Tips for loss of legs...

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

Two years ago, in 2020, I suffered a series of strokes that cost me the
vision in one eye, the loss of use of my legs, and my right hand doesn\'t
work well. I blame my doctors for the severity of the strokes, since they
failed to warn me of the connection between sodium and high blood pressure,
which leads to strokes.

Recently, a friend lost the use of her legs due to a degenerative disease.
I decided to write a list of tips to help with her disability. Of
necessity, this list is centered on the stores around Midland, Ontario, but
many of the suggestions can apply anywhere.

Since many of the inhabitants of this forum are approaching the age when
strokes are likely to occur, I post the list here in the event it is
needed. Here are the tips:

1. apply for pension, pension supplement, disability, and anything else you
and your doctor can find.

2. reduce your taxes by taking every deduction you can find.

3. reduce your electric bill

3A. your water heater is a huge part of your bill. It is usually set too
high, which wastes a lot of energy. Reduce the water temperature setting to
110 degrees F(43C).

3B. your refrigerator is the next huge part of your bill. Increase the
fridge temp to the maximum possible, usually around 43F (6C). Increase the
freezer the highest temperature possible, usually around 14F (-10C).

3C. setting the fridge to 6C is the best temperature for long term storage
of vegetable such as potatoes, onions, etc.

3D. change all the filament bulbs to LED. A 60 Watt equivalent LED bulb
only takes 9 Watts instead of 60 Watts, or only 15% of the original. They
are in a much softer color and last much longer. Some are dimmable:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=60+Watt+LED+BULB&s=price-asc-rank

4. get a toilet extender with arms. This helps standing up. The very best
one is at

https://www.amazon.ca/Carex-Raised-Toilet-Adjustable-
Armrests/dp/B00H7QVUS6/ ($89.99)
- the other ones are crap.

5A. get Instacart. This service delivers food so you no longer have to go
to the stores to shop. Walmart and RCSS have the best selection but RCSS is
often a bit more expensive. Do not buy potatoes from Walmart. They are
terrible.

Instacart+, formerly known as Instacart Express, is an optional
subscription service that provides access to unlimited free deliveries on
orders over $35 for $99 per year, or $9.99 per month. It also reduces the
service fees on your orders.

https://www.instacart.ca/store/home

More about Instacart later.

5B. Use Feastify

https://feastify.com/listing-region/midland-main/

You can get the best Fish and Chips this side of England at Midland Fish &
Chip & Seafoods.

Also find the best pizza on the planet with Little Caesars Pizza, at County
Rd 93.

Do not order chinese food. None of the chinese restaurents are any good.
The only one that is passable is Uncle Roy\'s Restaurant on King St.
However, they have a minimum order, but I forget what it is. Learn how to
make your own.

6. Stop using ordinary sodium salt (NaCl). It increases your blood
pressure, which leads to strokes. It also causes water retention. Use
potassium salt instead (KCl). This is available at Valu-Mart on King Street
as Salt Free. Here is a photo:

https://www.amazon.ca/Windsor-Iodized-Salt-Free-Substitute/dp/B07H1LH8CG/

- Do not buy from Amazon. They overcharge. Get it from Value-Mart where it
is about $7.50. They are called Independent Grocers on Instacart. Also,
RCSS stocks it.

6A. Be careful of the salt content in various food and condiments. For
example, how much sodium is in French\'s yellow mustard?

French\'s Classic Yellow Mustard
per 1 tsp 5 ml
Sodium 60 mg 3%

WM $3.05 400 ml
Amazon $5.17 830ml <- Amazon is a better bargain

French\'s Low Sodium Ketchup
per tbsp 15 ml
sodium 40 mg 2%

- not much difference, but watch out for other brands.

6B. Get a blood pressure monitor, one that works on the upper arm, not on
the wrist which are the least accurate. Around $40 - $50:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=blood+pressure+monitor+upper+arm&s=price-asc-
rank&page=2

One example: Blood Pressure Monitor for Home use Accurate Automatic Digital
Machine Large LCD Display Dual user mode $39.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Pressure-Monitor-Accurate-Automatic-
Digital/dp/B0B5RKS2WF/

6C. get a weigh scale if you don\'t have one already. Here are some on
Amazon. Most are around $20.00:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=weight+scales+for+people&s=price-asc-rank

6D. Take your vitamins. These become important as you grow older. You need
the complete list from A to D, plus Calcium and minerals.

7A. Get a small cart so you don\'t need both hands to carry things around.
Here are some examples:

Mr IRONSTONE Kitchen Cart 3-Tier Kitchen Baker\'s Rack Utility Microwave
Oven Stand Storage Rolling Workstation with 10 Hooks for Living Room
(Vintage) $99.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07PJNJM62/

Amazon Basics 3-Shelf Adjustable, Heavy Duty Storage Shelving Unit on 4\"
Wheel Casters, Metal Organizer Wire Rack, Black (23.2L x 13.4W x 32.75H)
$49.23 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LYZ7U4I/

HOOBRO Industrial Printer Stand, 3-Tier Printer Table Printer Cart on
Wheels, Height Adjustable Rolling Carts, 2 Hooks, Under Desk Storage Cart
for Home Office, Rustic Brown and Black BF28PS01 $59.99
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08BNW3JT5/

- Do not get a folding table. They will fold at the worst time when you
have a heavy load on them. Stuff will end up on the floor. I found this out
the hard way.

7B. Get a small cart for the bathroom

Lifewit Slim Rolling Utility Cart 7.9\" Width for Bathroom Laundry Room
Kitchen $29.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09TS8Y98L/

8. Do Not get a wheelchair. They are a pain in the neck. Difficult to
navigate around, cannot get close to anything.

9A. get an ordinary office chair with dual wheels. This one is the best
chair I have found in 60 years of searching:

Amazon Basics Low-Back Computer Task Office Desk Chair with Swivel Casters
- Black $89.68 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01D7P5BFS/

Change the wheels to this type:

Sytopia Office Chair Caster Wheel Replacement Suitable for All Floors and
Carpets, Heavy Duty Rollerblade Chair Wheels, Universal Caster Wheels Size
(11x22 mm) $39.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09X4LPHP5/

- do not get the other style of covered wheels. Lots of things get stuck
and clog up the wheels.

9B. Get a seat cushion. Do not get a memory foam. They collapse to nothing.
Most of the GEL cushions also simply collapse. Do not get an air cusion.
They tilt under you and you will end up on the floor. Get this one:

Tektrum Thick Orthopedic Cool Gel Seat Cushion with Cooling Vents $67.92
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07192ZV7B/

9C. Get a seat cover for the Tektrum. Black hides stains best:

Home Beyond & HB design - 2-Pack Embossed Pillowcase Set (Standard Size,
20x26-Inch, Black) $11.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08YZ7K9V8/

10. The chair will eventually lose pressure and the seat will lower itself.
Get a bunch of hose clamps to wrap around the shaft and prevent the chair
from falling. The shaft is 1.1 inches in dia.

Breeze Power-Seal Stainless Steel Hose Clamp, Worm-Drive, SAE Size 24, 1-
1/16\" to 2\" Diameter Range, 1/2\" Bandwidth (Pack of 10) $17.22
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B008MG2UJI/

- I use 9 clamps with the Tektrum seat cusion.

- Amazon overcharges, but they include delivery. You can get the same
clamps from Rona, Home Depot, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, etc.

11. If you don\'t have one already, get an Instant Pot. I have the Ultra and
Duo models. I like both, but the Duo is easier to operate. It also stores
the cooking times you used previously.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker,
Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer $129.99
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ/

12. Instacart Items. Clearly, these stores have many more items than are
listed here, but I save you the trouble of searching for common items.

Here are some of the things you can get at Valu-Mart, known as Independent
Grocer on Instacart:

https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675351115 No Name Prepared
Yellow Mustard 400 ml $1.60
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675352560 President\'s Choice
White Petroleum Jelly 375 gm
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675353310 Windsor Salt Free 311
g $7.45
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675353514 D\'Italiano Thick
Sliced Bread 675 g $3.95
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675354576 No Name Popping Corn
$3.60
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675355391 No Name Mixed
Vegetables 750 g $4.35
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675355780 President\'s Choice
Club Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh $23.00/ kg
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675357367 Farmer\'s Market Red
Potatoes 10 lb $7.10
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675357816 President\'s Choice
Blue Menu T&J Lean Beef Burgers 8 X 142 gm $16.45 $2.05 ea
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675357857 Heinz No Sugar Added
Ketchup 750 ml $4.90
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675358762 No Name Grade A Extra
Large Eggs 12 ct $4.50
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_61675360736 No Name Garden Mixed
Vegetable 750 g $4.35
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_63383301662 Club Pack Boneless
Skinless Chicken Thigh $23.17
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_67948138428 Villaggio Original
Thick Sliced Italian Style White Bread 675 g $3.80

13. Here are some of the things you can get at Instacart Walmart:

https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_15799146416 J-B Weld Clearweld
Epoxy Clear 25 ml $10.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_1843493359 Kraft Cheese Slices 14
slices, 410 g $3.48
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_1843493633 Nordica 2% Cottage
Cheese 750 g $5.98
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_1843494011 Kraft Single Thick
Cheese Slices 410 g 14 Slices $3.47 $5.18 33% off
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_1843495319 Black Diamond Cheddar
Cheese Slices 1 each 22 Slices, 410 g $3.48
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_1843497573 I Can\'t Believe It\'s
Not Butter Margarine 454 g $1.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_1843498530 Kraft Singles Thin
Cheese Slices 410 g 22 Slices $3.47 $5.18 33% off
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_1843499479 Black Diamond Light
Cheese Slices Slc 22 $3.48
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2532956896 Campbell\'s Chicken
Noodle 284 ml $1.27
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2532963716 Villaggio Original
Thick Sliced Italian Style White Bread 675 g $3.17
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533303574 Campbell\'s Raw
Vegetables 284 ml $1.27
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533307959 Campbell\'s Chunky
Chicken Noodle Soup 540 ml $2.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533311048 Our Finest Lean Angus
Burgers 8 X 128 g $12.97 $1.62 ea
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533311487 Great Value Crispy
Breaded Haddock Fish Fillets $6.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533312066 Great Value
Concentrated Liquid Bleach 3.6 L $3.28 3 For $7.00
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533313154 Clementine $4.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533316999 Great Value Beef
Burgers 904 g $10.97 <- this is the one
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533330358 Great Value Pure White
Vinegar 4 L $2.27
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533729294 Canadian Raised
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs $17.68
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533731726 Great Value Prepared
Yellow Mustard $1.67 550ml
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533735171 Great Value Apple
Cider Vinegar 500 ml $1.47
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2533735718 Great Value Pure Malt
Vinegar 500 ml $1.47
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2535801252 Our Finest Italian
Angus Beef Meatballs 907 g $12.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2535801681 Great Value Vegetable
Flavoured Condensed Soup 284 ml $0.77
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2538799081 Tide Free & Gentle
Liquid Laundry Detergent Unscented $13.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2538889684 Ad Tech 4\" Multi Temp
Mini Glue Sticks 30 ct $4.27
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2542576052 Black Diamond Thin
Cheddar Cheese Slices 825 g 44 Slices
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2542992039 Ziploc Medium Slider
Double Zipper Freezer Gallon Bags 15 ct $4.47
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2570408297 Charmin Ultra Strong
Toilet Paper $13.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2576209080 Heinz Deep-Browned
Beans Pork Tomato 398 ml 398 ml 3 For $4.00
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2974613517 Clorox Clean Up
Cleaner 2% 946 ml $2.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_3304363373 Great Value Regular
Potato Chips $0.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_74997721171 Great Value
Concentrated Bleach 1.27 L $1.77
https://www.instacart.ca/store/walmart-canada/products/19069495 Great Value
2% Cottage Cheese 500g $3.88
https://www.instacart.ca/store/walmart-canada/products/19129737 Great Value
Long Grain Brown Rice 2 kg $4.47
https://www.instacart.ca/store/walmart-canada/products/19129752 Great Value
Large Pretzel Twists
https://www.instacart.ca/store/walmart-canada/products/19129829 Great Value
Mini Pretzel Twists 400 g $1.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/walmart-canada/products/21217877 Equate
Triple Antibiotic Ointment $6.27 Many in stock
https://www.instacart.ca/store/walmart-canada/products/25498091 Piller\'s
Polish Sausage $10.97
https://www.instacart.ca/store/walmart-canada/products/28104454 Great Value
Peanut Oil

14. Here are some of the things you can get at Instacart RCSS:

https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/16502207
Red Potato 3 lb $5.45
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/16596898
Red Onion Bag 3 lb $5.50
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/16614373
Red Potato $0.87 each $4.35 / kg
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/17816251
No Name Sans Nom Grade A Extra Large Eggs $4.80
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/17872597
Farmer\'s Market Red Potatoes $6.60 10 lb
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/17878691
President\'s Choice Red Mini Potato 1kg $4.35
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/17882260
No Name Sans Nom 2% Cottage Cheese 750g $5.25
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/17884425
No Name Sans Nom Peanut Oil $7.10
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/17885912
Chapman\'s Premium French Vanilla Ice Cream $7.65
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/19063541
Armstrong Extra Old White Cheddar Cheese $12.05
https://www.instacart.ca/store/real-canadian-superstore/products/19833647
No Name Sans Nom Buttermilk Pancakes $7.10
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_1464428352 Chapmans Premium Maple
Walnut 2 L $6.55
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2027979259 Red Potato Bag $5.45 5
lb the best
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2028044384 Yellow Potato Bag 5 lb
$4.35
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2030046877 No Name Popping Corn
$2.15
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_2588661134 R.W.Raw Hulled
Sunflower Seeds 1 kg $10.85/ kg
Https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_3131195596 President\'s Choice
Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh 8 ct $12.10
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_590704598 No Name Mixed
Vegetables 750 g $2.20
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_590727629 Post Spoon Size
Shredded Wheat & Bran 525 g $4.90
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_590727801 No Name Regular Liquid
Bleach 1890 ml $2.20
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_590749568 Windsor Salt Free 311 g
$7.45
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_590830464 No Name Apple Cider
Vinegar 500 ml $1.60
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_676899972 Unique Assorted Shapes
& Sizes Quarter Pound of Balloons $2.75
https://www.realcanadiansuperstore.ca/p/20941343_EA RCSS President\'s Choice
Thick & Juicy™ Beef Burgers 1.36 kg $14.00ea

Do Not Buy
https://www.instacart.ca/store/items/item_590744467 No Name Seedless Golden
Raisin 750 g $7.65 <- contains sulfides
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some of the damage from strokes may heal, but it takes a long time. And you
rarely get 100% recovery. So stop eating salt, watch your diet, and take
care of yourself.



--
MRM

 

[Don Y]

On 1/19/2023 12:08 AM, Mike Monett VE3BTI wrote:

0. Invest in relationships with friends and neighbors, esp if family
is not local nor available for assistance. Informally establish a routine
whereby they can \"notice\" if you\'re been unusually silent for a long
period of time. This makes sense even if you NEVER \"need\" them.

1. apply for pension, pension supplement, disability, and anything else you
and your doctor can find.

2. reduce your taxes by taking every deduction you can find.

3. reduce your electric bill

3A. your water heater is a huge part of your bill.

*If* it is electric, perhaps. Our cost for hot water is about $10/month,
year \'round.

It is usually set too
high, which wastes a lot of energy. Reduce the water temperature setting to
110 degrees F(43C).

Invest in an \"instant hot water\" appliance for warm drinks and
minor washing (dishes, etc.)

3B. your refrigerator is the next huge part of your bill. Increase the
fridge temp to the maximum possible, usually around 43F (6C). Increase the
freezer the highest temperature possible, usually around 14F (-10C).

Then you are best advised to not keep much food in your refrigerator
*or* downsize it. From:

<https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely>

\"Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F (4° C). The freezer
temperature should be 0° F (-18° C). Check temperatures periodically.\"

It\'s particularly important not to use the refrigerator/freezer to cool
hot items. I.e., soak in an ice bath to quickly reduce the temperature
and then transfer to the refrigerator or freezer. Bacteria multiply as
a hot item is SLOWLY cooling.

3C. setting the fridge to 6C is the best temperature for long term storage
of vegetable such as potatoes, onions, etc.

See above. We\'ve found closer to 0C to be better. Esp if you are frequently
opening the door to access contents. Typically, the bottom of the frig
remains coldest (evaporator often located high).

3D. change all the filament bulbs to LED. A 60 Watt equivalent LED bulb
only takes 9 Watts instead of 60 Watts, or only 15% of the original. They
are in a much softer color and last much longer. Some are dimmable:

They are available in different color temperatures. Some are considerably
harsher (cooler) than incandescent light. Many of the dimmables make
noise or don\'t dim to (very) low light levels -- esp with conventional
dimmers (plan on replacing them).

4. get a toilet extender with arms. This helps standing up. The very best
one is at

https://www.amazon.ca/Carex-Raised-Toilet-Adjustable-
Armrests/dp/B00H7QVUS6/ ($89.99)
- the other ones are crap.

5A. get Instacart. This service delivers food so you no longer have to go
to the stores to shop. Walmart and RCSS have the best selection but RCSS is
often a bit more expensive. Do not buy potatoes from Walmart. They are
terrible.

Instacart+, formerly known as Instacart Express, is an optional
subscription service that provides access to unlimited free deliveries on
orders over $35 for $99 per year, or $9.99 per month. It also reduces the
service fees on your orders.

https://www.instacart.ca/store/home

More about Instacart later.

Neighbors who will give a call to ask if you need \"a few things\" as
they are heading out the door is a cheaper option. It also gives you
more contact with a person who is likely to be more interested in
your welfare (than a paid employee of a delivery service, eager to
get the hell off to their next stop)

5B. Use Feastify

https://feastify.com/listing-region/midland-main/

You can get the best Fish and Chips this side of England at Midland Fish &
Chip & Seafoods.

Also find the best pizza on the planet with Little Caesars Pizza, at County
Rd 93.

If it\'s like the US franchise, I doubt many folks who favor NY style
would like it. And, am almost certain those who prefer Chicago style would
turn up their noses!

Note that pizza often has high sodium content (esp pepperoni).

Do not order chinese food. None of the chinese restaurents are any good.
The only one that is passable is Uncle Roy\'s Restaurant on King St.
However, they have a minimum order, but I forget what it is. Learn how to
make your own.

Remember, soy sauce is high in sodium. And, many of the \"dipping
sauces\" are sugary.

6. Stop using ordinary sodium salt (NaCl). It increases your blood
pressure, which leads to strokes. It also causes water retention. Use
potassium salt instead (KCl). This is available at Valu-Mart on King Street
as Salt Free. Here is a photo:

https://www.amazon.ca/Windsor-Iodized-Salt-Free-Substitute/dp/B07H1LH8CG/

- Do not buy from Amazon. They overcharge. Get it from Value-Mart where it
is about $7.50. They are called Independent Grocers on Instacart. Also,
RCSS stocks it.

Potassium is not without cardiac risks. Get your medical advice from a doctor,
not USENET. Potassium can interfere with some medications.

<https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/potassium-chloride>

6A. Be careful of the salt content in various food and condiments. For
example, how much sodium is in French\'s yellow mustard?

French\'s Classic Yellow Mustard
per 1 tsp 5 ml
Sodium 60 mg 3%

WM $3.05 400 ml
Amazon $5.17 830ml <- Amazon is a better bargain

French\'s Low Sodium Ketchup
per tbsp 15 ml
sodium 40 mg 2%

- not much difference, but watch out for other brands.

Be wary of baked goods. The typical (chemical) leavening
agents are \"high in sodium\".

Have a look at a slice of bread :>

6B. Get a blood pressure monitor, one that works on the upper arm, not on
the wrist which are the least accurate. Around $40 - $50:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=blood+pressure+monitor+upper+arm&s=price-asc-
rank&page=2

One example: Blood Pressure Monitor for Home use Accurate Automatic Digital
Machine Large LCD Display Dual user mode $39.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Pressure-Monitor-Accurate-Automatic-
Digital/dp/B0B5RKS2WF/

More importantly, learn the PROPER way to take your BP. Chances
are, even the RN in your MD\'s office just rushes through it without
concern for accuracy.

6C. get a weigh scale if you don\'t have one already. Here are some on
Amazon. Most are around $20.00:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=weight+scales+for+people&s=price-asc-rank

More importantly, weigh yourself every day -- preferably same time,
same conditions. (e.g., stepping into the shower). This keeps you
aware of how your weight is trending.

6D. Take your vitamins. These become important as you grow older. You need
the complete list from A to D, plus Calcium and minerals.

And not to excess. More isn\'t always better. Note that calcium is
present in lots of tablets as a \"filler\". If prone to kidney stones,
reduce these.

7A. Get a small cart so you don\'t need both hands to carry things around.
Here are some examples:

Mr IRONSTONE Kitchen Cart 3-Tier Kitchen Baker\'s Rack Utility Microwave
Oven Stand Storage Rolling Workstation with 10 Hooks for Living Room
(Vintage) $99.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07PJNJM62/

Amazon Basics 3-Shelf Adjustable, Heavy Duty Storage Shelving Unit on 4\"
Wheel Casters, Metal Organizer Wire Rack, Black (23.2L x 13.4W x 32.75H)
$49.23 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LYZ7U4I/

HOOBRO Industrial Printer Stand, 3-Tier Printer Table Printer Cart on
Wheels, Height Adjustable Rolling Carts, 2 Hooks, Under Desk Storage Cart
for Home Office, Rustic Brown and Black BF28PS01 $59.99
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08BNW3JT5/

- Do not get a folding table. They will fold at the worst time when you
have a heavy load on them. Stuff will end up on the floor. I found this out
the hard way.

7B. Get a small cart for the bathroom

Lifewit Slim Rolling Utility Cart 7.9\" Width for Bathroom Laundry Room
Kitchen $29.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09TS8Y98L/

8. Do Not get a wheelchair. They are a pain in the neck. Difficult to
navigate around, cannot get close to anything.

That depends on the chair and whether or not the facility (home)
is wheelchair accessible. If the alternative is to be stuck in a
\"lounge chair\" 24/7, you will envy folks who have the mobility of
a wheelchair!

Gummit programs/insurance often subsidize these purchases.

A *folding* wheelchair is useful if you plan on traveling with it.

\"Scooters\" are of dubious value. They are often too heavy/bulky to
transport (unless you get a lift for the back of your vehicle...
only possible with certain classes of vehicles!). And, indoors,
they tend to have a large turning radius. (A motorized wheelchair
will \"turn on a dime\")

9A. get an ordinary office chair with dual wheels. This one is the best
chair I have found in 60 years of searching:

Amazon Basics Low-Back Computer Task Office Desk Chair with Swivel Casters
- Black $89.68 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01D7P5BFS/

Change the wheels to this type:

Sytopia Office Chair Caster Wheel Replacement Suitable for All Floors and
Carpets, Heavy Duty Rollerblade Chair Wheels, Universal Caster Wheels Size
(11x22 mm) $39.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09X4LPHP5/

- do not get the other style of covered wheels. Lots of things get stuck
and clog up the wheels.

Get a \"grabber\"

<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-grabber-tool/>

9B. Get a seat cushion. Do not get a memory foam. They collapse to nothing.
Most of the GEL cushions also simply collapse. Do not get an air cusion.
They tilt under you and you will end up on the floor. Get this one:

Tektrum Thick Orthopedic Cool Gel Seat Cushion with Cooling Vents $67.92
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07192ZV7B/

If you have the funds (or someone else is paying the bill), get a ROHO.
Learn how to \"set\" it and keep an eye on it to ensure it remains \"as set\".

<https://www.permobil.com/en-us/products/seating-positioning/cushioning-products/roho/other-cushioning-options/roho-custom-product>

9C. Get a seat cover for the Tektrum. Black hides stains best:

Home Beyond & HB design - 2-Pack Embossed Pillowcase Set (Standard Size,
20x26-Inch, Black) $11.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08YZ7K9V8/

Periodically REMOVE the cover and launder it. Esp. if you are prone to
bladder incidents. (YOU won\'t smell it but the folks around you will!)

10. The chair will eventually lose pressure and the seat will lower itself.
Get a bunch of hose clamps to wrap around the shaft and prevent the chair
from falling. The shaft is 1.1 inches in dia.

Breeze Power-Seal Stainless Steel Hose Clamp, Worm-Drive, SAE Size 24, 1-
1/16\" to 2\" Diameter Range, 1/2\" Bandwidth (Pack of 10) $17.22
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B008MG2UJI/

- I use 9 clamps with the Tektrum seat cusion.

- Amazon overcharges, but they include delivery. You can get the same
clamps from Rona, Home Depot, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, etc.

11. If you don\'t have one already, get an Instant Pot. I have the Ultra and
Duo models. I like both, but the Duo is easier to operate. It also stores
the cooking times you used previously.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker,
Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer $129.99
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ/

12. Instacart Items. Clearly, these stores have many more items than are
listed here, but I save you the trouble of searching for common items.

Here are some of the things you can get at Valu-Mart, known as Independent
Grocer on Instacart:

13. Here are some of the things you can get at Instacart Walmart:

14. Here are some of the things you can get at Instacart RCSS:

Some of the damage from strokes may heal, but it takes a long time. And you
rarely get 100% recovery. So stop eating salt, watch your diet, and take
care of yourself.

Recovery isn\'t some magical \"time heals all\" but, rather, takes work.

 

[John Larkin]

On Thu, 19 Jan 2023 02:34:19 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

>On 1/19/2023 12:08 AM, Mike Monett VE3BTI wrote:

-1. Live with a younger woman who knows CPR. As a formerly dead
person, trust me on that one.

0. Invest in relationships with friends and neighbors, esp if family
is not local nor available for assistance. Informally establish a routine
whereby they can \"notice\" if you\'re been unusually silent for a long
period of time. This makes sense even if you NEVER \"need\" them.

1. apply for pension, pension supplement, disability, and anything else you
and your doctor can find.

2. reduce your taxes by taking every deduction you can find.

3. reduce your electric bill

3A. your water heater is a huge part of your bill.

*If* it is electric, perhaps. Our cost for hot water is about $10/month,
year \'round.

It is usually set too
high, which wastes a lot of energy. Reduce the water temperature setting to
110 degrees F(43C).

Invest in an \"instant hot water\" appliance for warm drinks and
minor washing (dishes, etc.)

3B. your refrigerator is the next huge part of your bill. Increase the
fridge temp to the maximum possible, usually around 43F (6C). Increase the
freezer the highest temperature possible, usually around 14F (-10C).

Then you are best advised to not keep much food in your refrigerator
*or* downsize it. From:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely

\"Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F (4° C). The freezer
temperature should be 0° F (-18° C). Check temperatures periodically.\"

It\'s particularly important not to use the refrigerator/freezer to cool
hot items. I.e., soak in an ice bath to quickly reduce the temperature
and then transfer to the refrigerator or freezer. Bacteria multiply as
a hot item is SLOWLY cooling.

3C. setting the fridge to 6C is the best temperature for long term storage
of vegetable such as potatoes, onions, etc.

See above. We\'ve found closer to 0C to be better. Esp if you are frequently
opening the door to access contents. Typically, the bottom of the frig
remains coldest (evaporator often located high).

3D. change all the filament bulbs to LED. A 60 Watt equivalent LED bulb
only takes 9 Watts instead of 60 Watts, or only 15% of the original. They
are in a much softer color and last much longer. Some are dimmable:

They are available in different color temperatures. Some are considerably
harsher (cooler) than incandescent light. Many of the dimmables make
noise or don\'t dim to (very) low light levels -- esp with conventional
dimmers (plan on replacing them).

4. get a toilet extender with arms. This helps standing up. The very best
one is at

https://www.amazon.ca/Carex-Raised-Toilet-Adjustable-
Armrests/dp/B00H7QVUS6/ ($89.99)
- the other ones are crap.

5A. get Instacart. This service delivers food so you no longer have to go
to the stores to shop. Walmart and RCSS have the best selection but RCSS is
often a bit more expensive. Do not buy potatoes from Walmart. They are
terrible.

Instacart+, formerly known as Instacart Express, is an optional
subscription service that provides access to unlimited free deliveries on
orders over $35 for $99 per year, or $9.99 per month. It also reduces the
service fees on your orders.

https://www.instacart.ca/store/home

More about Instacart later.

Neighbors who will give a call to ask if you need \"a few things\" as
they are heading out the door is a cheaper option. It also gives you
more contact with a person who is likely to be more interested in
your welfare (than a paid employee of a delivery service, eager to
get the hell off to their next stop)

5B. Use Feastify

https://feastify.com/listing-region/midland-main/

You can get the best Fish and Chips this side of England at Midland Fish &
Chip & Seafoods.

Also find the best pizza on the planet with Little Caesars Pizza, at County
Rd 93.

If it\'s like the US franchise, I doubt many folks who favor NY style
would like it. And, am almost certain those who prefer Chicago style would
turn up their noses!

Note that pizza often has high sodium content (esp pepperoni).

Do not order chinese food. None of the chinese restaurents are any good.
The only one that is passable is Uncle Roy\'s Restaurant on King St.
However, they have a minimum order, but I forget what it is. Learn how to
make your own.

Remember, soy sauce is high in sodium. And, many of the \"dipping
sauces\" are sugary.

6. Stop using ordinary sodium salt (NaCl). It increases your blood
pressure, which leads to strokes. It also causes water retention. Use
potassium salt instead (KCl). This is available at Valu-Mart on King Street
as Salt Free. Here is a photo:

https://www.amazon.ca/Windsor-Iodized-Salt-Free-Substitute/dp/B07H1LH8CG/

- Do not buy from Amazon. They overcharge. Get it from Value-Mart where it
is about $7.50. They are called Independent Grocers on Instacart. Also,
RCSS stocks it.

Potassium is not without cardiac risks. Get your medical advice from a doctor,
not USENET. Potassium can interfere with some medications.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/potassium-chloride

6A. Be careful of the salt content in various food and condiments. For
example, how much sodium is in French\'s yellow mustard?

French\'s Classic Yellow Mustard
per 1 tsp 5 ml
Sodium 60 mg 3%

WM $3.05 400 ml
Amazon $5.17 830ml <- Amazon is a better bargain

French\'s Low Sodium Ketchup
per tbsp 15 ml
sodium 40 mg 2%

- not much difference, but watch out for other brands.

Be wary of baked goods. The typical (chemical) leavening
agents are \"high in sodium\".

Have a look at a slice of bread :

6B. Get a blood pressure monitor, one that works on the upper arm, not on
the wrist which are the least accurate. Around $40 - $50:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=blood+pressure+monitor+upper+arm&s=price-asc-
rank&page=2

One example: Blood Pressure Monitor for Home use Accurate Automatic Digital
Machine Large LCD Display Dual user mode $39.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Pressure-Monitor-Accurate-Automatic-
Digital/dp/B0B5RKS2WF/

More importantly, learn the PROPER way to take your BP. Chances
are, even the RN in your MD\'s office just rushes through it without
concern for accuracy.

6C. get a weigh scale if you don\'t have one already. Here are some on
Amazon. Most are around $20.00:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=weight+scales+for+people&s=price-asc-rank

More importantly, weigh yourself every day -- preferably same time,
same conditions. (e.g., stepping into the shower). This keeps you
aware of how your weight is trending.

The cheap Chinese weigh scales are mostly useless, repeatable to about
+-3 pounds.

This one is excellent:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/pce-instruments/PCE-PB-200N/15286930

6D. Take your vitamins. These become important as you grow older. You need
the complete list from A to D, plus Calcium and minerals.

And not to excess. More isn\'t always better. Note that calcium is
present in lots of tablets as a \"filler\". If prone to kidney stones,
reduce these.

7A. Get a small cart so you don\'t need both hands to carry things around.
Here are some examples:

Mr IRONSTONE Kitchen Cart 3-Tier Kitchen Baker\'s Rack Utility Microwave
Oven Stand Storage Rolling Workstation with 10 Hooks for Living Room
(Vintage) $99.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07PJNJM62/

Amazon Basics 3-Shelf Adjustable, Heavy Duty Storage Shelving Unit on 4\"
Wheel Casters, Metal Organizer Wire Rack, Black (23.2L x 13.4W x 32.75H)
$49.23 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LYZ7U4I/

HOOBRO Industrial Printer Stand, 3-Tier Printer Table Printer Cart on
Wheels, Height Adjustable Rolling Carts, 2 Hooks, Under Desk Storage Cart
for Home Office, Rustic Brown and Black BF28PS01 $59.99
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08BNW3JT5/

- Do not get a folding table. They will fold at the worst time when you
have a heavy load on them. Stuff will end up on the floor. I found this out
the hard way.

7B. Get a small cart for the bathroom

Lifewit Slim Rolling Utility Cart 7.9\" Width for Bathroom Laundry Room
Kitchen $29.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09TS8Y98L/

8. Do Not get a wheelchair. They are a pain in the neck. Difficult to
navigate around, cannot get close to anything.

That depends on the chair and whether or not the facility (home)
is wheelchair accessible. If the alternative is to be stuck in a
\"lounge chair\" 24/7, you will envy folks who have the mobility of
a wheelchair!

Gummit programs/insurance often subsidize these purchases.

A *folding* wheelchair is useful if you plan on traveling with it.

\"Scooters\" are of dubious value. They are often too heavy/bulky to
transport (unless you get a lift for the back of your vehicle...
only possible with certain classes of vehicles!). And, indoors,
they tend to have a large turning radius. (A motorized wheelchair
will \"turn on a dime\")

9A. get an ordinary office chair with dual wheels. This one is the best
chair I have found in 60 years of searching:

Amazon Basics Low-Back Computer Task Office Desk Chair with Swivel Casters
- Black $89.68 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01D7P5BFS/

Change the wheels to this type:

Sytopia Office Chair Caster Wheel Replacement Suitable for All Floors and
Carpets, Heavy Duty Rollerblade Chair Wheels, Universal Caster Wheels Size
(11x22 mm) $39.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09X4LPHP5/

- do not get the other style of covered wheels. Lots of things get stuck
and clog up the wheels.

Get a \"grabber\"

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-grabber-tool/

9B. Get a seat cushion. Do not get a memory foam. They collapse to nothing.
Most of the GEL cushions also simply collapse. Do not get an air cusion.
They tilt under you and you will end up on the floor. Get this one:

Tektrum Thick Orthopedic Cool Gel Seat Cushion with Cooling Vents $67.92
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07192ZV7B/

If you have the funds (or someone else is paying the bill), get a ROHO.
Learn how to \"set\" it and keep an eye on it to ensure it remains \"as set\".

https://www.permobil.com/en-us/products/seating-positioning/cushioning-products/roho/other-cushioning-options/roho-custom-product

9C. Get a seat cover for the Tektrum. Black hides stains best:

Home Beyond & HB design - 2-Pack Embossed Pillowcase Set (Standard Size,
20x26-Inch, Black) $11.99 https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08YZ7K9V8/

Periodically REMOVE the cover and launder it. Esp. if you are prone to
bladder incidents. (YOU won\'t smell it but the folks around you will!)

10. The chair will eventually lose pressure and the seat will lower itself.
Get a bunch of hose clamps to wrap around the shaft and prevent the chair
from falling. The shaft is 1.1 inches in dia.

Breeze Power-Seal Stainless Steel Hose Clamp, Worm-Drive, SAE Size 24, 1-
1/16\" to 2\" Diameter Range, 1/2\" Bandwidth (Pack of 10) $17.22
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B008MG2UJI/

- I use 9 clamps with the Tektrum seat cusion.

- Amazon overcharges, but they include delivery. You can get the same
clamps from Rona, Home Depot, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, etc.

11. If you don\'t have one already, get an Instant Pot. I have the Ultra and
Duo models. I like both, but the Duo is easier to operate. It also stores
the cooking times you used previously.

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker,
Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer $129.99
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ/

12. Instacart Items. Clearly, these stores have many more items than are
listed here, but I save you the trouble of searching for common items.

Here are some of the things you can get at Valu-Mart, known as Independent
Grocer on Instacart:

13. Here are some of the things you can get at Instacart Walmart:

14. Here are some of the things you can get at Instacart RCSS:

Some of the damage from strokes may heal, but it takes a long time. And you
rarely get 100% recovery. So stop eating salt, watch your diet, and take
care of yourself.

Recovery isn\'t some magical \"time heals all\" but, rather, takes work.

 

[Anthony William Sloman]

On Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 7:40:47 PM UTC+11, Mike Monett VE3BTI wrote:

Two years ago, in 2020, I suffered a series of strokes that cost me the
vision in one eye, the loss of use of my legs, and my right hand doesn\'t
work well. I blame my doctors for the severity of the strokes, since they
failed to warn me of the connection between sodium and high blood pressure,
which leads to strokes.

Atrial fibrillation is another good way of getting strokes. I\'m on an an anti-clotting compound to make sure that clots don\'t build up in my right and left atria and move out to block periperal arteries

It sounds as if you had a thoroughly incompetent doctor. Mine have been measuring my blood pressure for as long as I can remember.

When it got high enough to attract their interest. I was persuaded to monitor it for myself every week and prescribed a bunch of drugs I take every day to keep it at 130/80 or better. There\'s a beta-blocker, an ACE-inhibitor and a calcium antagonist in the mix, not to mention the statin to keep the blood cholesterol in the respectable range.

--
Bill Sloman, Sydney

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

Mike Monett VE3BTI <spamme@not.com> wrote:

Two years ago, in 2020, I suffered a series of strokes that cost me the
vision in one eye, the loss of use of my legs, and my right hand doesn\'t
work well. I blame my doctors for the severity of the strokes, since
they failed to warn me of the connection between sodium and high blood
pressure, which leads to strokes.

[...]

Sorry for the dupe. XNews showed the post did not go through when it actually
did.



--
MRM

 

[Carl Ijames]

(Might be a repeat post, sorry if so.)
On 1/19/23 01:44, Mike Monett VE3BTI wrote:


6B. Get a blood pressure monitor, one that works on the upper arm, not on
the wrist which are the least accurate. Around $40 - $50:

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=blood+pressure+monitor+upper+arm&s=price-asc-
rank&page=2

One example: Blood Pressure Monitor for Home use Accurate Automatic Digital
Machine Large LCD Display Dual user mode $39.99
https://www.amazon.ca/Pressure-Monitor-Accurate-Automatic-
Digital/dp/B0B5RKS2WF/


If you have large biceps you will need an extra-large cuff. Many people will tell you that the large cuffs you can buy separately will work but don\'t believe them. Over the years I had two different meters with large cuffs purchased separately and the calibrations were both off about 15/10 or more. That\'s compared to a manual check by a nurse at the doctor\'s office. Same machines on someone with smaller biceps and the original cuffs were spot on. Instead, get the Lifesource UA-789 machine. Comes with (and is properly calibrated for) an extra large cuff and has two compressors so inflates more rapidly than lots of machines with regular sized cuffs. More $$ but for me totally worth it.

Forget where I got mine but here\'s one to look at: https://www.amazon.com/LifeSource-Upper-Pressure-Monitor-UA-789AC/dp/B000VXO4JE


9B. Get a seat cushion. Do not get a memory foam. They collapse to nothing.
Most of the GEL cushions also simply collapse. Do not get an air cusion.
They tilt under you and you will end up on the floor. Get this one:

Tektrum Thick Orthopedic Cool Gel Seat Cushion with Cooling Vents $67.92
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07192ZV7B/


Not impaired but need a cushion for lower back/rear end comfort. Tried a few memory foam and gel cushions, none were any good for me. Got a ROHO air cushion and totally love it. They have a line of \"consumer\" cushions in the $100 range (what I got), and then the professional wheelchair cushions in the $400 range for people who spend their entire life on one. I\'ve never had any issues with tilting or bouncing out of my chair, just follow the instructions on inflation. Start flat and add air gradually until your lowest point is floating about 1/2\" off the surface. More air was actually less comfortable for me. I started with the \"bigger is better\" theory and got a cushion that slightly overhung the seat in my computer chair on all sides, which naturally turned out to be a mistake \0\0\0\0. Anywhere you aren\'t sitting on the cushion it will balloon up so it takes more air to get you properly \"floating\" and makes everything less comfortable (but still never bouncy?). I dropped down a size and it\'s noticeably better. Sit on a tape measure and measure the widest point side to side on your thighs/hips, and get that width. For depth I went from back of chair to mid-thigh and made sure that didn\'t overhang the chair seat in front or back. For some reason the price on Amazon fluctuates up to \0\0 $100, depending on stock I guess, so keep checking and buy low \0\0\0\0. www.camelcamelcamel.com is definitely useful for this. Here\'s the one I\'m sitting on now:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BUNKAY



MRM




--
Regards,
Carl

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

=?UTF-8?B?Q2FybCBJamFtZXM=?= <carl.ijamesXX@verizon.netYY> wrote:

Not impaired but need a cushion for lower back/rear end comfort. Tried
a few memory foam and gel cushions, none were any good for me. Got a
ROHO air cushion and totally love it. They have a line of \"consumer\"
cushions in the $100 range (what I got), and then the professional
wheelchair cushions in the $400 range for people who spend their entire
life on one. I\'ve never had any issues with tilting or bouncing out of
my chair, just follow the instructions on inflation. Start flat and add
air gradually until your lowest point is floating about 1/2\" off the
surface. More air was actually less comfortable for me. I started with
the \"bigger is better\" theory and got a cushion that slightly overhung
the seat in my computer chair on all sides, which naturally turned out
to be a mistake

Thanks for the tips. ROHO is extremly pricy in Canada at upwards of $1100.
Someone is gouging.

The ones in the $100 range appear to be only available in the US. They
ship to Canada, but the shipping costs are usually exorbitant.

How about a Vive Air Seat Cushion for $72.21 ? Looks identical with 72
separate air pockets:

https://www.amazon.ca/Vive-Air-Seat-Cushion-Orthopedic/dp/B07WNKCZ77/

I can see why my current air cushion doesn\'t work. It is only one big
chamber so there is nothing stopping it from tilting. I ordered the Vive
and will try it. I appreciate your tip. Even the Tektrum gets uncomfortable
after one hour.



--
MRM

 

[Carl Ijames]

On 1/19/23 20:42, Mike Monett VE3BTI wrote:

=?UTF-8?B?Q2FybCBJamFtZXM=?= <carl.ijamesXX@verizon.netYY> wrote:

Not impaired but need a cushion for lower back/rear end comfort. Tried
a few memory foam and gel cushions, none were any good for me. Got a
ROHO air cushion and totally love it. They have a line of \"consumer\"
cushions in the $100 range (what I got), and then the professional
wheelchair cushions in the $400 range for people who spend their entire
life on one. I\'ve never had any issues with tilting or bouncing out of
my chair, just follow the instructions on inflation. Start flat and add
air gradually until your lowest point is floating about 1/2\" off the
surface. More air was actually less comfortable for me. I started with
the \"bigger is better\" theory and got a cushion that slightly overhung
the seat in my computer chair on all sides, which naturally turned out
to be a mistake

Thanks for the tips. ROHO is extremly pricy in Canada at upwards of $1100.
Someone is gouging.

The ones in the $100 range appear to be only available in the US. They
ship to Canada, but the shipping costs are usually exorbitant.

How about a Vive Air Seat Cushion for $72.21 ? Looks identical with 72
separate air pockets:

https://www.amazon.ca/Vive-Air-Seat-Cushion-Orthopedic/dp/B07WNKCZ77/

I can see why my current air cushion doesn\'t work. It is only one big
chamber so there is nothing stopping it from tilting. I ordered the Vive
and will try it. I appreciate your tip. Even the Tektrum gets uncomfortable
after one hour.

$1100 is nuts, that must be for the professional line. I\'ve never heard of the Vive brand, on amazon.com it\'s US$50 vs CA$72 on amazon.ca. The ROHO I linked to (item B002BUNKAY) on amazon is on amazon.ca for $228 so a similar markup to the VIVE. The ROHO is constructed with a flat bottom and bulbs (for lack of a better term) sticking upwards. Each bulb is about 2\" wide x 2\" deep and stands 3\" tall. Air flows between bulbs through small passages in the bottom sheet so when you lean from one side to the other you can feel the air flowing for a few seconds. The flat bottom is definitely much thicker and stiffer than the bulb material which I hope makes the assembly more durable. From the pictures the VIVE looks like it\'s made from two sheets each with formed half-bulbs and then joined together so the bottom surface that contacts the chair doesn\'t look any more durable than the top surface you sit on. When I started looking a couple of years ago I found ROHO on amazon, and in the reviews a physical therapist really raved about them. He said that their professional line was the gold standard and the consumer ones were very comfortable, just less durable. Anyway, good luck with the VIVE.


--
Regards,
Carl

 

[Don Y]

On 1/19/2023 1:35 PM, Carl Ijames wrote:

Not impaired but need a cushion for lower back/rear end comfort. Tried a
few memory foam and gel cushions, none were any good for me. Got a ROHO air
cushion and totally love it. They have a line of \"consumer\" cushions in the
$100 range (what I got), and then the professional wheelchair cushions in
the $400 range for people who spend their entire life on one. I\'ve never

There\'s definitely a difference sitting on a gel/foam/whatever cushion for
8-12 hours a day vs. a ROHO. Doing it *every* day...

had any issues with tilting or bouncing out of my chair, just follow the
instructions on inflation. Start flat and add air gradually until your
lowest point is floating about 1/2\" off the surface. More air was actually

There are ROHOs with two chambers to try to allow for the different
levels of support your bottom needs.

Also, keep a spare -- if you consider it a \"must have\". The turn-around
for *warranty* repairs is pretty quick (24-48hrs). No idea what it\'s
like out of warranty or for this \"consumer\" kit.

You can also repair your own -- as long as you haven\'t been too
abusive (faults near the valves are usually fatal). You may want to
track down and acquire a kit to have on hand for the inevitable... :>

less comfortable for me. I started with the \"bigger is better\" theory and
got a cushion that slightly overhung the seat in my computer chair on all
sides, which naturally turned out to be a mistake . Anywhere you aren\'t

If you were driving a chair, you\'d discover the entire chair would be
fitted to your frame. Width at hip, knees, front-to-back, arm rest
height (yes, you want arm rests!), cushion for arm rests, etc.

Sitting in a \"too big\" chair is really sloppy; there\'s a lack of
support.

[And sitting in a too small chair is REALLY uncomfortable! It\'s
amazing how conscious you can become of the actual seat when it\'s
WRONG!]

sitting on the cushion it will balloon up so it takes more air to get you
properly \"floating\" and makes everything less comfortable (but still never
bouncy?). I dropped down a size and it\'s noticeably better. Sit on a tape
measure and measure the widest point side to side on your thighs/hips, and
get that width. For depth I went from back of chair to mid-thigh and made
sure that didn\'t overhang the chair seat in front or back. For some reason
the price on Amazon fluctuates up to $100, depending on stock I guess, so
keep checking and buy low . www.camelcamelcamel.com is definitely useful
for this. Here\'s the one I\'m sitting on now:

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

=?UTF-8?B?Q2FybCBJamFtZXM=?= <carl.ijamesXX@verizon.netYY> wrote:

$1100 is nuts, that must be for the professional line. I\'ve never heard
of the Vive brand, on amazon.com it\'s US$50 vs CA$72 on amazon.ca. The
ROHO I linked to (item B002BUNKAY) on amazon is on amazon.ca for $228 so
a similar markup to the VIVE. The ROHO is constructed with a flat bottom
and bulbs (for lack of a better term) sticking upwards. Each bulb is
about 2\" wide x 2\" deep and stands 3\" tall. Air flows between bulbs
through small passages in the bottom sheet so when you lean from one
side to the other you can feel the air flowing for a few seconds. The
flat bottom is definitely much thicker and stiffer than the bulb
material which I hope makes the assembly more durable. From the pictures
the VIVE looks like it\'s made from two sheets each with formed
half-bulbs and then joined together so the bottom surface that contacts
the chair doesn\'t look any more durable than the top surface you sit on.
When I started looking a couple of years ago I found ROHO on amazon, and
in the reviews a physical therapist really raved about them. He said
that their professional line was the gold standard and the consumer ones
were very comfortable, just less durable. Anyway, good luck with the
VIVE.


--
Regards,
Carl

Thanks for the heads up. The small passages convinced me.

I cancelled the Vive and ordered the ROHO. Good to have help from someone
who knows what they are doing. Thanks,

Mike





--
MRM

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

Carl <carl.ijamesxx@yyverizon.net> wrote:

Please try fully deflating the cushion and slowly adding air, with lots
of testing time at each stop. I hope you find a solution. It\'s always
frustrating and distressing for both people to recommend something that
you have had a good experience with to someone only for them to have the
opposite experience.

--
Regards,
Carl

Please be assured that I like the ROHO very much. I can sit comfortably for
6 or 8 hours, where the best I could do with my previous cushion was less
than an hour.

I like to experiment with things to see if I can improve the performance. I
would like to try adding water to the seat to see if makes any difference,
so I have ordered a VIVE for testing. If nothing else, I need a backup but
the ROHO is too expensive. I also don\'t like the no return policy. The VIVE
is much cheaper, and allows returns. I think this is an excellent way to
judge consumer satisfaction, instead of the ROHO method of gouging the
customer. You have to admit the price structure is a bit outlandish.




--
MRM

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

Mike Monett VE3BTI <spamme@not.com> wrote:

I received the ROHO. I quickly found you have to be careful about
alignment. It has to be exactly centered in the chair, and you have to
be exactly centered on the ROHO. I have been in several situations where
the centering was not correct, and I very nearly fell on the floor. This
would have been a disaster, since without the use of my legs due to the
strokes, I would be unable to get back on my feet without help. I would
have to call the paramedics.

I also found the seat is not returnable. You have to consider the CAD
$227 to be lost if it is unsatisfactory.

The VIVE measures 16.5\" x 16.5\" x 2.5\". That is too small so I returned it.

There is another air seat that is much cheaper - only $14.99 plus $5.54
delivery.

Portable Chair Cushion Wheelchair Office Medical air Inflatable seat
Cushion

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B8GBJFCP

The VIVE and the Portable Chair Cushion work exactly the same way as the
ROHO. Unfortunately they are both 16.5\", which is too small, so I am stuck
with the ROHO.

However, I found if you mount the ROHO upside down, it is much less
sensitive to the exact position on the chair, and to your position when
seated. It also more comfortable. I have been seated for 12 hours and 9
minutes, which is the longest time I have been seated since my strokes. I
am not feeling any discomfort at all, I just feel I should get some sleep.

Before I turned the ROHO upside down, the longest I could go was 5 or 6
hours before I started to feel some discomfort. So using the ROHO in a way
they never intended has doubled my working time, and eliminated the pain I
used to feel that terminated my sessions before. Yay!

Carl, I want to again thank you for your wonderful suggestion. I just wish
the ROHO wasn\'t so darn expensive, and the VIVE and other air cushion
weren\'t so small.

Mike



--
MRM

 

[Carl]

On 3/14/23 22:50, Mike Monett VE3BTI wrote:

Mike Monett VE3BTI <spamme@not.com> wrote:

I received the ROHO. I quickly found you have to be careful about
alignment. It has to be exactly centered in the chair, and you have to
be exactly centered on the ROHO. I have been in several situations where
the centering was not correct, and I very nearly fell on the floor. This
would have been a disaster, since without the use of my legs due to the
strokes, I would be unable to get back on my feet without help. I would
have to call the paramedics.

I also found the seat is not returnable. You have to consider the CAD
$227 to be lost if it is unsatisfactory.

The VIVE measures 16.5\" x 16.5\" x 2.5\". That is too small so I returned it.

There is another air seat that is much cheaper - only $14.99 plus $5.54
delivery.

Portable Chair Cushion Wheelchair Office Medical air Inflatable seat
Cushion

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B8GBJFCP

The VIVE and the Portable Chair Cushion work exactly the same way as the
ROHO. Unfortunately they are both 16.5\", which is too small, so I am stuck
with the ROHO.

However, I found if you mount the ROHO upside down, it is much less
sensitive to the exact position on the chair, and to your position when
seated. It also more comfortable. I have been seated for 12 hours and 9
minutes, which is the longest time I have been seated since my strokes. I
am not feeling any discomfort at all, I just feel I should get some sleep.

Before I turned the ROHO upside down, the longest I could go was 5 or 6
hours before I started to feel some discomfort. So using the ROHO in a way
they never intended has doubled my working time, and eliminated the pain I
used to feel that terminated my sessions before. Yay!

Carl, I want to again thank you for your wonderful suggestion. I just wish
the ROHO wasn\'t so darn expensive, and the VIVE and other air cushion
weren\'t so small.

Mike

You\'re welcome. I tried a similar cheap cushion 3 years ago:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G46QJFS It developed a leak within
a month, was never comfortable, and I found out that the velour surface
made it impossible for a patch to seal, sigh. It was 17\"x17\". The
Portable Cushion you linked to is listed as 18.1\"x18.1\" in the product
description table, not 16.5\"x16.5\", if you want to roll the dice .

For grins I flipped my ROHO upside down and will test for a few days,
just to see.

--
Regards,
Carl

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

Carl <carl.ijamesxx@yyverizon.net> wrote:

You\'re welcome. I tried a similar cheap cushion 3 years ago:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G46QJFS It developed a leak within
a month, was never comfortable, and I found out that the velour surface
made it impossible for a patch to seal, sigh. It was 17\"x17\". The
Portable Cushion you linked to is listed as 18.1\"x18.1\" in the product
description table, not 16.5\"x16.5\", if you want to roll the dice .

For grins I flipped my ROHO upside down and will test for a few days,
just to see.

--
Regards,
Carl

The cushion that was delivered measured 16 inches square. Definitely not 18
inches.



--
MRM

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

Mike Monett VE3BTI <spamme@not.com> wrote:

The cushion that was delivered measured 16 inches square. Definitely not
18 inches.

Maybe they measured it before inflation as shown in the product description.

After inflation it is 16 inches.





--
MRM

 

[Carl]

On 3/15/23 11:58, Mike Monett VE3BTI wrote:

Mike Monett VE3BTI <spamme@not.com> wrote:


The cushion that was delivered measured 16 inches square. Definitely not
18 inches.

Maybe they measured it before inflation as shown in the product description.

After inflation it is 16 inches.

That bites. Have you already returned it? Did you have to pay for
return shipping? If not, maybe you could get Amazon involved as it\'s an
incorrect listing and not have to pay anything to return it.

Haven\'t spent much time so far today sitting so no report on the upside
down ROHO comfort .

--
Regards,
Carl

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

Carl <carl.ijamesxx@yyverizon.net> wrote:

After inflation it is 16 inches.


That bites. Have you already returned it? Did you have to pay for
return shipping? If not, maybe you could get Amazon involved as it\'s an
incorrect listing and not have to pay anything to return it.

Haven\'t spent much time so far today sitting so no report on the upside
down ROHO comfort .

--
Regards,
Carl

I had ordered two. Didn\'t bother returning them. Not worth the hassle. I
gave them to my housekeeper who is a very tiny woman with the energy of an
atomic bomb. You should see her go. She wants to put them on her lawn
chairs - I should mention to her that any splinters or sharp edges would
quickly end her free cushions. Do you have anything to recommend to put
under the cushions to protect them?

I will write to VIVE and the cushion company that they are foregoing a huge
market by making their product too small. They could have two models, and
charge more for the bigger one.

I hope you have as good luck as I did reversing the ROHO.




--
MRM

 

[Carl]

On 3/15/23 16:51, Mike Monett VE3BTI wrote:

Carl <carl.ijamesxx@yyverizon.net> wrote:

After inflation it is 16 inches.


That bites. Have you already returned it? Did you have to pay for
return shipping? If not, maybe you could get Amazon involved as it\'s an
incorrect listing and not have to pay anything to return it.

Haven\'t spent much time so far today sitting so no report on the upside
down ROHO comfort .

--
Regards,
Carl

I had ordered two. Didn\'t bother returning them. Not worth the hassle. I
gave them to my housekeeper who is a very tiny woman with the energy of an
atomic bomb. You should see her go. She wants to put them on her lawn
chairs - I should mention to her that any splinters or sharp edges would
quickly end her free cushions. Do you have anything to recommend to put
under the cushions to protect them?

Sorry, nothing cheap and easy comes to mind.

I will write to VIVE and the cushion company that they are foregoing a huge
market by making their product too small. They could have two models, and
charge more for the bigger one.

I hope you have as good luck as I did reversing the ROHO.

--
Regards,
Carl

 

[Mike Monett VE3BTI]

Carl <carl.ijamesxx@yyverizon.net> wrote:

Sorry, nothing cheap and easy comes to mind.

I keep coming back to the plastic folders that amazon uses to ship some
things. You can\'t staple them together, and glue may be a problem. Maybe
sewing might work. I\'ll have to try it. I have another project where I have
to shield an outdoor thermometer against the heat of the sun. That really
throws the readings off during the day.




--
MRM

 

[Jasen Betts]

On 2023-03-15, Mike Monett VE3BTI <spamme@not.com> wrote:

Carl <carl.ijamesxx@yyverizon.net> wrote:

After inflation it is 16 inches.


That bites. Have you already returned it? Did you have to pay for
return shipping? If not, maybe you could get Amazon involved as it\'s an
incorrect listing and not have to pay anything to return it.

Haven\'t spent much time so far today sitting so no report on the upside
down ROHO comfort .

--
Regards,
Carl

I had ordered two. Didn\'t bother returning them. Not worth the hassle. I
gave them to my housekeeper who is a very tiny woman with the energy of an
atomic bomb. You should see her go. She wants to put them on her lawn
chairs - I should mention to her that any splinters or sharp edges would
quickly end her free cushions. Do you have anything to recommend to put
under the cushions to protect them?

suitable lawn chairs.

--
Jasen.
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