Best products from r/spinalcordinjuries

Wow, all those comments on prevention of pressure ulcers aren’t much help when you are already dealing with one, eh?

I had one at 9yo, partly due to a sitting obliquity because of scoliosis, partly because I was prescribed a wheelchair with no special seating. I was stuck at home off school (with a visiting teacher for 2 hours 3x/wk) for 6 weeks which felt like years. I’ve had small minor reoccurrences 2-3x (I’m now almost 40) even though I take care of my skin and sit on specialized seating. Some people are more prone because of things like these. My most recent experience of skin breakdown was just because my skin got super dry this year (apparently a hormone thing for women my age).

Here’s what I’d suggest to help you cope:

• unless you’ve had flap surgery, ask your doc how much time you can be vertical each day and save something special each day for that time. A friend visit, make a sandwich, wheel outside.... for me it was an hour each day, and I liked to use it to go for a wheel around the block or hang out with friends. It helps keep you sane!
  
• ask if you can use a Ride cushion to be up and around a short time each day (assuming your ulcer is on your butt or sacrum?). There are Ride cushions or Roho cushions that float your bony areas so they don’t have pressure on them that you might be able to buy or borrow to minimize risk while you’re up. Your wound care team should have an OT who could help you find something.
  
• meals: sign up for your local meals on wheels organization which in many North American cities can deliver a healthy meal to you once a day for a very low price. If you can afford it, try Home Chef, Chef’s Plate or another meal delivery service - some deliver full meals, others deliver everything ready to cook. If you’re in a city, try online ordering for grocery delivery from a local grocery store and choose a variety of skillet meals - they are healthier than TV dinners and only take 10 minutes in a frying pan.
  
• connect with a local SCI organization and ask them for suggestions/programs for home bound people. United Spinal has chapters all over the US, and look up Spinal Cord Injury Canada if you are in Canada (fm me too if you are, I can connect you with the org near you).
  
• sign up for a box/crate club like Escape The Crate it The Mysterious Package every month, giving you a puzzle to solve or mystery to uncover with clues each month.
  
• watch streamers (if you’re not working). Twitch.tv and YouTube Live has lots of options. There are people gaming, cooking, building, making things, coding, illustrating, writing music, etc and it can be a good way to connect with a community of like minded people online that will help you keep the isolation at bay
  
• get a Skillshare.com or Lynda.com account (a video course platform) often free through your local library and commit to learn a new skill while you’re healing. Having a target to work toward can help the time go by.
  
• Reddit is your friend- I swear, you can stay occupied for months on Reddit.
  
• there are lots of work at home jobs you can do that only involve a computer especially if you have customer service or call centre experience or know anything about computers. Amazon is known for hiring armies of home based web service testers, for example.
  
• I recently bought this bed desk on Amazon, it works well on couches, beds or at a desk, allowing you to lie flat to work, read or watch Netflix: Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ Best... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07B9MHT4V?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
  
• get a big roll pillow or one of those wedge shaped cushions shaped like a wheelchair ramp (like this: DMI Supportive Foam Bed Wedge Leg Rest Cushion Pillow for Back Support, Elevating Legs and Acid Reflux, Blue, 12 x 24 x 24 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004X7CBFS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_URhzCb1DYAKBR) to help you find new positions to lie in. You can lie on the wedge on your belly in bed, on the long plane of the ramp with your arms off the short flat edge, with your computer on the bed itself, or use the wedge to support you laying on one side or the other. I have one I put my legs on so I can lie on my back.
  
• get a free account for Zoom or use FaceTime to connect with friends you can’t see while you’re at home. You can even watch movies with friends using Facebook now, which is a nice way to do something with friends remotely.
  
• nutrition is really key to recovery so I would ask your team for suggestions for a supplement that can increase your protein intake. http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Nutrition/DietPressureUlcers.pdf
  
  I’m thinking I might turn this into a toolkit for folks on bedrest for my work (I work for a SCI non profit, I make health resources), so let me know if I missed anything or if you have more questions!

Every case is different man. Im C5/6 quad 20 years post. I was injured as a kid so I wasn't really wasn't presented with the issues of sexual function until years after my injury. Once I started trying to see if I could get an erection and orgasm it took me 5 years of learning how my body reacts differently. It can be difficult if your living with family or have caregivers but if you can find some time to spend alone and just explore see what feels good or what causes a certain reaction and just go with it. Try not to just focus on having an orgasm but just focus on any good sensations. Depending on your situation cock rings might really help if you can get any kind of reflex erection. Penis Pumps can sometimes do the trick to. Also TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR! If you have a physiatrist that specializes in SCI make an appointment and ask them about it. They understand your need and can help you possibly get other medication or devices that might help. You can also ask them about the medication your taking. baclofen can make reflex erections impossible also other meds especially anything that affects your mood. Orgasm or ejaculation By any means necessary can possibly achieved through many different ways. Most popular of theses being Vibratory Stimulation. I recommend giving this a go first as its the cheapest and most likely to work I think. With this method the Vibrators amplitude is most important. I recommend this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NXRD44/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1/181-2041662-5613662?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=1ZC5VK5E8AS1BEWVMP1N&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1944687602&pf_rd_i=B000EQS33G It did the trick for me after about 2 or 3 minutes. Other methods include electro stimulation directly to your penis or prostate stimulation. Ive heard success stories from both methods but haven't tried either myself. You can find more info about the last two methods here http://sci.rutgers.edu Be careful (even if you've never had it) because often with orgasm it can cause autonomic dysreflexia (be aware of the symptoms). If you start to feel it stop what your doing for a little while and let you BP level out. In the event that this occurs your doctor can prescribe nitropaste that can be used to keep it from happening during sexual activity. I think the most important thing is to realize that its not gonna ever be like it was before but that doesn't mean it still can't be awesome. Things are gonna take time attempting to finish from regular masturbation. Every time I jerk off it takes 30-60 minutes minimum before I orgasm. Lastly I don't want to advocate illegal drug use or anything but Marijuana can help facilitate/enhance the experience. I don't think any specific studies done on this topic but from some other forums Ive heard some success stories about it helping enhance sensations and make orgasm easier to achieve. Also if you feel like you've gotten close you probably have so keep at it! I had similar experiences like you cathing and seeing retrograde ejaculation before I has able to achieve a more normal orgasm. Sorry to make such a long winded post man but I feel for your situation and hope this info helps. Feel free to PM to if you want.

Every case is different man and the shitty answer is that its probably going to take some time. Im C5/6 quad 19 years post. I was injured as a kid so I wasn't really wasn't presented with the issues of sexual function until years after my injury. Once I started trying to see if I could get an erection and orgasm it took me two years of learning how my body reacts differently. It can be difficult if your living with family or have caregivers but if you can find some time to spend alone and just explore see what feels good or what causes a certain reaction and just go with it. Try not to just focus on having an orgasm but just focus on any good sensations.

Depending on your situation cock rings might really help if you can get any kind of reflex erection. Penis Pumps can sometimes do the trick to. Also TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR! If you have a physiatrist that specializes in SCI make an appointment and ask them about it. If your over 18 most will bring it up but as embarrassing as it may be they understand your need and can help you possibly get other medication or devices that might help. You can also ask them about the medication your taking. baclofen can make reflex erections impossible also other meds especially anything that affects your mood.

Orgasm By any means necessary can possibly achieved through many different ways. Most popular of theses being Vibratory Stimulation. I recommend giving this a go first as its the cheapest and most likely to work I think. With this method the Vibrators amplitude is most important. I recommend this one Whal It did the trick for me after about 2 or 3 minutes. Other methods include electro stimulation directly to your penis or prostate stimulation. Ive heard success stories from both methods but haven't tried either myself. You can find more info about the last two methods here SCI Forum

A word of warning though often with orgasm it can cause autonomic dysreflexia. If you start to feel it stop what your doing for a little while and let you BP level out. In the event that this occurs your doctor can prescribe nitropaste that can be used to keep it from happening during sexual activity.

I think the most important thing is to realize that its not gonna ever be like it was before but that doesn't mean it still can't be awesome. Things are gonna take time attempting to finish from regular masturbation. Every time I jerk off it takes 30-60 minutes minimum before I orgasm.

Lastly I don't want to advocate illegal drug use or anything but Marijuana can help enhance the experience. I don't think any specific studies done on this topic but from some other forums Ive heard some success stories about it helping enhance sensations and make orgasm easier to achieve. Sorry to make such a long winded post man but I feel for your situation and hope this info helps. Feel free to PM to if you want.

Ok game choice is subjective but most gamers like First Person Shooter games. Sadly these are out for now as are most racing games.


Turn based strategy games are the best entry point as there's Zero Reliance on speed /timing
You said mario so I'm guessing you've got a Nintendo switch?
https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch/Sid-Meier-s-Civilization-VI-1460609.html
This is a great game

Role Playing Games are the sweet spot as they are less demanding than FPS. I play these, but you'll have a bit of work to do to adapt the controls at this point
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N1083WZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x7ySCb1QQMHKN


Touch screen App games.
Clash royale is very good 1 finger card/tower battle person Vs person game ( I play this allot) does need timing
Clash of clans- good game low dexterity needed- (base building strategy games)
Sim city build it is also a solid game
Sports team managers games good again low dexterity
Words with friends (Scrabble) turn based
Check out the accessibility features on your smart phone too.
What devices do you have?

Oh just remembered if he's still in hospital and you've got the cash Bose or Sony noise cancelling headphones if it is too noisey.

I'm looking around and the Hoyer Transfer Hoist looks popular but it takes a fairly substantial canvas piece that is what wraps around you and is used to lift you. Looks like you'd need to log roll left, tuck it under, log roll right and tuck it and then log roll back to your regular position and then clip 2 chains into the Hoyer lift. Looks like some work.

I like to create things. I bet putting on a rock climbing harness (minimalist version) would work better and then just clip one single clip to one chain and then pump the hydraulic handle to lift yourself up. So maybe something like the Hoyer with a little modification would let you manage it yourself.

Link:
http://www.myshepherdconnection.org/sci/transfers/lift-bed-wheelchair

The only thing is the lift itself is kinda large so I'm not sure how you'd keep it close by.

Alternatively, if it was just used at your bed you could keep it there. I think that may be the more reasonable idea and still incorporating the rock climbing like harness with one clip so no matter what position you're in you can just clip and go.

For out and about in your chair, have you tried seat belts with your chair before? They make several types of seat belts that just fasten to your chair and keep you put.

Link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BO9W8G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1504602461&sr=8-1&keywords=wheelchair+seatbelt

There's also a chest harness that clips in as well to the belt.

Link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GLV9R6U/ref=pd_aw_fbt_121_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PFR2A477NBZF6VXX4NA3

I spent the last several months looking for a place to buy and I will tell you what I looked for and plan to do.

Ramps are important, most places have small steps that abled body people don't notice but it's a pain for some in a wheelchair to get over every day.

Carpet is a pain in the ass to roll on, stick with hard wood or concrete.

Bathroom doors are never wide enough and usually the bathroom as a whole is to cramped.

Walk in showers without doors are great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009EP2S2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kMnxDb6WHH1MY

^^^ is expensive but great in kitchens (I will gladly take a few of these if someone would buy them for me 🥳)

Front load washer and dryer, not stacked and on a pedestal, much easier to use.

Smaller handheld vacuums like the battery powered Dyson are much easier to use. I also plan on getting a Roomba because I'm lazy like that.

I also decided to get a lot of home automation stuff because it makes things much easier. Example: Google home or Alexa, smart light bulbs or switches, ring doorbell, smart deadbolt.

Other than that I just think little adaptive equipment here and there.

Edit addition: fridge with a bottom freezer and water filter within reach is super helpful to.

I don't wear contact lenses anymore so I haven't tried this but I saw this tool that looks like it might work depending on your tenodesis abilities.

4 Pack Hard Contact Lens Insertion & Remover Tool RGP Plunger for Hard Lenses (Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J3XT56M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0I7XCb6GES8PA

What you could do is have somebody help you use the instant plastic molding beads and craft a handle larger or a ring on it. Good luck I hope it helps!

I have been doing cargo pants with pockets on the top of the thighs and to the side. A 4.7" or smaller smart phone fits great in the top pocket. Example of the latest I like to wear: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001A72V2C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 These hold up pretty good for wear and tear too.

I"m not sure about that brand either but I got this memory foam mattress.

I like it. I now wear a sleep apnea mask which is uncomfortable unless I sleep on my back so I sleep on my back 99% of the time. I move very little outside of spasms.

The mattress can get warm but the support is great.

Moving on it is hard. I use sateen sheets whenever possible. They make it easier to slide.

I have been using a pair of leather weight lifting gloves for the past couple years. They have two velcro straps so they don't move around much while pushing. They are also well padded in the palm and the leather provides decent tackiness with my coated push rims. I found them searching through a bin at a local bike shop and have yet to find another pair I enjoy as much as these.

Just through amazon searches the closest thing I can find to them are these at the moment. You can always check out your local sporting good stores to see if there's anything there that appeals to you, plus it lets you test fits and function before you purchase. Hope that helps!

Hello, I have the same problem. I carry a Travel John with me in case I can't make it to the bathroom. It's a disposable urinal that's you can use and throw in the trash. Still working on finding a more sustainable solution but until then it works for me. Hope it'll help you too :)

Quad here as well. In your next video, if it's a solid hobby search for a used GoPro camera. You can use a headband camera mount, which made me feel weird, but got the job done (see below) Or a bicycle/handlebar mount that can hook to your footrest or frame of the chair. Thanks for the ride.

My headband ride

Assuming handlebar mount ride

My fav, power soccer

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I have these and I absolutely love them. Very rubbery, very grippy, which I find to be very important.

I am a c5 complete.

You can use a pair of light ankle weights on the wrists for many different types of shoulder exercises. I do that, and I also have a set of resistance bands that I have mounted to my wall (https://www.amazon.com/CoreMount-Resistance-Training-Storage-Vertical/dp/B06WP6JX2V/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=Resistance+bands+wall+mount&qid=1562955373&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-6). You can use padded ankle cuffs (like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018Y6OQ56/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to attach the resistance bands to his wrists so that it doesn’t hurt your wrist as much when pulling on the bands. The key is to mount the resistance bands at the right height and get the right resistance set up. For me, once that was taken care of, I can now work out at any time by myself and do bicep curls, internal/external shoulder rotation, rows, stretch my shoulders, etc. I can roll up to my bands and get the wrist cuff over my hand and then use my mouth to tighten the wrist cuff above or below the big wrist bone depending on what exercise I am doing (closer to the hand for bicep curls, internal/external rotation, stretching & further up the arm above the wrist bone for most all other workouts so it doesn’t feel like my hands are going to pop off.

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I don’t know if this is the information that you are looking for, but maybe it may give you some ideas to try for his case. Let me know if you have any other questions!

C4/C5 here, 25 years post injury. I used magic bullet suppositories for years. Hated them! They were messy and results were sporadic. About four years ago my rehab nurse suggested a new product called Enemeez. These things changed my life. I now get great results and fast. Usually within five minutes and I don't get the cramping in my stomach that magic bullets would give me.

https://amzn.com/B000GHTIP0

Just read the reviews on Amazon. Damn I sound like a commercial but they really are great.