Living with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) is a progressive journey of physical adaptation and resilience. This rare genetic disorder causes progressive weakness and wasting of the muscles in the shoulders and hips, making everyday tasks monumental challenges. For individuals like Neina Hernandez, simple acts of daily living—like rising from a seated position—become impossible without assistance. The loss of independence can be emotionally devastating, leading to feelings of anxiety and reliance on others for the most private moments. The constant need for a physically capable home attendant to assist with using the toilet is not just a logistical hurdle; it's a profound loss of personal autonomy and dignity.
Neina's life with LGMD had reached a point where she required 100% assistance to stand up from the toilet. This created immense practical and emotional strain. Finding home attendants strong enough to provide safe physical lift assistance was a constant challenge, limiting her options and creating vulnerability when her regular aide was unavailable. The simple, essential act of using the bathroom became a source of stress and dependence, a stark reminder of the constraints her disease imposed.
Her search for a solution led her to the VOCIC AX12 Electric Toilet Lift Seat, a device she discovered through a blogger's recommendation. This product has since transformed her daily routine and restored a significant measure of her independence. The AX12 now provides the reliable, powered lift assistance she needs, effectively reducing the physical burden on her attendants. This has immediately expanded her circle of potential caregivers, as the device performs the heavy lifting, making it easier for more people to assist her. This newfound flexibility has brought immense relief, knowing she is no longer solely dependent on one person's physical strength.
Neina's favorite feature is the height-adjustable function. Due to her specific disability, achieving a secure and stable standing position is crucial for her safety and sense of control. The AX12 lifts her to the precise height she needs, allowing her to feel safe and "somewhat in control" during the transfer—a feeling that is priceless. The product's reliable operation, powered by rechargeable batteries, has given her peace of mind, and she reports having encountered no operational issues like noise or jerky movement.
The emotional impact has been profound. Neina expresses that she has "felt more independent and have felt a better quality of life ever since using it." The anxiety surrounding a fundamental daily activity has been alleviated, replaced by confidence and self-reliance. While the AX12 addresses a critical need, Neina's experience also highlights the broader mobility challenges faced by those with similar conditions. For many, additional aids like a reliable shower seat are essential for complete bathroom safety. Options such as a folding shower seat or a wall mounted shower seat can provide the necessary stability and save space, especially in compact New York City apartments, making a foldable shower seat an ideal solution for many households. These shower seats for elderly and disabled users are vital components of a safe and accessible home environment.
When guided by compassion, can truly change lives. The VOCIC AX12 didn’t just make her daily routine easier—it restored her confidence and sense of control. For Neina, it represents more than mobility; it’s a renewed way of living with dignity and peace of mind.
