How long did it take for you guys to learn how to transfer from bed to wheelchair, that kind of thing ? it took me about 3 months to transfer safely, the main hold up for me was my bowels, I missed so much physio while i was in rehab because of my bowels, I was put in a sling and lifted anytime I needed to move, I hated that lifter with a passion. Anyway I now jump out of my chair onto the bed, lounge and other wheelchairs no problem, you can do anything if you put your mind to it.
Transfers have never really been a great problem for me.Butiki..just after my operation i was weak so I had no strength so i needed help.
The only other time i had a problem was when i was in my rehab unit and i went at my wheelchair skills and playing chair sports a bit too keenly. I have myself Carpel Tunnel Syndrome in both wrists and couldnt tansfer for squid lol
It took me almost a month before mastering scoot transfers to my bed, etc. I learned how to do floor transfers and truck transfers on my own. (I was taught regular car transfers in the first month, but trucks are higher of course.) I mastered a scoot transfer into a lifted truck a couple days ago. Haven't quite figured out how I would load my chair into a lifted truck, but that's what friends are for!
When I go get X-rays or have to transfer onto an exam table, the nurses and techs are in absolute awe at my mobility. They don't expect me to be buff I guess lol.
Upper body and rotator cuff workouts are important if you wanna get crazy with your transfers. I still occasionally accidentally transfer onto my wheel, hence the gnarly bruise I have on my right hip
It took me about 8 months before my transfers were good. I could transfer at 3 months but not efficiently. When I was an in-patient at rehab, I only transferred during physio so I couldn't really practice much. Now that I'm home, I always transfer from bed to chair and back everyday. The only time I have to use my ceiling lift is when I get into my commode chair and back in the mornings. I've done a few car transfers in the past but needed lots of assistance. I think I'll start practicing car transfers next summer!
After being a quadriplegic for 2.5 years, I can almost transfer like paraplegic now
I started ( surreptitiously)teaching myself toilet transfers as soon as I was allowed into a wheelchair after weeks of immobility. Took a while to build strength up but I was sooooo sick of having digital bowel evacs, once they found out what I was up to, they relented and taught me to do it safely - a bit ahead of my programmed physio lessons . . .
I started ( surreptitiously)teaching myself toilet transfers as soon as I was allowed into a wheelchair after weeks of immobility. Took a while to build strength up but I was sooooo sick of having digital bowel evacs, once they found out what I was up to, they relented and taught me to do it safely - a bit ahead of my programmed physio lessons . . .
Haha not a bad idea really! Good way to lessen the amount of digital stims
When I was AB, I helped a friend who was SCI and living from chair 100% to make her apartment accessible. Watching her transfers and learning how she needed to do things prepared me for my current situation. So, in rehab they were amazed that I could transfer as soon as I had "function" to do so--spinal shock slowed me down for a while. My balance is exceptional from working off ladders when AB. Now that rheumatoid arthritis is weakening my joints more, I must be more conscious of how I am moving to avoid more loss of function or permanent injury.
Now that rheumatoid arthritis is weakening my joints more, I must be more conscious of how I am moving to avoid more loss of function or permanent injury.
wavewolf...absolutely..its surprising how much independence can potentially be lost by the inability to transfer.
You will already be aware more than many that preserving your joints is essential....
Rheumatoid arthritis i believe can be very painful...
Rheumatoid arthritis i believe can be very painful...
While the joints are inflamed it is very painful, no let up. The nerve pain from sarcoidosis is different, with some breaks in between. The two together are draining my strength and making me rather unproductive right now. Without having to increase meds, the inflammation is decreasing, for which I am thankful. Maybe some of the pain will ease soon. My "new" (to me) wheelchair is really a blessing during this trial--came at just the right time.
A bit, but not as much as I thought it would. Grip is affected, and I must be careful lifting my chair in and out of car and house. Wheeling is so smooth and wonderful in this chair (TiLite ZRa) that I can still do it without increasing pain, even going fast.
Butiki, I am really blessed with this one! Was able to dial in my measurements pretty well, although foot rest was stuck and I would have liked to raise it a bit. I put something on it to accomplish the same purpose.
A bit, but not as much as I thought it would. Grip is affected, and I must be careful lifting my chair in and out of car and house. Wheeling is so smooth and wonderful in this chair (TiLite ZRa) that I can still do it without increasing pain, even going fast.
Oh im so pleased that you have this lighter chair, it must help so much with your painful joints.....im jealous though..i want one!
I love to be able to pick a good speed up but my chair is so basic and heavy...i so need a new one!
Butiki, I am really blessed with this one! Was able to dial in my measurements pretty well, although foot rest was stuck and I would have liked to raise it a bit. I put something on it to accomplish the same purpose.
That's great wavewolf! You certainly got lucky with that chair
Lαrα, you'd be zipping around too if you had one of these chairs!