Real moments, real results!
HPU Rehab comes through with a solid seating solution that rises to the occasion. Read about occupational therapist Lisa Masters’ personal experience with the XACT® cushion.
In my second year of practice I had the opportunity to work with a young client who would teach me many things about myself and about being a good occupational therapist. She was 18 years old at the time that she was admitted to hospital with what doctors believed was a rare, and aggressive form of multiple sclerosis. As a young woman myself, on the verge of starting my own life I remember my sadness at the realization of all that she would not experience. In an effort to try to help other team members understand some of her anger, I specifically remember saying “she will probably never dance at her wedding”.
Little did I know at the time, that one year later, in a much less serious manner, I would face that exact situation. A week before our wedding, I broke my foot. Naturally, I was devastated at the thought that I would not walk down the aisle on my dad’s arm, I would not stand in front of family and friends to say my vows, and I would not dance at my wedding. My friends and family were very supportive, trying to come up with all kinds of ideas to make the day special, but I thought nothing could make the day what I had always dreamed it would be. The day of my wedding came and my devastation lifted. I was still a bride and I was still marrying the man of my dreams. I walked down the aisle on crutches beside my very proud father, I perched on a stool to say my vows in front of my loving family and friends, and when the ceremony was over, my new husband scooped me up in his arms and carried me out. And as for the dancing.my husband held me in his arms for our first dance and then I spun around the dance floor all night in a wheelchair and Action Xact cushion which I was lucky enough to borrow.!
Although it was not the fairytale wedding you dream of as a child, it was the most perfect wedding I could have ever imagined! As I reflect back on my experience, in no means do I mean to compare my situation to that of my client. What I learned though and what I hope we as therapists can learn, is the importance of trying to understand what is important to our clients, to develop empathy and understanding, and to find a way to help them live their life, their way.
The biggest complaint you often hear about gel cushions is their temperature. What amazed me was how I did not find the cushion too cold outside (it was a January wedding) or too hot after sitting and dancing for over 8 hours, even in a wedding dress! I was also very impressed with how comfortable it was, I didn’t feel any pressure points or the need to weight shift all night.
Lisa Masters
Occupational Therapist
Hamilton Health Sciences
Occupational Therapist
Hamilton Health Sciences