Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...

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Engineering a Pulley System

barb4serenity
barb4serenity
This is a disability related issue. My bedrooms are on the second floor. I am not ready to relocate to living on only the first floor. I can still do the stairs safely as long as I am holding on to the banister. The problem is I am usually carrying things to be taken upstairs, often drinks. I have long ago purchased unbreakable covered cups so in the event I did fall there would be no broken glass and if any spillage would be very little. I am now searching on the web for a pulley system to which I could maybe attach a sturdy basket. There is such a thing on the market but its rope is too short, made for hanging plants to be lowered for watering. Then raised back up again. Anyone have any ideas? I looked into dumbwaiters....too much construction and too much cost. I will only be lifting lightweight stuff. Thank you for any ideas or direction. Barb.
Barbel
Barbel
Sound like you could use one of those automatic chairs that you can ride up and down the stairs. I can only do a few steps 2/3. Then rest.
Good luck. Great idea!
mgot
mgot
Consider the 3 pocket waist "aprons" to slip things into. They come with differnt size pouches made for transporting cleaning or gardening supplies hands free. I find pouches that go around my waist with a tie or clip system avoid the stress of weight on my neck, shoulders or hands and are very helpful. I have a cute blue leather slip on the waist band clip purse and a cute Pocket holder I love. An apron that slips over the neck might be ok for a quick trip. Let us know what you find that works out the best.
Tim62
Tim62
Would a backpack be of any usefulness? I've seen ones with mesh compartments on the sides designed to hold a water bottle while hiking.
megan2626
megan2626
The apron is a great idea!!!
jimmijane
jimmijane
A pulley system could work,as long as there were no arm strength issues,a good hardware shop would have whats required.l remember we had a crate with a pulley for a tree house as kids,in a stair well you would probably want an arm that could swing out so that it does not hit the wall on the way.And remember to retract the arm so it doesn't become an issue.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've been pondering that too, but it would have to be outside on the balcony. Eventually well have to move or get a chair lift.

For now I sling a bag over my shoulder. And keep a running list of anything that needs to go up or down because I can't go back. I can typically manage the stairs just once a day.

If I can't carry my bag, I use a basket with a tall handle or paper grocery bag with stand up handles and just put it on each stair as I go. If it's not stuff I need I can leave it on the landing and hopefully go back down the few steps to get it later.

Oh, I also have a chair on the landing in case I have to sit for awhile.