Riser-recliner

[GaryM]

As my legs get weaker we've been thinking about a riser-recliner armchair. The simple question I have is, if I also get a power wheelchair in the future does the armchair become redundant?

PS; I've got the OT and palliative care nurse coming tomorrow so I'm just thinking what I might ask.

[Ellie]

The simple question I have is, if I also get a power wheelchair in the future does the armchair become redundant?

Definitely not - having a choice of seats is good for both the body and the mind.

Each chair has its pros and cons - for me being immobile, it means once I'm in my RR armchair, I'll stay there for a few hours as I need to be transferred in and out of it - but changing chairs will give you a (slightly) different seating position, reducing the opportunity for pressure points to develop.

Also, don't underestimate the luxury and benefits of being able to raise your legs in the armchair!!

Hope tomorrow goes well and isn't too overwhelming for you or Louise.

Love Ellie.

[GaryM]

Thank you Ellie. At the moment I've spent more or less all the time since Christmas sat in the same chair, plus a bit of time in a garden chair. Sometimes think a prison sentence would have been easier.

Next problem will be trying to find one that I can buy without having to wait 12 weeks for it to be made.

[Ellie]

Don't rush in and get the wrong chair though, it must be comfortable - what's another few weeks added on to your prison sentence 😊

Also, a dual motor is a pre-requisite x

[Bowler]

Gary I absolutely agree with Ellie. Ann didn’t suffer from pressure sores well except for the start of a small one on her heel which was quickly and easily sorted. The nurse reckoned it was mainly down to switching between wheel and recliner chairs during the day but also because we used to recline the chair in different positions during the day. I agree getting properly measured is essential as is getting the style of back and side supports to suit your needs.

[Deb]

Hi Gary,

Its definitely worth getting a riser recliner. I tend to spend the day in my powerchair and then transfer to my riser recliner around tea time . Its always a relief to get my feet up and lie back but obviously then it is an effort to transfer again.( and I can't whizz round checking up on Stuart !)

I was given a single motor riser recliner while a made to measure bells and whistle one was being sorted. Ironically I find the first one more comfortable... no idea why but its what works for you. My OT is coming tomorrow to discuss hoists and I am plucking up the courage to tell her this as she went to so much trouble to get it.

Good luck tomorrow with your nurse and OT,
Love Debbie x

[Ellie]

Hope your Big Girl Pants are well aired for tomorrow, Debbie! There may be some retro fixes the OT can make to improve the bespoke chair.

Good luck tomorrow x

[Lynne K]

I had a RR given to me two years ago by somebody local who’s husband had passed away from MND. She said that the MNDA had bought it or paid for it. It wasn’t right for me however. I had terrible back ache after a few minutes sat on it. I donated it to our local hospice.

I had somebody come out to measure me from a big company. Then I bought a dual motor RR chair. Very expensive but a contribution from MNDA helped. You get what you pay for but anything for disabled people are often inflated ridiculous prices.

Good luck tomorrow, Lynne

[Deb]

Thank you for the top tips.... My big girls pants were well aired !

We had a long meeting with my OT and a medical company assessor. We agreed on a new tilted , padded shower wheelchair... this is height adjustable to meet my changing needs. They are changing the sides and cushions on my new riser recliner. They are going to have a portable hoist ready for when I need it and they agreed it could be operated by one careful person ( as long as he doesn't have one eye on the football ) I wasn't keen on ceiling tracks before I need them so I'm going to try a portable hoist.

They were super helpful, although they're probably fed up with all my requests....it really pays to do your homework first and know what you want.. our forum is so valuable for information.

Hope you got on OK today, Gary.
Love Debbie x

[Ellie]

Wow girl, you achieved a lot today!!

Hope you're relaxing now with a nice G&T (even if it's a metaphorical one)

Love Ellie.

[GaryM]

Thanks for all the replies and support. The OT is getting me a belt with handles on to help Louise lift me up off the chair and it saves me getting a wedgie 😉 Also I'm getting a higher toilet seat and another commode for downstairs. The palliative care nurse is supplying a nebuliser to thin mucus.

[Ellie]

More fruitful appointments - woohoo 🥳🥳🥳

Did the nurse say anything about saliva reducing meds, Gary? xx

[Deb]

That sounds productive Gary. Its amazing how we get used to talking to strangers about toileting issues! 🤣

The G and T (not metaphorical!) is a cracking idea Ellie... Thank you. X

[GaryM]

More fruitful appointments - woohoo 🥳🥳🥳

Did the nurse say anything about saliva reducing meds, Gary? xx

I forgot to ask about glyco and she didn't mention it, but I did ask about carbocisteine and she said lets try the nebulizer first and see if that helps.

[richard]

Deb Hi Debbie. Can you share the details about the shower chair please? Thanks

Richard