Best Of
Is this NORMAL?!...SCI life and adjusting.
Okay friends,
We are a fairly young couple, a couple years into SCI, and we are still trying to figure out the bowel/ bladder system. In short, how do you or when do you know or see the signs of having a sporadic movement?
Example:
We have been quite fortunate that my partner can feel quick onset discomfort in hit gut; tightness, irritation; or just something not right, we have been lucky enough to "nip it in the bud" and rather than having a bowel accident we have a system where he can release his bowels just in time of me preparing for what is about to happen. No shower, no accident necessary, thank goodness.
I am wondering:
Is it common for some of you to feel the need to release?
Do you have control over these feelings?
Is it quickly onset and comes out of nowhere?
And most of all, how do you manage a routine around sporadic surprises?
Thank you so much as we are still so new to this life,
Elena
We are a fairly young couple, a couple years into SCI, and we are still trying to figure out the bowel/ bladder system. In short, how do you or when do you know or see the signs of having a sporadic movement?
Example:
We have been quite fortunate that my partner can feel quick onset discomfort in hit gut; tightness, irritation; or just something not right, we have been lucky enough to "nip it in the bud" and rather than having a bowel accident we have a system where he can release his bowels just in time of me preparing for what is about to happen. No shower, no accident necessary, thank goodness.
I am wondering:
Is it common for some of you to feel the need to release?
Do you have control over these feelings?
Is it quickly onset and comes out of nowhere?
And most of all, how do you manage a routine around sporadic surprises?
Thank you so much as we are still so new to this life,
Elena
WAGSofSCI
1 ·
Re: Going on a Cruise with an SCI
@Sterlion I went on a cruise about three years ago. It was an amazing experience! As a quad I’m always worried about accessibility but nearly the entire boat was accessible. The only thing that was a little tough was that the hallway is a bit tight but other than that it was a great experience
Mnichols23
2 ·
Re: Queer Eye episode features man with SCI
@BrookeU I love the show queer eye they really do more than a make over! I saw that episode and Wes Hamilton has a great outlook on life and Big smile to match! Meeting the guy who shot him, Wow!
I thought he represented SCI in a very positive way.
Side note; didn't like the haircut they did though should of left longer hair, shorter beard. Hahaha but I'm no stylist haha
I thought he represented SCI in a very positive way.
Side note; didn't like the haircut they did though should of left longer hair, shorter beard. Hahaha but I'm no stylist haha
ambercollie
1 ·
Finding Rental Housing After Spinal Cord Injury
Hi friends!
Quick Question...
After you sustained an SCI, what sort of housing did you transition into? Were you able to stay in your current home or did you have to sell/ rent a new space?
I am curious about this because my partner and I did have to sell our townhome of 4 flights of stairs and now rent a ground floor condo. We really lucked out with this one as it was the ONLY rental we found in an area we really like but also it is an older building that was originally build for Veterans. Meaning, the door frames are all wider than usual and its more of an open concept home.
Things we had to think about when we were looking for a rental included doors frame width, height of all counters, bathroom space, was the place big enough to turn around in a chair, were there any lips or steps going to the patio from the door, could Dan fit under the bathroom sink (he still can't), could he reach the cupboards, etc etc.
These are things that we would have to explain to the owners of the building. One even asked me if I could carry him up 3 stairs- lol! Nope, cannot. He is in a chair
Please share some funny stories if you have any regarding rentals or housing, they are always welcome and maybe we can construct a post to educate the public around housing.
Thanks a bunch!
Elena
Quick Question...
After you sustained an SCI, what sort of housing did you transition into? Were you able to stay in your current home or did you have to sell/ rent a new space?
I am curious about this because my partner and I did have to sell our townhome of 4 flights of stairs and now rent a ground floor condo. We really lucked out with this one as it was the ONLY rental we found in an area we really like but also it is an older building that was originally build for Veterans. Meaning, the door frames are all wider than usual and its more of an open concept home.
Things we had to think about when we were looking for a rental included doors frame width, height of all counters, bathroom space, was the place big enough to turn around in a chair, were there any lips or steps going to the patio from the door, could Dan fit under the bathroom sink (he still can't), could he reach the cupboards, etc etc.
These are things that we would have to explain to the owners of the building. One even asked me if I could carry him up 3 stairs- lol! Nope, cannot. He is in a chair
Please share some funny stories if you have any regarding rentals or housing, they are always welcome and maybe we can construct a post to educate the public around housing.
Thanks a bunch!
Elena
WAGSofSCI
2 ·
People with disabilities in the theatre
Hi, everyone! I spent this past weekend with one of my best friends who I hadn't seen in a while, and he happens to be in the musical theatre community. I was talking with him about how I feel like people with disabilities are still struggling to be cast in film and television. He mentioned to me that the theatre community is pretty ahead of the curve with this, casting people with disabilities not only in roles of characters who have disabilities, but even in roles of those who do not. This was really exciting to hear and not something that I realized, since I don't pay very close attention to theatre. Just thought I'd share!
BrookeU
1 ·
Best Accessible/Affordable Places to Live
Hey everyone, I am not sure if this topic has been talked about yet or not. But I am curious as to where all of you live and how you like it. My girlfriend and I live in Orange County, California. We both love it here, but it is outrageously expensive. I can't really see myself living outside of California but I most likely will not be able to afford living here in the future. I want to have a back up plan and have other options.
My question is what is an affordable state that has weather as close to California as possible. One of my biggest reasons for wanting to stay is my family, the accessibility and weather. The weather here is perfect for a spinal cord injury. I do not want to live anywhere that snows. I prefer the warm weather over cold. Trying to think about my future and where I will be able to afford to live. What states are warm, have good accessibility and are affordable?
My question is what is an affordable state that has weather as close to California as possible. One of my biggest reasons for wanting to stay is my family, the accessibility and weather. The weather here is perfect for a spinal cord injury. I do not want to live anywhere that snows. I prefer the warm weather over cold. Trying to think about my future and where I will be able to afford to live. What states are warm, have good accessibility and are affordable?
Zcollie
2 ·
Re: Sleeping Arrangements with your partner after Spinal Cord Injury
Yes, this absolutely makes sense. In fact, this is exactly what we use in our home... Dan's bed has all of the bells and whistles (going up, down, all around), and mine lays flat beside him. Neither one of us have a box spring and I recently upgraded my mattress to an "Endy" type. To be completely honest, I was more excited to just be able to sleep next to him that I didn't really care about our bed situation, just as long as they were side by side. I won't lie, the "medical" bed set we got isn't the most glamorous by any means....
This may actually be a great business opportunity for anyone with a flare in design or interior decorating. The medical equipment field needs a major update.
Firstly, why is ALL medical equipment so darn expensive?
I understand that it is all a business and yes it may be a niche...but common...
That being said, if you are contemplating you career choice- start a medical equipment franchise. You will prosper, lol.
Secondly, why in the name of sweet baby Jesus, are the bed-frames SO tacky?
(Considering that an SCI can happen to anyone, at any time...
Why are we banished to three options of "headboard" color, in one style?
If I may dig a little bit deeper- why are (we) as spouses lead to subscribe to outdated ideologies around sleeping arrangements.
We love our partners and we crave their touch and breath near us. When our partners come out of rehab and we have the option to be near them, we will. We miss many things about our relationships and may even reminisce about the.. "what it used to be like"... so why not, at the very least, give US reasonable options for a sleeping system that justifies spending $5000.
(Optional Read)
I need a moment... There have been 50 + times that I have ran into our footboard posts. Why are there little metal posts in the foot area of the bed? Lol...in all seriousness if anyone else has purchased a medical bed set please PM me... I need to know someone else feels the way I do.
P.S...IF you have made it this far into this post....God Bless you... and thank you for giving me the space to let it all out...also, lets start a business designing medical bed frames that are actually cute!
-Elena
This may actually be a great business opportunity for anyone with a flare in design or interior decorating. The medical equipment field needs a major update.
Firstly, why is ALL medical equipment so darn expensive?
I understand that it is all a business and yes it may be a niche...but common...
That being said, if you are contemplating you career choice- start a medical equipment franchise. You will prosper, lol.
Secondly, why in the name of sweet baby Jesus, are the bed-frames SO tacky?
(Considering that an SCI can happen to anyone, at any time...
Why are we banished to three options of "headboard" color, in one style?
If I may dig a little bit deeper- why are (we) as spouses lead to subscribe to outdated ideologies around sleeping arrangements.
We love our partners and we crave their touch and breath near us. When our partners come out of rehab and we have the option to be near them, we will. We miss many things about our relationships and may even reminisce about the.. "what it used to be like"... so why not, at the very least, give US reasonable options for a sleeping system that justifies spending $5000.
(Optional Read)
I need a moment... There have been 50 + times that I have ran into our footboard posts. Why are there little metal posts in the foot area of the bed? Lol...in all seriousness if anyone else has purchased a medical bed set please PM me... I need to know someone else feels the way I do.
P.S...IF you have made it this far into this post....God Bless you... and thank you for giving me the space to let it all out...also, lets start a business designing medical bed frames that are actually cute!
-Elena
WAGSofSCI
2 ·
Re: Finding Rental Housing After Spinal Cord Injury
@iamdadman
I agree 100%!! While trying to find rentals for us to live in while Dan was at rehab., I had to look for a place that was accessible. This is still a topic that our friends and family bring up and chuckle at with us...
So, the first 5 places that I viewed were deemed to be accessible but, were absolutely not. "Can you just carry him up those two steps?", I was asked? Ummm, no! Cannot.
We are really looking forward to the days that we can travel and access building that are inclusive.
-Elena
I agree 100%!! While trying to find rentals for us to live in while Dan was at rehab., I had to look for a place that was accessible. This is still a topic that our friends and family bring up and chuckle at with us...
So, the first 5 places that I viewed were deemed to be accessible but, were absolutely not. "Can you just carry him up those two steps?", I was asked? Ummm, no! Cannot.
We are really looking forward to the days that we can travel and access building that are inclusive.
-Elena
WAGSofSCI
1 ·
Re: Your FAVORITE QUOTES...of ALL time!
"Great things never come from comfort zones"
garrisonredd
4 ·