Online Patient and Caregiver Resource Library
This resource library was created by health care professionals at St. Joseph's Health Care London. Our aim is to connect you
and your family with the information and tools you need. Here, you can search for information by the program, title, or topic.
At this time we are piloting resources for two areas of care: Pain Management and Spinal Cord Injury. We will
be assessing the user experience with these resources over the coming weeks, which will help to inform our
process for building content and expanding the resource library to additional areas of care. Resources that
appear in the library are developed guided by the principles of patient and caregiver engagement and co-design.
Search Trusted Health Information
41 Search Results:
Nerve Pain (Neuropathic Pain)
Handouts
Nerve pain is caused by damage to the nervous system including your spinal cord. Damaged nerves send faulty messages to the brain. The brain interprets these messages as pain or discomfort. Nerve pain can happen in areas where you have no other feeling. It can start happening weeks or months after a spinal cord injury.
Ontario Assistive Devices Program
Website
This website provides information about the Ontario Assistive Devices Program where you can get help paying for a mobility aid. Details include information about eligibility, coverage, approved vendors and the process.
Pain
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, you are sure to experience all sorts of pains. Pain can be caused by damage to your skin, muscle, tendons, bones, organs, and nerves. Each pain is different and come with specific treatment options. To properly treat your pain, it is helpful to understand the source of the pain.
Postural (Orthostatic) Hypotension
Handouts
Postural hypotension is a quick drop in blood pressure that happens when you sit up or stand up. This can be a drop in your systolic blood pressure by 20 mmHg (top number) or your diastolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg (bottom number). It can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. The feeling is often mild and goes away after a few seconds or minutes. Sometimes, the drop in blood pressure can be more severe and even cause people to faint.
Pressure Relief Techniques
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, you are at high risk of getting a pressure sore (bed sore). A pressure sore is a wound caused from constant pressure to the skin. This can cause serious damage your skin. Shifting your weight to reduce pressure is the best way to allow blood to get to your skin.
Pressure Sore Prevention
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, you are at high risk of getting a pressure sore (bed sore). A pressure sore is a wound caused from constant pressure to the skin.
Ramps for Home Access
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, many people need to make their home more accessible. If you have stairs outside of your house, you might need to use ramps to help you get in. There are both temporary and permanent solutions. Portable ramp options are also available.
Rectal Touches (Digital Stimulation)
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, it is common to no longer feel the need to empty your bowel. You also might not be able to start your bowel movement like you used to. This resource provides information about digital stimulation to help trigger bowel movements.
Self Care and Living Skills: Bathing and Showering
Handouts
Bathing and showering after spinal cord injury often requires special devices. The bathroom might need to be modified to fit a wheelchair and other equipment. Being safe while bathing helps prevent injury. Bathrooms can be dangerous because there are many hard and slippery surfaces. When you have poor feeling, water temperature setting may need to be adjusted to prevent burns. Having the right set up helps you stay safe and prevent injuries.
Self Care and Living Skills: Dressing
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, daily activities like dressing can be challenging. Certain tricks can help you do more by yourself. Some clothes are easy to put on while others are more difficult. Using adapted devices or adapting your current clothing can help. Also, using the right techniques and positions can make it much easier for you to dress.
Self Care and Living Skills: Eating and Drinking
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, you may have weakness or loss of movement in your hands and fingers. This can make it hard to eat and drink without help. There are devices that can help you eat and drink with little or no assistance. If you have poor feeling, be cautious with hot foods and drinks to avoid burns.
Sexual Health After a Spinal Cord Injury
Videos
This video discusses questions you may have about sexual health after a spinal cord injury. Run time: 24:14 minutes
Sexual Health After a Spinal Cord Injury
Handouts
Sex and sexuality are important parts of being human, however after a spinal cord injury (SCI) many things can change. The way you experience your body may be different now. Many people with a spinal cord injury are concerned about their sexuality and sexual health but don’t know how, when or who to ask for information. At Parkwood Institute, we have developed a program to provide education and support to patients regarding sexuality and sexual health. A member of your health care team will talk to you and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your sexual health. If you have a...
Stair Climbing for People who Walk
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, climbing stairs can be difficult. Practicing a good technique can help you learn to get up stairs alone or with help. Always practice using stairs with your therapist before trying it alone.
Standing Step Transfer
Handouts
A standing step transfer is a technique to move from one surface to another. To do this transfer, you need some leg strength and good balance. You can use a walker or cane to help with the standing part of this transfer. Practice this transfer with your therapist before trying it alone. Your therapist can also help teach an assistant the safest way to help you.
Staying Healthy (100,000km Tune Up)
Handouts
After a spinal cord injury, there is a higher risk of having health issues. These can keep you from doing the things you like. To live a long and healthy life, you will need to take extra care of yourself.
Stool Softeners and Laxatives
Handouts
This resource provides a summary of options for stool softeners, laxatives, suppositories and anesthetic ointment.
Transferring to and from Your Wheelchair
Handouts
When using a wheelchair, transferring from one surface to another is an important skill. At first, you might need to use a transfer board or help from an assistant. Always practice transfers with your therapist before trying them alone.
Transferring with a Lift
Handouts
A lift is often used to transfer people with limited movement from one surface to another. This handout gives general guidelines on how to use a lift. Always use instructions from your lift’s manual for proper operation. Practice transfers with a therapist before trying it with your assistants.
Using a Wheelchair Safely
Handouts
A wheelchair is a great mobility device for getting around. Like any equipment, they have wear and tear. You will need to service your wheelchair to keep it in good working condition. This helps keep your wheelchair safe and prevents problems before they occur. In case of an emergency, it’s good practice to carry a cell phone with you.