Dear Linda, I need my Aid to help me into the tub. Because I can not even
lift my leg but just a little bit when I do not have the back pain. My  hips
are effected because of the CP. My plevis tilts. and right now the Dr. said
he can not do surgery yet because it is still tiliting. and he has to wait a
few more years until it finishes tilting. That is one of the problems thay
are finding that come with some people that are older with CP. I am 46 years
old. and my Dr. said my body acts like a 60 year old body as far as my bones
are concerned.  so I can not back in to a shower I do not have the blance.
Which I have never had. CP has caused me to have no blance at all. if you
just brush up a aganse me when I am on my crutches. I can fall. I only have
a aid 4 hours a day monday-friday. and sometimes when she is not here I have
to go to the bathroom. so that is why the shower does not work for me. and
as far as PT or OT  I have been throught that a many times. and the last
time was two years ago when I moved here to VA. and thay said there is no
more thay can do to help me with my mobility. becuse when it comes to
movment from my hips down. there is not a lot I can do as far as lifting my
legs. and now I have a lot of joint pain because of Aruthrise Burisi ( I
know that is not how you spell those words. but maby you can understand what
I am trying to say.) I am going to see my Dr. on Tuesday. and I will. I can
get dressed and into my bed ok. it is just I can not get in and out of a tud
with out help. and trying to set down low and swing my legs over is very
painful for me right now. I have tryed it and it really does hurt a lot. so
I have been just spongeing over with a wet wash rag. thanks for the idea
anyway. Lynn

Linda Wagner wrote:

> I don't know if this would work, but could you sit on the edge of the
> tub, then swing your legs over the edge to get to your shower chair?  I
> had to do that for awhile after I had my hamstrings lengthened because I
> didn't have the strength or range of motion to lift/bend my leg to get
> into the tub.  Or try stepping into the tub backwards.  If you have a
> sink or wall or something in front of you, with your back to the shower,
> you can lean forward on that and then you don't have to lift your leg so
> far and there would be less starin on the back.
>
> Another thought...can't your dr. order a home health evaluation (or
> whatever you call it) and get a PT or OT to come to your house to help
> you figure all this out?  When I had my surgery, I had an OT and PT in
> two-three times each just to show me how to get in and out of my house,
> the tub, the bed, get dressed etc...Seems like with some professional
> help there should be a way for you to stay safe and healthy.
>
> Linda