Re: [QUAD-L] Ileostomy

[Gail Holmes]

I accompanied the quad for whom I worked for surgery on his syrinx at Craig Hospital near Denver about  10 years ago. Sadly he passed in 2020 unrelated to his surgery.His  symptoms were increasing pain and excessively low blood pressure but everyone is different. If at all possible I would go to Craig’s hospital  to be evaluated. You may have to be referred. I know that’s not an easy feat! There is a free phone line where a SCI nurse at Craig hospital  can answer questions or find the answers on all things related to SCI. You might need to call more than once to get the answers.If I recall correctly the surgeon said there was a high rate of shunt failure for syrinx  and that shunt surgery was considered old school but my memory is a little foggy.Don’t take my word 100% but check other resources. Maybe  there are better shunt surgery techniques now. This was 10 years ago. The neurosurgeon was Dr Scott Falci and his incredible nurse was Charlotte. She is the one who could tell you more about shunts and syrinx surgery. If you call have all your questions lined up. She is very busy and not easy to reach but is accessible or was back then. His surgery was in 2 stages. Gosh I can’t believe I’m forgetting the details.i was only with him for the first simpler surgery and I think this first surgery was to decompress the syrinx and the second surgery was  to put a graft in place. Craigs is a world class spinal cord and head injury hospital. There were folks there of meager means so maybe you don’t have to have great insurance which he fortunately did. I do recall Charlotte saying that even with the best of surgical outcomes a syrinx can return in as little as 3 years. His pain was  less as a result of the surgery and maybe blood pressure only slightly better.  In the end I wondered if the results were  worth those 2 surgeries  but he did say it  definitely  was.  try to get a good second opinion before ileostomy surgery.best of wishes to youGail Sent from my iPhoneOn Dec 8, 2023, at 1:03 PM, Danny Hearn  wrote:
Hi, Vali'm a c-6  level.and I have had a syrinx for years, it has caused me increased pain more each year but have no eating or bowel problems, we use magic bullet suppositories for bowel routines every 3 days. Hope things work out for you !   Dan H. 26 years post injury.--car accident.





On Friday, December 8, 2023 at 11:43:46 AM CST, Val Cleroux  wrote:



Hi everyone:I met with a neurosurgeon at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto and he says that I have too much steel in my neck to be able to put a shunt.  I got 3 inches of steel down both sides holding my spine between C2-C7 straight.  They don't do steel surgeries anymore as that was 23 years ago.  I researched the syrinx and it says the first thing to deteriorate is my digestive system, and then after time, the other organs will be affected.  I'm down to eating only liquid foods, they still hurt but not as bad as chunky food.Thank you everyone for replying to me!Val Clerouxwww.whyped.ca  "Communication is the key to success"   






On Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 07:29:43 p.m. EST, Edward Tessier  wrote:





Wow, what a journey Dana




So glad you are still with us


From: Dana 
Sent: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 10:39 PM
To: Eric Olson 
Cc: Quad List ; Val Cleroux 
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Ileostomy
 



I had my first Ileo-conduit in 1986 from bladder cancer. Then In 2014 I kept having UTIs all the time. The kidney doctor didn’t know how to do the surgery that was needed to make another ileo-conduit. She wanted to put me on hospice. We started
 calling every kidney doctor and that was able to do the surgery. he got me on the table within two weeks. we had to have a long talk and explain to me 2.out 3 die during the surgery. So I was a blessed to survive. it took six months to get over the surgery.
 I was in the hospital three weeks. I continue to have UTIs and kidney stones. This allows you to get more bacteria causing kidney stones. I really liked the information I read on the 



On Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 12:09 PM Eric Olson  wrote:


There was a person on the list that had a syrinx, but sadly, she passed away.  She had a shunt put in that let the fluid in the syrinx drain continuously into her stomach.  Since you're doing research anyway, perhaps do some research on a shunt. 
 Neither is a no joke surgery.  Are you sure your digestive issues are from the syrinx and not something more common like IBS?




On Mon, Oct 9, 2023 at 1:08 PM Val Cleroux  wrote:





Hi everyone:


I am a C3/4 quad from a motor vehicle accident in 2000. I have a syrinx which is a cyst that fills up with cerebral fluid and 

Re: [QUAD-L] Nancy

[Gail Holmes]

Oh so sorry to hear this. She seemed to be a such a delightful person. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 3, 2022, at 1:53 PM, Nichole Rohling  wrote:
> 
> 
> I just saw where Nancy Gillen passed away Jan 20
> She was always so helpful. She’ll be missed.
>  
> Nicki

Re: [QUAD-L] Lori Michaelson

[Gail Holmes]

Somehow I missed the obit for Lori. Thanks Shirley for pointing it out to me.
I didn’t know she had a second sister and a brother. 
I’m a retired caregiver and now keep the grandkids part time when my daughters 
work PRN. One set near Baton Rouge and one near Little Rock. 
I know this sounds weird but before anyone else ends up in such a fix just 
maybe I could come bridge a gap for a few days if that would make a difference. 
I plugged into the List years ago  when seeking quad care info and learned so 
much here. 
I too wonder about Bobbie and Larry and some others.


Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 6, 2021, at 1:12 PM, Nichole Rohling  wrote:
> 
> 
> Thanks Dana for answering. Such a sad situation.
>  
> Nicki
> C5/6
>  
> From: Dana Wray [mailto:daano...@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Sunday, September 5, 2021 8:37 PM
> To: Gail Holmes
> Cc: Jeffrey Gaede; Michael Galvin; ; Eric Olson; 
> Nichole Rohling; Julie
> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Lori Michaelson
>  
> Lori and I emailed and talked on the phone. She had written me in June and I 
> saw the email after I got out of the hospital and then I had to go back to 
> the hospital for exploratory surgery. I wrote her but didn't hear back from 
> her. I should've tried calling her, because in her letter she didn't know 
> where she was going and she was trying to find a home for her beautiful dog. 
> She had medical issues from the nurse that was improper and not 
> sterile,sringmylia that cause pain, like Julie said being uprooted from her 
> sisters home. I don't think they understood or liked her having caregivers 
> coming in and out of the house. It's what a lot of us face when we don't have 
> enough care. She receives Social Security from her husband and her own but it 
> wasn't enough to pay caregivers, her apartment and living expenses. She 
> wasn't able to get any help from the state. She loved her scrapbooking and 
> her dog that she walked every day. She had a great caregiver and after she 
> left she got a new one, but they were leaving. We were trying to find out 
> everywhere we could post an ad. It is often so difficult to find specially if 
> you have limited funds. This is what happens to a lot of quadriplegics and 
> why they get sores and die. I wish they would do a study on this but with the 
> current administration, I don't think they would do anything to help 
> situations like this. I don't know what kind of care is available in the 
> state of Arizona. I don't know if there's anybody else on the quad list that 
> lives in Arizona She had a wonderful niece that would spend time with her, 
> but she lived out-of-state, maybe Texas. I'd have to look up in my old 
> letters about specifics. I loved her and enjoyed talking on the phone and 
> emailing her. I will truly miss her. I lived in a nursing home for three 
> years and it is a long story. All home facilities don't know how to take care 
> of quadriplegics and don't have the staff. It's like a death sentence to go 
> to a nursing home after living independently all your life and having a dog 
> that you dearly loved. I pray that she died in her sleep and didn't have to 
> suffer. I don't know that we will find out what the cause of death was. We 
> have lost quite a few persons that I miss. it seems. I'm not familiar with 
> you Julie. I'm on Facebook. I've always enjoyed the quad list and learning 
> about other persons facing the same problems and learning from them. Dana, 47 
> years post, C4-5, tracheostomy, ileoconduit. Those of the hospital for 10 
> days for two kidney infections, sepsis and ammonia in June. Several weeks 
> after that I had exploratory surgery to find the kidney stones. My urologist 
> couldn't find kidney stones. . I have tubes hooked up to my kidneys that are 
> turned off right now. My kidneys were not draining properly. Has anyone else 
> ever had this problem. I'm assuming I will have to go back to the kidney 
> doctor. My urologist could only use the camera in the ileoconduit and ureters 
> not the kidneys. Three weeks ago I ran out of the suction catheters. The 
> company they switched me to would not answer the phone. Thanks to Jim Lubin, 
> he gave me the name of the company he uses, and I hope they will be shipping 
> to me soon, before I run out of the ones I had to buy privately. I contacted 
> for five different companies and none of them answered me. I don't have very 
> many left.
> 
> We can write on Lori's Facebook page. Lori will be missed, she was such a 
> good communicator about her life. Let's make a list of those we have lost on 
> the quad list. We can remember them again.
>  
> On Sun, Sep 5, 2021 at 1:13 AM Gail Holmes  wrote:
> If I recall correctly a few years ago Lori was uprooted from the northeast 
> where she lived w her sister and bro

Re: [QUAD-L] Lori Michaelson

[Gail Holmes]

If I recall correctly a few years ago Lori was uprooted from the northeast 
where she lived w her sister and brother-in- law after the unexpected death of 
her husband who was her caregiver. 

I believe she said her parents were deceased and she had no choice but to go it 
alone and decided on Phoenix area for the climate I think.

I know she had medical complications with her bladder that she said was from a 
nurse’s poor handling of the inflated bulb of her then foley catheter.  

This resulted in trauma to her urethra that caused problems and 
hospitalizations and ultimately she got a  Suprapubic catheter I believe.

Please someone correct me if I’m getting it wrong and fill in what details I’m 
missing.

The last I remember was she was in urgent need of a live in caregiver 
replacement. 

I’m so sorry to hear of her passing and also wonder what happened and what 
became of her beloved dog.









Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 4, 2021, at 5:28 PM, Jeffrey Gaede  wrote:
> 
> 
> Wow! Thank you!
> 
> On Saturday, September 4, 2021, 03:00:52 PM PDT, Julie  wrote:
> 
> 
> https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/22137694/lori-sue-michaelson
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> From: Jeffrey Gaede  
> Sent: Saturday, September 4, 2021 3:46 PM
> To: 'Michael Galvin' ; quad-list@eskimo.com; 'Eric 
> Olson' ; Nichole Rohling 
> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Lori Michaelson
> 
>  
> 
> Not only what happened to her but can someone give me some background on 
> Lori. I've been on and off Quad-list for 15-20 years, I definitely remember 
> her name but not much else. Can someone provide some background please.
> 
>  
> 
> On Saturday, September 4, 2021, 12:29:36 PM PDT, Nichole Rohling 
>  wrote:
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Michael
> 
>  
> 
> Do you have any idea what happened to her?
> 
>  
> 
> Nicki
> 
>  
> 
> From: Eric Olson [mailto:whee...@wi.rr.com] 
> Sent: Saturday, September 4, 2021 1:23 PM
> To: Nichole Rohling
> Cc: Danny Hearn; Quad-list Post
> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Lori Michaelson
> 
>  
> 
> Wow  I was just going to email her about her live in also.  Do you know what 
> happened?
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> On Sat, Sep 4, 2021 at 12:53 PM Nichole Rohling  
> wrote:
> 
> I was just talking about her this week. I hate to hear this.
> 
>  
> 
> Nicki
> 
>  
> 
> From: Danny Hearn [mailto:ddh...@sbcglobal.net] 
> Sent: Friday, September 3, 2021 8:04 PM
> To: quad-list@eskimo.com; Michael Galvin
> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Lori Michaelson
> 
>  
> 
> Wow, Sad to hear this about Lori..I have been wondering about her lately, 
> I know she was concerned about needing a new care-giver and worried about her 
> Dog if she had to go into a living type center.  Thanks for letting us know.  
> Dan H. ***
> 
> On Friday, September 3, 2021, 07:53:31 PM CDT, Michael Galvin 
>  wrote:
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> I have not seen it on the quad list, and I'm not sure if people already know, 
> but Lori Michaelson passed away a few weeks ago.
> 
>  
> 
> She will be missed.
> 
>  
> 
> PQ

Re: [QUAD-L] Bed/Mattress Question

[Gail Holmes]

My friend whose been wound care nurse  a long time said the alternating 
pressure overlay mattresses that run $150-200 or less are very effective at 
preventing pressure sores. 

I’m not a quad just an old caregiver still learning  from you all.  

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 19, 2021, at 2:29 PM, Eric Olson  wrote:
> 
> 
> Sorry Nancy, I just sleep on a memory foam mattress.  So far, I haven't had 
> any problems but as I get older and my skin gets thinner. I might have to use 
> something else 
> 
>> On Fri, Mar 19, 2021 at 1:28 PM Nancy  wrote:
>> What bed/mattress do you use to prevent skin breakdowns? I'm looking for 
>> info and recommendations - comfort, durability, reliability...
>> 
>> I currently use a Drive Medical Lateral Rotation Mattress with Low Air Loss. 
>> I don't use the turning feature because it never returned me to the correct 
>> position. I got this bed in 2015 and I'm now having a lot of problems wit 
>> it. I can no longer get comfortable, it bulges and makes hard lumps under my 
>> injury site, bones and muscles. I can't sleep through the night anymore and 
>> I'm getting headaches frequently. I hurt all the time. On the plus side, it 
>> continues to prevent pressure sores. I've tried to get insurance (MLTC 
>> Medicare/Medicaid) to cover a new mattress but have been denied. After 
>> nearly 53 years, I have two chronic sores so I spend most of my time in bed. 
>> This is killing me both physically and mentally! Any suggestions will be 
>> appreciated.
>> Nan

Re: [QUAD-L] Butt Soee

[Gail Holmes]

Hang in there and try not to jeopardize the healing progress right here so 
close the end.
Of course you wouldn't intentionally - just trying to cheer you on along the 
way. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 8, 2020, at 8:55 PM, Greg  wrote:
> 
>  ive had 2 sores on my butt for mounts now. they are so close to healing. 
> the bigger one looks like it will heal first. my main problem is sweating 
> when i sit in my chair. some days its fine, some days i sweat terribly bad. 
> ive had sores bigger and deeper and never sweated like this. it seems to only 
> be 1 side that causes the sweating. the smallest one. if i lift my hip up 
> using a small pillow the sweating stops.
> 
> the doc has checked for tunnling, infectios, bone infection, everything looks 
> great. no dead skin / meat etc.
> 
> anyone sweat that bad from a butt sore?
> 
> Greg

Re: [QUAD-L] Anyone know how Quads will fair if they get Virus?

[Gail Holmes]

I’m thinking everyone entering your territory within 10 feet or so should wear 
at least a surgical type mask. 

A coffee filter, vacuum cleaner bag, and AC furnace filter can be used as a 
disposable filter for masks that have pockets. 

If nothing else, a cone- shaped coffee filter can be helpful.
Punch holes on either side and loop together rubber bands to make ear loops. 
Reinforce the hole for the rubber bands with tape.

I’m gonna start cranking up my sewing machine soon to make some.

One problem is the one I’ve tried makes conversation difficult. 
The mask works it’s way down when talking. 









Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 2, 2020, at 2:16 PM, Furious  wrote:
> 
> 
> Not nice.
> 
>> On Mon, Mar 30, 2020 at 1:12 PM Eric Olson  wrote:
>> Unfortunately, you're probably spot on. 
>> 
>>> On Mon, Mar 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM Greg  wrote:
>>> My guess is not well. Higher the level, the less well.
>>> Greg
>>> 
>>> On 3/18/2020 9:52 AM, DAVID LEWIS wrote:
 Anyone know of Quads getting the virus yet?
>>> 

Re: [QUAD-L] Advertising for caregivers...

[Gail Holmes]


I’m a retired caregiver now caring for grandchildren and volunteering but the 
gentleman I worked for part time for 8 years said he was C4-5 complete and like 
Aaron has 2 hours of care in the a.m. and 2 hours in the evening. He also has 2 
caregivers at a time but has had 3 which i think is ideal.  As you know not 
much is ideal when it comes to finding and keeping good people.

He lives in a gated  (albeit frequently broken one )  condo complex alone but 
his brother lives in the same complex, a 4-5 minute walk away and is available 
most of the time for non- personal care problems. 
His elderly mother fixes a simple lunch every day at noon. 

He pays $15-20 hr but has ample resources. 

I agree background check is vital but as u know won’t be all revealing. 

He had one caregiver nurse who unbeknown to him had lost her LPN license 
because she was stealing narcotics at the hospital and using them while on 
shift. 

He became suspicious of her character when she seemed to be under the influence 
of at times.  His brother decided to look at the LA State  board of nursing 
site online entering her name when it became obvious she wasn’t locking his 
door at nite to save herself  time due to a series of steps required to unlock 
the door if she had to return to work for him the following morning which was 
often. 

Best wishes Lori and the rest in the daunting task of finding the right people!



Sent from my iPhone

>> On Feb 24, 2020, at 11:25 AM, poaj...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> 
> You’ve made some really good points, C4 complete here, and I have 5 hours 
> daily.  I can’t feed myself rather than a snack that is sat out 
> strategically, but I am alone mostly from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  So I am total 
> care but I still work and volunteer with master gardening.  I had to totally 
> reinvent my lifestyle a few years ago and it can be done.
> I also use craigslist and spinal cord injury and try to find caregivers with 
> no experience for the same reasons.   however, and here in Reno I have to 
> pay $16.00 an hour for any private care, and the program than I am on pays 
> $11.00 per hour and I have to supplement $5.00 an hour just to find anyone.  
> Reno is booming and we basically have no unemployment which makes it 
> difficult.
> I have been somewhat successful with Facebook pages and finding attendants.
> It is a difficult job to fill and a difficult job to find somebody.  Good 
> luck Lori, just keep rolling along and try and make each day the best in your 
> life.
>  
>  
> From: Aaron Mann  
> Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2020 12:57 PM
> To: Eric Olson 
> Cc: Lori Michaelson ; quad-list 
> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Advertising for caregivers...
>  
> Lori, I cannot remember what level Quad you are? 
>  
> Have you tried the approach of room & board in-lieu of pay or with less pay? 
> How independent are you once you're up?
>  
> I'm sure you've figured out most of the methods for handling things, being 40 
> years post. I'm a C4-5 33 years post and live on my own with 2 hours morning 
> and evening attendant care. If you need or want tips from a fellow "higher" 
> quad, let me know.
>  
> My attendant experience:
> All of my attendants come from Craigslist primarily. I purposely seek out 
> women primarily (intuitively better caring generally) who have little to no 
> prior experience. I find that nurses and even CNA's have too many 
> institutional methods driven into them to be open to MY way of caring for 
> myself. I do pay well, at least $10/hr with 2 hr min, and give bonuses pretty 
> regularly. Often bonuses are a nice dinner out or gift cards. I used to use 
> contracts to formalize the arrangement, but have found my "reliability radar" 
> is better now and don't use them. I always have at least 2 attendants, one 
> always ends up sick at some time or needs a break. 
>  
> In regards to using "Quadriplegic" in an ad. I use "Spinal cord injury". It 
> seems more universally understood. In regards to safety, can you interview 
> somewhere away from home at 1st? If it goes well, show them around your home, 
> show routine, etc. Oh, also, I recommend to all my female friends with 
> disabilities needing caregivers, do a background check. It's relatively 
> inexpensive and informative. Can stop the bad ones right up front.
>  
> Aaron Mann
>  
>  
> On Wed, Feb 19, 2020 at 1:55 PM Eric Olson  wrote:
> Sorry you're having trouble finding someone.  I had this site bookmarked.  
> http://assistantpages.com/  Not sure it will help.  How local is this paper?  
> I think you should think about expanding your search area. I get where you're 
> coming from about using the word quadriplegic.  It can make you a target but 
> it's not really something you want to spring on a potential caregiver either. 
>  Wish you luck
>  
> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 3:18 PM Lori Michaelson  
> wrote:
> Okay, only one member on here knows of my situation (Dana) but I really need 
> to ask a question.
>  
> I have been on my 

Re: [QUAD-L] Advertising for caregivers...

[Gail Holmes]

In Louisiana there is a FAcebook group called Louisiana Scrubs where CNA’s, 
LPN’s and RN’s discuss job opportunities and sometimes potential employers 
post. 

I just checked and there is also an Arizona Scrubs also. 

Best wishes on your search! 

Sent from my iPhone

>> On Feb 19, 2020, at 1:55 PM, Eric Olson  wrote:
> 
> Sorry you're having trouble finding someone.  I had this site bookmarked.  
> http://assistantpages.com/  Not sure it will help.  How local is this paper?  
> I think you should think about expanding your search area. I get where you're 
> coming from about using the word quadriplegic.  It can make you a target but 
> it's not really something you want to spring on a potential caregiver either. 
>  Wish you luck 
> 
>> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 3:18 PM Lori Michaelson  
>> wrote:
>> Okay, only one member on here knows of my situation (Dana) but I really need 
>> to ask a question.
>> 
>> I have been on my own for the last 40 years as a high-level quad. I have 
>> always lived with family except over the last 4 years whereby I found a 
>> live-in caregiver that I could afford.  Now the live-in caregiver I have had 
>> over the last 4 years users moving on and out-of-state. In our original 
>> contract if either of us were moving on we had to give the other person a 90 
>> day written notice. She gave me a good 6 months notice so I've started 
>> advertising in January.
>> 
>> I found her via craigslist when I was in Pennsylvania living with family who 
>> wanted me to move on when they knew I had nowhere to go. Absolutely nowhere 
>> and I was not going to move into a nursing home. I had a beautiful support 
>> dog and I would NOT survive in a nursing home anyway. All of my caregivers 
>> over the years know that I would not survive  in a nursing home 2 months and 
>> I know that as well with my needs.
>> 
>> Unfortunately or fortunately, I am not eligible for state help and that is 
>> because I received my Social Security from working, my husband's Social 
>> Security, a big savings account for so many reasons (I need a lot of dental 
>> work, I need to be able to have a co-pay for a new caregiver and so many 
>> other reasons) as well as my husband investing before he passed away. 
>> "Spending down" is like committing financial suicide because I don't think 
>> versions of Medicaid is going to last long and I have no way of controlling 
>> what I get from Social Security every month as well as a small annuity from 
>> the accident (which is peanuts when you live alone and my lawyer at the time 
>> screwed that up by not factoring in inflation and "What if Lori needs 
>> around-the-clock care at some point?").
>> 
>> * I put an ad on craigslist for 30 days which will be up on February 20th - 
>> soon. I got absolutely no response from anyone from that route. It used to 
>> be free to advertise 4 years ago but now it is $25.
>> 
>> * I have signed up with care.com but have not found anyone yet. 
>> 
>> * I put an ad on the Facebook closed group for caregivers in my area but no 
>> responses.
>> 
>> * For those familiar with Next-Door ... I put feelers out there with no 
>> response.
>> 
>> * I have thought about putting an ad in our town newspaper and I have spoken 
>> with the head of classifieds for this. Their highest circulation output is 
>> Sundays and Wednesdays and if I want it and therefore a month it will be 
>> $273. I have used as little words as possible but my question to you guys is:
>> 
>> When advertising in a newspaper and you live alone... should you use the 
>> word Quadriplegic? I have to have a way for people to reach me so I put my 
>> phone number and e-mail and asking for a "live-in" caregiver.
>> 
>> I need to start training people ASAP since my current live-in is leaving the 
>> first week in August which sounds like a while from now but by the time you 
>> train someone and you make sure they are going to stay for a good amount of 
>> time for it to be worthwhile... time goes by quickly.
>> 
>> My wheelchair batteries had some dead cells and they needed to be replaced 
>> which just happened this past Tuesday. My co-pay for those is $244.
>> 
>> My live-in caregiver has not had a break in a year because of certain 
>> situations so she has really burned out and the one caregiver in my area who 
>> knows my care (but has a family and a full-time job) is going to take care 
>> of me 3 days next week and that is $600 but I have no other option.
>> 
>> I have contacted so many places including my local Center for Independent 
>> Living and, being a quad as long as I have and working for an independent 
>> living center for 7+ years and having lived with family or my spouse over 
>> the last 40 years and to be fortunate to have found a fabulous live-in 
>> caregiver for the last 4 years... I am now desperate.
>> 
>> My health deteriorated after being hurt soon after moving back here along 
>> with a domino effect that caused to this very day but I still have a 

Re: [QUAD-L] Unbelievable but true what I went through the hospital

[Gail Holmes]

I’m am so sorry that this happened to you! This is an unthinkable nightmare! 
Who would expect this in a hospital in the U.S.?

So frightening! 

Do you have no family to stay w you in the hospital?








Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 16, 2019, at 3:18 PM,  
>  wrote:
> 
> Hello guys I went to hospital to do the procedure
> went through I went for a procedure to Harlingen in Texas Valley Baptist 
> Hospital they told me to be there early because but the future to be there at 
> nine o'clock in the morning I took off at six all that time I was there they 
> never turn me I told a nurse that I needed to get out my secretions she said 
> let me get respiratory I was pretty short of breath I could not breathe very 
> well I asked the nurse I thought a nurse knows how to suction a person is my 
> condition she said it been a while I have not doesn't but Debbie get 
> respiratory according to her she call respiratory here I am waiting for 30 
> minutes my respirator alarms was going crazy I told the church don't get me 
> wrong I need to get my secretions out she said I told you already I already 
> call them and minutes already passed by I will not getting enough air 
> respiratory got there I tried to explain to him to make his job more simple 
> so he won't hurt me touching after was not going in I tried to explain to him 
> what was the reason he comes out with stupid remark well who in the hell you 
> are Mr. perfect are you trying to do my job he started laughing got get my 
> secretions the proper way she did not even put gloves he did not do it just 
> the sterile way I still at secretions he did not take about the proper way 
> couple of hours after that I still was laying on my back I was getting tired 
> I asked the nurse I want to be turn he answer that she ignored we and I 
> brought the subject again she came by with the smart remark what you think 
> you're at home out in the world you can get tired if you're paralyzed from 
> the neck down she said that's why you should bring your providers to turn you 
> I said they can pay at home my to turn me here in the hospital she said 
> everybody is busy right now we will turn you when we have a chance I said I 
> don't want to get bit sore I don't have any she ignored me and walked out I 
> did not have a call light for my type disability they@one for a person could 
> push the button couple of minutes before my surgery's Orailia got there and I 
> told her to tell the nurse that I needed again my secretions out here we go 
> again she call respiratory the same person that took out my secretions I told 
> him in front of Orailia about to secretions he started arguing with me he 
> said I already took them out and refuse to suction me Orailia couldn't 
> believe it I couldn't believe it I said I will like to talk to your 
> supervisor she started laughing and walked out Orailia told the nurse if we 
> could get the supervisor of the respiratory she did the supervisor got there 
> and I told him the problem and what the guy said oh my God you was worth a he 
> is a supervisor we could not believe it when she started taking out my 
> secretions he had dirty hands did not watch his hands and not use gloves 
> either to get out my secretions when he supposed to do it the sterile way I 
> did not say anything no more I got out from the procedure Orailia went home 
> and I still was on my back I told another nurse that I wanted to be turn and 
> went to what year and went out to the other it was already one o'clock in the 
> afternoon they will going to send me back home and I still was on my back 
> according to them they called the ambulance to take me home it was already 
> past seven o'clock the afternoon and I still was on my back told so many 
> times in the never turn me the ambulance got there and I told them I am 30 
> they did not they did not clean me up they sent me home dirty the paramedics 
> was going to transfer me to the stretcher I told them the tubing from the 
> respirator is pulling on me the paramedic said you be okay I told him I just 
> had surgery my throat is sore I told him again about the tubing what happened 
> they pulled out my trach and push it back in the paramedic said I love my job 
> I started crying it hurt so bad he was bleeding and I was trying and I said 
> take me home take me home on the way home inside the ambulance one paramedic 
> was driving the other one was in the back with me they put some music super 
> loud they did not even notice I got disconnected from the respirator thank 
> God I'm able to brief a little bit I whistle sold out and the person was in 
> the back of the ambulance hurt me whistle and he was falling asleep she 
> finally hurt me and connect me back to my respirator nobody deserve to go 
> through what I went through disable or not disable they supposed to help a 
> person in the hospital and at like professionals not make the person life 
> miserable just you generation that healthcare in 

Re: [QUAD-L] Need instructions to Adapt man’s suit coat jacket

[Gail Holmes]

Thank you Eric! 

I’m running out of time and with the jacket but  it’s getting there. 

I’ll be back to explain when it’s done, thanks again for these suggestions I 
may be able to use next time! 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 2, 2019, at 11:58 AM, Eric Olson  wrote:
> 
> Whenever I need to put on a suit, I have my caregivers put my arms above my 
> head like I'm signaling a touchdown.  Then just slide the coat straight down 
> on my arms and behind my back.  Ever since I got out of rehab, I cut all my 
> winter and fall jackets in half straight up the back.  Then I just slide them 
> on like a smock and have my caregivers tuck them behind my back.  I tell them 
> they don't have to tuck the ends so far behind me that the ends touch - just 
> enough to keep air out.  I also have the alteration shop put a velcro strap 
> at the back of the collar so it can be pulled tight.  Hope that helps. 
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com
> 
>> On Thu, Aug 1, 2019 at 2:18 PM Gail Holmes  wrote:
>> Several years ago I found a site online w instructions on cutting out a 
>> horseshoe shape of the back lower 2/3 of a sport coat or suit coat.
>> 
>> The top of the cut was below the top of backrest so no modification was 
>> obvious when in the chair.
>> 
>> I have spent hours looking for the instructions and now can’t find them. I 
>> was only able to find an image of a man sitting with part of the back out 
>> which is similar to what  I need. 
>> 
>> I’m nervous about cutting a new suit coat without those instructions and the 
>> coat is needed for Saturday morning.
>> 
>> Glenn Gaudet by the way will be wearing this suit coat ( if I don’t mangle 
>> it  ) to his 
>> father’s funeral.
>> 
>> For the record he is almost 58 and 43 years post injury C4/5 and doing 
>> relatively well. 
>> 
>> I regularly tell him and forward to him all the things I learn from all of 
>> you on the List which he told me about years ago because he chooses not to 
>> participate on the forum. 
>> 
>> Thanks for any help w sewing instructions.
>> 
>> 
>> 

[QUAD-L] Need instructions to Adapt man’s suit coat jacket

[Gail Holmes]

Several years ago I found a site online w instructions on cutting out a 
horseshoe shape of the back lower 2/3 of a sport coat or suit coat.

The top of the cut was below the top of backrest so no modification was obvious 
when in the chair.

I have spent hours looking for the instructions and now can’t find them. I was 
only able to find an image of a man sitting with part of the back out which is 
similar to what  I need. 

I’m nervous about cutting a new suit coat without those instructions and the 
coat is needed for Saturday morning.

Glenn Gaudet by the way will be wearing this suit coat ( if I don’t mangle it  
) to his 
father’s funeral.

For the record he is almost 58 and 43 years post injury C4/5 and doing 
relatively well. 

I regularly tell him and forward to him all the things I learn from all of you 
on the List which he told me about years ago because he chooses not to 
participate on the forum. 

Thanks for any help w sewing instructions.

 

[QUAD-L] Need instr

[Gail Holmes]

Sent from my iPhone

Re: [QUAD-L] Concerns about fellow quads...

[Gail Holmes]

It most certainly does. 

I’m so sorry to here this sad news. 



Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 8, 2019, at 10:21 PM, Jim Lubin  wrote:
> 
> Well this sucks. I looked up Bobbie on facebook. Messages from her family she 
> passed away April 12. Here is her obituary 
> https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyrecord/obituary.aspx?n=barbara-jean-humphreys-bobbie=192614187;
> 
> Take care all.
> 
>> On Mon, Jul 8, 2019 at 6:13 PM Danny Hearn  wrote:
>> Yes, I Think We all wonder about each other, especially when some are sick 
>> or in hospital, I joined this list of Jim's back in 1998years back this 
>> list was so busy, almost too busy to keep up with, lolSo many of us 
>> are getting older and so many of us have passed---( remember some time back 
>> we were listing names of many that used to be on here that are now gone )  
>> Dave from Arizona- Dave from Texas- Jimmy Who ran the White Donkey Tracks 
>> Flyer- Houston who was from Indiana I think...plus many more !   There don't 
>> seem to be a lot of new comers the last few years, Maybe the newer folks are 
>> on another type quad list??
>> Dan Hearn C-6  Car Accident  August 3rd 1997. ***
>> On Monday, July 8, 2019, 04:18:07 PM PDT, Lori Michaelson 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Yes, I have certainly been wondering about Greg (who lives just 90 minutes 
>> north of me or so), Steve Oldaker (who I have remained great friends with 
>> for years and knew that he had an infection that went septic and had to be 
>> in the hospital and then had to be on a ventilator and going into a rehab 
>> facility for quadriplegics trying to get off ventilators) and Bobbie 
>> Humphrey's who I have e-mailed twice with no response.
>> 
>> It's now been since last September that I have heard from Steve. The last 
>> information I got was from Bobbie who gave me the latest update of him being 
>> in a rehab  facility but that has been a while now. I called Steve's home 
>> today which I have been meaning to do for a long time now but I had to leave 
>> a message. His parents take care of him for the most part.
>> 
>> I don't want this to be a gossip type e-mail but I am truly concerned about 
>> Greg, Steve and Bobbie (who have all had bad wounds) now. So I guess if they 
>> want us to know (or their family members) they will let us. 
>> 
>> We lost Billy Kimberlin (from Florida) awhile back and the Quad list has 
>> been pretty quiet. I am just busy keeping alive in trying to keep up with 
>> bills which is getting tougher and tougher.
>> 
>> Hope everyone else is having a good or fair summer wherever you are!
>> 
>> ~Lori
>> 
>> On Mon, Jul 8, 2019 at 2:09 PM Jim Lubin  wrote:
>> I haven't heard anything more yet. I messaged his mom on facebook.
>> 
>> On Mon, Jul 8, 2019 at 2:02 PM Eric Olson  wrote:
>> I just asked Jim the same thing.  I guess he's on everyone's minds.
>> 
>>  Virus-free. www.avast.com
>> 
>> On Mon, Jul 8, 2019 at 3:45 PM Don Price  wrote:
>> Does anyone have an update on Greg?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Don
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind 
>> and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― 
>> Dean Koontz

Re: [QUAD-L] I’ve been here all along but finally re-subscribed with my gmail account so I can post on the list!

[Gail Holmes]

Thank you for responding.

Lori told me the bad news that I missed on FB that Greg’s mom posted that Greg 
was in ICU. He is lives in the Phoenix area.

I finally found the post from December 8, 2018 and this other Greg that was 
seeking advice and info about vacation on the Gulf Coast is from Tennessee.  

I messaged him off the List before re- subscribing so I can post here, but 
haven’t heard back from him.

Gail H



Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 13, 2019, at 3:54 PM, johnny Cammon  wrote:
> 
> I heard Greg was in icu from a post from his mom on a earlier post
>  
> From: Gail Holmes 
> Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2019 1:28 PM
> To: quad-list@eskimo.com
> Subject: [QUAD-L] I’ve been here all along but finally re-subscribed with my 
> gmail account so I can post on the list!
>  
> 
> I’ve been wondering about the Greg that was contemplating a vacation w his 
> family this summer somewhere along the Gulf Coast between Gulf Shores,Al and 
> Panama City,FL.
> 
> I’m in Baton Rouge, 4 hours from Gulf Shores and might have some info of 
> value to you.
> 
> If you have already made the trip I would love to hear how it worked out!
> 
> Gail Holmes 
> 
> 
> 
> 

[QUAD-L] I’ve been here all along but finally re-subscribed with my gmail account so I can post on the list!

[Gail Holmes]

I’ve been wondering about the Greg that was contemplating a vacation w his 
family this summer somewhere along the Gulf Coast between Gulf Shores,Al and 
Panama City,FL.

I’m in Baton Rouge, 4 hours from Gulf Shores and might have some info of value 
to you.

If you have already made the trip I would love to hear how it worked out!

Gail Holmes 

Re: [QUAD-L] Merry Christmas, I voted for Trump and I'm a christian

[Gail Holmes]

Thank you Glenn Henry for telling us of your journey and of your Faith. 

Wishing your journey was neither rocks nor concrete.

Praying that you can at least figuratively; 
lie down in His green pasture. And that He, the Shepherd , the Good Shepherd, 
will  restore your soul this Christmas Season.

Psalm 23:2,3




Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 24, 2017, at 1:52 PM, Glenn A Henry  wrote:
> 
> Merry
> 
> Christmas
> 
>  
> 
> It is Christmas, well technically Christmas Eve, and if you are offended at 
> what I say, perhaps you will read my whole post and know my story a little 
> better.
> 
>  First, 
> Merry Christmas, 
> happy Hanukkah, 
> happy Kwanzaa, 
> happy happy happy.
> 
> Okay, I’m one of those that believe that Donald Trump is doing a fantastic 
> job even 
> though the fake news media is doing their best to discredit everything that 
> the majority of this country was built upon and believes in. For those that 
> say the quad site is not for religion, politics or a Merry Christmas, go 
> pound sand, better yet stick your head under it and come out in eight years.
> 
>  Now, I’m going to say what I intend. I'm free, live in the United States of 
> America, the greatest nation on earth and at the moment have free speech. I 
> have been on the quad site most of 12 to 14 years, if not more and enjoyed 
> the posts that came across, found many helpful and I was able to help other 
> people that posted. I’m proud of who I am, what I’ve accomplished in my life 
> and scared of the road that I need to travel. I have this road close to my 
> house that I call my Prayer Road. When I have an issue I will travel this 
> road to think and pray. I was traveling that road in 1996 praying for an 
> answer to prayer because of a decision I needed to make. My mother was put on 
> a ventilator and a decision needed to be made to continue. Being the only 
> surviving child the weight fell on my shoulders and that was the issue I was 
> praying about. I know the spot that an audible voice told me “don’t worry she 
> is already with me.” That is something I will never forget.
> 
>  I still travel that road when I have an issue to think or pray about, but I 
> look at the road a little different. About two thirds of the way on this 
> road, I look back. What I see is a stone road that I traveled many times. 
> This road is now paved, but in my mind I can still see a stone road and small 
> concrete bridge. This road I traveled hundreds of times on the way to “the 
> old swimming hole”. Oh yes, the old swimming hole, many of us have areas like 
> this, many of the kids that swam there also tried their first cigarette or 
> other first. Mine was a small corncob pipe, tobacco was cherry blend 
> half-and-half. As I look back the road I treasure the memories of the 
> swimming hole and probably the best hunting for small game in the area. I 
> took many a rabbit and squirrel from that road. Gone is the stone road, much 
> of the trees and brush, remaining sweet memories.
> 
>  Today on that same road after I have looked back, I look forward. The road 
> goes up a small hill and bears to the left. If you are new to that road 
> wonder, what is ahead, what will I need to go through.
> 
>  I know what I find for I elected to follow that road many years ago. 
> However, the thought of what is ahead and how will I handle it is the 
> million-dollar question.
> 
>  A few months ago someone made the comment about ending their life, but 
> stated that they probably would not have the strength to go through that. It 
> is not srength to end your life, I know that all too well. Yes, it is going 
> to end your suffering and Lord knows I’ve suffered too. I’ve also gone 
> through pain when a brother committed suicide and I know firsthand what it 
> does to those around you. My nephew to this day has to be on medication for 
> depression. If he does not take his medicine they may find him laying on the 
> floor rolled up in a ball. My brother was a police officer, was on solo 
> patrol and watched helplessly as his best friends father, a damn drunk, 
> stepped out from the backside of a telephone pole into the path of a car, to 
> commit suicide. My brother tried to get him out and resuscitate him, but no 
> go. The year was 1975 and thinking about actions like this were totally 
> different. The police department gave a few counseling sessions, but 
> basically told him not to think about it or talk about it and eventually it 
> will go away. Well, just about a year later it went away and so does my 
> brother. I am mad at the police department, or basically the people that were 
> in charge of that time, but I met her at my brother. At my time of life I 
> need someone that I can share with, and certain things cannot be shared and 
> understood unless it is a sibling or very long-standing friend.
> 
>  My accident was 1966, so that makes me almost 52 years post SCI. In those 52 
> years I started out with two 

Re: [QUAD-L] Sad

[Gail Holmes]

So so sorry. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 13, 2017, at 2:57 PM, Larry Willis  wrote:
> 
> Guys, my best pal, my chunky dog, got run over yesterday. He was 
> chihuahua/bulldog mix. He was a chunk of love. I haven't hurt this bad since 
> my dad died.
> 
> Larry Willis
> Retired and proud of it
> 

Re: [QUAD-L] Night time drinking "water or juice" with a sp cath on a c2 quad.

[Gail Holmes]

This may not work for you Danny but the C4-5 quad I worked for has a T- shaped 
microphone stand with a tripod base that holds a water valve next to his mouth. 

It's cumbersome but it was already in place to hold his microphone which is 
kept about 1/2 an inch from his mouth while in bed to  control his ECU for ( 
lights, thermostat, tv, and opening back door). 

We used this same mic stand to hang a Camel Bak brand water bag with the tubing 
running alongside the arm of the stand and attached wit narrow Velcro straps.

The Bite valve is at the end of his microphone close to his mouth and secured 
with a rubber band.

I put the bladder of the camel bak in a nylon bag that has 2 handles like a 
plastic grocery bag. Actually a grocery bag might work just as well. 

I threaded the handles of the nylon bag on the top loop of the camel Bak bag so 
it wouldn't just flop over or fold on itself.  

The nylon holder  hangs by the two handles right where the top or horizontal 
part ( arm ) of the stand meets the vertical post ( leg ) of the stand. 

I put a hole at the bottom of the nylon bag and put the tube through this hole. 

The arm of the stand is adjusted up or down  until it's at the right level each 
nite depending on the head of the bed.

He has two of the 100 oz. Camel Bak  bladders called the Antidote that Greg 
mentioned so one can be washed and hung to dry. 

If you want cleaning tablets they are cheaper at Walmart sporting good section 
but a tip is to use denture tablets for routine cleaning which is cheaper still 
unless you use dish soap. 

We tried the cheaper Walmart Ozark brand water bladders but the Bite valve was 
straight in-line with the tubing making it harder to access and it also dripped.

The Camel Bak brand brand bite valve is not only drip free as Greg mentioned 
but it's also the only one that I knew of at the time ( it's been a few years ) 
that had the valve at a 90 degree angle to the tubing making it easier to 
access.  

Also the cap opening was large enough to put my whole hand into it to clean the 
bladder thoroughly.  

Of course the set up with the mic stand only works for bedtime but you can turn 
it around and position it to be accessible when in your chair but it's easy run 
into to and knock over. 

When in his chair he uses the portable set up Randy mentioned with the Loc Line 
modular hose somehow rigged with connectors and with smaller tubing that would 
go through the Loc line and then reconnect to the camelback somehow.

It was made by someone in the Rehab Technology department at Craig Hospital and 
cost about $130 or so maybe $150 when he had surgery a few years ago. 

What I'm wondering is if the instructions for making this device could be 
emailed if requested by calling the free Nurse Hotline at the hospital if it's 
not proprietary.

There are also photos of products made with what looks like this flexible Loc 
Line product on the Broadened Horizons website. 

I think the tubing that can go inside of the Loc Line is the kind used for 
ice-makers that you can get at the hardware store but I'm not sure. 

Somehow there's gotta be a way for everyone to access water at night! 

I'm looking forward to checking out these web sites that Joan sent like the 
instructables! 

I hope something works out for you soon. 

I have 2 of the inferior Walmart brand bladders never used  and a cleaning set 
that I'll be glad to mail to anyone who needs them. 

Gail

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 23, 2017, at 2:11 AM, Danny Espinoza  wrote:
> 
> I get really thirsty sometimes at night and thus far have been struggling 
> between calling my family for a drink or my window open/fan up. I’ve found a 
> few home automation projects in the past buf I figure my quad list 
> buddies/family would know best. So ir was
> 1> Able to drink something cold on my own while in upright position.
> 2> Ability to control my bed/window/blinds with sip’n’puff, my PC or my right 
> arm to the wrist.
> 
> -Danny
> ex network/security engineer

Re: [QUAD-L] Thieves

[Gail Holmes]

I've been ignoring these notices too long as well. 

Thanks for reminding us and I'm also glad it wasn't worse for you.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 30, 2016, at 10:45 PM, Lori Michaelson  wrote:
> 
> I have been getting more suggestions from PayPal about protecting accounts 
> so, yes, everyone do exactly what Larry suggested! Easier said than done when 
> having so many of them but geez Larry... very fortunate to have your bank 
> catch it all except $75 but $75 is $75 in any case. *Sigh*
> 
> HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
> 
>> On Fri, Dec 30, 2016 at 3:36 PM, Larry Willis  wrote:
>> Guys, my paypal account was just scammed, three transactions for almost 
>> $3600. Thank goodness my bank caught all but $75. Change your passwords 
>> often, guys, and make them cryptic. Larry
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> "Petting, scratching and cuddling a dog could be soothing to the mind and 
> heart and deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer." ~Dean 
> Koontz

[QUAD-L] Unidentified subject!

[Gail Holmes]

Im thinking of this time of year how with the joy and hope we there is often 
increased sadness for those who have family and friends who have passed on to 
the other side. 

There are probably others on this list who are mourning but I'm particularly 
thinking of "Wheelchair" who had a recent and sudden loss of his son. 

Thank you Wheelchair for continuing to contribute to this list even as no doubt 
the pain is still so fresh and raw.

May  God comfort you and bring you peace.



Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 23, 2016, at 3:15 PM, wheelch...@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Oxy, is a very potent and dangerous drug.  Users, should not advertise its 
> use. It can become habit forming is less than 90 days of use.  The FDA, is 
> cracking down on pain doctors, on its use for pain meds.  Those seniors with 
> shoulder, hips and knee replacements are becoming addicted to the drug, 
> without knowing it, which only adds to the health care cost as they go into 
> recovery clinic to kick the drug. The symptoms should be reported to the 
> doctor that issued the RX.
>  
> Best Wishes
>  
> In a message dated 12/23/2016 12:57:34 P.M. Central Standard Time, 
> r.pra...@sbcglobal.net writes:
> It is a different shaped pill, usually I get round ones but this time they 
> are elongated oval shape. Could be a little different causing the issue. I 
> was concerned of my stomach lining maybe getting screwed up.
> 
> Ron 
> 
> 
> On Friday, December 23, 2016 12:52 PM, Larry Willis  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> Ron, have you had a new prescription filled lately? Sometimes I'll get a 
> batch that cause me to itch terribly. With the next bottle the itching goes 
> away. Bad batch, I assume. Are you taking it in combo with anything else?
> 
> Larry Willis
> Retired and proud of it
> 
> 
>> On Dec 22, 2016, at 9:46 PM, RONALD L PRACHT  wrote:
>> 
>> Why would taking oxycodone cause my head to sweat and go into mild 
>> dysreflexia? Ive been on it for 4 years and it never did this to me. I hope 
>> its not stomach lining damage or something??
>> 
>> Ron
> 
> 

Re: [QUAD-L] laptop hit the floor.

[Gail Holmes]

So is that laptop still hanging in there? 

That's just short of a small miracle I would say!  



Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 28, 2016, at 7:17 PM, DEBRA DEW  wrote:
> 
> for the first time in 15 years of being institutionalized, the CNA knocked 
> over my bed table  and everything flew off onto the floor, INCLUDING MY 
> LAPTOP! It is still running fine. I believe. These things must take a licking 
> and keep on ticking. I can't believe  everything seems to be operational. 
> 
> Debra Scruggs-Scruggs phalanx-dragon slayers -PRISONER OF HOPE ZECH. 9
> Formerly: Homeschooling mom of 9 and pvt. pilot
> Currently: Quadrapeligic due to advanced MS and living in a nursing home
> Phone: 561-743-5093 Room 227B
> SC student 20yrs  
> ROMANS 8:28
> B.I.B.L.E.-BASIC INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LEAVING EARTH 

Re: [QUAD-L] What I do for fun...

[Gail Holmes]

I'm not a quad so idk if I would do this but I think Amateur Radio would be fun 
and the club members in my area are delighted to help newbies get started. 

I was told that it can be modified for sip and puff chair users as well as 
those who control their chair with eye tracking.

Amateur or Ham radio operators have been useful during hurricanes and the 
recent devastating flood in the Baton Rouge area when power was out and cell 
phones were useless in many areas.

Idk what the start up costs would be but perhaps the radio clubs could assists 
finding used equipment. 

 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 13, 2016, at 1:10 AM, Lori Michaelson  wrote:
> 
> to answer your question Jeffrey... this is just a portion of what I enjoy:
> 
> * Spending as much quality time possible as I can with my United States 
> Certified Support/Companion Golden retriever as I consider her my daughter.
> 
> * Since 2006 I have been a member of a community of digital Scrapbooking 
> which is really digital art. I have made many friends that way I can hardly 
> keep up with the challenges and general artwork that we are all involved in 
> (I am the only one as a quadriplegic that I know of).
> 
> * Going on many long walks with my Golden daughter because Tucson Arizona has 
> "pedestrian or bike paths" that run alongside most roads and are the 
> equivalent of an actual road with a median line running right down the 
> middle. They are absolutely awesome for wheelchairs and in my area they are 
> rarely busy for bikers or runners so that is nice.
> 
> * Genealogy/Ancestry
> 
> * Photography
> 
> That is a short list anyway. Or a beginning of my many many interests.
> ​
> ~Lori​
> 
>> On Thu, Oct 13, 2016 at 12:19 AM, Jeffrey Gaede  wrote:
>> My BP has been a steady 90/60 for years. Sorry to break up all this talk 
>> about pills and blood pressure but what do you guys do for fun? What do you 
>> do to feel a part of the world that certainly wasn't made for the disabled? 
>> What do you do to get by and not feel like that's all you're doing – getting 
>> b
>> 
>> 
>> From: Danny Espinoza 
>> To: Bobbie Humphreys ; quad-list@eskimo.com 
>> Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2016 8:51 PM
>> Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] BP
>> 
>> Not that low but mine is 90's over 60/70's sometimes
>> -Danny
>>  Original Message 
>> Subject: [QUAD-L] BP
>> From: "Bobbie Humphreys" 
>> Date: Wed, October 12, 2016 7:40 pm
>> To: 
>> 
>> I went to the Doctors today and my BP was 54 over 48
>> Anybody else have low BP?
>> Bobbie 
>> 
>> "You must fail in order to succeed"
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> "Petting, scratching and cuddling a dog could be soothing to the mind and 
> heart and deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer." ~Dean 
> Koontz

Re: [QUAD-L] Night

[Gail Holmes]

Lol! :-)  nothing like some good ole comic relief! 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 21, 2016, at 5:22 PM, Eric Olson  wrote:
> 
> "stop in the name of the law!"
> 
>> On 6/20/2016 10:53 PM, greg wrote:
>> My ECU fan receiver in the walls ceiling fan burned up. So I use a free 
>> standing one with remote. Now at night I look like Inspector Gadget.
>>  
>> My ECU. I have my bed's remote on it's cord laying across my stomach. I 
>> connected the fan's remote to the bed's cord with it. I use a clip on my 
>> blanket to keep 1 side up high. I have a string clipped to my blanket tied 
>> to a can with pennies in it. I jerk it and the sound makes the dog stop 
>> barking. My water bottle.
>>  
>> I got it all placed just so, so it doesn't get in my way.
>>  
>> My main issue is if I uncover my arm, I often can't get it covered back up. 
>> And use mot of it with my mouth.
>>  
>> Greg
> 
> 
>   Virus-free. www.avast.com

Re: [QUAD-L] 27 years ago...

[Gail Holmes]

Yes, Jim you are a hero of mine too!  

When I started caregiving for someone with a SCI
 I knew nearly nothing in spite of my RN 

I have learned so much here on quad list and I share what I've learned every 
chance I get! 

I've learned much more than the technical / medical stuff. 

Much of what I've taken away is the intangible that I'm not able to adequately 
define. 

Something along the lines of what's important in life, and the tenacity of the 
human spirit to prevail through loss and suffering, - there's more but I Can't 
pull out the words precisely. 

Thank you Jim for all your labors, for all you have done.

Also thanks to everyone on the list who contribute and put themselves out 
there. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 17, 2016, at 9:54 PM, Larry Willis  wrote:
> 
> Jim, you are my hero. Yes, you are.
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> Begin forwarded message:
> 
>> Resent-From: quad-list@eskimo.com
>> From: Jim Lubin 
>> Date: May 17, 2016 at 9:33:52 PM EDT
>> To: quad-list@eskimo.com
>> Subject: [QUAD-L] 27 years ago...
>> 
>> 27 years ago today I woke up with a pain in my shoulder. Less than 2 hours 
>> later I could not stand, stopped breathing and my heart stopped. Paramedics 
>> revived me. I woke up in a hospital unable to move, unable to speak and in 
>> so much pain I just wanted to die. Two weeks later I was given a diagnoses 
>> of acute transverse myelitis. Today, still paralyzed from the neck down, 
>> dependent on a ventilator to breathe, but otherwise good health and rarely 
>> any pain.

Re: [QUAD-L] A quadriplegic moves his hand thanks to a chip in his brain,

[Gail Holmes]

What hospital were in for the shunt placement for syringomylia?

What went wrong?

Sent from my iPhone

> On May 14, 2016, at 5:53 PM, Lori Michaelson  wrote:
> 
> I do not watch that show but I saw a little bit about it somewhere and, like 
> Bobbie, I would never ever have that type of surgery done. After almost dying 
> from the shunt placed in the occipital lobe of my brain for syringomyelia 
> back in 1994... I won't even have another neurosurgeon touch my spinal cord 
> unless I was on my deathbed.
> 
> ~Lori
> 
>> On Sat, May 14, 2016 at 2:01 PM, Bobbie Humphreys 
>>  wrote:
>> No, I never have.
>> I would never do that kind of surgery, ever!
>> Bobbie 
>> 
>> Smile Everyday
>> 
>>> On May 14, 2016, at 3:46 PM, Jim Lubin  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Do any of you watch The New Screen Savers?
>>> 
>>> https://youtu.be/PlQIBd6MMLE?t=6m15s
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> "Petting, scratching and cuddling a dog could be soothing to the mind and 
> heart and deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer." ~Dean 
> Koontz

Re: [QUAD-L] Manicure/pedicure?

[Gail Holmes]

I'm a caregiver for a quad and he goes to a wound clinic occasionally and the 
Dremel file is what they use on his toenails.

I've occasionally used the two handled toenail clippers that have a spring and 
can be purchased at drug stores for $20-$25.

We can still do fingernails with regular nail clippers and a little hand filing.

If there is a better way I would like to know about it as well.



Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 2, 2016, at 11:47 PM, Gail Overton  wrote:
> 
> My husband is a quadriplegic but with full sensory feeling from head to toe. 
> As his caregiver, I am frustrated because the only way I was taught to trim 
> and file nails is by using a nail file. His nails are so thick and he is so 
> sensitive that he cannot stand a file and so I tried to use a dremel tool 
> with grit bit but more often I make him bleed. Does anyone know how to trim a 
> quad’s finger and toenails? He doesn’t want to go to a manicurist because 
> they would probably file them too…..

Re: [QUAD-L] Too much

[Gail Holmes]

Prayers going up for comfort, strength, wisdom, and of course healing.



Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 9, 2016, at 6:30 PM, Larry Willis  wrote:
> 
> Well, we buried my sister-in-law and mother-in-law on Thursday. My wife 
> MELISSA barely made it through the day. Then last night about midnight she 
> took an ambulance ride to the hospital. Heart failure causing water 
> retention. Since Monday she had gained 25 pounds of fluid. They are removing 
> that, putting her on oxygen and blood thinners. Her BP was 175/125, dangerous 
> territory. She still can barely breathe. My son Bryce is taking care of me. 
> He is only 15 and a great kid. These are rough times on the WILLIS 
> plantation, peeps. If you have any extra prayers stashed away in the closet, 
> cash a few of them in for us. Thanks.
> 
> Larry Willis
> Retired and proud of it
> 

Re: [QUAD-L] Wow

[Gail Holmes]

Are talking about a defibrillator that I surgically implanted?

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 23, 2015, at 8:03 PM, Larry Willis  wrote:
> 
> The one they want for her is nearly $50,000. A gadget about the size of a 
> silver dollar and it costs as much as a new Lexus.
> 
> Larry Willis
> Retired and proud of it
> 
> 
> Begin forwarded message:
> 
>> From: Quadius 
>> Date: December 23, 2015 at 8:21:10 PM EST
>> To: Danny Hearn 
>> Cc: Larry Willis , "quad-list@eskimo.com" 
>> 
>> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Wow
>> 
>> I thought these things were much more cost-effective. Possibly around $1000?
>> 
>>> On Wed, Dec 23, 2015 at 7:57 PM, Danny Hearn  wrote:
>>> Yep, It's a shame Larry...even with insurance folks can hardly afford to 
>>> get things done. Dan H**
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Wednesday, December 23, 2015 6:50 PM, Larry Willis 
>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Here is something that makes me sick to my stomach. My wife is making 
>>> arrangements to get a defibrillator. The hospital sent us a projected cost 
>>> statement today. This is based on entering the hospital at 10:30 am, 
>>> installing the device, and leaving before lunch the next day. Est. cost - 
>>> $150,000. That is double what my house cost. This does not include doctor 
>>> bills. I am at a loss for words. Perhaps these might work - greed, evil, 
>>> immoral, senseless, disgusting, unfair, crazy, sickening. Any thoughts on 
>>> this?
>>> 
>>> And other countries provide free healthcare?
>> 

Re: [QUAD-L] Not Again

[Gail Holmes]

I'm wondering if they could order some some iV fluids through the pic line if 
you explained that drinking liquids makes you feel sick right now?

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 2, 2015, at 10:38 AM, greg  wrote:
> 
> The worst 2 weeks ever. I've been in worse shape, pneumonia, etc, but never 
> so much at one time. UTI , Yeast infection, Shingles, more Yeast, worse 
> Shingles. The last 3 days AD very bad. I tough it was intestines cramping 
> from very soft stool from all the meds. Terrible sweating nonstop, pounding 
> headaches come and go. Finely decided to change cath again just to check if 
> it was causing an issue. Huge blood clots come out and really felt sick… So 
> the big red patty wagon came and got me. And just because a few days ago I 
> said I never recall having sediment in my pee, of course it was full of it 
> yesterday. It looks like all my AD issues were from a very bad UTI. So I had 
> IV antibiotics, and a pix/pick line put in for home IV antibiotics. After the 
> 1st dose, by last night I stopped sweating, but this morning it came back a 
> bit with the headaches. But I should get the 2nd dose in a few hours. I'm 
> just worn out. Not sleeping. Worse time of the year, to cold to sit in the 
> sun. I know I have to drink more, but I just feel sick when I do.
> Thanks for all the concern, Greg
>  

Re: [QUAD-L] Look out! An idea!

[Gail Holmes]

Nobody out there from the Deep South?

Gail Holmes

Baton Rouge, LA

(caregiver - R.N. ) 



Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 14, 2015, at 2:52 PM, Larry Willis <lwillis82...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Who on the ol' list has a Facebook page? How about we share addresses etc so 
> we can share pics etc. I assume name and address are all that is needed. Here 
> is mine. William Larry Willis, Campbellsville, KY. If this is a bogus idea, 
> say forget it Willis.
> 
> Larry Willis
> Retired and proud of it
> 

Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem

[Gail Holmes]

Is the broken chair the only factor that's keeping you in bed?

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 14, 2015, at 1:34 AM, Jim Lubin  wrote:
> 
> I thinking it's because, being paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on 
> a ventilator to breathe, I always have someone around me to feed me, brush my 
> teeth, wash my cloths, etc. Just been fortunate ​my bowel routine. I don't 
> own a van so use a service anytime I have gone anywhere. Chair broke down at 
> home but got transferred back to bed. 

Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem

[Gail Holmes]

Michelle and Nancy, I ask you to please reconsider and rescind your request to 
be taken off this List.

Michelle, Ron isn't all gloom and doom.

I believe this is the same Ron that was very helpful and instructive a year or 
so ago when I asked about hand-cycles.

He generously went out of his way to give specific instructions on the 
Dragonfly and the gloves  and personal experiences with his bike that would 
have been invaluable had my friend actually had enough function to ride it. 

( We've recently gone to plan B with a different hand-cycle and it might work 
out.) 

Ron, like Nancy and so many others here on this List have unwittingly helped me 
as a caregiver to one quad and a friend to an increasing number of people with 
SCI's. 

I've learned much from their personal experiences on topics like travel, 
adaptive equipment, technology, medications, procedures, legislation and 
advocacy and the list goes on. 

Pun not intended.

I'm continually sharing with those I can what I've learned here. 

Michelle i'm sure that you, in time, would have something to add or take away 
from this Group. 

Yes, I have to admit that I too was a bit rattled by the tone of the poem. 

I've regrouped now and am more emboldened to do my part to effect change in my 
realm, no matter how insufficient it may be. 

By the way, are you still riding Ron? 




Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 13, 2015, at 5:02 PM, Michelle Harkness  
> wrote:
> 
> How can I be removed from this email list?
> 
> Thanks,
> Michelle
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Oct 13, 2015, at 3:59 PM, nichole rohling  wrote:
>> 
>> Yes, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11
>>  
>> I’m blessed because I can see all of those being very possible.
>>  
>> add
>> got stuck outside in your chair and no one to help
>> had to call someone in the middle of the night to get you on a shower chair 
>> because you had diarrhea
>> sat at home because van door is broken J
>>  
>> Nicki
>>  
>> From: Larry Willis [mailto:lwillis82...@gmail.com] 
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2015 2:23 PM
>> To: quad-list@eskimo.com
>> Subject: Fwd: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
>>  
>> More quad quickies to meditate. Feel free to contribute.
>>  
>> Have you ever
>> 1. Not eaten for a long time because you dread the bowel ritual.
>> 2. Not brushed your teeth because of the hassle.
>> 3. Worn dirty clothes because no one would/could do the laundry.
>> 4. Had chips for a meal because there was nothing else that you could fix.
>> 5. Sat for hours after your chair/van broke down.
>> 6. Had a bowel/bladder accident in a public place with no way to 
>> exit.church, theater, class, work.
>> 7. Fallen from your chair while home alone.
>> 8. Become choked or congested and unable to cough.
>> 9. Been cursed, belittled by a caregiver.
>> 10. Had a public confrontation with a stranger.
>> 11. Gone over a week without a bowel movement.
>> 12. Prayed to God that you won't wake up.
>> 13. Been so depressed you lose all interest in living.
>> 14. Wrecked your van.
>> 15. Been stuck at the bottom of the stairs with no offer of help.
>> Larry Willis
>> Retired and proud of it
>>  
>> 
>> Begin forwarded message:
>> 
>> From: Gmail 
>> Date: October 13, 2015 at 1:55:19 PM EDT
>> To: Larry Willis 
>> Cc: "quad-list@eskimo.com" 
>> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
>> 
>> I do.  Bobbie
>> 
>> Smile Everyday
>> 
>> On Oct 13, 2015, at 1:28 PM, Larry Willis  wrote:
>> 
>> The opening line of your poem is a grabber. How many of us on here actually 
>> do that? I do. Often.
>> 
>> Larry Willis
>> Retired and proud of it
>>  
>> 
>> Begin forwarded message:
>> 
>> From: Gmail 
>> Date: October 13, 2015 at 12:21:47 PM EDT
>> To: Larry Willis 
>> Cc: "quad-list@eskimo.com" 
>> Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
>> 
>> Wow, right on the mark. Especially as the years and decades pass by.
>>  
>> It's quite indescribable, but you came pretty fucking close. 
>> Bobbie 
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> On Oct 13, 2015, at 6:56 AM, Larry Willis  wrote:
>> 
>> Wow, Ron, my feelings exactly. Exactly.
>> 
>> Larry Willis
>> Retired and proud of it
>>  
>> 
>> Begin forwarded message:
>> 
>> Resent-From: quad-list@eskimo.com
>> From: RONALD L PRACHT 
>> Date: October 13, 2015 at 3:06:14 AM EDT
>> To: Quad-list Post 
>> Subject: [QUAD-L] Quick poem
>> Reply-To: RONALD L PRACHT 
>> 
>> Quad Life
>>  
>> Every night when I go to bed, I pray to god to wake up dead.
>>  
>> As morning comes, I always get scared, because another day must be beared. 
>>  
>> People say to look above, but all I get is abused and shoved.
>>  
>> Life took a young man with hopes and dreams, and reduced him to nothing as 
>> so it seems.
>>  
>> I try as I may to still be a man, 

Re: [QUAD-L] Amazing pillow

[Gail Holmes]

And Bobbie I think there is almost always a 20% off coupon on a single item.
If not, wait a week or two. 

Sent from my iPhone

 On Aug 13, 2015, at 8:07 PM, Gmail bobbiehumphre...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 Hey Guys,
 Below is a pillow I got 2 weeks ago at Bed Bath  Beyond. I paid 
 $60 and is worth every cent!!! Bed Bath said if I didn't like it, even after 
 months of using it, I could still get my money back.
 
 I sleep on my side and always had trouble with my neck and pressing to hard 
 on my ear.
 Not with this pillow. I sleep through the night!!
 Bobbie 
 
 http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/327357-bedgear-fusion-pillow.html
 
 
 Smile Everyday

Re: [QUAD-L] Aluminum tilt shower chair sale

[Gail Holmes]

Oops! I meant to send this out to everyone!

Sent from my iPhone

 On Aug 1, 2015, at 11:47 PM, Gail Holmes fgdhol...@cox.net wrote:
 
 It seems like a few weeks ago someone on the list asked about a tilt shower 
 chair.
 
 I just noticed one on the Allegro site for less than half the going price.
 
 I have no idea about the quality.
 
 It's AllegroMedical.com and the sale ends August 16.
 
 
 Healthline 190 Aluminum Shower Commode Chair - Tilt
 
 Allegro ID: 568373
 
 Price - $625  
 Retail - $1,406.25
 Save - $781.25 (55%)
 Sent from my iPhone

[QUAD-L] Aluminum tilt shower chair sale

[Gail Holmes]

It seems like a few weeks ago someone on the list asked about a tilt shower 
chair.

I just noticed one on the Allegro site for less than half the going price.

I have no idea about the quality.

It's AllegroMedical.com and the sale ends August 16.


Healthline 190 Aluminum Shower Commode Chair - Tilt

Allegro ID: 568373

Price - $625
Retail - $1,406.25
Save - $781.25 (55%)
Sent from my iPhone

Re: [QUAD-L] AD during urination

[Gail Holmes]

Umm, perhaps it was just me but I didn't quite understand the directions which 
prevent the external catheter from blowing off at night.

Could you please repeat the placement procedure for one of those nurses whose 
education was deficient in the mechanical and engineering sciences?

Sent from my iPhone

 On Jul 15, 2015, at 2:22 PM, John S. alcibiat...@yahoo.com wrote:
 
 A small tip, be sure your urine line never hangs down and then goes up to 
 your bed bag. Put a coil of line beside you on the bed. This eliminates 
 hydrolic back pressure and helps keep your external catheter from blowing off 
 at night.

Re: [QUAD-L] Foot drop boots

[Gail Holmes]

For bedtime Rooke Boots  by 
osbornmedical.com might work.

Sent from my iPhone

 On Jun 9, 2015, at 1:02 PM, Gmail bobbiehumphre...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 What are some brand names for some really GOOD foot drop,boots?  Bobbie
 
 Smile Everyday
 

Re: [QUAD-L] the weather is

[Gail Holmes]

Look at the positive : in dead of winter you won't be cold to the bone like our 
northern friends. 

Sent from my iPhone

 On Jun 7, 2015, at 4:28 PM, Ismael Cavazos ismaelcavaz...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 Hello my friends I don't know how the weather is where ever you are but in 
 South Texas Brownsville it is extremely hot today is 95 and is not summer you 
 hardly could brief outside there is no air blowing I was outside for a while 
 I could not stand the heat I was outside just for 10 mins.  I've been in 
 Texas all my life but it seems like it's getting hotter and hotter year after 
 year
  

Re: [QUAD-L] Question

[Gail Holmes]

Also detailed written  instructions attached to the chair. 




Sent from my iPhone

 On Jun 6, 2015, at 8:21 PM, Don Smith scamper2...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 Show them how to lower the backrest and take your cushion, headrest, joystick 
 and footrest and put them in overhead storage.  Tell them not to put the 
 chair on it's side,the batteries may move and create issues you don't want or 
 need.   Also be at the boarding gate 45 minutes before boarding time, you 
 well be first on and last off.  Enjoy the flight, look out the windows when 
 you can.
 
 On Sat, Jun 6, 2015 at 5:02 PM, wheelch...@aol.com wrote:
 Wheelchair passengers transfer out of their chair at the boarding gate, into 
 an aisle chair and transferred to their seat in the Jet.  Your chair 
 should be in free wheel as it is loaded into the belly of the jet and may be 
 set on its side.  Once you arrive at your destination, the aisle chair 
 will be used again, from the jet to the arrival gate, where your chair 
 should be.
 Best Wishes
  
 In a message dated 6/6/2015 2:59:43 P.M. Central Daylight Time, 
 lwillis82...@gmail.com writes:
 Billy, great info, my friend. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to 
 enlighten me. Very helpful! And how did you get off that plane?
 
 -- Forwarded message --
 From: William Lang III blan...@icloud.com
 Date: Saturday, June 6, 2015
 Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Question
 To: Larry Willis lwillis82...@gmail.com
 Cc: quad-list quad-list@eskimo.com
 
 
 Larry,
 
 I am my C5 25 years post, and I been on cruises many times. I would like to 
 think that the airlines have gotten better in caring for power chairs and 
 their passengers. Sadly, it is an adventure in and of itself.
 
 Cruise ships especially the new ones, are wonderful in handicap 
 accommodations. Handicapped rooms are half again the size of a regular room 
 allowing for room to maneuver the wheelchair. Get a room with a balcony. The 
 newer ships allow you access to a balcony so you can actually look at the 
 flying Fish. Elevators are large enough for a power chair to enter and turn 
 around to exit.
 
 I recommend you Google to find instructions on how to get the most out of 
 flying. Do not read posts older than two years because I don’t think they’ll 
 be relevant.
 
 A caveat: I have had nightmarish experiences with airlines. Breaking chairs, 
 leaving chairs at places of embarkation (I once flew from Vancouver to 
 Newark, first-class bulkhead seats). My wife exited the plane and was told 
 that my Permobil did not make the flight! There I sat on the empty plane in 
 a first-class seat while the cleaning crew was preparing the flight to 
 England. On second thought, I should have just stayed on the plane. It 
 worked out and I got my $13K back from Continental for my family group’s 
 round-trip airfare by writing they had ruined my Alaskan vacation. Boo-hoo 
 boo-hoo.
 
 You have time. Detailed planning and understanding what to do on each leg of 
 the itinerary should allay your fears and help you to enjoy the trip of a 
 lifetime.
 
 Bon voyage
 
 
 On Jun 5, 2015, at 8:07 AM, Larry Willis lwillis82...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 The plan -- make payments for one year (till next June) then hit the high 
 seas with a parrot and a bottle of rum. (And a case of Dramamine)...  
 And the professor and Mary Ann.
 
 Larry Willis
 Retired and proud of it
 
 
 Begin forwarded message:
 
 From: Gail Holmes fgdhol...@cox.net
 Date: June 5, 2015 at 2:51:31 AM EDT
 To: Larry Willis lwillis82...@gmail.com
 Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Question
 A particular time or month set? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sent from my iPhone
 
 On Jun 3, 2015, at 3:16 PM, Larry Willis lwillis82...@gmail.com wrote:
 Got a question for everyone. My sister-in-law who lives in Houston 
 insists that I and family meet her in New Orleans to go on a cruise. 
 That's a two hour flight with power chair, accommodations of some sort, 
 five day cruise, and flight home. I have never been on a ship or a jet. I 
 don't know what to say. What do you guys think? Are the difficulties too 
 great?
 Larry Willis
 Retired and proud of it
 
 
 
 Don’t  let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do!
 Billy Lang
 blan...@icloud.com
 

Re: [QUAD-L] Binder and Colotomy

[Gail Holmes]

The corset or binder has several purposes from what I've read.
It seems to not be for everybody though. It seems to be more important for the 
higher quads and newer injuries.

The c4-4 quad I work for has used one the better part of 3 decades and doesn't 
like to go without it when in his chair.

1) it can help with sustaining the blood pressure for those whose blood 
pressure runs too low when sitting upright ( orthostatic hypotension) 
It does this by compressing the larger blood vessels giving them some 
resistance. 

Of course if  you have a spike in blood pressure due to Autonomic Dysreflexia 
you should release the Velcro straps to help bring the blood pressure down 
while looking for the cause of the A.D.

2) it helps breathing when in the sitting position by making the abdominal wall 
more rigid so the diaphragm will be in a more normal position. 

3) it helps posture and balance if it has the metal or plastic stays in the 
back. 
Be sure the stays don't wiggle out and cause pressure.

4) appearance

Gail




Sent from my iPhone

 On Apr 5, 2015, at 9:54 PM, greg g...@eskimo.com wrote:
 
 Anyone with a colostomy also wear a abdominal binder?
 I can't find a binder that fits over one. Right now I just cut a hole in the 
 binder, but it just frays apart real fast.
 Plus, the binder moves and can cut into the stoma. I am going to buy a new 
 binder and just put it on over the stoma and bag and see if it can still work 
 and drain ok. I don't go much during the day usually.
 I just found a binder/belt that has a ring built into it that  bag snaps 
 onto. Made so you don't need to glue/tape a wafer onto the skin. I just worry 
 that the binder would move just a bit, then anything that comes out goes 
 right under the binder... messy mess. Plus, it only comes up to 9 inches tall 
 and I use 12. Good idea though.
 I think a binder with a pouch bubble over the stoma area would be  good idea. 
 You just need a binder that does not over lap itself. Or you would have to 
 line up 2 pouches on the binder. The binder I use now over laps itself, so I 
 had to cut 2 holes in the binder in that spot.
 

[QUAD-L] Folding adjustable drink holder at Bass Pro

[Gail Holmes]

Anyone needing this gizmo it is half the price that I paid a disability 
catalog. 

Bass Pro shops drink holder

$8.99

Item  20-2057193

Folds flat out of the way when not in use. 
Adjusts to hold bottles, cans, mugs, koozies. 
Includes 4 stainless steel screws and double-sided tape for mounting.

Requires 3 5/8 x 3 7/8 area for installation. 

Gail 

Re: [QUAD-L] Cushions

[Gail Holmes]

I think most of us have enjoyed you being around and reading your post Larry. 

We hope you will hang tight for a lot longer. Sixty three is not old. 

I may have missed some news, so forgive me I should already know this but I 
must ask, how is your wife? 

She was in ICU I recall a while back.

Sent from my iPhone

 On Mar 28, 2015, at 9:34 PM, Larry Willis lwillis82...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 Hit a tree in my van. I'll fill in the details tomorrow.
 
 Larry Willis
 Retired and proud of it
 
 
 Begin forwarded message:
 
 Resent-From: quad-list@eskimo.com
 From: RONALD L PRACHT r.pra...@sbcglobal.net
 Date: March 28, 2015 at 8:53:11 PM EDT
 To: Quad-list Post quad-list@eskimo.com
 Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Cushions
 Reply-To: RONALD L PRACHT r.pra...@sbcglobal.net
 
 How did you break your legs Larry? I would like to hear the 
 story.
 
 Ron
 
 
 
 On Saturday, March 28, 2015 7:37 PM, Larry Willis lwillis82...@gmail.com 
 wrote:
 
 
 For the first 25 years of my quad life I used a simple ten dollar inflatable 
 cushionor nothing. I never had even a hint of a sore. Then I broke both 
 legs and had to wear casts for six months. The lousy things created awful 
 sores on my heels, ankles, knees, everywhere the cast touched with any 
 pressure. It was like that opened the floodgates. I have fought sores 
 constantly since then. They simply will not heal. I have three right now -- 
 on my butt, hip, and ankle. Had them for over five years. I have resigned to 
 take them with me to the grave. I am near 63 years old; can't be that much 
 longer.
 
 Larry Willis
 Retired and proud of it
 
 

Re: [QUAD-L] Adaptive clothing Websites

[Gail Holmes]

Another good resource for pants and jeans for sitting is:

USA Jeans

www.wheelchairjeans.com

Money back guarantee:
Call Darlene at 918-770-8820 or toll free at 800-935-5170 to order or to ask a 
question.



Glenn has ordered jeans and  khakis here for years.

Gail  






Sent from my iPhone

 On Jan 21, 2015, at 1:03 PM, Don Price donpric...@yahoo.com wrote:
 
 Hello All,
 
 
 I recently found an adaptive clothing website called Adaptations by Adrian. I 
 haven't used their clothing and I'm not affiliated with them in any way; I 
 just wanted to pass along the info to the group.
 www.adaptationsbyadrian.com
 
 
 
 I HAVE used the Rolli jeans, made by a Danish company:
 www.rollimoden.de
 
 
 There's a great guide to adaptive clothing resources (18 of them!) found here:
 http://www.usatechguide.org/techguide.php?vmode=1catid=599
 
 Don.
 

Re: [QUAD-L] Illeal conduit?

[Gail Holmes]

I'm a caregiver for a C 4/5 quad complete. He's 37 years post injury and now in 
his early 50 's. 

He tells me that not long after he got the ileal conduit he was told by another 
urologist that the procedure had already become obsolete for spinal cord 
injuries and that he should have had a different surgical procedure in which 
the sphincter muscle is cut I believe. 

He has no colostomy but he does of course have a stoma on the right side of his 
abdomen over which is a urostomy bag which is changed every third night. 

He does still have his bladder and prostate.




Sent from my iPhone

 On Nov 17, 2014, at 11:41 AM, Gentrie Pool gentr...@yahoo.com wrote:
 
 1. Anyone here have an Illeal conduit? 
 
 2. If so, why did you get it? (To eliminate pain? To reduce infections?) 
 
 3. Did they remove your bladder? 
 
 4. Your prostate? 
 
 5. Do you also have a colostomy? 
 
 7. Are you glad you did it?
 
 8. Male or female?
 
 9. What level injury?
 
 My BF is c5/6 incomplete since 1992 at age 17. 39 yrs old now. He has a 
 suprapubic which has caused him intense burning, stinging pain, bladder 
 pressure, and reflux in to his kidneys since he got an indwelling cath in 
 2006 (the kind that goes up the penis which they replaced with the SP in 
 2008). He's had two infections (both were psuedomonas) requiring IV 
 antibiotics.
 
 Please excuse any typos or brevity of tone as this was typed using an iPhone 
 (and possibly Siri, in an effort to be as safe as possible while en route.)
 
 G

Re: [QUAD-L] Podiatrist

[Gail Holmes]

Is there a surgical procedure less radical than tendon clipping to help someone 
with severe foot drop? 

I'm talking about long term foot drop in which the planter surface ( ball ) of 
the foot  is receiving all the pressure of the foot plate resulting in pressure 
sores. 

Can bone that has been deposited around the joint be surgically removed ? 
That's probably as invasive if not more so than the clipping.

Has anyone had complications or regrets with Achilles' tendon clipping to 
reduce foot drop ? 

I'm thinking anyone who can possibly use a standing frame should do so on a 
regular basis.

Kidneys and bones and much more would benefit besides a good stretch for the 
Achilles. 

Seems like I've heard of Botox injections to the Achilles to prevent or reduce 
foot drop. But it has to be done periodically and is costly.

Anyone know if Botox is helpful?

Sent from my iPhone

 On Oct 10, 2014, at 8:37 AM, Dave Krehbiel davekrehb...@earthlink.net 
 wrote:
 
 Re: foot drop: 
 have a physical therapist train your aides and caregivers to stretch out
 your Achilles tendon and calf muscles
 get a prescription for Multi Podus boots
 find some sort of way (I use a strap) to secure your feet on your
 wheelchair (so you do not run over them, possibly breaking a leg, possibly
 flipping your wheelchair)
 
 Take care,
 Dave Krehbiel
 
 -Original Message-
 From: Gmail [mailto:bobbiehumphre...@gmail.com] 
 Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2014 10:35 PM
 To: quad-list@eskimo.com
 Subject: [QUAD-L] Podiatrist
 
 Today I went to see my podiatrist and he in formed me that my toes are
 starting to curl under and my toe nails are also curling under Another fact
 he told me was that, I am developing foot drop as well, and that there isn't
 really anything that can be done about it too.
 Does anybody else have these problems as well?
 Bobbie 
 
 Smile Everyday
 

Re: [QUAD-L] inhalers?

[Gail Holmes]

Thank you. I've only read about such machines but never talked to anyone who 
had experience with them. 

Does it work well? Are there any draw backs to using the machine ?



Sent from my iPhone

 On Aug 23, 2014, at 9:36 PM, Quadius quad...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 It is the VA down here in Tampa that provides ventilators to quadriplegics 
 who need lung expansion protocol.
 I have also had experience with the machines which help facilitate quad 
 coughing.
 
 On Saturday, August 23, 2014, Gail Holmes fgdhol...@cox.net wrote:
 That's interesting . 
 
 Can I ask where you are located or what facility or institution provides 
 this therapy with the vents? 
 
 And what is your injury level? 
 
 Also, has anyone had experience with a machine that facilitates coughing?
 
 Gail 
 
 Sent from my iPhone
 
 On Aug 22, 2014, at 5:05 PM, Quadius quad...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 I don't think they'll do it where you're at, but here we have a program 
 called lung expansion protocol program. Basically they take the portable 
 ventilator units and issue them to high-level quadriplegics like myself. 
 Every day I spend 20 to 25 minutes lying in my bed doing lung extension 
 exercises with the ventilator.
 
 It's really simple. I also utilize two medications to help expand the 
 Longs, but this can also be achieved using saline.
 
 This has helped me exercise of my lungs and give me a lot more energy to 
 breath with.
 Quadius 
 
 On Friday, August 22, 2014, Larry Willis lwillis82...@gmail.com wrote:
 Those are intended to open up your lungs, to give them easier flow and 
 greater capacity. That way less muscle power is needed to breathe. God 
 bless you, Greg.
 
 -- Forwarded message --
 From: greg g...@eskimo.com
 Date: Friday, August 22, 2014
 Subject: [QUAD-L] inhalers?
 To: quad-list@eskimo.com
 
 
 I saw a lung doctor yesterday,  was tested at 30% lung capacity.
 He wants me to try some Inhaler and a Nebulizer? or something like that.
 My lungs don't work because of lack of muscle, not mucus stuff.
 Do you think anything like that ill help?
  
 Anyone else try those things?
 Greg

Re: [QUAD-L] inhalers?

[Gail Holmes]

That's interesting . 

Can I ask where you are located or what facility or institution provides this 
therapy with the vents? 

And what is your injury level? 

Also, has anyone had experience with a machine that facilitates coughing?

Gail 

Sent from my iPhone

 On Aug 22, 2014, at 5:05 PM, Quadius quad...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 I don't think they'll do it where you're at, but here we have a program 
 called lung expansion protocol program. Basically they take the portable 
 ventilator units and issue them to high-level quadriplegics like myself. 
 Every day I spend 20 to 25 minutes lying in my bed doing lung extension 
 exercises with the ventilator.
 
 It's really simple. I also utilize two medications to help expand the Longs, 
 but this can also be achieved using saline.
 
 This has helped me exercise of my lungs and give me a lot more energy to 
 breath with.
 Quadius 
 
 On Friday, August 22, 2014, Larry Willis lwillis82...@gmail.com wrote:
 Those are intended to open up your lungs, to give them easier flow and 
 greater capacity. That way less muscle power is needed to breathe. God bless 
 you, Greg.
 
 -- Forwarded message --
 From: greg g...@eskimo.com
 Date: Friday, August 22, 2014
 Subject: [QUAD-L] inhalers?
 To: quad-list@eskimo.com
 
 
 I saw a lung doctor yesterday,  was tested at 30% lung capacity.
 He wants me to try some Inhaler and a Nebulizer? or something like that.
 My lungs don't work because of lack of muscle, not mucus stuff.
 Do you think anything like that ill help?
  
 Anyone else try those things?
 Greg

Re: [QUAD-L] Fwd: Flight comfort?

[Gail Holmes]

Do you take the airline cushion out and replace it with your Roho cushion ?


Sent from my iPhone

 On Aug 15, 2014, at 5:14 PM, Don Price donpric...@yahoo.com wrote:
 
 I don't fly very often (usually two or three round trips per year), but I did 
 just return on a flight from Milwaukee to Phoenix. I have a few tips that 
 work for me.
 
 1. If you can afford first class/business class, the seats are wider and much 
 more comfortable. I can't afford it, but I have been bumped up to first class 
 on several flights and it is wonderful. 
 
 2. Bulkhead seats (first row after first class) are next best because of 
 extra leg room and no one needs to climb over you to get to their seat. 
 However, there is a slight downside which I'll explain below.
 
 3. I travel wearing a hoodie sweatshirt. The pocket on the front is a perfect 
 place to put wallet, phone, ticket, snacks and still have them reachable. 
 Also, the hood comes in handy once I start getting cold. Or stuff a tshirt 
 into the hood and you have a pillow to lean back on.
 
 I fly alone on 80% of my trips. I only book direct flights, unless there's no 
 other option. It's important to be able to direct your transfers and care. 
 I'm c5/6 so I require a complete lift transfer. I'm pretty light [150 lbs] so 
 two people can generally transfer me easily. Once I'm in the aisle chair I 
 instruct them how to disengage the clutch on my chair so it can be pushed.
 
 I always sit on my Roho on the plane. Since I'm by myself I make sure they 
 position me properly from the start or it's going to be a long, uncomfortable 
 flight. Since I don't have use of my trunk muscles the landing is always 
 interesting because they hit the brakes hard so I have to find a way to hold 
 onto something or I'll flop forward. If I've made friends with the passenger 
 next to me I'll sometimes explain and ask them to put their arm across my 
 chest on landing. But usually I'm able to hook my arm behind the seat and 
 hold on ok.
 
 Now, in a regular row of seats I have to explain to the other passengers that 
 I'm unable to stand and they'll have to climb over me to enter/exit the row. 
 I hate this part of flying--it's awkward. Again, this is not an issue if 
 you're in the bulkhead row. However, what I LIKE about the regular rows is 
 that I can lean forward and rest my head on the back of the seat in front of 
 me. This is a nice way to stretch, weight shift and even take a little nap 
 (be prepared that sometimes they suddenly move their seat.) This is the one 
 downside of the bulkhead seats--no seat in front of you to lean forward onto. 
 
 Since you'll be the first one on the plane and the last one off, take a 
 moment to introduce yourself to the flight crew. Kindness goes a long way in 
 how you'll be treated. Let them know how they can best assist you, especially 
 in an emergency. I tell them to just grab under my arms and drag me if they 
 had to.
 
 Rather than carry my heavy/bulky battery charger, I duct-tape it onto the 
 back of my chair, being sure to secure and zip tie the cords. Always be sure 
 your chair gets a special handling tag [aka gate tag] so that it gets 
 delivered directly to the door of the plane.
 
 Happy flying!
 Don.
 
 
 On Friday, August 15, 2014 9:16 AM, diannal...@aol.com diannal...@aol.com 
 wrote:
 
 
 I did not know this. Very interesting.
 I travel by air quite a bit.  Yes a ROHO cushion expands during flight, the 
 cabin pressure inside most
 airliners is 8,000 feet.  I live near sea level (300 feet to be exact) and 
 use a ROHO Quadtro Select High
 Profile (4 cell) cushion.  
 
 When the plane gets to altitude the cushion is still in one piece, but it 
 becomes quite firm and doesn't allow
 for proper immersion (sinking into the cushion so it is distributing pressure 
 over a large area).  When I get
 to altitude I open the air valve and let some air out until I feel like I'm 
 sinking into the cushion about 2--it 
 doesn't take much--I would guess I open the valve for about 2 seconds, check, 
 perhaps another 2 seconds.
 
 The next thing to remember is when the plane lands, the cushion needs to have 
 air put into it.  Although it 
 would be easy to travel with a small ROHO air pump, I just blow 1-or two full 
 breaths of air (it depends on 
 if I land in Denver or Florida) and it brings the cushion back for that 
 altitude. 
 
 There have been flights when I have forgotten to let the air out, the cushion 
 is fine, and on that flight
 my skin was fine--in my opinion a firm ROHO still provides more protection 
 than no cushion at all--but
 (knock on wood) despite having a butt that is nothing but skin and bones I've 
 never had a pressure sore
 in my 29-years living with SCI BECAUSE I pay close attention to cushions, 
 mirror-skin-checks.
 
 As an aside, in my experience  it is extremely important to have a proper 
 cushion under you for car seats,
  airplane seats, even the couch.  These are surfaces that can cause pressure 
 

Re: [QUAD-L] device made up in my head to stay cool

[Gail Holmes]

Like I've said, everything I would ever need to know, I learn on Quad List :-/

Seriously, ice to the groin is one thing but I'd be extra cautious with ice in 
such a delicate area as the scrotum. 

And no ice or heat for that matter in areas lacking normal sensation.



Sent from my iPhone

 On Aug 11, 2014, at 6:40 PM, RONALD L PRACHT r.pra...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
 
 gotta keep the boys cool , when I get crazy overheated the boys disappear and 
 I have a hard time catherizing.
 
 
 On Monday, August 11, 2014 5:47 PM, Quadius quad...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 
 When I used to go to the buccaneer games I would put ice under my armpits and 
 under my testicles in order to cool my body down. I also drink ice cold water 
 or Gatorade. It kept me from having a stroke.
 
 I also do this is my temperature goes above 101. It cools me down pretty 
 quickly.
 Q
 On Sunday, August 10, 2014, wheelch...@aol.com wrote:
 Arteries is a good place to begin the process. Chill an arterially source 
 with chilled waters and chill blood travels quickly.  Neck, Armpits, Wrist 
 and Ankles are good points to start the process.  I also know a few Quads 
 that drink warm tea to cool down when over heated.
  
 Best Wishes
  
 In a message dated 8/10/2014 12:17:04 P.M. Central Daylight Time, 
 r.pra...@sbcglobal.net writes:
 Being a quad, especially when I was younger I always wanted to solve the 
 problem of staying cool above 85 degrees. I always thought of making 
 something. I had this idea of a plastic cap like a membrane( goes on your 
 head) that could hold water and have little holes on the bottom side It would 
 have a tube going to   a water reservoir and a egg shaped pump you could 
 press on to push the water from the reservoir, up the tube in the hat and out 
 the holes onto the whole surface of your head.  You could disguise this 
 device with a ballcap or boonie hat. It would immediately cool you down with 
 a couple pumps. maybe even find a better way to activate the pump without 
 pushing. Would be so valuable. I use a mini hairspray bottle to cool me off. 
 nobody gets the fact that quads don't sweat. Nobody ever believes me. They 
 want to have a 30 minute conversation with me in the blazing sun.
 
 

Re: [QUAD-L] Handcycling

[Gail Holmes]

Thanks for the quick reply Ron. 
I have enjoyed and learned much from your posts as well as many others. 

My quad, is 52 y/o and 32 years post. 

I'm a little skeptical about him being able to use this cycle with less 
function but we will give it a whirl and find out as soon as the gloves come in.

Thanks for the tips about cables  ,initial set up, and the saving on the gloves 
! 

Another fabulous piece of equipment which he has enjoyed is his IKAN bowler. 

Anyone who can sip and puff can bowl competitively with this equipment and can 
see it demonstrated on you tube.

Anyone in southeast Louisiana care to bowl?
 
Gail 




 


Sent from my iPhone

 On Jul 31, 2014, at 6:50 PM, RONALD L PRACHT r.pra...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
 
 My injury level is c6-7, very minimal hand use. I have a quickie 2 folding 
 wheelchair that I attached the bike to. Im 6'2 approx 230 lbs 16 yrs post 
 injury. I bought the bike back in 2010 and have used it hundreds of times and 
 its pretty much trouble free. The chain loosens a bit every so often and I 
 break the plastic part of the c5 quad grips about once per year. since they 
 are over 300.00 per pair I had to configure a fix. Basically the glove part 
 that goes around your hand is screwed to a aluminum post. This post goes in 
 and out of a round hole attached to the bike crank. The plastic glove they 
 use is nothing more than a rollerblade wrist guard you buy from ebay for 
 25.00. You just take everything apart drill a hole in your new wrist guards 
 and put everything back together and you are good to go another year. store 
 the bike in an upright position so you don't kink the cables. make sure you 
 attach the clamps in the proper position on the wheelchair on initial setup
 
 Ron  
 
 
 On Thursday, July 31, 2014 2:32 PM, Gail Holmes fgdhol...@cox.net wrote:
  
 
 
 The man I work for just purchased a dragonfly handcycle after  getting a 
 manual chair on ebay on which to attach it.
 
 He is a 6 '1 C4-5 complete with no tricep function. He looks incredibly 
 uncomfortable sitting upright (with harness  of course) in the manual chair . 
 
 His brother just put the Handcycle together yesterday and he has yet to try 
 it out as the gloves have not arrived. 
 
 I thought a recumbent bike with headrest would be more comfortable but is 
 costly. 
 
 I'm curious as to what level injury you have since this bike is working well 
 for you. Also I would like to know how you reconfigured the quad gloves for 
 $25
 
 Thanks !
 
 Sent from my iPhone
 
 On Jul 27, 2014, at 11:34 PM, RONALD L PRACHT r.pra...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
 
 So far this month I have used my dragonfly handcycle  to go 34 miles. I 
 average 30 miles a month. I love how a long crank makes me feel and overall 
 it helps the pain I have. I think im going to try some ephedra to lose some 
 weight b4 winter comes on. Anybody else do any handcycling. I figured out a 
 way to rebuild the c5 grips for 25 bucks.
 
 Ron
 
 

Re: [QUAD-L] Handcycling

[Gail Holmes]

The man I work for just purchased a dragonfly handcycle after  getting a manual 
chair on ebay on which to attach it.

He is a 6 '1 C4-5 complete with no tricep function. He looks incredibly 
uncomfortable sitting upright (with harness  of course) in the manual chair . 

His brother just put the Handcycle together yesterday and he has yet to try it 
out as the gloves have not arrived. 

I thought a recumbent bike with headrest would be more comfortable but is 
costly. 

I'm curious as to what level injury you have since this bike is working well 
for you. Also I would like to know how you reconfigured the quad gloves for $25

Thanks !

Sent from my iPhone

 On Jul 27, 2014, at 11:34 PM, RONALD L PRACHT r.pra...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
 
 So far this month I have used my dragonfly handcycle  to go 34 miles. I 
 average 30 miles a month. I love how a long crank makes me feel and overall 
 it helps the pain I have. I think im going to try some ephedra to lose some 
 weight b4 winter comes on. Anybody else do any handcycling. I figured out a 
 way to rebuild the c5 grips for 25 bucks.
 
 Ron

Re: [QUAD-L] check out this cushion

[Gail Holmes]

Hmm, that's interesting. Well we are still sitting on it at the moment.  Pardon 
the pun. We are thinking about making an appointment.

So was the back of your chair cut out and replaced with gel? What kind of back 
is it ?

Sent from my iPhone

 On May 24, 2014, at 8:12 PM, Quadius quad...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 Sorry for the late reply. Pressure mapping didn't work out for me. My problem 
 area was just above my tailbone in the mapping only covered the part I was 
 sitting on. They finally solved my problem by putting gel in the lower half 
 of the back of my chair and creating a cutout similar to the one in the 
 diagram so that I don't have pressure in that area.
 
 
 
 
 On Sat, May 17, 2014 at 9:28 AM, wheelch...@aol.com wrote:
 Some of the bigger hospital have pressure mapping equipment that can measure 
 both heat and pressure.  The mat is placed under the buttock and a cord 
 attached to the mat is connected to a computer.  The patient is measured in 
 the normal sitting position and in the recline position.  The results are 
 documented and available for your doctor.
  
 Best Wishes
  
 In a message dated 5/16/2014 10:56:20 P.M. Central Daylight Time, 
 fgdhol...@cox.net writes:
 The quad I work for has a callous on his rear which sounds like what you 
 described.  His callous is in  the shape of a v  which starts at the top 
 of his crack and somewhat parallels it on the way down.  As it goes down 
 each buttocks it fans slightly into a narrow V. 
 
 He has had a 4 RoHo cushion which has been a life saver for years. He does, 
 however,  recline in his chair a good bit. The back rest is not Roho but a 
 regular J back.
 
 I also wondered if  this pressure area is due to the head of his bead being 
 up about 45 degrees at night and somehow putting pressure on his rear. 
 
 It has pealed like a callous similar to what you are describing.
 
 Any ideas on the cause and cure?
 
 Sent from my iPhone
 
 On May 16, 2014, at 2:17 PM, shirley bell sbell...@cox.net wrote:
 
 Hi all, just talked to friend who had a hard callus type sore on his bottom 
 for a long time. He went to wound clinics and they kept shaving it etc. 
 saying it looked good bit it would not heal months later His friend(he had 
 a wound heal using this cushion) gave him his cushion, Ish Dish 
 cushionhttp://www.spanamerica.com/isch_dish.php, he said it healed within 
 2 weeks using it. Now he only uses this to sit on. Changed his life story. 
 maybe it can help others. take care. Best,
 Shirley Bell
 =
 

Re: [QUAD-L] check out this cushion

[Gail Holmes]

The quad I work for has a callous on his rear which sounds like what you 
described.  His callous is in  the shape of a v  which starts at the top of 
his crack and somewhat parallels it on the way down.  As it goes down each 
buttocks it fans slightly into a narrow V. 

He has had a 4 RoHo cushion which has been a life saver for years. He does, 
however,  recline in his chair a good bit. The back rest is not Roho but a 
regular J back.

I also wondered if  this pressure area is due to the head of his bead being up 
about 45 degrees at night and somehow putting pressure on his rear. 

It has pealed like a callous similar to what you are describing.

Any ideas on the cause and cure?

Sent from my iPhone

 On May 16, 2014, at 2:17 PM, shirley bell sbell...@cox.net wrote:
 
 Hi all, just talked to friend who had a hard callus type sore on his bottom 
 for a long time. He went to wound clinics and they kept shaving it etc. 
 saying it looked good bit it would not heal months later His friend(he had a 
 wound heal using this cushion) gave him his cushion, Ish Dish 
 cushionhttp://www.spanamerica.com/isch_dish.php, he said it healed within 2 
 weeks using it. Now he only uses this to sit on. Changed his life story. 
 maybe it can help others. take care. Best,
 Shirley Bell
  

Re: [QUAD-L] Remote Control Door Opener

[Gail Holmes]

I know someone who flips one toggle switch on his chair which unlocks and opens 
the door simultaneously.  ( he flips up to unlock and open the front door and 
down for the back door).  The door closes automatically after a minute or two. 

When he is in bed he controls it with his voice activated environmental control 
system.

There is a panel outside and 4 number code. 

It's called Open Sesame.

Sent from my iPhone

 On Feb 11, 2014, at 1:11 PM, Don Price donpric...@yahoo.com wrote:
 
 There are also key-less locks that use a number pad to open. These are great 
 if you're able to push a few buttons to unlock the door (pencil in a cuff? 
 mouth stick?) The great thing about these locks is you can tell 
 friends/family/caregivers the code. There's no danger of getting locked out 
 because you've forgotten your key. If you ever change caregivers you can 
 simply change the number code on the lock--no worry about collecting keys or 
 having duplicates made.
 
 Downside to these locks is that they're expensive and pushing the code may be 
 tricky for some quads.
 
 Don.
 
 
 On Friday, February 7, 2014 4:46 PM, c5sc...@gmail.com c5sc...@gmail.com 
 wrote:
 position your chair so when they open it themselves you only allow it to open 
 so far, to verify who it is, then tell them “come on in”
  
 Eric W Rudd
  
 Sent from Windows Mail
  
 From: KK Batte
 Sent: ‎Friday‎, ‎February‎ ‎7‎, ‎2014 ‎5‎:‎37‎ ‎PM
 To: quad
  
 I have a front door remote opener.  But if the door is locked, the remote 
 doesn't work.
 
 When you are alone, how do you unlock  open the door?
 
 KK