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.
Mobility is the highest priority for the majority of paraplegia patients. Luckily, there are numerous types of wheelchairs designed for just about every possible situation. There are electric models, hand propelled ones, special chairs designed to be used for toilet purposes and even chairs that can help the patient to stand. There are also many different types of ramps that will allow a patient to access most places.
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 are also numerous devices specially designed to allow any paraplegic to live fully independent. Lights, televisions, stereo systems and, in fact, almost every other household appliance, can be controlled remotely. There are plenty of aids to help in the bathroom. Special winches can help the patient to hoist himself into and out of the bath or from the wheelchair into bed, for example.
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.
Paraplegia patients have no control over the functioning of their more intimate lower body functions. This is a great source of embarrassment for most of them. However, with easy to use catheters and other aids patients can now exercise a great degree of control. This enhances their dignity and the quality of their lives. There are also many other products designed to prevent bed sores and related conditions.
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 a challenge to live life as a paraplegic. Fortunately, much can be done to help these patients to live independent lives, to keep working and to adapt to their circumstances. Hopefully, these products and devices will become more affordable in order to improve the lives of many more unfortunate people.
Mobility is the highest priority for the majority of paraplegia patients. Luckily, there are numerous types of wheelchairs designed for just about every possible situation. There are electric models, hand propelled ones, special chairs designed to be used for toilet purposes and even chairs that can help the patient to stand. There are also many different types of ramps that will allow a patient to access most places.
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 are also numerous devices specially designed to allow any paraplegic to live fully independent. Lights, televisions, stereo systems and, in fact, almost every other household appliance, can be controlled remotely. There are plenty of aids to help in the bathroom. Special winches can help the patient to hoist himself into and out of the bath or from the wheelchair into bed, for example.
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.
Paraplegia patients have no control over the functioning of their more intimate lower body functions. This is a great source of embarrassment for most of them. However, with easy to use catheters and other aids patients can now exercise a great degree of control. This enhances their dignity and the quality of their lives. There are also many other products designed to prevent bed sores and related conditions.
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 a challenge to live life as a paraplegic. Fortunately, much can be done to help these patients to live independent lives, to keep working and to adapt to their circumstances. Hopefully, these products and devices will become more affordable in order to improve the lives of many more unfortunate people.
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