looking for female quads transferring

[kickinglamb]

i see videos of male quads w/no hands or triceps transferring. but where are all the ladies? no fair if you have triceps.
i just don't believe it can be done.
please show me,
lori

[sjean423]

Haven't seen you for a while, welcome back.

[rfbdorf]

Seriously, I think you're asking a good question. Although my wife is only T-5 (complete), she cannot transfer without a lot of assist, due to weak & short arms and her weight. I can't imagine how a woman with a higher injury, generally with less upper body strength than men in the first place, manages it.
- Richard

edited - mistaken identity!

[cass]

i'm c7, f. transfer. most c6's do.

[tegdirb]

I agree w/ cass. Most lower female quads do. I'm C6/7 complete. Don't have full tris in one arm and transfer independently w/ or without slideboard. Been doing it 6 mo. post injury. I don't really think it matters, male or female. I transfer almost exactly like Shaun does in his van transfer video (thx again for posting that if you're reading this, it really helped me lots :) )

[Emi2]

I know for me is the actual physical dynamics (short arms can't lift butt clear) that make transferring difficult and impossible without a sliding board. Even as a C 7/8 practically not a quad (just don't have fully functional hands). I think keps (a para? maybe) has the same arm length problem. When I fully extend my arms my butt is still on the bed. Even when I worked out it was hard, but not as difficult as now that I'm 60lbs heavier (thanks pregnancy).

[Theophania]

im a c6. no tris. i cant do it. im too tall and lanky. everytime i try i can never lock my arm.

[RehabRhino]

[quote=Theophania]im a c6. no tris. i cant do it. im too tall and lanky. everytime i try i can never lock my arm.[/quote

Theo

Can you twist your arms almost inside out and lock them that way? I was taught that in rehab. I have had a little tricep return, which helps me push from the left, and my shoulders are like steel (calm down ladies, I know I shouldn't even be in this thread!:p )

Still not completely ind though. Legs too heavy/spasmy:(

[keps]

I know for me is the actual physical dynamics (short arms can't lift butt clear) that make transferring difficult and impossible without a sliding board. Even as a C 7/8 practically not a quad (just don't have fully functional hands). I think keps (a para? maybe) has the same arm length problem. When I fully extend my arms my butt is still on the bed. Even when I worked out it was hard, but not as difficult as now that I'm 60lbs heavier (thanks pregnancy).

Yes Emi - I am a T4 para, and have this exact problem. My arms can be fully straight, but my bum is still on the bed. I've transferred about twice without a board, and barely made it. I kind of slithered onto the bed, as I couldn't clear the surface.
It is simply not safe or workable for me to be without a board.

[fuentejps]

[quote=Theophania]im a c6. no tris. i cant do it. im too tall and lanky. everytime i try i can never lock my arm.[/quote

Theo

Can you twist your arms almost inside out and lock them that way? I was taught that in rehab. I have had a little tricep return, which helps me push from the left, and my shoulders are like steel (calm down ladies, I know I shouldn't even be in this thread!:p )

Still not completely ind though. Legs too heavy/spasmy:(
i dont lock out to transfer. not a must

[Bookjunky]

It is possible but I don't have a video camera. Or friends with one and the time to set up a filming of me getting in and out of their car.

[chick]

Here is a thread to discussion on transfers for c5-6 Completes.

Independent Transfers (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=6437&highlight=transfer)

There is SIGNIFICANT difference between c 5's and c 6's that can effect transfers, many (if not most) c5's not being able to transfer independently (1 or 1/2 level can mean difference from ind. transfering to no ind. transfering: c5/6 Asia A transfering independently or with some assist, while c4/5 Asia A typically needing full assist). Also as seen in the discussion, different c5/6's with very similar SCI level having different transfering capability, due to other factors, like body type, strength, chair being used while transfering, etc.
*body type is huge factor, esp. with limb to torso ratio - short limbs/long torso: long legs and arms help.

As c6, that would give you some different (added) capability from a c5/6.

Below is another thread on transfering for higher quads - above c5/6
"High Quads" transfering (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=36067&highlight=transfer)

FREEJ has mentioned that he has greatly improved upon his ability to ASSIST in his transfers since posting that thread, which has reduced his transfer time as well as making the transfer process smoother and easier for his assistants. He can't transfer independently but has worked on strength building and developing/fine tuning technique (much experimenting with what he has) to make his transfers much easier and quicker.

[chick]

im a c6. no tris. i cant do it. im too tall and lanky. everytime i try i can never lock my arm.Being tall should be a help, especially if you have long legs. How legs are positioned on chair footrest can make big difference in helping or hindering your transfer.

Being in power chair can put your feet higher and possibly not allow placement on floor, as you could if you have long legs and transfer from manual chair. However, transferring from power chair can be much much easier than from a manual chair, with feet remaining supported on footrest.

[RehabRhino]

Being tall should be a help, especially if you have long legs. How legs are positioned on chair footrest can make big difference in helping or hindering your transfer.

Being in power chair can put your feet higher and possibly not allow placement on floor, as you could if you have long legs and transfer from manual chair. However, transferring from power chair can be much much easier than from a manual chair, with feet remaining supported on footrest.

chick - my feet/legs are my biggest issue when i transfer because although I'm strong enough to get my upper body over my feet twist and get caught on the footplate. I'm still look looking for optimum placement. I just don't feel as stable when they dangle and I lean forward. Any suggestions?

I'm going to try one foot on/one off.

[pash8605]

I am C6 with no triceps. Using a sliding board, I can get to the bed and get my legs up. The only thing I'm having a problem with is getting my butt to the center. I don't have a cam with video option , but my bf does, so if I get it figured out, I'll attempt a video.

[kickinglamb]

dear friends,
thanks for all your posts. i talked to my SCI doctor and he doesn't think i'll ever be able to do it.
how depressing.
ashley,
please do a video now. i don't mind if you can't get to the middle of the bed. it would m ake me feel like i had a chance.
i was 5'6'' with well proportioned arms and legs. i weigh 120lbs. i use a power chair, i have no sitting balance, i'm still in a n air mattress hosp bed, which makes it impossible to practice rolling and sitting, but i'm still treating a recurring bedsore on my tailbone.
give me some tips please,
lori

[Theophania]

thx chick and rhino for your advice too. the main issue i have is balance and stength. i can get my arms in the proper placement, but when i attempt to push my butt over i dont even budge. i must be too weak.

[Saorsa]

thx chick and rhino for your advice too. the main issue i have is balance and stength. i can get my arms in the proper placement, but when i attempt to push my butt over i dont even budge. i must be too weak.

We're the same injury level and I have the same problem when attempting my own transfer. I feel like my forearms will break before I get my ass in the air. Go go scrawny quad arms :/

[pash8605]

dear friends,
thanks for all your posts. i talked to my SCI doctor and he doesn't think i'll ever be able to do it.
how depressing.
ashley,
please do a video now. i don't mind if you can't get to the middle of the bed. it would m ake me feel like i had a chance.
i was 5'6'' with well proportioned arms and legs. i weigh 120lbs. i use a power chair, i have no sitting balance, i'm still in a n air mattress hosp bed, which makes it impossible to practice rolling and sitting, but i'm still treating a recurring bedsore on my tailbone.
give me some tips please,
lori
Don't let your doctor discourage you. They don't know everything! I don't know when I'll be able to do the video, so for now, I'll tell you how I do it. First I take out the clothing guard, then put the sliding board into place. After that, I lean on to my lap and push off the wheels to bring my butt forward, then find a good place to put my hands and push to the side. Once my butts on the bed, I work my top over so that I'm leaning on my arm and lift my legs up.

[kickinglamb]

dear ashley,
thanks for your reply. how do you lift your legs and balance at the same time?do you use a manual chair? i haven't been able to get out of a power chair cuz i can't keep my upper body from bending forward into a ''C''. my doctor called this something but i can't remember what. i need the p. chair to tilt or recline back so i'm not bent. i guess i'm going to have learn some sitting balance and get what muscle i DO have stronger by exercising like mad. i have ALOT of neurological pain for which i've found no relief in a year. so i have to make a decision- become bedfast due to pain or work through it and become more indepedant. it's soooo hard. so any encouragement would be and is greatly appreciated.
lori

[fuentejps]

chick - my feet/legs are my biggest issue when i transfer because although I'm strong enough to get my upper body over my feet twist and get caught on the footplate. I'm still look looking for optimum placement. I just don't feel as stable when they dangle and I lean forward. Any suggestions?

I'm going to try one foot on/one off.
RHINO, IF YOUR TALL THE ONE LEG IN DOESNT WORK. im 6'2 and keeping my feet on the ground is a must.


weeping, dont listen to your doctor. any doc that tells you you will never be able to do something is a fucking idiot. find a new doc. most dont know shit

imo, strength is key for transfering as a quad w/ no tris. as u can see in my vid, im not finessing anything. its all strength and balance.

[jayday9]

RHINO, IF YOUR TALL THE ONE LEG IN DOESNT WORK. im 6'2 and keeping my feet on the ground is a must. Just because it doesn't work for you does not mean it is not possible...

Rhino, I'm tall with a thinner build, same as you, and I always take off one foot and leave the other on....If I'm transferring to the right, I take off my right foot....If I don't they get caught in the footplate....

That is the way I do it and it works for me....I hope it works well for you as well...But everyone is different....

imo, strength is key for transfering as a quad w/ no tris. as u can see in my vid, im not finessing anything. its all strength and balance.
I would imagine others would disagree....Technique is a key component as well.....Unless chick hides her uberly-muscular physique from us somehow? :thinking:

[RehabRhino]

Just because it doesn't work for you does not mean it is not possible...

Rhino, I'm tall with a thinner build, same as you,

Actually Jay I'm kind of fuente-shaped but not as tall:)

[jayday9]

Actually Jay I'm kind of fuente-shaped but not as tall:) Heh? You didn't look like it in some pictures you posted....Ah well, good luck anyways :thumb:

edit- Yea, definitely combined you and Christopher in to one person....lol

[fuentejps]

Just because it doesn't work for you does not mean it is not possible...

Rhino, I'm tall with a thinner build, same as you, and I always take off one foot and leave the other on....If I'm transferring to the right, I take off my right foot....If I don't they get caught in the footplate....

That is the way I do it and it works for me....I hope it works well for you as well...But everyone is different....


I would imagine others would disagree....Technique is a key component as well.....Unless chick hides her uberly-muscular physique from us somehow? :thinking:
i havent seen chick get in/out of care, which is what i was refering to. all strength and balance. did it look like i was useing any special technique to you??

[RehabRhino]

Heh? You didn't look like it in some pictures you posted....Ah well, good luck anyways :thumb:

edit- Yea, definitely combined you and Christopher in to one person....lol

Bear in mind that Rhino was a pre-SCI nickname lol....never been described as skinny:D

[chick]

HEY HEY HEY!!

Testosterone control! lol

Seriously, I think there can be some differences due to women being built differently, but this is not always the case (sci can level things out a bit too) and technique men use can be beneficial to women as well, so feedback from those with that weird little hanging appendage isn't completely useless :p

I'mma read up some posts and respond further in new :)

[Cripply]

Lamb, I am transferring using exactly the opposite techniques from what I was taught in rehab. I am a para, but my point is, every body is different. Just exercise whatever muscles you have and then experiment. I don´t believe your doctor and you shouldn´t, either.
Who knows if exercise will decrese your pain? It is entirely possible.

[RehabRhino]

Lori

You've missed a lot of rehab through pain and are weak. It used to take 3 PTs to help me and I was told I might not do it independently. Last time I went back to rehab they wanted to film my transfers into bed/car even though I'm not fully independent yet.

I am so close. Just my damn legs - I swear they are as thick as when I played football and ran 20 miles a week.

Don't listen to negativity but take things slowly. My balance improved with practice and strength. It might take months or years. Set little goals.

In my opinion the greatest thing that helped me was losing the fear of falling forward as I HAVE to lean forward to get the weight off my ass.

[Shaun]

Taking your feet off your footplate and placing them on the floor regardless of you height will also depend on the height of your bed as will no? Couldnt you now maybe be adding drag to the transfer? For me,it was learning a techinique and getting my timing down,im not just muscling through my transfer.Ive always just slid one foot forward,thjat way when im sitting on the bed both feet are on the footplate,im still sitting with my knees up somewhat and i can easily slide my hand under my knee and lift my leg up..

[chick]

chick - my feet/legs are my biggest issue when i transfer because although I'm strong enough to get my upper body over my feet twist and get caught on the footplate. I'm still look looking for optimum placement. I just don't feel as stable when they dangle and I lean forward. Any suggestions?

I'm going to try one foot on/one off.Legs are a big issue with me also. I have short legs which NEED to stay on footrests. If they fall, even 1 foot, I get pulled down off chair toward floor. My feet (when I'm using manual chair) get lodged in footrest also, especially if I have on sneakers. If feet stay in between footrest, they can get stuck and stay pointed forward as legs twist onto bed.

Few problems (for me in my manual) that create problems are:
1. large shoes (I know, men will generally have large feet/shoes)
2. taper front end, thus narrower footrest.
3. 70 degree front end, which results in greater space for feet to fall back through and off footrest (even with leg strap).

When transferring from manual chair, I :
push forward foot (right foot next to bed) so it is not as tightly inbetween footrest and can also move/turn along with me as my body/legs turn.
usually have a wooden box w/non-skid bottom same level as footrest (can be any material that provides height for foot placement) which I can push foot onto as I transfer, so right foot doesn't fall off. Problem: 70 degree front end/footrest fwd while legs generally bend at 90
Left foot can fall back BEHIND footrest and pull me down, not giving me support I need as I transfer, and even falling back and getting stuck, making it harder to lift back up if I do make it in.

Rhino, if your legs are long enough and can be stable enough for you to transfer with 1 leg/foot off, then try and let us know how that works.

[chick]

Taking your feet off your footplate and placing them on the floor regardless of you height will also depend on the height of your bed as will no? Couldnt you now maybe be adding drag to the transfer? For me,it was learning a techinique and getting my timing down,im not just muscling through my transfer.Ive always just slid one foot forward,thjat way when im sitting on the bed both feet are on the footplate,im still sitting with my knees up somewhat and i can easily slide my hand under my knee and lift my leg up..height of bed is part of it, but that would be more about how much effort you increase to getting butt over - slide or lift, if surface is higher than chair seat. Whatever height of transfer surface, if my feet fall off footrest, then I drag down and have much less upper body stability, as arms have very hard time supporting it up.

higher knees to hips, increases stability and balance.

[jayday9]

For me,it was learning a techinique and getting my timing down,im not just muscling through my transfer. Ive always just slid one foot forward,thjat way when im sitting on the bed both feet are on the footplate,im still sitting with my knees up somewhat and i can easily slide my hand under my knee and lift my leg up..
Fuente :nana:

Believe me, I realize strength is important, it is the most essential part of transferring, if you don't have the strength to do it, you aren't gonna go anywhere....But getting the technique down really cuts some of the extra exertion out....I've watched your vids, you use more technique than you are giving yourself credit for...You act like it's a bad thing?

[chick]

....Technique is a key component as well.....Unless chick hides her uberly-muscular physique from us somehow? I only go out looking like a yellow transvestite Elmo in public. At home, in private... I look like Xena, I SWEAR!

i havent seen chick get in/out of care, which is what i was refering to. all strength and balance. did it look like i was useing any special technique to you??Part strength and balance; Part technique. Measure of strength and balance required and/or possible can depend upon technique used. Some techniques more difficult and even impossible for some, depending on functional level.

[Shaun]

higher knees to hips, increases stability and balance.

Thats what i meant..

Placing your feet on the floor if the surface your transfering to is higher than your chair will create kinda of slide affect,in which case your not just bumpin your ass from one surface to another with your knees up,but now you'll have pull yourself up in which case its all strength

[RehabRhino]

usually have a wooden box w/non-skid bottom same level as footrest (can be any material that provides height for foot placement) which I can push foot onto as I transfer, so right foot doesn't fall off.

Now THAT is a good idea. My bedroom in apartment is carpet so this might work well.

Can you transfer 100% independently Chick? What if you fall backwards? Turtled or do you have a Matrix-style trick for getting back up and resuming wrestle with your little legs?

[Shaun]

Fuente :nana:

I'll hold him down,you drop the big elbow Jay :D

[jayday9]

I'll hold him down,you drop the big elbow Jay :D

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ae-m9aT56s4&search=elbow%20drop (http://%5BURL=%22http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ae-m9aT56s4&search=elbow%20drop%22) :mega:

[kickinglamb]

THANKS GUYS, but i'd like to hear from ladies C- 6 Or higher w/no tris or hands. and how in GOD'S name they transfer. although you great gentleman have offered FABULOUS tips. PLEASE JUST try and stay on topic!

is it better to weigh less?
is it good or bad to have long arms and legs?
how long do you have to work out to be able to lift my legs?
should i work on one aspect at a time, for instance i started lifting weights again to try and gain more strength?
work on my sitting balance?
or learn how to lift my legs
or do these things at once?

all i know is that i'm REALLY far behind due to trying to get relief for the pain!
so since i am sort of starting over since rehab, what should i do first or should i do them all? i don't know what to do. HELP PLEASE!!
LORI:confused::p

[jayday9]

Sorry for hijacking your thread Lori :o

I would definitely recommnd buying a set of weights of some kind to improve your strength though....Strength is the building block, then you can work on technique....

[redbandit]

lori, i know you want to hear from girls, but i am in exactly the same boat as you. i'm essentially c6 (no triceps or hands just shoulders). I'm so close to being independent, but so far away. it's maddening! and i have horrible neuropathic pain too. i would love to be able to move myself around more during the day to relieve pain.

i think the key for me and you would be to combine some strenghthening exercizes with trial and error transfer work, to develop technique. ditto on not listening to the doctor.....first do it, then bring him the video.

[fuentejps]

GET CRAZY STRONG. get those shoulders, neck, traps, upper pecs and lats built up.

[chick]

Lori, there have been many responses from women here. I have posted extensively on this also. I am not sure if you've reviewed the links to the other transfer threads I posted earlier, but I explain in further detail my process/technique there.

I am curious, have you attempted any transfers yet?

Knowing what your specific problem/obstacles are will help us to better help you. You can not know where you need specific feedback and suggestions, if you have not attempted and identify your problem areas.

As far as strength goes, it is important to build your strength for whatever you do, not just for transferring. You should be working on your strength and conditioning apart from your transferring efforts, but also SIMULTANEOUSLY. Transferring itself is means of building strength and increasing your conditioning.

You need to just DO IT, and problem solve as you go along.

[Cspine]

You need to just DO IT, and problem solve as you go along.

Yeah, what chick said. Also, I don't think men and women of the same level transfer much differently. I'm bulky and strong as an ox but I transfer pretty much the same as my slim female quad friend does.

[kickinglamb]

chick and everyone,
thanks for all your replies, and chick i've only seen one one link by by jayday, and i can't just seen how it relates to SCI. maybe i missed something.
as for me three of my drs. have change my meds all in the space of 2 weeks, i didn't know if i were coming or going for a week. here my the kicker my shrink gave me a very strong antipyschic, instead of a mild increase in my antianxeties, he said these would help me sleep. well, not only did they help me sleep, i couldn't form for sentence during the day! i was like a brain injuredperson.
it was so bad my pas quit.

here's my story about tranferring, the last time i even tried was in out patient rehab which was was sometime in jan. an i needed FULL ASSISST. I have no sittiing balance, i can't push across the board, i can't l ift my my legs.
lori

[fuentejps]

chick and everyone,
thanks for all your replies, and chick i've only seen one one link by by jayday, and i can't just seen how it relates to SCI. maybe i missed something.
as for me three of my drs. have change my meds all in the space of 2 weeks, i didn't know if i were coming or going for a week. here my the kicker my shrink gave me a very strong antipyschic, instead of a mild increase in my antianxeties, he said these would help me sleep. well, not only did they help me sleep, i couldn't form for sentence during the day! i was like a brain injuredperson.
it was so bad my pas quit.

here's my story about tranferring, the last time i even tried was in out patient rehab which was was sometime in jan. an i needed FULL ASSISST. I have no sittiing balance, i can't push across the board, i can't l ift my my legs.
lori
we were all as week as you at 1st. as a quad its an uphill battle to transfer. bottom line, if u want it bad enough you will do it.

i agree 100% w/rhino, u cant be afraid to fall. it will happen many times. learn to fall and go for it

[kickinglamb]

oh, i forgot to tell you, i use a a HUGE a power chair, i have 2 cushions, a high profile roho, and a high profile jay deep gel cushion which is an 18'' which i think may be a bit big for me, i'm not sure my whole chair may be atad big it's an 18'' too. and as you guys know it's alittle different getting out of those puppies you have to takethe feet down,the tilt and recline out, then push your self past past the armrest or find some way to lift the rest up .

so what do you think'

chick, i still find no links posted by you in this thread

[Liz321]

you look too thin to be in an 18 wide chair

I'm 5'7" @ 140 and all leg and sit in 16x18(L)

for balance try sitting up unassisted
sit at side of bed and rest your arms back, raise one at a time.

[sjean423]

you look too thin to be in an 18 wide chair



I agree, unless your picture is deceiving you must be smaller than I am. I am 5'8" around 160 lbs and in an 18" chair. You look much thinner that I in your pic. I can see how much work it must be for you to transfer. Keep trying! (ps the links posted by Chick are in post 12, the blue underlined words.)

[RehabRhino]

chick, i still find no links posted by you in this thread

They are in Chick's post here Lori #12

http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showpost.php?p=465150&postcount=12

I suggest you just start having a go with help to see what you CAN do. It used to take 3 PTs to help me.

[Scorpion]

Chick's links are in post #12 of this thread: CLICK HERE. (http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showpost.php?p=465150&postcount=12) They're titled "Independent Transfers" and "High Quads Transferring."

Your chair might be too big for you, but from what I've seen, transferring in/out of a power chair is generally easier than a manual. Your balance will get better as you work on transferring, because you'll be forced to find your balance or fall on your face. :) Take the armrest off before transferring, get the sliding board under the cushion if you can (over tha cushion if going TO chair) and like chick said, stop talking about it and DO IT. The only way to figure out if/how you're going to be able to transfer is to just try it. Get a spotter (friend or family member) and have them there just in case you fall, not helping unless you're completely stuck.

All the suggestions in the world from other quads only get you started. You have to find what works for YOU, and that's from trial and error, not from asking questions. I watched a bunch of other quads transfer in rehab, and I don't transfer like any one of them. I got ideas from watching them, but it's like I pieced together my own way by seeing others transfer and then trying stuff on my own.

If you don't try, you'll never know.

[sjean423]

We must have all posted at once ..... LOL

[RehabRhino]

Yeah, yeah. I was first. Go back to sleep America:p

[sjean423]

moving this never mind

[kickinglamb]

dear friends i found the links already my computer just doesn't seem to wanna work on this site all the time is all. could someone PLEASE tell me this thread is being moved PLEASE! IF thats what the last poster meant by thier comment??
i KNOW MY CHAIR IS TOO BIG FOR MY NOW...im only 5'6'' 120lbs how do i et a new one? i had to pitch and scream to get them to give me this one because the other was giver me pressure sores on every vertebrea on my back!
the compny that cocersed me into this chair no longer takes my insurance so i'm fucked thier i must have the shittiest SCI dr in the east coast if i had my own wheelchair accessable van i'd leave PA and find a GOOD hosp to choose a doc from. thank GOD there aren't that many quads in the area at least they don't have to suffer.
well, i guess IF I COULD SPEEK UP more than just to you guys i may get further as well. sorry for whining.
i do have a real important question though...how do you start a poll?

[sjean423]

Sorry if I confused you Lori ..... I posted a question here about putting links in posts, and then realized I was hijacking your thread, so I deleted it and moved my question to the computer forum. That's what the "never mind, moving this" meant.

[chick]

The chair might still be under warranty? If not, check with your insurance provider. IF the chair is not fitted to you properly, this could (if not already) cause more pain, deformities, pressure ulcers, etc. This would cost more for your insurance in the long-term, with more mods to chair, hospital costs due to health problems, limited independence (inhibits transfer), added cost of more PCA and/or nursing costs to help with possible decrease in independence, etc. Few things get insurance companies to act. COST to them is one of those things.

Lists as much as you can think of and go to your Dr. and/or insurance rep.

YES. You need to speak out for your needs and direct your own care as much as you are able.

[kickinglamb]

THANKS CHICK,
i you can , please help me with this list, 1st off, who do i tell them TOLD ME the chair is is too big? my ''little friends on the internet''? you know how they are. and i don't have a good repore with my dr. i'm afraid.
lori

[redbandit]

The company that ordered your chair for you should have taken your measurements so they could fit the chair to you. You need to find a good SCI rehab center in your area and have a knowledgable occupational therapist do a seating evaluation for you. Then you can show the results to the company and have them make it right. You have some excellent facilities close to you, check this website http://www.sci-info-pages.com/rehabs.html that has a listing of rehab centers and look specifically at Kessler in New Jersey, and Magee in Pennsylvania. Just click on the names and it will take you to their websites where you can get their contact info.

Actually, i just looked and you are closer to Univ of Pittsburgh Medical Center......you can go thru website above or here http://irr.upmc.com/

Here's a page with contact info http://www.upmc.com/ContactUs.htm
Hope this helps....

[cass]

lori,
PA is one of the most pro-active states in terms of home care. my friend, whom i have exchanged many emails with over your situation and is a quad in your area whose job it is to help people like you, does not understand why you are having these problems. you refused her help. so, i think you are refusing help in general and blaming a system. according to my friend, your county is very well equipped to help you. and the agency you told me in email that helps you has case workers who make monthly visits. do you not have a case worker?
btw, backs on wheelchairs can be changed. for instance, the jay back.
i am concerned that you keep posting and having problems, yet when real help was offered you right there where you live, you refused.
lori, i can get you help and connections. why won't you take it? and my friend can tell me how many quads are in PA, specifically your county. she LIVES there.
:(

[Liz321]

Thank you cass.

[sjean423]

Are you having any luck with these?

[pash8605]

I'm still planning on doing the video, but my bf keeps forgetting the camera.

[NoDecafPlz]

Do the video!

Ditch the boyfriend!

<SWOON!>

:D :D :D :D

J.