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Wheelchair use: What to do about skin breakdown?

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    Wheelchair use: What to do about skin breakdown?

    Have been in wheelchair now for most of the day. I shift side to side in the seat on my Roho Cushion, alternate sitting with lying on side on couch , walk when I can even briefly. But, I am experiencing some skin breakdown, no sores as of now according to PCP.

    What advice do you have?

    #2
    That is a sadly good question. Hope you find some answers.
    Linda~~~~

    Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says:"Oh Crap, She's up!"..

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      #3
      Except for those steps I've been counting, I spend my waking time in a wheelchair--and the type of cushion as well as any adjustments you can make in it are very important. The Roho cushion isn't one I've tried but it might have some adjustments that can be made to help prevent skin breakdown. Or maybe a different type of cushion would be a good idea?

      I know that you have to keep an eye on the skin areas that are at risk and there are some creams and other preparations that will help.
      I use a moisturizing cream (Cetaphil--no rx needed) whenever there's burning or chafing or inflammation. One problem with skin breakdown is that it can get bad long before you're aware of it. I'd definitely ask the doctor's advice on this question. There may be a type of cushion that will work really well for you. There's quite a variety of cushions to choose from as you probably know.
      Last edited by agate; 09-25-2019, 08:23 AM. Reason: fixing typo
      SPMS diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2006-2009. Glatopa (glatiramer acetate = Copaxone) since December 2020.

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        #4
        Sunshine, I am of no help. I sit most of the day in a recliner. I don't know what the difference is, but I need to keep my feet elevated, and I can't navigate a w/c due to arm strength. Also, as long as I am getting around enough to get food, bath and do a few chores I don't want to try any other method of getting around.

        This is one more thing for you to deal with. My heart goes out to you.

        Nuthatch might have some input into what you might can do when she sees this thread. Cat was always such a good source and this is just another way in which she is missed.
        Virginia

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          #5
          ((((((Sunshine)))))) ~

          Jonathan had many severe wounds on his rear end for 14 years.

          First, I suggest that you find a PT, who is an expert in wheelchair seating. Roho cushions have to be adjusted as the body changes, by putting more air in one spot or less air in another spot. A seating clinic would be ideal for you with a PT. Perhaps you can ask your doctor to refer you for a PT evaluation.

          You may need an alternating pressure mattress on your bed. Jim is using an alternating pressure overlay on a regular mattress. It cost $90 at Amazon, and it works great for him. Jonathan had a hospital bed, with an alternating pressure low air loss mattress system.

          For prevention, we used Ca-Rezz cream for many years:

          Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

          When his wounds worsened we tried: Bag Balm, very effective; Calmoseptine; Phytoplex; Hydraguard.

          If you perspire, have urine leakage, or have dampness, that can contribute to skin breakdown. So, these products protect the skin from moisture. You don't need to slather it on, as a thin layer will provide protection.

          Wound care prevention is vital, because a wound can go South quickly. Perhaps consulting with your physician about this as a potential issue for you would be a good place to begin.

          I hope this is helpful to you. I know well how awful wounds can become, so please stay on top of it.

          Love & Light,



          Rose
          Last edited by Earth Mother 2 Angels; 09-25-2019, 09:29 AM.
          Mom to Jon, 49, & Michael, 32, born with an undiagnosed progressive neuromuscular disease. Angel Michael received his wings in 2003. Angel Jon received his wings in 2019. In 2020, Jim, their Dad, joined them.

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            #6
            Bag balm is what I was going to suggest so I was glad Rose mentioned it. It is used by most farmers I know and heals cuts and sore spots overnight. It is not greasy and smells nice. You might think Vaseline in terms of its consistency but it adsorbs into the skin quickly.

            It is the only thing I use .
            Linda~~~~

            Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says:"Oh Crap, She's up!"..

            Comment


              #7
              These are good leads. I have Udder Cream. Do you think its equivalent to your cream?

              I just called the local company that fitted me to my custom wheelchair and also sold me the Roho. They have seating specialist. She will consult with the right staff member and get back to me. They refer to PT for assistance. I asked if they can do it at my home. When I first got the seat, 2 visits were in my home, one was at the PT place.

              Hoping to hear soon....in the meantime, trying hard to shift around to allow capillaries not to be compressed. Will try applying Udder Cream to the area too.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by Sunshine View Post
                These are good leads. I have Udder Cream. Do you think its equivalent to your cream?

                I just called the local company that fitted me to my custom wheelchair and also sold me the Roho. They have seating specialist. She will consult with the right staff member and get back to me. They refer to PT for assistance. I asked if they can do it at my home. When I first got the seat, 2 visits were in my home, one was at the PT place.

                Hoping to hear soon....in the meantime, trying hard to shift around to allow capillaries not to be compressed. Will try applying Udder Cream to the area too.
                Yes, bag balm is used for cow’s udders. I do not know about different brands. We use the one that comes in a square metal can. The can is green.
                Linda~~~~

                Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says:"Oh Crap, She's up!"..

                Comment


                  #9
                  I find Rutgers’ Spinal Cord Injury forums have a wealth of info including skin, uti’s and baclofen pumps.

                  Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

                  ANN
                  There comes a time when silence is betrayal.- MLK

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by stillstANNding View Post
                    I find Rutgers’ Spinal Cord Injury forums have a wealth of info including skin, uti’s and baclofen pumps.

                    Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

                    ANN
                    Thanks! I am looking through it and it does look interesting...they also talk about the baclofen pump, which i am flirting with.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      ((((((Sunshine)))))) ~

                      Here's an article by a dermatologist about the differences between Udder Cream and Bag Balm. Jon's nurse is a big proponent of Bag Balm over Udder Cream.

                      Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

                      Edited to Add: This link about Bag Balms ingredients:

                      Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

                      I noticed all of the parabens and polypropolene glycol in Udder Cream. There are none in Bag Balm.

                      Another treatment we tried, with some success, was Butt Paste. It worked a little for awhile. Mind you, Jon's entire backside was covered in wounds, so treating it was a huge challenge, and we were never successful.

                      I'm sure you'll learn a lot from the Spinal Cord Injury forum.

                      Love & Light,



                      Rose
                      Last edited by Earth Mother 2 Angels; 09-25-2019, 03:51 PM.
                      Mom to Jon, 49, & Michael, 32, born with an undiagnosed progressive neuromuscular disease. Angel Michael received his wings in 2003. Angel Jon received his wings in 2019. In 2020, Jim, their Dad, joined them.

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                        #12
                        Thanks, I ordered Bag balm and should get it tomorrow.

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                          #13
                          My dad’s vascular surgeon had my mom put bag balm on my dad’s diabetic feet.

                          ANN
                          There comes a time when silence is betrayal.- MLK

                          Comment


                            #14
                            I started Bag Balm. Its amazing stuff in terms of how it feels. It is healing cracks in my finger too.

                            I am hoping it will do the trick. I take it you put a thin layer on the skin?

                            Comment


                              #15
                              ((((((Sunshine)))))) ~

                              So glad you're using Bag Balm. It is good stuff. Yes, a thin layer is usually sufficient. If it's healing cracks in your fingers, then you're probably using the right amount. Here's to a healthy bum for you!

                              Love & Light,



                              Rose
                              Mom to Jon, 49, & Michael, 32, born with an undiagnosed progressive neuromuscular disease. Angel Michael received his wings in 2003. Angel Jon received his wings in 2019. In 2020, Jim, their Dad, joined them.

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