Handicap with Style

Having Myositis has many challenges. So when we decided to redo our old bathroom, we took all those challenges into consideration. Hopefully this video will give you some ideas for a redo that may be in your future.

Category:

Howto & Style

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• DSCN0161

[PrismSeven]

Thanks so much for your video! I have PM. Just recently ordered a Safe Step Walk In Tub. We are in process of renovating upstairs hall bath. Was extremely interested in vanity with pocket doors. Can you tell me how I might contact the manufacturer or vendor who sells them? I am not in a wheelchair, but want to look ahead. Thanks for your help!

[mntgal1]

@PrismSeven: We used a custom cabinet maker. We tried to buy stock cabinets but they were not available with this feature. Show your cabinet maker the video. Perhaps that will help. And possibly we could put them in touch with our cabinet guy. We live in Indialantic, FL. Hope this helps a bit. Mary Jane De Lauder

[mntgal1]

Thank you everyone for your nice comments. I thought this video provided a platform for discussion and thought about how "we" cope and accommodate! As progression takes its toll, we are challenged with how we can do! And with the help of others suggestions, we CAN! Thank you again!

[rwundrock]

It's nice to have the room and finances to make these changes. My entire bathroom would fit in your shower. I need to watch what gripping rails and bars I use because I've lost gripping strength above my second knuckle.

[mntgal1]

@rwundrock That's why I love this grab bar. It is NOT thick and large in diameter so I can get my whole hand around it, especially the proximal joints that still have some strength. They also make one that has rubber on the inside for better grip

[partyof06]

Thanks for your video. My dad has IBM and I will pass on your helpful tips to him!

[mntgal1]

@partyof06 Thank you for your comment. If Dad needs someone to talk to, by all means contact me. I have had this disease for a LONG time and I am a good listener. MJD

[1mntgal]

@angliase Thank you so much. I love my bathroom. I love your idea about the tiny towel! Will be looking into that ASAP!

[angliase]

Thank you so much for this. I have PM & am happy with the free commode from Medicare that raises the toilet height and has arms for pushing up on. One tip: I never let a splash of water remain on the floor in case I slip - cheap microfiber towels from the dollar store will mop it up without spreading it. You can buy tiny sports/camping towels which are super absorbent & don't weigh anythng. I use one to dry hair and body.

[kotonmoon]

Hi Mary Jane. Thank you so much for the video. I have MS and on the wheelchair since December, before I was OK, working and walking with a cane. We changed my shower a little few month ago but now I obviously need more changes, so we are making a wet room just like yours. I chose stone samples , bars, fold up chair etc. But when I saw your video I totally fell in love with decor. What a great taste! Where did you get mosaic tiles? I googled- linear random bricks glass/stone combo... Galina

[BayouBellePhotograph]

Thank you for sharing!

[bsls59]

I'm so glad you took the time to share your experience with everyone. Wish I had a bathroom as big as yours. We installed a chair height toilet which makes it easier to get up. I'm new to the disease but have found little tricks like the handle that you can just pull down or up is much easier to use instead of knobs.

[Jamie10014]

@rwundrock I got cut off earlier. I wanted to tell you to install the grab bars before you need them. With any myositis, the odds are high that you will trip and break a leg on the easiest of surfaces. I did. It took eight days of agony before the wheelchair arrived, and ten days before I got the grab bars. Don't put yourself through that. The bathroom is a very likely site of slipping. Good luck to you.

[Jamie10014]

@rwundrock I hear you on the size of that bathrooom - I llive in a 1BR/1BA that probably has fewer SF than the poster's bathroom. However, this video was posted in the spirit of sharing and helping and I am just grateful for the recco on the towels. I second that recco on the grab bar.

It was amazing when I finally got an old friend to come over and install the grab bars. He just happened to choose the ones I would have picked.

I have to say here that I don't have IBM, "just" PM.