I’d be a little concerned about this adivce. The problem here is that
with no orhtosis it becomes more difficult to expend calories and lose the
weight, and easier to pile even more weight on. I know, I know, there
areseated aaaerobics and other things, but walking to get form place to
place can make a difference pretty readily. Don’t punish the guy or make
him feel even worse about being fat. If there are reality factors, like
Pickwickian syndrome setting in or can’t fit through doors in the wider
wheelchair, you certainly have to talk about them. But I’ll tell you-
there was once a very large lady with bad OA for whom I denied a power
scooter, and I’ll always regret that; it would have meant a lot to the
quality of her life adn in reality she was not getting excercise by
walking since she was so limited without it, and possibly would have done
more if she used the scooter to go hit the mall and then maybe walk around
the store a little..
Vikki Stefans, pediatric physiatrist (rehab doc for kids) and working
Mom of Sarah T. and Michael C., aka [email protected]
Arkansas Children’s Hospital/ U of A for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
…and EVERY mom is a working mom! (OK, dads too…)
On Wed, 9 Dec 1998, Chris Drake wrote:
> Don’t Go there without using at least a free hip Joint and wide pelvic
> band. In my opinion you don’t stand a chance without using one. But as
> usual I’m always happy to be proved wrong.
>
> p.s Also tell the patient in no uncertain terms to lose weight.
> Organise some help if needed and then set goals and a wieght level at
> which you will start the work.
> No loss of weight no *Orthosis*.
>
