tips?
Beyond that I'd be happy to hear any other general tips some of you might have. Thanks for your time!
I'm sure I will have more questions as time goes on, but my first is fairly practical: what tips does anyone have for someone who is essentially wheel chair-bound, fairly immobile, and bed-ridden for most of the day? His primary problem seems to be shifting from bed to wheelchair, from wheelchair to toilet, from toilet to wheelchair, from wheelchair back to bed. He's fallen twice and has built a bit of a mental fear of it happening again. This issue also affects his diet because he wants to avoid using the restroom at all costs so he avoids eating - obviously not a good thing. Any medical equipment that might help? Mental tips?
Beyond that I'd be happy to hear any other general tips some of you might have. Thanks for your time!