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.

tribute

I've mentioned before that I've got a fierce independent streak. As independent as I might be, I need people in my life, for many reasons. I want to dedicate this blog to one of the most selfless people in my life, my brother.

The place I moved into has a great balcony, but it wasn't accessible. There was no simple solution to change that. My brother and I both love the challenge of finding unusual solutions. Unfortunately, we have working styles that are polar opposites. Despite that and an insanely busy life, my brother gave me the time and effort to solve that problem.

Today I went out on my balcony by myself for the first time. I watered my garden. I picked tomatoes. I watched the world from above. I wondered how I could ever thank my brother properly.

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...

keeping in touch

Whether you live alone, or spend any time alone, you're likely to face a scenario where you're going to need to reach someone. It might be that you've fallen, or you're simply stuck and can't get to your normal sources of communication. Trust me, it's something you want to plan for because when it happens and you can't reach help, you'll have plenty of time to wish you had planned.

There are many ways to do it, a cell phone that you always keep on you, one of those systems where you simply press a button and a call center answers, or the more sophisticated ones that can tell you've fallen without having to push any button. Shop around, because some of these can be pricey.

One of my problems has been that my cell phone does not work in my underground parking. That was taken care of by installing a 'phone repeater' which basically increases the signal strength in confined spaces.

Think about ways to deal with these kind of situations beforehand, and avoid having to swear at yourself with your loud outside voice...

distraction

If you're looking for something to distract you, here's something I heard about.... 'The Book of Awesome' and 'The Book of (even more) Awesome. In my 'helpful links' I put the page about #840, popping bubble wrap. Other awesome things listed on the cover include snow days, bakery air and finding money in your pocket. I haven't bought either book or the calendar, but I've seen the author interviewed. Based on on that, and what's on this link, it looks awesome (no pun intended) and I'll be picking up a copy.

Have fun being distracted...

another gadget

I put some plant pots on my balcony with various vegetables in them. One of those is a cherry tomato plant. Trying to pull off a cherry tomato, without dropping it it is near impossible. Then you've got to avoid running it over...yuck.

I found a new gadget. I took my pasta scooper (looks like a ladle with forked edges) and by placing the tomato in the scooper with the branch in the fork part, I can pull gently and the tomato stays in the scooper... most of the time.

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.