Some advice?

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I just started working in a new facility. I asked why one of the residents was still in bed at 11:00am. The aid stated that he is bedridden due to contractures.(Pt.has MS) The resident is unable to sit in any type of chair because of the positioning of his legs, they curl toward one side all the way under his butt. I was wondering if you have any ideas for him? I know they have tried braces, (patient refused them) and they tried a Baclofen (sp?) pump.

Is there anything else we could try?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

We have used Botox injections on a few people with bad contractures. I haven't seen it work all that well but it might work for your patient.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
I just started working in a new facility. I asked why one of the residents was still in bed at 11:00am. The aid stated that he is bedridden due to contractures.(Pt.has MS) The resident is unable to sit in any type of chair because of the positioning of his legs, they curl toward one side all the way under his butt. I was wondering if you have any ideas for him? I know they have tried braces, (patient refused them) and they tried a Baclofen (sp?) pump.

Is there anything else we could try?

Thanks![/quote>>>>Try an OT consult for proper postioning when out of bed.The home has to provide for the resident's needs if the resident does not have any funds.

Our in-house OT is great-she has obtained several different types of chairs to enable severely contracted residents more freedom.We also have 3 Huntington's patients and she has obtained adaptive equipment for each of them.One of our residents gets up into something that looks like a twin sized bed on wheels with bumper all around.Good luck

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The down side to both Botox and Baclofen is ankle edema. It seems to happen very quickly and is somewhat resistant to Lasix.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

What about a hoyer ride to a recliner in the pt room or better the living area so he can participate in activities. You could even get a recliner on rollers so it can be moved.

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