Health Products for Large People Air Physics Corp Phoenix, AZ Phone: (800) 553-0353 Chairs that assist people in standing up. One design is for large people. It is 27" wide, can lift over 800 lbs, and costs $895. They sell another chair rated up to 400 lbs, and a lift seat that can be strapped to a regular chair. If a doctor prescribes a lift chair for you, your health insurance may pay part of the cost. They also sell the large chairs alone without the lift mechanism. American Health Supplies Inc. Web site: http://www.ahsinc.com/pharmmed.htm Vast catalog of medical equipment and home health aids. Most items have pictures, describe size and weight limits. Amplestuff PO Box 116 Bearsville, NY 12409 Phone: (914) 679-3316 Fax: (914) 679-1206 Email: amplestuff@aol.com Amplestuff doesn't have a web site but you can order a catalog through http://www.oooobabybaby.com Catalog with over 100 items for plus- and supersize woman and men such as: large clothes hangers, airline seatbelt extenders, books/videos, fanny packs, health/hygiene products, wider socks, and the consumer newsletter Ample Shopper. Apria (formerly Homedco) Medical equipment company reported by a fat person with sleep apnea to be good to work with. Beam balance scales and counterweights http://www.bodytrends.com/det.htm http://www.empirescale.com/empire/model80.htm http://www.sperlescales.com/detecto_clinical_medical_scale.htm Brace Center 2285 N.W. Loop Stephenville TX 76401 (254) 965-9092 1600 Central Drive Bedford, Texas 76022 Phone 877-272-2348 Fax (254)-965-9644 Web http://www.kneesupport.com Large selection of all sizes. Easy to work with via phone, online or retail locations. ConvaQuip Health Care Products P.O. Box 3417 Abilene, Texas 79604 Phone: (800) 637-8436, (915) 677-4177 Fax: (915) 677-7217 Email: mailto:info@convaquip.com Web site: http://www.convaquip.com/ Heavy-duty convalescent aids and medical equipment -- walkers, canes, crutches, commodes, shower and bath chairs. Electric Mobility Phone: 800-MOBILITY Web site: http://www.electricmobility.com Offers a motorized scooter, Rascal, that's rated to 450 lbs. It is modular so repairs are not expensive. It can be taken apart and put in the trunk of a car. An extra-wide (22") seat is available. The armrests flip up, or you can remove the entire armrest assembly. Cost is around $3500, including the extra-wide chair. Also offers motoroized scooter models called Chauffeur with weight limits of 450-600, depending on the model. One person complained the 600-pound model brok frequently. Others say the Chauffer is sturdier than the Rascal. One person reports that her model has a longer base (good for long legs) and "The weight limit is 450, but the company told me that it would be fine of you were a bit over that." The Chauffeur MX model is rated for 450 lbs and the cost is about $2,300, including an extra-width foot plate. It's a 3 wheeler, very stable. The tiller (steering column) is adjustable to accommodate big bellies. Electric Mobility doesn't rent scooters and don't generally have any heavy duty scooters available for sale used. Enduro Conneticut Makes customized wheelchairs. One person has one with a weight capacity of 500 lbs. and a 20" seat. Everest & Jennings Offers wheelchairs for people weighing up to 400 pounds. Various sites on the web; search on "Everest Jennings" in Yahoo or Google. Lark Has a motorized wheelchair/scooter rated to 450. One person wrote "But the 300lb one I tested had so much punch I considered it, even though I am 350." The prices range $3500-$5000. The lifts for the car add another $2000. Optiway Technology, Inc. 500 Norfinch Dr., Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3N 1Y4 Phone: 800-514-7061 Fax: (416)739-6622 Offers Optiway/Fortress 2001 LX4 Scooter. Can be modified both for weight and to make it more powerful on hills. The 4 wheels are much more stable (less likely to fall over) than the 3 wheels, which are a bit easier to maneuver. Palmer Industries http://www.palmerind.com/index.htm Makes an electric vehicle capable of climbing hills and traversing rough terrain, more rugged than scooters. Cost $3000-$5000. For transporting, they suggest a trailer, cost about $500 including installation. PDG Inc. Phil Mundy, Nancy Balcom 9165 Shaughnessy Street Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6P 6R9 Phone: 604-323-9220 Fax: 604-323-9097 E-mail: info@PRODGROUP.COM PDG Inc. is a manufacturer of wheelchairs for big and supersize people. They make wheelchairs in sizes up to and exceeding 30". U.S. distributor is: MedBloc, 700 Ensminger Road - Unit 112, Tonawanda, N.Y., 14150, USA, Ph: 1-888-433-6818, Fax: 1-888-433-6834 In Canada: Graham-Field Canada, 111 Snidercroft Road, Concord, Ontario, L4K 2J8, Ph: (905) 669-2381 / 1 800 387-9113, Fax: (905) 660-7875 / 1 800 267-0502. One can also contact PDG directly. SIZEWise Rentals Phone 800-814-9389 Email: SIZEWise@aol.com Web: http://www.sizewiserentals.com Rent medical equipment designed for large people. Rent to care facilities, rehab, et al. 43 locations in the U.S. Carry wheelchairs up to 37", shower/commode chairs to 30", power recliners, walkers, beds, air mattresses, trapezes, etc. Capacity on mobility items is 750lbs, beds and air mattresses to 1000lb. Affiliated with Wheelchairs of Kansas (listed below). Therapy Supplies Toronto 416-752-8885 Ask to speak with Peter Tippett. Please mention Helena Spring of Canada WYDE as reference. Medical supply house. One product they sell is a solid walker with a wide seat, made by Gaper Products in Toronto. Toledo They custom-make scales as large or as small as you want them. 21st Century Scientific Makes power wheelchairs rated up to 1000 pounds. Wheelchairs of Kansas 204 W. 2nd, Ellis, KS, USA 67637 Telephone 1-800-537-6454 FAX 1-800-337-2447 Email info@wheelchairsofkansas.com Web http://www.wheelchairsofkansas.com Manufacture and sell medical equipment designed for large people, including wheelchairs, beds, lifts, and bath aides. Makes power wheelchairs up to 750 pounds Wheelchairs of Kansas Phone: (800) 537-6454 Free catalog. They rent wheelchairs up to 30" wide and will ship them within a few days. They also sell custom-made wheelchairs of any width.

SECTION A: FAQs about resources for dealing with the physical aspects of being fat

A1) Where can I find scales to weigh a very large person?

One option is to use two regular bathroom scales. Put one foot on each scale and add the weights indicated on each of them. This method may give you a slightly inaccurate weight. To minimize the inaccuracy, put the scales as close together as possible.

Another option is to find an accurate outdoor freight scale, and use it after hours to weigh yourself. You will probably need to bring someone else along to read the weight, since the display is usually physically separated from the scales themselves. (One person uses the freight scale at a local hospital.)

A final option is to use a beam balance scale (the kind of scale in most doctors' offices). Beam balance scales have a hook on the end of the beam from which you can hang a counterweight. This hook makes it possible to weigh a person who weighs more than the scale is marked up to. Your doctor should have some counterweights for just this purpose. If they don't, you can kludge it. Weigh a person on the scale (one whose weight the scale can measure). Then, hang something from the hook (like a stethoscope). Weigh the same person again. The difference between the two weights is the amount the stethoscope subtracts. Now, weigh yourself with the stethoscope on the scale. Add the amount the scale reads to the amount the stethoscope subtracts, and you have your weight.


A2) What can be done about discomfort in hot, sticky weather?

Radiance Magazine has a good article on the web about hot weather health care for fat people ("Don't Sweat It"): http://www.radiancemagazine.com/summer_99_surviving_summer.htm

Many fat people get rashes on their thighs, under their breasts, or under belly folds. Some folks experience discoloration of their thighs as a result of chafing.

To prevent thigh chafing, you can wear clothing that covers your thighs, such as:

* split slips (also called petti-pants, culotte slips, bloomers, or pantaloons),
* cotton or lycra bicycle shorts (split slips tend to be lighter than bicycle shorts),
* cotton leggings,
* cotton tricot drawers (underwear with long legs),
* anti-chafe shields (elastic bands that go around the waist, upper and lower thighs, and have a cotton shield attached to protect the inner thighs).
Some women wear bloomers over pantyhose (to prolong the life of the pantyhose); others wear them under the pantyhose (finding it more comfortable). One woman wears a man's cotton handkerchief on the diagonal inside pantyhose or tights, laying it on the crotch before pulling up the garment. This has the advantage of being easy to change if it gets soiled.

Some people apply ointments to the chafing surfaces, such as:

* solid anti-perspirant (with the theory that this both prevents sweat and lubricates the area).
* powder, especially cornstarch (this doesn't last all day)
* petroleum jelly
* thick moisturizing cream (you can even apply it over pantyhose): Eucerin (US), Johnson's baby cream
* zinc oxide ointment, or diaper rash ointment that contains zinc oxide (a layer of cornstarch on top will prevent its getting on your clothes)
You can use aloe gel at night to soothe chafed skin.

A medical note on thigh irritation from md@wwa.com:

It is possible [...] to get an infection in the area between the thighs, known as hidradenitis supportiva. Hidradenitis is an infection of a type of sweat gland [...] and may appear to look like a bad boil. This is a serious condition that can become quite resistant to treatment, extensive in spread, and be debilitating, so if you should develop this kind of infection, or think you may have, you must get good medical care for it right away.

Embarrassment about the size or skin condition of the inner thighs must not keep anyone from getting in to see a good doctor about such problems. If a doctor chalks it up to weight or suggests weight loss as a cure, find another doctor. It can be more common in people with large thighs, due to sweat issues in the area, but it can affect anyone of any size -- and the treatment usually requires antibiotics and additional measures to control the spread and recurrence.

There is a support group on line for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Contact stesia@cyberhighway.net for more information.

To keep skin dry and prevent irritation, some people apply powder after bathing. The powder absorbs moisture and acts as a dry lubricant, preventing your skin from rubbing against itself. Try:

* talcum powder (name brands may be less gritty). However, keep in mind that talc can be a respiratory irritant and may contain trace amounts of asbestos and lead. There is research suggesting long and heavy exposure to talcum powder may be associated with reproductive organ cancer in women.
* baby powder or cornstarch powder (again, name brands may be better). Keep in mind that a rash in a moist area may be a Candida (yeast) infection and yeast like to eat cornstarch.
* anti-bacterial powders (US: Gold Bond Medicated, which has some talcum powder but not much, Mexsana)
Some fat people get rashes where they have folds of skin (e.g., beneath breasts or stomach). The general rule about skin fold irritations is that if an irritation itches, it's probably fungal/yeast. If it doesn't itch, it's probably bacterial. If you're not sure, try treatments for both and see what works best.

There is an article on the web by a doctor that addresses yeast/skin infections in fat people.

People deal with rashes in the following ways:

* tucking a piece of cotton or linen into the fold. In the U.S., Amplestuff (see Other Resources) sells cotton bra liners.
* using a fan or hair dryer to thoroughly dry the area after bathing
* anti-bacterial soap (US: Dial liquid soap)
* anti-bacterial liquid -- but note that it stings (US: Absorbine Jr.)
* white vinegar (not red or cider vinegar) and water--weaker for the worst rash and stronger as it gets better. After applying, let the area completely dry and then cover the area with cotton.
* 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
* Betadine Surgical Scrub or another scrub containing povidone
* baby wipes
* anti-fungal (athlete's foot/jock itch/anti-yeast) medicine containing chlortrimazole or undecylenate (US: Mycil, Lotromin)
* prescription anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medications (US: Nyastatin, Bactroban)
* prescription anti-perspirants (US: Xerac AC)
* for Candida (yeast) infections, lactobacillus acidopholous powder (this is the bacterium that turns milk into yogurt). It is available in capsule form and usually sold in health and nutrition stores. Open the capsules and sprinkle the powder on affected areas before bed.
* hydrocortisone cream (US: Cortaid). This may help the symptoms, but will not cure an infection. And hydrocortisones are nasty drugs, so probably best not to use them for extended periods.
To avoid reinfection, it is helpful to disinfect clothing that touches the area. You can wash the clothing in hot water and bleach, iron it, or saturate it with isopropyl alcohol (not denatured alcohol), let dry, and repeat. (This will not harm elastic, so it is useful for bras.)

Socks that are treated to absorb foot sweat and reduce food odor work surprisingly well.


A10) Where can I find medical products for large-size people? (wheelchairs, blood pressure cuffs)

NOTE: For specific companies, see the "Other Resources for Big Folks" FAQ.

Wheelchairs

Standard wheelchairs are 22 inches wide. It's not easy to find a wider one. Here are some suggestions:
* Call your local hospital and asking for the home care division. The nurses there should know local sources for larger-sized chair rentals.
* Call the Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy departments of large nursing homes.
* Several wheelchair catalogs carry large-sized chairs. In the U.S., SIZEwise Rentals rents wheelchairs. Their parent company, Wheelchairs of Kansas, sells custom-made wheelchairs. (See the "Other Resources for Big Folks" FAQ.) PDG Inc. sells wheelchairs for big and supersize people. In the U.S., contact their distributor at 888-433-6818. In Canada, contact their distributor at 800-387-9113 or contact them directly at 604-323-9220 (Vancouver area). (More information in the Other Resources FAQ.)

Home Blood Pressure Monitors

The standard size blood pressure cuff should not be used on a person with an arm bigger around than 14" or so. It will give a falsely high reading.

Options are to use a large size cuff (most doctor's offices have them) or thigh cuff on the upper arm, use the standard size cuff on the forearm, or use a wrist cuff.

The most economical monitor is a cuff and stethoscope, available at medical supply companies. Some home models come with D-ring cuffs that are easy to put on with one hand, and have the stethescope diaphragm screwed into the cuff so you don't need a hand to hold the stethescope. You can buy these with a regular or large cuff. Learning to take your own blood pressure by stethoscope takes some practice, but once you learn, you can better gauge the accuracy than with an automatic model.

Wrist monitors are simple and easy to use. They fit wrists up to 8" around. Omron offers several kinds. They pump and give you a reading automatically.

A nurse wrote: "Healthcare professionals will offer varying opinions on their accuracy....but at least it gives a supersized individual ease and comfort of keeping tabs on their pressure at home....I would suggest to anyone using a wrist blood pressure machine to take it when having their pressure checked at their physician's office, health fair, drug store, etc., to see if there is any difference in readings."

Open MRI machines

MRI machines are tubes and some big people can't fit into them. Some "open" MRI machines are available and may be able to accommodate big folks (as well as folks with claustrophobia). ==================================================================== I need an MRI ==================================================================== Big folks have two issues with MRIs: 1. Weight limits. The warranty on many MRIs specifies a weight limit (often between 300 and 500 pounds). "I've had people tell me there was a 450 lbs limit because their administrators were so nervous about the warranty they 'shaved off' 50 lbs. If you know you're being given the wrong number, make them call the company or pull out their warranty info." 2. Fitting in the machine. "Open" MRIs are not completely open -- there is a top and bottom but no sides. Don't count on stuffing yourself in. The machine may shut off if any part of you touches. "Best thing is to call and set up a time when you can come in and try to get in the machine. I've done this several times and people have been very kind and helpful." "I had an open MRI a few months ago. The woman who did the MRI had to move the padding and I fit. I'm about 5'2" and weigh about 350#. With the pad removed it gave us an extra inch or two. I am large in the hips, larger than other spots." Finding an open MRI: Most hospitals and many radiology facilities have web pages. Do a search on MRI in your area. You can also locate web pages for MRI manufacturers and call or write them to find locations of their MRIs in your area. Here are the measurements for four Hitachi Open MR systems. AIRIS II Height of opening-17 inches Weight limit-500 pounds AIRIS Height of opening-17 inches Weight limit-500 pounds MRP-7000 Height of opening-18 inches Weight limit-300 pounds MRP-5000 Height of opening-19 inches Weight limit-300 pounds ==================================================================== Toshiba Aquilion. CT scanning machine that will accomodate up to 1000 pounds Elekta RAM external radiation machine which will accomodate up to 440 pounds Rajinder Singh Dhada Director, Product Marketing Elekta Oncology Systems 3155 Northwoods Parkway Norcross, GA 30071 PH: 770 300 9725 Ext. 234 FAX: 770 448 6338 please visit us at: www.elekta.com ==================================================================== Electric scooter I'm a firm believe in this company myself I hope it helps....... http://www.hoveround.com/ Golden Technologies "Companion II" http://www.goldentech.com/ The scooter I have, and dearly love. Rated for 350lb. It is available as 3 or 4 wheeled models. G. T. "eagle deluxe" 4 wheeler has a lower center of gravity. Make sure it has an "on-board" charger. Carrying around a separate battery charger is the pits! ==================================================================== 500lb limit shower chair. http://www.valuemedicalsupplies.com/hdchair.htm ==================================================================== Good web site concerning heel spurs and plantar fasciitis: http://heelspurs.com/index.html Avoid standing on concrete floors if possible - get a mat to stand on. Stretch: Put your foot against the wall as close as you can, with your toe pointing up and your heel pointing down. You should feel a stretch in the back of the knee/hamstring area. Then very carefully bend your knee a little bit toward the wall. You should feel a stretch in the calf and Achilles tendon area. Wear decent shoes - running shoes with lots of padding or birkenstocks Change shoes frequently, don't wear the same pair every day Get special inserts http://www.powersteps.com (footsmart.com has others) Anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil can help Ice packs Avoid walking long distances in unsupportive shoes. A little bit of a heel (less than 1") is a good thing.