outside

We've had a run of scorching weather lately, but today is gorgeous. There's a nice mix of sun and clouds and a gentle breeze. After a good deal of rain yesterday, the temperature is perfect. With the doors and windows open, I can hear the rustling of the leaves in the trees. It's a lovely summer's day to be alive.

Sometimes life as a quad is simply life...

coping

When people have suggested to me that it's amazing how I've coped with becoming a quadriplegic, I always say that we all have amazing coping skills, but we aren't aware of them until we are forced to face something difficult. I was reminded of that myself last week.

As I get into bed, I'm always sure to have access to my cell phone in case I should fall and need to call for help. On this particular night, I had reached the safe point, and had moved my phone out the way so I could pull my feet into bed. Something happened though, and I got an unusual spasm that threw me forward onto the floor. Once I realized what had happened and I checked to be sure there was no obvious injury, I tried several different ways to reach my phone, with no luck. I eventually realized that I wasn't going anywhere until morning (luckily I had someone coming by early that day). So I managed to pull my duvet off the bed and got as comfortable as I could, which wasn't very comfortable. It seems I had aggravated an old rib injury when I fell, and the way I was lying wasn't helping. The point of this story isn't to have anyone feel bad for me. I did enough of that for myself lying there (with the TV stuck on HGTV). What it reminded me (after it was all over), is that somehow through the toughest situations we find a way to get through it. That doesn't mean it's easy, but we get through it.

seeing red

As a quadraplegic we are more likely to suffer from bladder infections. There are many things you can do to help prevent these, including being sure to drink enough fluids. I remember hearing years ago how cranberry juice can help prevent bladder infections. Something in the cranberry juice helps prevent the bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract.

I came across this article that talks a bit more about it (link in 'helpful links). It talks about cranberries being used to prevent or treat UTIs (urinary tract infections). Worth a read.

slippery slope

If you use any type of transfer board like me (both wood, one for bed and one for the car), you may notice over time that sliding seems more difficult. Once you've eliminated the possibility that you've gained weight, you can blame the board.

A useful remedy is to treat the surface so it is more slippery. One easy way I happened upon by accident, is spraying it, or wiping it with Armor All or another car care cleaner. One day after cleaning my car seats with it, I nearly went flying as I slid out of my car. It really works!

One word of caution, if you get it on your hands, there goes your grip. That of course means pushing as you transfer is back to being hard...

kick ass

I don't care much for being given false hopes as I've mentioned in my earlier blogs. However, there are times when you are told 'no', and you need to not accept that answer.

I had my drivers' license before I was disabled. When I tried to get it again afterwards, I was refused the right to even take a test. Driving was one thing I wasn't going to give up without a fight. It took several months of going back and forth, with the help of an ombudsman, but I was eventually allowed to take the test. The driving examiner told me that if all his drivers were that good, his job would be an easy one. I'm still driving over 30 years later.

Sometimes you just know when the answer you get is wrong, and you've got to go out and kick a little ass.

sharing

I've often thought that life as a quad can be very lonely. Don't get me wrong, I've got some amazing friends and family that are a big part of my life. But there are things you go through as a quad that they'll never be able to understand. Like dropping something on the floor, spending a few minutes picking it up only to drop it again. That's how I learned to swear like a pro.

I had a brief chat with another quad today, and it reminded me of two things... first it's nice to be able to talk with someone who has been through some similar things and has a bit of an understanding of what my life is like. Secondly, whether you are a quad or not, we all go through experiences in our life that no one else can truly understand. So I guess something we all share is that we all have aspects of our life that can feel lonely.

Standing Out (no pun intended)

Being a quad means you're going to stand out, like it or not.  I had some experience with this before as I have red hair. :) But this is different obviously.  Over time you start to get used to it, but there are some days it can be a bit much.  I'll admit there are times when being noticed, and having people comment on how 'courageous' you are can be a bit of an ego boost.  But that can grow old, and it can be tiresome being reminded that you are always having to do more just to participate in life.

The more interesting reactions come from kids, the wonderment in their eyes as they see you and realize it's something new and different.  It's sad when you see some parents who pull the child away and simply say 'don't stare'. Then there are those adults who just stand and gawk at you.  It doesn't happen as often, as today we aren't expected to just sit on the sidelines anymore.

Be prepared though, you're going to get reactions you aren't expecting.  The up side is that each time you're out there doing your thing, that's a few more people who realize that we're willing to do what it takes to have a life.