Looking for Opinions on Headmaster

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Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
20
Reason
PALS
Diagnosis
11/2008
Country
US
State
Georgia
City
Augusta
Greetings,

My sweetie is having a terrible time holding her head up. We have tried a foam collar, but that doesn't really help. Today, during a visit to the ALS specialist at MCG, we were told that a device called the Headmaster by Active Forever Products might be just what she needs. We were also told that although not terribly expensive, it would most likely not be covered by insurance. I was hoping to get some opinions from some of you fine folks before making an investment. I would appreciate your comments on this product and/or recommendations for something that might work for Rhonda.

Thanks in advance,

Dennis
 
We have the Handmaster for my husband who has major thenar atrophy due to his CIDP. It is great. When you order it you get three different resistance things to attach to the ball. It was quite inexpensive and came very quickly when we ordered it. I corresponded via email with the inventor of the Handmaster who happens to live in Langley, B.C. where we live. Very nice man who is a chiropractor, and inventor and he used to live in our house before we bought it. Trivia that you probably didn't want to hear <g>. If you get it remember to go on-line and watch the video and follow the directions about not over doing it at first. Hubby over did it in the beginning and it caused cramps big time.
Laurel
 
Sorry folks! I mis-read and thought we were talking about the Handmaster--not the Headmaster. I went to look at the one Al suggested and then clued in that I was talking about something totally different. Sorry about that! However, if you need to exercise the hands the Handmaster is great.
Laurel
 
I think you guys got two birds with that one stone. I could use the handmaster, I love trivia, and will keep the info about the Headmaster in the back of my mind.. Thanks guys.
 
Thanks for responding. Today we had to go to Care Med to get an AFO for Rhonda. While there we asked them about the Headmaster. They just happen to carry them and showed us one. It looks real comfortable and is not bad looking either. We may end up getting one and it seems that the insurance WILL cover it after all.

BTW, Rhonda has not been able to look at things like this forum since her diagnosed until just a few days ago. Now she is getting interested in learning more and seems very comfortable reading the posts here on this forum. Who knows...she may even post some now and then.

Thanks again!

Dennis
 
So they have a Handmaster too? I'm going to have to check and see if there is a Brainmaster! That's one I could use!

Dennis
 
Hey Dennis, tell Rhonda we may look scary at first but we're juust a bunch of pussy cats.

AL.
 
When I had whiplash from a car accident, my doctor advised taking a bath towel (a thin one) and folding it flat lengthwise to fit the width of my neck span, and wrapping it around and around with the proper tightness and then pinning it in place. You will likely need someone to assist.

The doctor said that done properly, there is no need to purchase an expensive neck brace. However, I would get a brace if this is a condition that continues on. Use it as a temporary solution. Whiplash lasts about 7 days and disappears as quickly as it came.
 
headmaster collar

Hi Dennis

My husbands neck has gotten so weak that he needs to wear the headmaster anytime he is not sitting in a chair or sofa that surrounds his neck area that he can lie his head back. The headmaster cost around $100 and is great as it is adjustable depending on what activity Rhonda is doing. To me it has been a lifesaver. Recommend it to anyone when ALS is affecting the head neck area.
 
Thanks for responding!

Al, I passed on the message to Rhonda. She got a good laugh from that!

Marjorie, thanks for the suggestion, but we do need something more permanent. I'll have to keep that in mind for other situations though.

Hopingforthebest, thanks for the info. I'm glad it has worked well for your husband. It sounds like the same situation Rhonda is in. Hopefully it will work as well for her. It just seems that trying to hold her head up gets frustrating for her as well as just wearing her out. That foam collar just isn't meant to do what she needs.

Thanks again! I hope you all have a very good day!

Dennis
 
HeadMaster

I've been looking at this neck support also. But I've never heard any pro's or con's as to its use. Now that I see that someone here likes it, I will be buying one for my husband.

Don has several different soft neck supports, hand made and purchased. We just keep trying to find new ways to support his head. The hospice nurse came yesterday and he's going to try to get Don a wheelchair that has a head support.

Sis
 
Headmaster Update

I just thought I would let you know that today Rhonda got the Headmaster. After a lot of research and discussion, we decided it would be the best choice. Rhonda has been thrilled with the results! For the first time in several weeks, she was able to see where we were going and not have so much pain in her neck. I really believe this is going to make a big difference for her. It was good to see her able to eat a little easier and like I said, she was really tickled to be able to see out in front of her again.

In case anyone would like to learn more about it, go to www.symmetric-designs.com.

Thanks for all of the help with this.

Blessings to you all,

Dennis
 
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