I also disagree with Laurie's comments and I totally echo what "affected" had to say in her response. It is all about choices!!!
And whether equipment is donated, loaned, rented, purchased etc is irrelevant. If everyone at least KNOWS about the options out there that MAY also help them then they can at least make a more INFORMED DECISION.
Just FYI, for anyone else that's interested, if you cut and paste in your browser (or google):
Multi-tasking tram plays many rolls - Mobility Management
you'll see an independent article by Mobility Management on the Rifton TRAM (Mobility Managment is part of the HME Media Group. The HME Media Group delivers the latest news, legislative updates, and product and technology information and education to dealers/providers, clinicians and other professionals in the home medical equipment industry.) If you scroll through that article to "One Device, Many Consumers", it specifically mentions the categories of patients who will benefit from lift/transfer technology, including neurological diseases such as ALS.
Plus, if you also cut and paste in your browser:
Dad with ALS walks daughter down the aisle at wedding - TODAY
you'll also see a Today news report (and video) from July 2014 of another PALS using the Rifton TRAM - and I defy anyone after reading that news report and watching the video to say that he (and his daughter) did not find this equipment "invaluable".
Those are just a couple of articles/items that we found useful (along with numerous other supporting documents) and helped us make an informed decision when we were researching transfer and mobility devices for my husband. But, of course, we didn't make our final decision until we had demo'd the equipment over a two-week trial period.
As for testimonials, I would have thought that any testimonial or sharing of ideas by CALS and PALS on this forum would be viewed as nothing but positive and helpful. As I already said, Paulette's testimonial was invaluable to us (as were all the other ALS user testimonials) and in no way "hawked" the bed. Just like me, Paulette was doing something proactive in the hope that it would also help others.
We've been 4 years into the world of ALS (Mario was diagnosed in 2012) so I think we've got a pretty good grasp on the disease/the possibilities - we're just new to registering on this forum. And there's not a day goes by that we don't talk openly about it and research whatever we can to further understand and try and keep up to date on what's going on that might someday be of help. And of course we pray lots!
Finally, I just want to add what my husband had to say (a censored version) when he read Laurie's comments:
"I don't know why you're bothering with this forum. All the work you put in try to help and that's what you get. Sounds to me like Laurie’s got a real problem with it all. Comments like hers just create negative energy and you certainly don't need that. I shouldn't bother to explain anymore about the equipment if I was you, it works for us and that's all that matters. You should spend the time and energy on yourself instead of the forum."
And do you know what, my husband is absolutely right.
I thank God every day for my wonderful husband. He's my life, my love, my inspiration, my rock and my world is a much brighter place because of him!
"We rise by lifting others."