Skip to main content

Traveling With a Spinal Cord Injury

Recovering from a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be long and tedious. There will be pain and discomfort, worry and frustration about the lack of mobility and fear about the long term recovery prospects. On top of that there are the side effects of the medication that may be prescribed and the physiotherapy that has to be done. All in all, recovering from SCI is not a good time in a person’s life. A positive attitude and finding ways to relieve the stress can relieve the tension and worry and even help to facilitate the recovery. One of the best ways to do this is to travel. That does not mean hopping on a plane and flying off to distant places. All you need to do is move out of the home to get away for a day or two. It is not as difficult as you may think.



Check with Your Doctor

Being spontaneous is fine when you are well, but with an SCI, you need to be sure of what you can and cannot do. The first step is to consult your doctor and get clearance to travel. Tell him about how you are feeling, physically and mentally, and why you want a break. Give full details about your travel plans. If you get the go ahead to travel, follow all the instruction you receive to the letter, including the means of travel. If you are told not to travel, there is nothing that can be done about it – you don’t want to slow down your recovery or cause complications. Do not presume to know more than the doctor.

Find the Right Destination

Make a list of possible destinations and then check to see if the facilities in each place are what you need. Choose the destination that best fits your needs. These include:

 ·         Wheelchair accessibility

 ·         Disabled friendly bathrooms 

 ·         Whether any special foods that you may need are available

 ·         Activities that you will be able to participate in.

 ·         Anything else your doctor may have advised.

 ·         Things you want and can do. Remember that this is a getaway for you and not a temporary change to another care facility. Within the bounds of your medical limitations, looks for activities that will be a change from the regular routine and which you enjoy doing.


Plan for Contingencies

Check to see if the place you are visiting has:

  ·         A hospital you can go to in an emergency.

  ·         Medicines available nearby.

  ·         A wheelchair repair facility in the area.

  ·         Anything else that you can think of that you have needed as part of your recovery.

  ·         Any special services that you doctor had advised should be available if you need them.


The Right Transportation Is Critical

The right vehicle is essential to a safe and comfortable trip. Car travel may not only be uncomfortable, it may be dangerous. The best option is to use a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service (NEMT). This service will have special vehicles that are both safe and comfortable to travel in and drivers who are specially trained in transporting people with health and mobility issues.

With the right planning, a few days away from home can be a rejuvenating experience that will help in working through your recovery.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Transportation Options for the Elderly

When a person is no longer able to drive, the effect of the loss of mobility and freedom can be devastating. In the cases of the elderly, who may have been driving for half a century or more, the loss is often traumatic. The loss of freedom to access and participate in those activities that have been a staple of life for decades can result in stress, depression and a range of other problems, both physical and mental. The effect that this loss of mobility has, is often not noticed by friends and loved ones because the elderly are frequently too stubborn or proud to let others know how it affects them. Hiding the impact and bottling it up inside only makes the problem worse and the depression continues to grow unseen, often till it reaches a breaking point. A frequently asked question is - why can’t the elderly use other forms of transport? Image Courtesy: Pexels The Other Options Public transport would appear to be an option. However, for many seniors, a bus or subway journey is
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Transport a Bedridden Person

Transporting a bedridden person is difficult. However, there are various technologies and facilities that have made transportation easy. Here is how to move a bedridden person: Choose a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Company There are numerous non-emergency medical transportation providers in almost all cities of America. A lot of hospitals or doctors may have a preferred service that they may recommend if you do not have any preference. Also, in certain states, the hospital may help book a van for you. However, it is also easy to choose a company on your own. Search for a non-emergency medical transport online or on a phone directory. In case you do not know which one to select, you can ask your family, friends or even the hospital to recommend. Read also: Don’t Ignore Check-Ups that are Due During COVID-19 Another way to assist you in narrowing your choices is to ask the service provider about the prices. Those companies that offer extremely cheap or exorbitant prices should be dis
Post a Comment
Read more

Making Everyday Life Easier with Proper Wheelchairs

  In case you are suffering from a health issue or personal injury that constrains your capability to move, you can attain independence with the help of a wheelchair that will suit your needs. Some of the important elements you can take into account when choosing a wheelchair are the type of surface and the several climate conditions you may have to handle. You could also get wheelchair ramps, add-ons, and lifts that can make living easier, especially if you have to utilize a wheelchair long-term or temporarily. Manual Wheelchairs Are Easy to Handle and Lightweight Manual wheelchairs are the best for those who can propel the machine with their arms. This is the most cost-effective option with no recharge and batteries. Moreover, since it is extremely lightweight, it can be transported easily. 1.Most standard manual wheelchairs have a fixed footrest and armrest. However, the footrests can easily be moved up or down. 2. Detachable manual wheelchairs offer a removable footrest and armrest
Post a Comment
Read more