I have tried to find any topics on contractures and have not found any. My DH has been bedbound since May 2011 and now has developed painful contractures in both legs the right leg stays completely straight out can't bend at the knee...the left leg is has completely turn outward including the foot also can't bend at the knee. He also has a thumb contracture on right hand almost like he is make the number four is how his thumb is inward to the palm...his upward body is leaning so far to the right that he could go through the bedrail if no pillow is there to block him. My question is what can be done when handling him...repositioning him because of the contracture also the pain he has even when I just touch him since there is no muscle now just bone. Also when I try to move him over to the middle of the bed he continues to lean hard and like it hurts him when I try to move him. When I tried to give dinner last night and trying to put him in the upright position he was in so much pain I dont know if its his back or the legs he screamed out Dont Do that so I gave him what I could in the position he was in.
Oh Angel, how heartbreaking… I have no advice, but I felt compelled to just let you know I had read your post and try to offer you some support. ((hugs))
angel we are entering into same territories here with the constrictures. mine has his legs crossed at the thighs and its becoming very difficult to uncross at night when its worse. mine also leans but to the left. his hands constrict when something isnt in them so i always keep soft clean stuffed toys in them when hes relaxed or you can use rolled washcloths. it helps to curtail the humidity in the skin and issues. unfortunately this is where they go in late stages. i am still able to get mine to walk a few steps daily and sit up in his geri chair so its kept it at bay for the time being. the fentanyl patch is a good thought, check with his hospice nurse as it should help keep him comfortable. if it gets too painful to move to clean then maybe its time for a stronger pain med on a daily regime. such a terrible disease for us and them. at this point all you can do is keep him comfortable and painfree best you can. divvi
Divvi, we have the same issue with hands and the crossing of legs. We too use the washcloth. They put bands around them so it helps to keep them in place. He gets PT twice a day and I do range of motion daily as well. For now, it is helping ....
Angel, I hope you can get a pain medicine that will help.
thanks for that tip about the bands nikki:) i just put a long rolled towel inbetween and around to keep them from crossing. it is my opinion that the hip bones are curving due to so much bed time, and thats why the legs cross. but thats a guess for sure. so many parallells that this disease takes us thru regardless of types of dementias. i also do leg ups/downs while in bed. trying to keep them moving as best we can for as long as possible. :(