Monday, October 18, 2010

Requirements for Handicap Fixtures

Requirements for handicap fixtures are in place to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access and use common public areas comfortably. When the fixtures are installed properly, they can be used by disabled individuals to support an independent lifestyle.

Read more: Requirements for Handicap Fixtures | eHow.co.uk http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_7211723_requirements-handicap-fixtures.html#ixzz12iWEb442

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Handicapped Accessible Ramps Standards and Choices

Ramps are necessary to connect different levels if elevators or lifts are not available. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for building a handicap ramp are minimum guidelines so people in a wheelchair can manage and safely use the ramp. For the full article click here.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Update on Baclofen Pump Implaant

I am getting stronger each day, though there are still some spasticity. I can get through the small spasms and have found that range of motion exercises and stretching help keep them at bay. I will be writing a few articles on how to perform these exercises in hopes it will help others who are confined to a wheel chair. Check back often to see continued updates.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Medtronic Baclofen Pump Implanted

My MS spasticity had increased and increasing the oral baclofen resulted in my entire body swelling and functionality almost at zero. I ended up in the hospital to reduce the swelling and was introduced to the baclofen pump. After discharge I tool my healthcare into my own hands and pursued the baclofen pump. After consulting with the Dr., Physician Assistant, and Medtronic Rep I made the decision to have the Medtronic ITB pump implanted.

Before the pump was implanted I needed to have a test dose to ensure that this form of medicine infusion would work. It was amazing how fast my spasms disappeared. I am a past Medtronic Employee which sped up my surgery date to four days after the test dose.

I am a different person now. My spasms are gone, but so is the tone in my legs. This means that I was using the spasms to help stand and transfer. I now need to do quite a bit of physical therapy to strengthen my muscles. I also have so much more energy. I used to wake up and see everything as hard work, which meant not much got done. Now I am accomplishing so much more and even taking on the little things that I never even would have touched before.

Here is a clip from the Medtronic website about their pump

"People who suffer from severe spasticity resulting from cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury may be a candidate for ITB Therapy. If you have spasticity due to spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis you must first fail oral baclofen. If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury you must first wait 1 year after the injury to be considered for ITB Therapy. A screening test will help show if you will respond to the intrathecal baclofen. You should not receive ITB Therapy if you have an infection, are allergic to baclofen, or your body size is too small to hold the implantable pump."

For more information about the pump click here.

Monday, April 26, 2010

How to Stay Informed About Multiple Sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families need to keep up with the latest information on MS symptoms, treatments and advice on how to cope with their condition. This information is consistently updated, but you can stay informed about these issues regarding multiple sclerosis, and many other MS topics, with these four reputable sources.

For the full story click here.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Sister Kenny, Minnesota

There is something to be said about not being able to use your legs properly. This was the case for me recently and I ended up staying, for 10 days, at Sister Kenny Rehab Institute in Minnesota. They are well known for their rehabilitation regime and it worked for me. With the use of botox shots in my leg and some good physical and occupational therapy I am back home. My leg is still giving me a little trouble but there continues to be physical therapy at home and I know that I will be able to 'achieve' again.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

How to Research AmpyraT as a Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

The food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved AmpyraT (formerly known as fampridine SR, from Acorda Therapeutics) as a symptomatic treatment to improve walking for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). There are many reputable websites where there is information to research AmpyraT as a treatment for MS.

For the full article click here.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

How to Research Use of Cladribine for Multiple Sclerosis

Cladribine is an oral chemotherapy medication that has been used to treat hairy cell leukemia. This potential MS treatment drug has been the center of clinical studies for the treatment of relapsing progressive Multiple Sclerosis. There are several respectable sources to find out more information about the studies and the use of Cladribine for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

For the full story click here.

Oral multiple sclerosis drug shows promise

January 20, 2010 | 2:00 pm

A large study on a new oral medication for multiple sclerosis has yielded promising results both in terms of how well the drug works and its safety, according to a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

MS

The drug, Cladribine, is an existing chemotherapy medication that is used to treat hairy cell leukemia. It
would be the first tablet medication for MS and would only need to be taken for eight or 10 days a year. Currently, MS drug treatments include injections and intravenous infusions. The disease is a neurological condition that often beings in young adulthood and can lead to problems with muscle control, vision, hearing and memory.

The new study included 1,300 MS patients who were followed for nearly two years and had regular MRI scans to assess the progression of the disease. Patients were given either a short treatment of Cladribine or a placebo. Compared to the patients taking the placebo, patients on the medication were 55% less likely to have a relapse and 30% less likely to have a worsening of disability. The study was performed at Queen Mary, University of London.

The drug company MD Serono, an affiliate of Merck, has requested approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market the tablet. However it recently received a "refuse to file" letter from the FDA, which means the agency is requiring additional information or data. MD Serono said it is pursuing the matter with the FDA and hopes to re-submit its application.

The drug is of wide interest, note officials from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Cladribine "would represent a major treatment breakthrough -- hopefully the first of many successful oral therapies in the pipeline," Dr. John R. Richert, executive vice president of research and clinical programs for the National MS Society, said in a statement.

-- Shari Roan

Multiple Sclerosis - Google News

Achieve with a Disability - Google News

Active Seniors - Google News