i recently made an a set
of instagram posts where i explained what medicinal/aesthetic stands and
interior/exterior support sticks were. i have since felt the need to expand
this vocabulary lesson to include abbreviations such as PPL, ISC and ISS, as
well as terms such as propping. in order to explain these clearly, i have created
a small story based on my daily mobility stand setup.
this is a guide for those
who are new to my condition and shouldn't be used as the only reference when
researching what to do if you or a loved one are suffering from it.
 |
| good morning! |
good morning! i have woken up and am ready to start the day! after i brush my teeth, it is time to see what i need to do today. hmmmm… if i don't have anything to do, i'll lounge at home freely or use a lounging stick, which is a longitudinal object with a square or rectangular cross section. this will enable me to rest against a flat surface without rolling around. i will insert the lounging stick into my preferred propping limb (PPL), the limb i like to be propped up on when i use my mobility aids. a mobility aid is something i use so i can move around as i wish to, and not ROLL AROUND aimlessly. i've now checked my calendar. oh, it turns out i have to go to the bank today, and to a fundraiser in the evening. maybe i'll throw in a mid-day stroll with my carer, the person who helps me move and do things as i am disabled. whatever i decide – it will be a long day. i will choose a medicinal stand or a sensible decorative stand to do my errands in. a stand is an object into which i fit my preferred propping limb so i can stand upright and move. a medicinal (medical/functional/hospital-issued) stand is one prescribed by a medical professional, that is used for utalitarian purposes and fit exactly to my preferred propping limb's SIZE and SHAPE. a decorative stand (fashion/aesthetic stand) is to be enjoyed for aesthetic purposes, and often needs customisation to fit my preferred propping limb. a sensible decorative stand entails it is fashionable, yet very practical. another type of decorative stand is an improvised stand concoction (ISC). this is a custom stand created from many different pieces. when i have chosen my stand, i will need to choose an interior support stick, one that is inserted into the stand opening and into my preferred propping limb to ensure stability and, if the stick is good, minimal unwanted rotation (if it is too thin, my head might swirl around in the wind). i will choose a stick that fits into the stand opening and my PPL well and provides comfort and function. to ensure i always have one on hand (maybe the stability of my stand makes me forget i might need it if there is a large crowd or strong wind) i'll ask my carer to carry around an improvised support stick (ISS), such as a long pencil or chopsticks. when deciding about my preferred mobility aid, i also have the option to use the very functional but aesthetically-minimal exterior support stick (ESS). it is a very long and girthy stick that is inserted only into my PPL. it is used to add height and extreme mobility. i choose this option when i'm truly jumping from appointment to appointment, with barely enough time to catch my breath. for today, i will choose a medicinal stand to do my bank errand in and a decorative stand to attend the evening fundraising gala. if i am feeling up to it, i might use a decorative stick along with my decorative stand.
i hope you have learned something useful and that i've cleared some things up for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment