Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is a government funding program. It pays up to 75% of some mobility devices. For more about this program, visit: www.health.gov.on.ca/adp. To qualify for the program you must meet the following criteria: Valid Ontario Health Card. Have a physical disability

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a dangerous rise in blood pressure that can happen after spinal cord injury. It affects people who have a spinal injury at level T6 or above. AD happens when you have pain or discomfort in the areas of your body that have no feeling. The most common cause of AD is a full bowel or bladder. When you have AD, you have other signs and symptoms at the same time. If you have these symptoms, you need to fix the problem right away. AD is a medical emergency. If not treated, it can cause stroke, heart attack, seizure, and death.

Bladder infections are one of the most common health issues after spinal cord injury. A bladder infection is also called a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is because the bladder is part of your urinary tract. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, urethra, and ureters.

When you do intermittent catheterization (IC), you need to empty your bladder on a schedule. The timing of your next IC will depend on how much urine you had during your last IC.

After a spinal cord injury, the muscles that help you breathe and cough can be weak. Breath stacking improves breathing and coughing by helping remove mucous from your lungs. Getting mucous out of your lungs helps prevent lung collapse and infections like pneumonia. Having a healthy lung volume improves oxygen, helps you speak louder, and reduces breathing problems.

Getting into a car can be a challenging transfer. At first, you might need one or two people to help. The amount of help you need depends on the height of the car and your skill. With practice, some people learn to transfer alone. Always practice transfers with your therapist before trying alone.

Cleaning your drainage bag is a common way to prolong the life of your bag and prevent infection. Two commonly used cleaning solutions are available to be mixed at home.

A condom catheter is a urine drainage system for men. It is made of a condom attached to a drainage bag. You can use a condom catheter to prevent bladder accidents or to help with draining your bladder.

Sometimes pain does not go away with medications or other treatments. Pain that lasts many weeks or months is called long-term or chronic pain. After a spinal cord injury, this kind of pain is often caused by damage to your nerves or spinal cord. When your spinal cord does not heal very well, this pain can last for months or even years. This handout will teach some helpful tips for coping with chronic pain.

Fibre and fluid intake is essential to keep your bowels moving effectively after a spinal cord injury. This resource provides information about managing your diet for optimal bowel function. This handout was created by health care professionals at the Lyndhurst Centre, home of University Health Network's Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program in Toronto, ON.

Spinal cord injuries can affect your strength and your reaction speed. If you are able to walk after your injury, you can be at higher risk of falling. Certain things can be done to prevent falls. Knowing what to do when you have a fall can help you stay safe and get help quickly.

Almost every wheelchair user will fall from their chair at some point. Getting back on your chair is one of the most difficult transfers. With practice, you can do it alone or with the help of an assistant. Always practice transfers with a therapist before trying them alone.

A Foley (indwelling) catheter is a thin tube that is inserted into your bladder. It stays in your bladder for up 4 weeks at a time to drain urine. Foley catheters are often only used for short periods of time. When other options don’t work, they can be the main way you empty your bladder.

When using a wheelchair, going up and down stairs can be challenging. While some people can go up one or two stairs alone, going up many stairs is best done with help. In most cases, you will need at least two assistants to help you up and down stairs. Practice stairs with your therapist before trying it with assistants. Always make sure your assistants are able and strong enough to help you.

Men: After spinal cord injury, you might not be able to control your bladder. Intermittent catheterization (IC) is used to help you empty your bladder by using a catheter.

Female: After spinal cord injury, you might not be able to control your bladder. Intermittent catheterization (IC) is used to help you empty your bladder by using a catheter.

The bathroom is one of the most challenging rooms to get around with a wheelchair. There are many ways to modify your bathroom to make the shower, sink and toilet more accessible. The options you have to modify your bathroom are limited by your budget and space.

This chart summarizes the grocery delivery services in London and surrounding areas.

Driving again is a common goal following a spinal cord injury. Even if you are unable to walk, you might still be able to drive someday. Even some people with hand weakness can learn to drive with a modified vehicle. This is done by installing hand controls and wheelchair access. A vehicle can also be modified to provide passenger access to a wheelchair.

After almost all spinal cord injuries, bowel function is impaired. The goal is to have regular bowel movements by establishing a routine schedule. Once established, a good bowel program regulates bowel movements, avoids accidents and prevents constipation, diarrhea and resulting complications.