When Erin Field was just 21 years old, a chimney fell on top of her while hammocking on a roof. The accident caused damage to her C-5 and C-6 vertebrae, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down with no function in her fingers and very limited arm function.
Like many wheelchair users, sitting for long periods of time can be difficult. In Erin’s case, she has autonomic dysreflexia, which causes her even more trouble when seated. Autonomic dysreflexia is an issue with the autonomic nervous system, the part of your nervous system that manages functions of the body that happen “automatically”: body temperature control, sweating, pain control, blood pressure regulation, etc. Autonomic dysreflexia occurs when there is damage to the nervous system, often making messages sent throughout the body absent, or misinterpreted. This can cause complications such as dangerously high blood pressure, difficulty maintaining heart and breathing rates, seizures, and fluid in your lungs, among many others.
For Erin, Autonomic Dysreflexia causes uncomfortable sweating when seated for longer periods of time.
“Prior to using the Kalogon Smart Cushion, I would start sweating after just 4 hours, even with a pressure relief. I could just tell my body needed to get out of my chair. With the Kalogon Cushion that just doesn’t happen.”
Throughout her journey, Erin has strived to keep a positive outlook. Spending time with friends and family has played an important role in this attitude. Before using Kalogon, Erin had to worry about pressure sores when seated for longer periods of time. The Kalogon Orbiter Cushion senses how Erin is sitting and automatically adjusts itself in real time, allowing Erin to focus on what matters most.
“Kalogon has helped me keep a positive outlook. I no longer stress in social situations where previously I had to step away to do a pressure relief. Now, I feel like I can be in the moment with friends and family without that constant worry.”
Autonomic dysreflexia affects up to 90% of people with upper thoracic and cervical spinal cord injuries just like Erin. “Now I can do all of the activities I love without having to worry about doing a pressure relief,” says Erin. “I am beyond thankful.”
Hear more about Erin’s Experience with the Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion in her own words in this video: