Anybody Got Any Advice

[Ali and boyz]

Travelling for the first time with DS who is quadraplegic and pressure areas are a big issue. my worry is there seems to be some flight delays because of the weather in Orlando. Has anybody got any tips on trying to eleviate pressure . DS can't transfer etc so basically he is stuck in his wheelchair from when we get him up in until we get home to the UK. everything would be fine if there was no delays and the time spent in his chair would be fine but now worried about delays and him ending up with pressure sores.

help...................................... getting a bit worried

 

[MidgeD79]

We were told to have my ds do mini-pushups. He could not get his butt all the way off the seat,but any amount of pressure-relief was ok (so I was told). Start with maybe 5 push-ups every hour.

 

[Laurajean1014]

How far will you be from the airport? Can you call the airlines to see if there are delays? Can you call the airlines and ask them what they can do for you in this situation? It maybe the first time that you have encountered this situation, but not the airlines. They maybe able to place your son in a lounge area that will make him more comfortable where you can tend to him.

 

[Ali and boyz]

We were told to have my ds do mini-pushups. He could not get his butt all the way off the seat,but any amount of pressure-relief was ok (so I was told). Start with maybe 5 push-ups every hour.

He has no movement at all so wouldn't manage push-ups and I was also thinking if the delays were long we wouldn't have a hoist to get him out of the chair. I know it prob. won't happen but being the first time aborad since DS accident I am trying to be really prepared and organised

 

[Meezers]

It has been awhile since I have worked with anyone in a wheelchair.

Doesn't it take quite a while (days) to get a pressure sore?

If not...maybe some type of inflatable device in the seat of the chair?

Will he have to be moved out of his chair to another and then placed in the seat of the airplane? If nothing else it seems like there would be a lounge area where you could get DS out of the chair and check for pressure spots.

Best of luck and hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[Ali and boyz]

It has been awhile since I have worked with anyone in a wheelchair.

Doesn't it take quite a while (days) to get a pressure sore?

If not...maybe some type of inflatable device in the seat of the chair?

Will he have to be moved out of his chair to another and then placed in the seat of the airplane? If nothing else it seems like there would be a lounge area where you could get DS out of the chair and check for pressure spots.

Best of luck and hope you have a wonderful trip.

He will be in his wheelchair, transfered to an ailse seat then the plane seat but with a spinal injury even the seam of the trousers in the wrong place can mark within hours. but............................. we are determined to have a go at this trip

thanx

 

[Karalynn]

I would also suggest calling the airline, there should be someone there who can help you out. I know that certain airlines do have 'special' lounge areas for their preferred flyers, maybe you could have access to that if necessary? You may even talk to your ds doctor, they may have some tips too.

 

[BillSears]

A spare seat cushion placed on the airplane seat might help. Or maybe some of that memory foam stuff that they are making special pillows/matresses/etc out of. That could be cut down to a suitable size.

 

[loadsapixiedust]

Hi there Ali!
I would suggest you call your nearest hospital (or NHS 24) and ask to be referred to the tissue viability specialist nurse. They are experts in preventing and treating pressure sores and would be able to offer the best advice for your situation. Does your son have a sheepskin liner for his chair? I have heard these are one of the best things, but I'm sure the nurse is the best source of info and products for you.
I'm sure you will manage fine. Parents always find a way! Our DS is also quadriplegic and although he has some movement, it is uncontrolled. He sits in a CAPS II seat in his chair and on the plane and pressure areas have never been a problem even long haul.

 

[SueM in MN]

Pressure can cause a problem after as little as 20 minutes, although the damage may not be visible for a while.
Sheepskin liners are often used and in the past were thought to relieve pressure, but they don't actually relieve pressure. So it might feel more comfortable, but is not effective at pressure reduction.
In the US, you would need a referral from your doctor to a nurse specialist in skin care (In the hospital where I work, it is called a Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse).
Here's a web site that has a forum that you might be able to get some assistance from.
I'm not sure what effect the increased pressure in the airplane would have on either air-filled or gel filled wheelchair seat cushions, but I think they might swell a bit and might not be as good at pressure reduction as a ground level. Memory foam wouldn't suffer from that problem.

A few things I can think of would be to change the seat back position periodically. Doing that changes the place on his bottom that is getting the most pressure. Another thing to change pressure would be to raise one or both of his feet up periodically. That would also change the pressure point.

Another thing (that maybe the nursee could help you avoid) is shear injury while moving him from the wheelchair to the aisle chair and then to the seat. You will have limited space for moving around and that makes it harder to avoid shear while you move him.
I haven't seen any information about relieving pressure on the websites of US airlines, but British airline may have more info, since anyone treveling form the UK to the US would obviously be looking at a long trip.

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

Foam helps me avoid pressure sores (and orthopedic pain) from hotel beds. Wal-mart.com has some soft foam. I would suggest physically tipping him from side to side occasionally. Coming from someone else who spends all day in a wheelchair, pants bunch badly behind the knee and underwear bunches on the ischium. If someone puts their hands under the butt (that's how I get positioned) they can twist/scoot the body and shift clothes. I highly recommend a tilt and recline system for his wheelcair which has greatly reduced my pressure problems. Best of luck!

Christamae

 

[Ali and boyz]

WE ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ON HIS SPECIAL WHEELCHAIR CUSHION ON THE PLANE SEAT. WHAT WAS WORRYING ME THOUGH WAS IF THE FLIGHT WAS DELAYED AND WE HAD TO SPEND MORE TIME IN THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE WHICH WOULD ADD TO THE OVERALL TIME HE IS ALLOWED TO SIT IN HIS CHAIR. WE WOULD BE SORT OF STUCK THERE IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN WITH NO EQUIPMENT TO TRANSFER HIM ETC. WILL JUST HAVE TO PRAY FOR NO DELAYS . THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE TIPS . GOING TO SPINAL HOSPITAL THIS WEEK SO WILL ASKTHEM FOR IDEAS TO.

THANKS AGAIN

 

[Ali and boyz]

Here's a web site that has a forum that you might be able to get some assistance from.
I'm not sure what effect the increased pressure in the airplane would have on either air-filled or gel filled wheelchair seat cushions, but I think they might swell a bit and might not be as good at pressure reduction as a ground level. Memory foam wouldn't suffer from that problem.
.

Sue, thanks that was a really helpful site. loads of info

 

[SueOKW]

I will be waiting to hear how this goes for you - I can tell this trip is very important!!! I can say my experience with delays has been very minimal. Keep us informed, ok?
Sue

 

[Ali and boyz]

I will be waiting to hear how this goes for you - I can tell this trip is very important!!! I can say my experience with delays has been very minimal. Keep us informed, ok?
Sue

Oh it is Sue. First time abroad since Son had his accident and if everything goes well we will go ahead with buying DVC points. Just want everything to go well for him and I think the answer is to be well prepared. we leave in just under three weeks so not long now

thanks again

Ali