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Shang Mei Fan
ADVICE ON
CONVALESCENCE AT
HOME FOR HEMIPLEGIA
Hemiplegia is paralysis of
one side of the body from a
stroke. China has 2 million new
cases of stroke per year; the re-
sidual handicap rate is 70-80%;
many are managed at home and
require psychological encourage-
ment and due understanding and
acceptance - obviously, patients
are frustrated and depressed. At
home, toilets require specific
handrails. Encourage deliberate
use of the affected side (initially
passively). Joints require pro-
gressive mobilization. Learning to
sit requires a systematic, step-by-
step training; learning to stand
(be f or e wa l k i ng) i s a l r eady
demanding, let alone learning to
climb some stairs - all done
progressively. Above all, safety is
first. Complications do occur, e.
g., bedsores due to pressure are
prevented by using air-rings or
soft pads, keeping dry, massag-
ing and regular body turning; for
urine infection, by drinking ad-
equate water; for those with
catheters, to clamp and release
every few hours, except asleep;
for deep vein thrombosis, exer-
cise regularly the legs, massage
and wea r e l as t i c pan t s ; f or
constipation, take a high-fibre
diet; avoid excessive use of
laxatives. Due understanding and
encouragement go a long way.
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