My dad is now 11th week post stroke which caused paralysis on his right side. He is high needs, unable to walk, or use his right arm or hand properly (some movement gained post stroke). He has complained about a pain in his buttock when sitting up in a wheel chair for more than 30 minutes. The rehab team want him to sit up to improve his condition. He has also had a CT scan, and they can't find anything wrong. Just wondering if anyone has thoughts as to why he maybe experiencing this pain which he finds unbearable? Also would appreciate suggestions about managing this pain. Thanks.

For those wanting to see Samanthas full question: My dad is now 11th week post stroke which caused paralysis on his right side.  He is high needs, unable to walk, or use his right arm or hand properly (some movement gained post stroke).  He has complained about a pain in his buttock when sitting up in a wheel chair for more than 30 minutes. The rehab team want him to sit up to improve his condition.  He has also had a CT scan, and they can't find anything wrong.  Just wondering if anyone has thoughts as to why he maybe experiencing this pain which he finds unbearable?  Also would appreciate suggestions about managing this pain.  Thanks.

Thanks Alana.  This is very helpful. I was also wondering if you or anyone from Strokeline would have recommendations on Tablets or Ipads that I could purchase for my dad to aid in his recovery?  I was hoping about finding out on devices with large interfaces and that's not too gadgety.  I've never owned one before!

Hi Samantha,

Are you wanting an iPad for your dad's general use, rehabilitation for a specific purpose like communication or something else? If he is still seeing a rehab team I would discuss it directly with them as they will have a better idea of his current abilities (vision, arm function, posture, concentration, fatigue levels), needs and any goals he may be working towards. There are a number of different apps that can be used in therapy depending what the purpose is (thinking/memory, social engagement/interaction, hand function, pain, communication).

If we have a better idea about what the purpose of the iPad would be for me can make further suggestions too. If you wish to discuss in more detail don't hesitate to call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653.

Best wishes,

Simone (Occupational Therapist for StrokeLine)

Thanks Simone.  My dad is no longer with the rehab team and currently in aged care.

I'd love to work with him on using the iPad to navigate information available on enable me, videos, podcasts and resources regarding stroke.  

As he hasn't used one before (and he only has use on the left left side of his body), I'd love recommendations on a simple device as well as apps that I can download for him.

Hi Samantha,

Simone is currently on leave so I'm jumping back in to respond to your query. 

We would normally recommend that a speech pathologist and/or occupational therapist work your dad to determine the most appropriate device and applications. Is there a speech pathologist who visits his aged care home? If not, he may want to use his subsidized Medicare sessions through the Chronic Disease Management Plan (GP referral required).

If you'd prefer to try things out on your own, I'd start with trialing a friend of family members iPad to see if he can perform basic page navigation: scrolling up and down, finding and selecting text to read/images to look, expanding the page size etc.

When signing your dad up to enableme, select the 'accessibility settings', and adjust the text size, underlining of words etc. (let us know if you need any help with this). You can also bookmark pages of interest so that he can easily find them when he logs in.

Depending on your dad's interests and any stroke related difficulties, suitable applications might include: An online newspaper or magazine, Naming Therapy, Constant Therapy, Tactus Therapy also have a range of communication and cognition applications.

If you'd like to discuss this in more detail, don't hesitate to contact us on StrokeLine, 1800 787 653.

Best wishes,

Alana (Speech Pathologist for StrokeLine)

Hi Glenys and Samantha,

Samantha - re the IPad use Jenny Ferrier is the person to talk to in this community. Jenny is in her mid eighties and learned to use an Ipad after her stroke. Click here to message her.

Glenys do you want to talk to the StrokeLine team directly? Please call 1800 787 653. I can also post your question on out Facebook community wall too - if that suits.

Diana 

Hello Diana

Thank you for the reply. Yes I will give the Strokeline a call for some feedback.  This particular pain problem doesn't appear to get as much attention as leg or arm pain, that's why I was hoping for a response from Samantha as her father was suffering the same issue. Just some first hand knowledge and experience would be invaluable.

Many thanks

Glenys

Hi Glenys,

I am happy to post your question on Stroke Foundation Facebook - the community is very active and share experiences. How would you feel about that?

Diana (admin)

Hi Glenys and Diana,

Glenys - thanks for your message and for reaching out.  Its now just a few days over one year since my dad's stroke.  We've worked with private physios at his nursing home where he is sitting and standing and at times walking (with a lot of help).  Its been a tough journey for him, however, the pain has subsided and he no longer complains about it.  Part of it I think is to do with having some physical activity, where he is not sitting or lying down all the time.  

Wishing your dad very well!

Thanks Diana - re Jenny - I will be in touch!

Samantha