What is Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS or Fibro) is a debilitating chronic syndrome (constellation of signs and symptoms) characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue...
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Shower Accessories Rant
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I realized the other day that I need shower accessories. I need a seat for the shower and a bath rail to get in and out because my legs sometimes dont move. I get paralysed with pain and I literally cant move.
Im only 37, I shouldnt need these things! What's worse is...they're so bloody expensive! I mean, these items are usually marketed to elderly people who are on a fixed income...how are they expected to pay $80+ for a seat and $40+ for a single rail??? INSANE! AND..today, being in so much pain, I went to my pharmacist and asked her if she knew of ANYTHING that works for nerve pain. She told me...pretty much nothing will work for it. She suggested 2 meds, both have horrible side effects though and no guarantee that they'll work. She asked if I used Lyrica. I told her yes, and told her Im off it because of the side effects. She said any other meds will likely be the same. I feel like Im losing all hope of every getting any better. Posted on 11/06/09, 06:11 pm |
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Have you tried gabephentin. I know it doesn't work for everyone but works for me. I only payed 20% for my seat but maybe cause I am from Canada. Pretty lucky that way. hugs 
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Im in Canada too...how did you only pay 20% for your seat?
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I just found some info on the Assisted Devices Program in Ontario. Im surprised it isnt income related. Usually I wont qualify for those programs because I work full time and Im single.
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Try freecycle.com. I see shower accessories on it in my area all the time. Or Craigslist?
I see these things at yard sales all the time, too. Thrift stores? And sadly, many of these have been barely used. I think hospitals release people too soon - especially stroke victims.
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It is expensive for these extras. I purchased a shower chair for $50 and was really disappointed in it. It isn't very strong and when you sit on it the legs start to bend outward.
My brother purchased and installed a shower/bath bar at my old house and I don't know how much he paid, but I'm sure it wasn't cheap. I wasn't able to take them with me because then I would leave holes in the shower wall. But it is the same for any medical supply. Cane, wheelchair, they all cost a bundle. Now I just use a plastic chair that I bought for the patio. It's a lot stronger and I don't have to worry about it collapsing If you tried Lyrica like I did with no success, you might give Nuerontin (gabapentin) a try. It's a lot cheaper and I didn't have any side effects accept for weight gain.
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Hi simone,
you can try the elderly services. I know when my dad passed away we gave the accessories to the elderly services and they will find someone who can use it. You aren't elderly but they probably can help you find a community service that could help. My daughter is an occupational therapist and she was always looking to give stuff away! Good luck!
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I don't know where you are in Canada, but here in QC, when I needed those things, my ergotherapeute was able to get them for me through the CLSC for free. I didn't pay a dime. the same is true for my mobility scooter. Medicare payed for it. Please check with organizations in yr prov. for people with disabilities. You may be able to get these things for free or for a nominal fee. As for whether you should or shouldn't need them well, the important thing is that you know that you do. Next step is to make sure you get them & put them to good use in order to make yr day to day life easier.I look at these assistive devices as TOOLS. For those of us with Fibro, they are some of the tools of the trade. In order for us to do an efficient job of living day to day, we use these tools.
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I CAN'T SEAT IN A CAR TO WASH MY HAIR I HAVE TO LAY DOWN IN TUB TO WASH HAIR THEN SIDE UP UNDER A NEW RAIN SHOWER
HEAD A GOT(NOT CHEAP $79)) SO I NEED THE RAILS ACTUALLT NEED THREE I FOUND THEM A SURGICAL SUPPLIE FOR $19 A PIECE GOOD & STURDY! W/ ANCHERS! NEED TO PUT TWO @ ANGELS GOING LEFT TO RIGHT & ONE UNDERNEATH STRAIGHT! SO I CAN PULL MYSELF UP & DOWN! I ALSO BOUGHT A WALL MOUNT BODY SHOWER MASSAGE HOOKS UP TO SHOWER HEAD & HAS 7 ADDITIONAL HEAD THAT CAN BE ADJUSTED TODIFFERENT PARTS OF BODY & DIFFERENT MASSAGE PRESSURES! & HAS A HAND HELD HEAD W/ HOSE!($299. @ MEIJERS) THEY ARE ALL WELL WORTH IT! THINGS TO MAKE OU LIFE EASIER! & CLEAN! LOL I WOULD CHECK FREE CYCLE & CRAIGS LIST/E-BAY!
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i used a cheap plastic garden chair in the shower. worked just fine. had a back, too. my cleaning lady would help me bathe. now i can use the tub again. much prefer it. but must get into bed for a couple of hours afterwards. cleanliness is exhausting. good luck getting what you need. you aughta have it all.
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For me, one of the most challenging aspect of showering/bathing is wriggling out of all my clothing! In Summer, I wear these weightless sundresses that you can almost toss into the iar & stand under to get them on. Getting them off is a simple matter of slipping the straps & letting gravity do it's thing. Fall, however, means layers of stuff meant to keep my 'picky' muscles & bones warm. Peeling it all off (after having shoved myself into it all in the morning) is a hassle.
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