MS - What can I expect?
You may find yourself walking much more slowly and being
leaned upon occasionally and this may affect your hips, back or
shoulders. If a wheelchair is offered to the PwMS is important that
you are included in the assessment in order that your height
and strength are taken into consideration. I know many carers
who have hurt their backs trying to get a heavy wheelchair into
a car boot.
You may be called upon to help someone up from the floor,
out of a bath or car or even up and down stairs. Great care needs
to be taken to be helpful but also protect yourself.
If you are starting to do quite a lot of lifting
(because of falls or fatigue), it may be time to request help from
social services (address and contact number available from your local
town hall) who can advise on safety equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The ambulance service can and regularly do make calls to
help get someone up from the floor. Every paramedic I know has a
small group of regulars. Dial 999 and immediately say ?it is not
an emergency but I have someone with me who has multiple sclerosis
and they cannot get up?. DO NOT RISK HARMING EITHER YOURSELF OR THE
PERSON WITH MS ? LET THE EXPERTS HELP OR YOU MAY NEED THEM FOR
SOMETHING MUCH MORE SERIOUS.
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