I meant to add that today the patient had noticeable swelling in her entire right hemi-body, including her abdomen. She previously had a blood clot and has a Greenfield filter installed in her right femoral artery. She has always had right LE swelling, but today's swelling was worse. We made some transportation arrangements in case she needs to go to the ER (remember, no insurance and no primary care doctor).
I am debating the occurrence of edema ~vs~ lymphedema. She is on a trial period of sacral nerve implant for bowel/bladder control. To date, her bladder is emptying with only a residual amount after straight cath, so my inclination is that her lymphatic system is no functioning at enough capacity. Ron ----- Original Message ----- From: Ron Carson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] On-line Collobration[6/5 Update] RC> The patient and I have concluded that she will not be able to transfer RC> without the use of a board. Perhaps at some point in the distant future, RC> but for the moment, a transfer board is our only option. RC> I stopped by a local DME to discuss light-weight wheelchairs. They have RC> a couple 'loaners' that I can take to the patients house. This will be RC> invaluable for both the patient and myself. I have some concerns about RC> the patient's trunk strength and her ability to transfer to a w/c using RC> a slide board. RC> It is VERY difficult figuring out the best time to fit her for a new RC> manual chair. She really wants a chair, which is an important RC> consideration, but she will probably locate in the future so there are RC> some concerns about environmental fit. Of course, I don't think a manual RC> chair is going to fit into her current bedroom doorway. So much to RC> consider!! RC> Back to the slide board. I do not think it is possible to slide board RC> transfer onto a tub bench. Does anyone have a different opinion and RC> suggestions? I think the hard plastic board will slide on the bench. It RC> may be possible to place a piece of dycem under the board to reduce RC> slipping. What do you think? RC> Thanks, RC> Ron -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
