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y sister and her husband are in Delray Beach,
Florida till Wednesday, they were supposed to leave
Sunday morning, and yes I talked to them this morning
and they said it was 62 degreees and cloudy, so
instead of the beach they went to a movie--life gets
rougher and rougher for them. :>) They teach school
near Madison so their students will have to do without
them...I've never been in this caht room either--it always
says none are there...Karen, if you're like Ed,
husband, you got one million and one things to do all the
time--I got a little more time than a lot of people to be
on the computer :>) Take care, Betty

Hello
I am new to this group also. I am writing as I have a
very good friend who had an accident 11 years ago now
and left him partial para. He has no feeling from the
chest area down. He had a fall from the back of his
truck with a body of beef (he was a meat lumper) on
his shoulder and the full 80kg did a double take on
his shoulder and threw 3 discs into the spinal cord,
thorasic area. It took him over 3 years to learn to
walk again after the laminectomy and the hospital
foolishly took 3 ribs and never bothered to replace
them or wire them in as they gave up on him and said
he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life
and never walk again. He has no pain, sensation
threshold and also has the involuntary movement
disease (sorry can't remember the name) which is rare
in itself. I was just wondering Tom in your
experience have you come across this kind of injury
and walking again. Sometimes are worse than others
the legs don't respond but he is a firm believer in
not giving up, but does live a life full of pain,
aches and arthritis is severe. He also has Hashimotos
thyroiditis and now Addisons. We live in Australia
and to my knowledge there were only 3 like him and the
other two gents have passed away. Have you heard of
this in your country??
thanks
Honour

emember that one ? (if you were raised Catholic,
repeating mea culpa 3 times while beating on your chest!) I
belong to a much more forgiving church now ! Well, I'm
sorry I did not logon for a few days. I actually posted
2 messages that never made it to the BBS. When I
wanted to post the message again, I got a message that
the message was already posted. So there was a little
glitch.<br
snow and cold, but it's just the way it is. Although,
we have beautiful weather throughout the year, with
over 300 days of sunshine (in Denver). I have right
now on my lap, 2 contented little kittens. When I
came home from work today, I was greeted with very
very sad little "miaws" because we were so terribly
lonely all day and hungry. So I fed the older kitty,
then the dog, then the little ones. I then microwaved
some Chinese food for me that was leftover from lunch
and I had 2 voracious kittens trying to eat it. The
water sprayer has been a great discouraging
message.<br
I immediately went and took care of my plants:
first time in about a year. THANKS A BUNCH !<br
Yes, I did read your message #65, thank you. Zazou,
the 2-yr old kitty, is still pretty lukewarm towards
the new arrivals, but she's somewhat curious. So, I
think that she'll eventually get over it.<br
hugs and kisses to everybody...<br

hi derek, thanks for replying. i think i am just going to hang out
and see what goes on here in this group. my mom is a little scared
to open up to people she doesn't know, so it may take her some time
to sign up herself. thanks, kate

ey sorry I didn't make it here yesterday. I
wanted to post something everyday too but got
sidetracked with all the cleaning that needed to be done.
Would have rather been here...LOL Really have to get
Chuck to work harder so I can get a maid...LOL Where
did your sister get stranded? Right now at 9:00pm it
is COLD. Supposed to get to 45 tonight. Not very
good beach weather. But there isn't any snow. At least
not yet. It sure feels like it could snow if you ask
me. Hope they get back safe and sound. Will try and
be better at posting. Do you guys every get into the
chat room? I never see anyone in there. Take care and
stay warm.

came to this board several times yesterday and
mine was the last post so I couldn't see talking to
myself--on the otherhand I talk to myslef all the time, but
it's embarassing cause of course no one answers,
except myself and I have no respect for my opinions
whatsoever! lol...Leslie. oooh is it really 80 degrees¿--my
sister Margie and brother-in-law are "stuck" in Florida
till Wednesday, they were supposed to fly to Madison,
Wisc. Sunday. Now they are forced to go to the beach 3
more days and apply their suncreen!--I weep for them!
Actually I'm just jealous and wish I were where you
are--enjoy the warmth and if you're wondering why crazy
people live in Ohio, I'm wondering the same thing!
:&gt;) Take care...Betty

Welcome kate's mom! Tell us more! I'm a C-2 quad in Michigan, 21, a
college student. Derek

o snow here either, Leslie. Still cold to me
though. Guess we can't all be as lucky as you.
<br
about three weeks now. I think I'm finally getting over
it. Thankfully.<br
had fun New Years.<br

hi all, i just signed on and i will quickly tell you about why i
found this group. my mom was injured in an accident and it left her
paralyzed from the waist down. she is new to the computer and i
wanted to find her a support group on line. i hope i found her some
new friends here. thanks for listening, kate tamborra

ey, where are you guys? What happened to our post-a-day? I hope your not all
snowed in. I miss you, talk to me.<br

THanks for the advice guys. I know it's not completley the RAM, since we had
it updated last fall to 128 MG and it worked good for awhile, then the
computer crashed and we had to reload everything. Nothing has worked quite
the same and we're struggling as if it had only 32 mg. Not sure what to do.
liz

ell the snow is up to my elbows as I type and
soon I will be covered up so I just wanted to get in
one last message!:&gt;) Actually now they're caling
for 4-8 inches with maybe some ice on top for good
measure. We haven't gotten this much snow in 3 years
although growing up in on the east side of Cleveland we
were pretty buried in it every year. Ed--husband--had
to go out in it on the railroad to deliver
life-saving medical equipment--that's a line I've used a
hundred times--did you buy it? lol Take care, I've got to
call my travel agent and make plans for our Florda
vacation!!!....Betty

Hello. Liz. I also use Dragon NaturallySpeaking preferred addition 4.
When the program was installed for me, it was recommended that I increase
the amount of memory on my computer. At present I have 158 MEGS of RAM and

orry that should read live in it...LOL<br
either..LOL<br

I need to find something that will be quick and
efficient.
Hello Liz:
It's most likely to be a lack of "RAM" Liz.
That's the temporary memory storage you have when your
computer is on (as opposed to permanent storage on
your hard disk). Win95 computers came with 32
megabytes ("MEGS"). Most newer ones come with 64.
Mine has 64 and that's barely adequate for the three
year old version of Naturally Speaking I have. I
think most people would recommend at least 128
megabytes or better 256. It's not very expensive to
buy or pay someone to install. Here's an internet
source I found for example. http://www.crucial.com/.
Good luck.
Jim Vieth

Hi everyone. I have a quick question I hope you all can answer. I'm
looking into getting a new computer, mainly to better support dragon
naturally speaking and dragon dictate. We currently have a compaq
computer and it keeps slowing down the more we use it. It doesn't
matter how many times format it and reload everything on it, it's
just getting worse and worse.
Is there a certain brand/type of computer that works better than
others with voice recognition software? I need to find something that
will be quick and efficient. Also, has anyone seen and tried the
wireless headsets for the computer? I'm wondering if these have as
high quality as some of the normal headsets. I look forward to your
responses.
Liz

orry to hear you are going to get hit with the
big snow. Talked to my mom in Indiana and she said
they were going to get between 6 and 12 inches. I miss
that stuff. Don't want to lie in it anymore but miss
it.I love to sit and watch it snow. There is something
peaceful about it. Everything seems so quiet and new. I
hope you had a great new year. Take care and talk
later...Karen

Hello to you all! I'm new to this list, and though I do not have an
SCI, my husband does and I'm usually the one to find out all the
information to tell him. He was injured 2.5 yrs ago when we were
engaged. It was an auto accident and he's now a c4 complete quad.
Lukily he's pretty smart and is just finishing up his BS studies this
year. We've survived pretty well with a lot of help from his old
rehab nurses/therapists and a lot of friends and family. But there's
a lot I want to know since a lot of changes will be comming into our
life right now. I hope you all are patient with me and willing to
share ideas and experiences.
Thanks!
liz

I saw the article about the young lady going to Israel it is great for her .
But we are still stuck ! I would like to see eomething done wih and for those
of us with injuries that are older.

ought to be interested in whether OSU wins or
not since I went there, but just can't get into
it--hope ya'll had a good New Year's Day--supposed to be a
Winter storm here in Ohio tomorrow, ice and the works.
You all in Florida and California I know will weep
for us! lol...take care all...Betty

APPY NEW YEAR TO ALL<br
bring good things to everyone. I pray for everyones
good health and that this is the year they find what
everyone needs. May God bless you all<br

hi, i just joined this list. i'm a c6-7 injury from 1985. i'm
trying to get into the 4ap trials this fall. i also ran across this
on msnbc/ dateline website:
i contacted the dr. who is running this study, unfortunately the only
take injurys of less than 2 weeks. any good news coming from spinal
cord society or christopher reeves foundation?

ol--means laughing out loud. When I first came
to the New Mobility site I was awash in initials I
didn't get--lol, ab-able-bodied, brb--be right back, and
more. I'm still learning them but if I can be of any
help please ask. Shoot I made up a few of my own which
didn't catch on at all, like gl--good luck! T/c--take
care--and AHNYTY--A Happy New Year to you! :&gt;)....Betty

On behalf of iCan, I'd like to personally invite you
to join us for a live chat event tomorrow afternoon
with MetLife. Please see below for details and I hope
you'll be able to join us!
iCan live chat event!
With Father's Day just around the corner, this is a
great time to think about and plan for the lifetime
care of your child with special needs. Whether your
child is grown, a toddler or a teen, please join iCan
and our special guest Dave Harmon from MetLife, our
partner for our Money & Benefits channel, for a live
chat from 1-2 p.m. EST Friday, June 15. Harmon,
manager of MetDESK, MetLife's Division of Estate
Planning for Special Kids, will answer questions on
planning services for parents of children with
disabilities.
Please mark your calendar and join us 1-2 p.m. EST
June 15 for this special live chat event! If you're
unable to make the event and have questions, let the
iCan team ask them for you! Please e-mail questions
for our MetLife guest in advance to
icare@..., then review the transcript for
your questions and answers once posted on the iCan
site.

I've changed my address to: mashburn15@...

effective immediately ok.

Michael Ashburn
Cornwall,Ontario
Canada K6j2s4
ICQ:73636562
Friendship is eternal
VICTIMS NO LONGER
http://www.geocities.com/athens/olympus/8437/

question? What does LOL mean? Lots of luck?
Laugh out loud? Really would like to know. I had to ask
what PWD was, too. I thought it might be "power
wheelchair device" ? Found out it was "person with
disabilty" guess that would be me! c ya geri

I can't answer your question, but have you spoken to a social worker or
someone in the field of human services?
I'm sorry I can't help more. But just so you know you're not alone, I've
dealt with similar problems too. I'm a C1 vent-dependent quad and my
insurance co has pulled many outrageous stunts that threatened my ability
to live independently and prosper, so I know how frustrated and hopeless
you might feel. Hang in there, and I'll say a prayer for you.
Derek

I have a question does anyone know of any organizations out there that
help with the cost of health care my insurance dumped me after I had
my accident and I do not qualify for medicaid or state assistance I
qualified for medicare but as we all know it doesn't help much when
you can't afford the other costs.I am beginning to suffer depression
and aggression and I do not like it but cannot afford to go to the dr
to get medication.

ew Years Everyone! Seems the older I get the
less of a big deal it is?<br
inside at midnight! Dec 31 1974, or Jan 1. 1975, however
you look at it, I went out on our patio to listen to
horns, fireworks, etc. I felt a sharp pain, like a knife
stabbing me, in my stomach. Looking to my left, and right,
I was ALONE, so I looked down, there on the patio
was a BULLET! (turned out to be a .38, looked HUGE)
Someone had fired into the air, and "what goes up, must
come down" .....DID! It glanced off my abdomen, just
above navel, then hit the pavement. It tore the skin
and did alot of internal brusing. Unfortunately my
leather jacket was open in front, or it would have helped
alot. Fortunately, my head was either looking up, or
straight forward, as it would have hit the top of my head
if I was looking down. Police said the velocity was
not much different than if the bullet was shot
directly at me. Funniest part was my friends here from
Iowa called the police, they said address? The answer,
I don't know, I'm from Iowa. Gives another reason
to apprecite 9-1-1.<br
wanted to make it a "cause" Try to write an editorial,
maybe call the news. OF course, I never did. Two years
later on the Fourth of July a 12 year old girl was
watching a family volley ball game, and she was hit, in
the head, died instantly. And I have heard of other
incidents. So, my advice, "STAY INSIDE". Again, happy,
happy, Regards, Geri

Hi LQ,

And if he is following you, that just proves he has good taste. :)

Dave Kelmer,
Wichita Falls, TX

'm hoping that this last year of the century is the best year for us yet. I
hope it is the same for all of you.<br

avid, James, Geri, Karen, Leslie, and
Dominique....If I left anyone out I sure didn't meant to. I hope
to get to know you all better in the new year. (Here
in Ohio we have one snowflake falling about every
five minutes--does that count as real snow¿ lol) Take
care and all the best to you...Betty

howdy
c5 6 incomplete (i guess). i just got manual chair. very sore.
getting ready 4 rugby. very co0ol. check out cool links. life doesnt
have to0 stop.
http://www.sportaid.com/ good priced equipment
http://www.acorda.com/index.htm may have cure
http://www.quadrugby.com/ just 4 fun
see ya
ryan

I'm finally into my new home in cornwall independent living.
Also connected and ready to receive e-mail?
Michael Ashburn
Cornwall,Ontario
Canada K6j2s4
ICQ:73636562
Friendship is eternal
VICTIMS NO LONGER
http://www.geocities.com/athens/olympus/8437/

can scaresly beleive it, but I am actually
looking forward to the upcoming year.<br
say thank you to all my friends. Without your
kindness and wisdom these past few months would have been
so much harder. Thank you all! HAPPY NEW YEAR
EVERYONE!!

to your boyfriend, as it will help him, in obtaining full
independence.
Christ, yes, I should think it is. Excuse my language but this really
wakes strong feelings. My friend was injured four years ago now, lost
his job due to the injury (he worked in print management) and hasn't
been able to get one since. It really gets to him. It isn't the money
that matters, I hold two good jobs and earn enough money to keep us
both, but it's just that it hits his self-esteem really hard. He says
he can't move in with me until he's self-supporting.
So much so that he's gone off to the U.K. now (we both live in
Spain), to see if things are easier there. He's been there a month
with no success as yet.
Perhaps his mistake is trying to get a job through ordinary channels?
He's never tried special agencies such as you mention, I was not
aware that they existed at all. He just goes to interviews and always
gets turned down. It is really hard for him and I hate seeing him
like it. Goodness knows what will happen, but it really makes me feel
awful seeing somebody so brave and nothing coming.
Thank you so much for your advice. I wish we had that kind of
government agency. There's nothing much doing in Spain - or,
apparently, in Britain either,
Ruth
Every

aren, good to hear from you. Pickerington is
just southeast of Columbus, a growing community is an
understatement. Rural Rte. 256--at least that is what it was whe
I first moved here about a million years again, now
has every restaurant known to man, and 16 theatre
complex and more being built. I am origianlly from
Cleveland, a big city girl, but I do love it here, at least
I do in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. I'm ready now
to visit my mother who lives in Delray Beach
Florida....Guess it is my husband Ed who has been my caregiver for
the last 20 years, ever since the onset of this
disease. We have gone through every stage I guess, but
right now even though I am in a power chair I am fairly
independent and we're getting along pretty well. I have been
reading everyone's posts, posts can drop off the main
list pretty fast I noticed. Dominique, did you get my
post #65? Take care, and all the best to you, hope to
hear from you again....Betty

eri, you just are a fountain of knowledge. Thank
you. I love the soda bottle idea to water the
plants...<br
very nice chef! So I don't know when I'm going to
start cooking again.<br
remember him from Circle of Friends.<br
the day.<br

ighlight it, press Ctl-C and after opening Notepad press
CTL-V to paste it in there and save the notepad file to
you desktop. Then, every time you want to go there,
copy (Ctl-C from the notepad document and position the
cursor in the Address window and Ctl-V). I do that for
all my passwords, cause there are so many I just
can't keep them straight.<br

Thanks for your welcome, Tom. It really is very difficult to find any
information at all on stuff like this.
One thing I'd like to hear your views on. Is it really very difficult
for people with spine injuries to get jobs? My fiance has been
looking since September 98, when he recovered from his accident. It's
a long time. I don't mind personally, as I'll be perfectly able to
support both of us as soon as he wants to move in. But I would like
to see him find what he wants.
What I wonder is, in your experience, how important is this kind of
disability to employers? do you generally manage to find a job again,
or do you find the same sort of difficulty he's meeting with?
Thank you,
Ruth

Welcome to the group Matt hope you post a pic and tell us more about
yourself I'm a 39 yr old C5/6 from Arkansas.
Mark

ey hope things are going good for you. It is so
neat to have a place we can all talk with each other.
I have gotten so much help here. What part of Ohio
is Pinkerton in? I have a brother that lives in
Hicksville. And We are from Fort Wayne In. neighbors really.
Hope you have a great New Year and a safe one. Take
care<br

hello. Ruth. Welcome aboard. Feel free to ask any questions at anytime.
There will be someone who will try to assist you.
Regards
Tom

Hullo,
I´m not injured myself, but have been going out with someone who has
been, c4 incomplete. We both live in Europe. Well, I just find I know
nothing about all this. So I hope you'll allow me on your list, to
read all the useful information and ask any questions I might think
of. Thanks,
Ruth

hanks for the help Geri. I really do appreciate
it. it is so nice to know that we are not alone out
here. Although it sure feels like it sometimes. I will
check out that page as soon as I can. Can never have
too much info. I look at whatever I can to give me
any help I can get. If he asks a question I want to
be able to answer it. Having some trouble with the
bladder right now. Think he has some stones. YEA. But
have started on med for it so he should be ok soon.
Take care of yourself and will yak at ya soon. Oh and
that is a great idea about the cutting board. We are
going to give that a try.

Hi Matt,

It's nice to have you with us. Great Web Site you have, even without the pics. :)

Dave Kelmer,
Wichita Falls, TX

Hello people i'm glad to be a part of this group!
Check my web site at: http://wermbo.friendpages.com
Thanks-Matt

i Karen,<br
is a motorized wheelchair. An incomplete quad has
use of one extremity. In Michael's case he has use of
his right hand and arm, but has no feeling in
them.<br
the insurance company that he needed a motorized one,
his life became much better. He can get around the
house on his own now, and it makes him a little more
self-sufficient.<br

can someone tell me the difference?
How does Hydrocone 10mg/325mg
compare with Oxycontin 40mg tablets?
(I mean strengthwise) at what point are they lethal? How many could one
take and be o.k.? how does it affect the liver? what other organs?
thanks for any help and info
rochanah

i Karen,<br
anti-spasticity drugs. People take them separatly or in different
combinations. The Zanaflex for Michael made him to drowsy in
any combination so we quit using it. Hope this
helps.<br

Hi Stacy,

Some of my fondest memories come from my kidding around with a few people in my 'Psych 101' class about me having a head-start on them because of all I had learned from my SCI. I really enjoyed the experience of going back to school as a Quad. :)

Dave Kelmer,
Wichita Falls, TX

or Karen.... Baclofen and zanaflex are two of
the most commonly used anti-spasmodics. (baclofen is
also called lioresal,sp?) I tried Zanaflex and got no
relief. Funny how this stuff works, or doesn't. It is not
unusual to use a combination. Even with the baclofen
injection pump I have, I would have the option of
additional oral, like at night, which would help me sleep,
etc. I try to keep everything to a minimum. But the
burning got soooo bad that I tried the Neurontin, and was
really surprised at the spasticity response. In fact, I
got in the car and hour ago to leave work, legs were
stiff, took one Neurontin, and 45 minutes later when I
got home, legs were manageable. I am thrilled.<br
Dominique, with regards to carrying liquids. Two ideas. I
try to use capped bottles, like an emtpy 2 litre soda
bottle to water plants around the house, putting cap on
while I move about the house. You could do the same
with Gunar's water, just use the bottle to fill it.
Hopefully by the end of the day there is much less in the
bowl, easier to remove. (maybe if you can leave it
there, just keep filling) The other thing I do is place
a cutting board on my lap. I use this for many
things, carrying dishes from dishwasher to cupboard,
carrying glasses and food to another room. My company is
always beside themselves when I Serve a trayFULL of
liquid refreshments in the family room.(they THINK THEY
SHOULD DO IT!) The cutting board I prefer has a little
groove around the edge, so if I am cutting anything that
drips,(a head of letttuce) the groove catches the liquid.
I even put the mixer on my board, when making
cookies, or something, and carrying a hot casserole across
kitchen. I think I have imparted TOO MUCH wisdom for one
day.... later,,,,geri<br
that since you still have some questions, you may not
know about CLAY'S PAGE.. Clayton Lewis is a student at
Kansas State. He has done tons of research, and put
together quite an informative page on SCI, and other
stuff. All in plain english. If you want to have some
fun (keep the kids away) check out his "funny
sounds"....<a href=http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~cdl2786/
target=new

t's very cool, gang; we are communicating here.
Thanks Geri for the suggestion of talking to the
landscape supervisor (university of Colorado at Boulder) to
take care of those pesky crab apples. I used to love
them and watching them, now of course, it is a
nuisance. Oh well. I saw in your profile that you like
gardening. I used to LOVE gardening. I still have a lot of
plants in the house, but haven't figured out a way to
carry the water can. As a matter of fact I have trouble
carrying any kind of liquid stuff.<br
the office, I bring my dog, Gunar, and since he is a
BIG dog, he has a BIG water bowl. I fill it up in the
morning in the kitchen which is not too far from my
office and empty it every night, and it sloshes around
on my clothes, shoes, etc. It's not a big deal,
that's the new way now !<br
driver's license test today! I am a big girl again, and I
can drive all by myself. Hip hip hip? Hurrah.<br
drove to have my nails done to the salon and my husband
(Tom: for you Geri, not Dominique's husband) did not
have to come and wait for me in the car while I'm
there. Fun Fun Fun.<br
tomorrow.<br

inda seeing that now. The sleepiness I mean.
Guess we will give it another week and see what
happens. Want to give it a good chance. Then will call
doc. We are lucky to have one that really cares and
doesn't ask us to come in every time there is a problem.
Not too many of them out there. It is really nice to
have someone to talk to. Like I said I am lucky but
sometimes it is better to talk to someone who has been
there and can help to guide me. Can I ask what kind of
chair you husband uses? I know he is a quad. But then
you said incomplete. What is the difference? I am
afraid I am still a bit dumb on these things. I could
look it up but am a bit lazy too...LOL. Too many
things to do and not enough time. Have a great NEw Year
and stay healthy .<br

HI rochanah ..
I am a female c4 imcomplete that self cathers..BUT ..I was never told about
the need to boil the rubber caths..I was told a good soap and water cleaning
after each use was enough. I have only been injured a short time..but so
far..no problems..
Anyone here heard of boiling the caths???
hugs, Sherry

Hi:
I hope that some of you who are self-cathing will be kind enough to share a
few things with me.
First of all, as I think I've mentioned before, I am simply a "mom'. My
youngest (of 5 children) a 20 year old son fell from a 5th story building
while
at college and was "injured"..... he self-caths. I boil his catherers
since he
does not do much for himself....it is painful for him to stand for too
long, he
rather sit or lay down on his side.
My questions: (I know that a doctor should have told us this, but they
havent.... doctors can be such a "pain")
1. How long should the rubber catherers be boiled.
2. How often should one get new catherers.
3. It seems almost impossible to keep them sterile (after boiling, one
places
them on a non-sterile paper towel, the rubber gloves are not sterile, the
plastic baggie where I put them is not sterile) so that UTI's seems almost
impossible to avoid. Could anyone share experiences, advice, etc.??
Thanks
rochanah (Brian's mom)

orry now I am really confused. Is the Zanaflex
the same as the Balcofen? We are trying the two dose
thing tonight to see if it helps. Will let you know.
But like I said if this doesn't work we will try
something else. Just keep trying and one of these days will
find it I am sure. Have a great New Year if I don't
talk to you before then.<br

n Michael's case, the only thing that the
Zanaflex did was make him sleepy. The Baclofen worked much
better for him without the drowsiness. If you are not
having luck with the Zanaflex, call your doctor and tell
him you want to try the Baclofen. A week is enough
time to know if a spasticity medication is going to
work.<br

Hi Dave,

It was real close to 6 before I left. Sorry I missed you. Maybe next week!

With Love,

CtrlAltDel aka Dave
C4/5 Complete - 28 Years Post
Texas, USA

I never knew this site existed until Saturday when I went to chat. I
guess that's what happens when you're gone for a few
months....changes are made :-)
Jim

I hope everyone has a great Valentines Day!
And we had a record turn out for chat Saturday but some people still
can't get in the chatroom for some reason so if anyone knows why
please post instructions so they can.
Mark

ny time I can be of help, please e-mail me or
contact me through the club board. I had no support nine
years ago when we went through the transition in our
lives. In fact, I still have no support from family. I
am still pretty much "on my own." I know what it
feels like to really need to talk to someone who
understands what it is like, or to just have someone that you
can just "unload" onto. I hope that I can
help.<br

opefuly, the baclofen will work for your husband
Karen, (Chuck, right?) I AM SO GLAD HE HAS A NAME.
ANyway, all baclofen ever did for me was groggiess. But I
guess the cental nervous system is so f'd (frazzled?)
that everthing is different for everyone. I notice if
I take two neurontin, I am really loose about two
hours later. Really makes for a good nights sleep. I
need to try to take one again, about 3-4 am.m or upon
arising my legs are stiff as boards, and tough to get out
of bed. Dominique, cool, that you are in charge!
Speaking of your work, aren't you at a college? I remember
your post about crabapples on the sidewalk. There is a
product (more than one) that will stop the formation of
the fruit when it is in the flower stage (April?) It
is called Florel (mfg by Monterry Chemical) maybe
you could get with the landscape supervisor and ask
him to inquire from his chemical/fertilizer source.
We use it here on olives, they are a real mess. In
fact those that fruit have been outlawed due to
allergy increases.<br
moved to AZ in the 50's (my family ) and 60's, then we
all planted non-indigenous plants and created a real
allergy situation. Anyway, it will only work WHERE
sprayed. And must be sprayed right when the flowers open.
This usually occurs on the sunny side of tree, first.
The good thing about this, they could only spray over
the sidewalk if they so desired. Let me know if I can
help. It is even available in small quantities at
nurseries in our area if you want to try to do it yourself!
Later. Have a good day everyone! geri

i Geri<br
that we have been on that for a few months now. Chuck
seems to tolerate it well. He is taking 5 a day right
now. It worked wonders and is helping a lot. At first
it really helped with his pain. Now not so much. He
is having a lot of spasms at night. think we might
try the double dose and see if it works. Couldn't
hurt. Will keep you posted. Thanks again for telling me
of this site. I have met a wife in the same position
as I am. Now I have all kinds of people to talk to
who really understand. THANK YOU

ad to drop another line and tell you that I also
am a diet coke fiend. It is all I drink so you are
NOT alone!! As soon as I wake up I grab one and have
one by my bed at all times...LOL Take care and stay
well.<br
spell it) next. Right now we are trying Zanaflex so far
it is not working all that good but we are still
working with it and it has only been a week. TIME TIME
TIME...docs love that word.<br

t was really nice to hear form you. I know there
are others out there but sometimes it does feel like
I am all alone. I have to admit I have a great
family and friend system here. We get lots of support.
But it does help to have someone who has gone through
what we have and can understand what the feelings are.
I hope to chat with you soon. Hope you and your
hubby have the greatest new year. And hope all is going
well. <br

ominique,lol--been there done that too, was a
tourist at the OSU riots--all I cared about was getting a
good picture!...Kurt is about to graduate--finally!
He'd dropped out of school for two years but the love
of a good women inspired him to return, whereas our
endlessly boring lectures didn't phase him at all--can't
understand it...I enjoyed reading about your pet
situation--we were a no pet family, then one dog, then two--now
back to one ageing Heinz 57--his name is Sparky and
let's just say his doggy elevator doesn't go all the
way to the top--but we love him anyway, sort of. We
have mice pets <br
I think--it might just be because we put out food
to feed them down by the creek--Ed saw five ducks
the other day and this is the wrong season for
them--this spring should be a duck bonanza. Good to hear
from you, take care...Betty<br
ticked off? :&gt;)

i Geri,<br
also currently on Baclofen. I printed out your post
and I am going to ask his doctor about it to see if
he thinks that it will help Michael. No one has ever
mentioned this drug to us, so posts like these really help.
Also, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one in the world
who drinks diet coke first thing in the morning. My
friends and family think I'm nuts.<br

i Karen,<br
situation. I am also caregiver to my husband. I have been
for nine years. He is an incomplete quad. I love this
club because it gives me insights into how he feels
sometimes. If you need to talk one to one e-mail me at
lahodges@....<br

why did you get that degree if you don't want to teach?
paulboyda001 <paulboyda001@...

I am a 29-year-old man that will be getting my bachelors degree in English/creative writing in the next year. Even though I have been injured since 1995, I'm still pretty terrified of the future and my prospects. I'm in no way sheltered, I'm very independent and outgoing. I consider myself intelligent and well rounded, but I do not want to teach and it limits my prospects somewhat.
I would be interested in hearing from any other quadriplegics who are currently employed in making enough money to live independently (and comfortably).

http://fly.to/littlequad

Hey Paul,
Welcome to DOA I'm a C5/6 since 9/11/99 and employed and live semi
independent with an aid and my son.
Come join us in chat ion saturday and we'll talk about it.
Mark

Hi Tommy..nice to meetcha
I too am an incomplete quad..post injury 6 months.
I tell you..the best thing that has happened since my injury was finding the
help and information from this site and forum
www.cando.com/forums/topics.jhtml?GROUPID=3&offset=0
There are many different forums, but under "spinal nurse" you can post your
questions. Not only will many other SCI people go outta their way to
help..there are quite a few SCI medical experts there who help and answer
questions. Heck..they have helped me more with their expertise than my own
doc's!
I have a similar type pain situation..but mine runs across my back
(shoulders and deltoids) I am a c2-7 incomplete..
Sure hope this will help you with info !! hugs, Sherry

isease for 20 years and still don't know what it
is...<br
in California, protecting mother nature, the forest,
and growing his own food. (been there, done that, got
the tee-shirt). Then I have a 20 year old daughter,
who lives close to me in Denver. None of these kids
wants to get married yet. But I have grandchildren from
my husband's side (5 of them, but I only know 2),
and they are all in California too.<br
at work, and in charge cause my boss is on vacation,
I'll stop here, and will talk to everyone
tomorrow.<br

few months ago I registered on the NM site as
Railone and like it or not that has been with me ever
since. I could change it now, but people know me as
"Rail" so I'd better stick with it. BUT--my name is
Betty, please call me that, and I do talk endlessly and
tiresomely about my husband Ed. He is the reason for the
Railone, being that he's the one that started with e-mail
and the computer, while I was still stuck in bed--he
works for Conrail, thus the Railone--he picked it for
himself--I am Mrs. Railone. Of course there will no longer
be a Conrail shortly but we have recently found out
that he will be working for CSX out of Marysville when
the takeover is colplete so that is one big weight
off our minds. I tried to register here as Railone
but they tell me someone else has that name--now who
in the world would that be??? Anyone I added on
CC--for Choo Choo-so clever :&gt;)..I am not an SCI--I
have an undiagnosed neuro-muscular disease which I've
had for the past 20 years. I've been to the Mayo
Clinic twice looking for answers as to why I have nerve
damage--no answers. I've been in a wheelchair since l986,
although before that I was bedfast for several years...I
have one grown son, 25, who is engaged to be
married--and the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned, so
we can move right along to the next
stage--grandchildren!!! Take care everyone, and thanks again for
including me in this site...Betty

My name is Tommy. I was involved in an auto accident on Dec.4, 1999. As a
result of that accident, I was rendered a quadraplegic, though incomplete. My
level of injury is C5,C6. To this date I have regained a great deal of
mobility, especially on my left side. To make a long story short, I have been
in constant pain since the date of my accident. The pain is a "girdle" like
sensation of my mid-section or abdomen. I remember, as I lay in ICU only days
after the accident, asking my wife to loosen the strap around my waist. There
was no, no has there ever been such a strap. There was the wrap used to
control my blood pressure, but that was not painful and is not related to the
chronic pain that I suffer from. The pain is like someone has me in a bearhug
and is squeezing the very life out of me. The girdle like sensation I
mentioned before is what I envision and what I have repeatedly told the
doctors that I suffer from. The girdle is being tightened tighter and tighter
to the point where it is unbearable.Since this is my introductory message, I
will not go into detail, as I feel like my story will be familiar to those of
you in this group. I am desperate to find relief, as this pain is slowly
ruining my job, my relationships with others, including my wife, and my life
in general. There are times when I think I can't go on. While I don't
consider myself suicidal, the thought enters my mind almost daily. My pain
has been treated by several doctors in Savannah, but to no avail. I am a
workers comp patient, so I have had little problem getting treated. My pain
gets worse as the weeks go by. I do not know how much more I can tolerate. I
am going to an accupuncturist as we speak out of my own pocket...that is how
desperate I am. I still have a job, but am being held on for fear of a
lawsuit I think. Anyway, I'm sure my story rings familiar, but I think I have
some rare, if not unheard of, symptoms. I am willing to listen to anyone who
has suggestions of any kind.
Thank you for being there and for listening.
Tommy

ant to thank you for telling me about this site.
I am not a SCI but my husband is. Geri you know
that. Anyway, I am always looking for ways to help him
and to get more info. Thanks for having this site. I
am looking forward to picking your brains. Glad the
new drug is working Geri. We just went to a new one
too and am hoping it will work. It is ZanaFlex. Still
working with the dosage but hope it works. Thanks again.
And MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

I am a 29-year-old man that will be getting my bachelors degree in
English/creative writing in the next year. Even though I have been
injured since 1995, I'm still pretty terrified of the future and my
prospects. I'm in no way sheltered, I'm very independent and
outgoing. I consider myself intelligent and well rounded, but I do
not want to teach and it limits my prospects somewhat.
I would be interested in hearing from any other quadriplegics who
are currently employed in making enough money to live independently
(and comfortably).

t's good to see everyone in such good spirits. I
smile when I read your posts. Kinda hard to be anything
but happy around you guys.<br
neurotin is helping, Geri. They have me taking it four
times a day, so I would imagine the'll raise your dose
if you ask. It took me a while to get used to the
stuff. Made me real groggy.<br
driving again, Dom. It takes a way a lot of your freedom
not being able to take off on your own when you want
to.<br
weather seems a bit warmer. I guess I'll go to the garage
and get started on the kid's a new toy box. They got
so many toys they have no where to put
them.<br
day!<br

Hey Steve,
I'm Mark a C5/6 quad from a diving accident 9/11/99 cabin fever gets
us all I guess and I'm a sunjunkie myself so come on spring!
Nice to meet you and welcome aboard!
Mark

oined the club, we are very close in age and we are
both married. Tell me when you got injured, and your
husband's feelings etc. It has not been the easiest
situation here but we are working at it.<br

Hi Steve,

My name is Dave and I live in Texas. I was living in AZ in '76 when I sustained a SCI - C 4/5 while white-water rafting on the Upper Salt River. I've lived in MI so I know how small a cabin can get about this time of year. I have one son and his family living in MI, and one son and his family living here in TX. I hope to see you in 'Chat' soon. Stay strong!

Dave Kelmer,
Wichita Falls, TX

Free booth to artists with disabilities
Hello to the group. There will be a 3 day expo for people with disabilities
in Miami Beach on March 2, 3 & 4. Any artist with a disability will receive
a free booth to sell their work. I will be having a booth there.
You must provide your own transportation and lodging. Please contact me for
more details.
Thanks,
Franklin

o glad to see activity here. Geri it sounds like
the meds are doing what they're supposed to do.
That's always exciting. I am changing Primary Care
Physician. This guy is a Native American from Quebec (so he
speaks French) and used to be the Pain Clinic Chief when
Kaiser had one in Colorado. I take so many drugs,
although the pain ones are not addictive, I'd like to use
as little as possible. I take elavil at night to
quiet the pain the next day and I also take a sleeping
pill: if I don't sleep well, I'm in pain the next day.
Also when I go to work, I use a TENS unit and that
helps quite a bit.<br
to downtown Denver after she spent 2 days with us: I
then drove by myself, first time in over a year ! WOW!
that was SOOOOOOOO cool.<br
upside down, with kids, animals, people calling and the
weather cooperating and melting all that snow we
had.<br
HotWheelsMama

i Everyone! Last month I started taking
Neurontin (an anti-siezure med) for the tingling and
burning I have in my legs and bottom, (OKAY,,, BUTT!)
While it has taken that to a 8.5 on a scale of 1-10, I
realized last night that it is doing alot for
spasticity.<br
allowed me the ability to manage my legs, whereas before,
I couldn't even safely transfer, and my knees were
like permanently welded together. Anyway, I try to
keep the dosage as low as possible (now 340 micro
grams per day)as I seem to have been needing to raise
it a bit all along, and worry about developing a
tolerance. I was at 120 mg oral, (prior to the pumo) getting
NO relief. So, my overall spacticity, and rigidity
still exist, to a lesser degree. The toughest time has
seemed to be morning. I have been taking three Nuerontin
per day. It has been simpler to take two at bedtime,
and one in the morning. When I got up to take the
dogs potty at about 2 a.m. I realized it was
relatively easy to get my legs off the bed. What's up with
that? It had to be the two Neurontin at bedtime. So at
eight this am, when the were really stiff again, I took
two more. At ten when I got up, (Sunday, sleep-in
day), there they were, MANGEABLE AGAIN Couldn't wait to
tell you guys, and my Dr.! They had me start out slow,
check for drowsiness, or anything, I have had no side
effects, but do plan to spread out my dosage, and maybe
ask for 4/day. COOL, huh?<br
mess, though. My house still isn't back to normal.
Probably won't be till the kids go back to college. Their
friends are used to hanging out here, so we have the
usual accompanying mess. (beer cans, bodies on the
couch, floor, etc. etc) Funny,it used to be that in the
morning I got up and stepped over those bodies, now they
prevent me from getting to the kitchen for my morning
diet coke!) LATER....geri

Hi I was injured in an automobile accident in December of 1998 and
bacame what they call an incomplete quadriplegic I am married and
think that if it wasn't for the love and support of my husband and his
family I would never have made it.It is a very stressful thing to deal
with because of the changes you go thru not only the injured person
but the family too .If you have any direct questions you feel like
asking I will be happy to help in any way possible .I am online most
days at any given time feel free to email me @kitty68_1999@...

Rochanah,
I am not real familiar with catheters but there is one that is advertised
all the time in new mobility magazine which is supposed to be good at
bypassing the infectious zone. Its by a company called MMG healthcare. Thay
will send a free sample if you call 1-800-334-4475. I hope this helps.
Steve

Hi Steve,
I'm Stacy. I contracted a rare type of encephalitis in May 2001 that inflamed my brain and spinal cord. The disease left but left damage on my spine. The worst at T 7/8 making me paraplegic. Welcome to the group. Everyone tries to chat on Saturdays I think it's 1:30 central time. I know how you feel about the cabin fever. I don't drive yet and before I started back to college I actually was very depressed because of it. I guess too much time on my hands to think about the wrong stuff. Anyhow we are a fun group so jump in and say what's on your mind.

Stacy

i everyone, I am new here but am very happy to
be a member! Thank you David for inviting me. I
decided just to go ahead and post this now, I haven't
completed a profile yet or read any other messages. Now
I'll go back and do that. I'm still learning about the

Hi, first time on this group. Wirting for my son who is too miserable
to get on line.
He has beein having trouble cathing, (he self caths) and believes
there is a differnet kind of catherer that he can get for when he has
trouble emptying the bladder. But he cannot remember the name of the
"other type of catherer" so that we can ask doctor for it. help?
Thanks
rochanah, mother of Brian

hope everyone had a great day yesterday. I sure
did it was so nice to be with my family again. I have
spent far to many holidays alone.<br
here in Alabama. It's cold outside, the kids are
running around playing with all there new toys. Not
planning on doing much except kicking back and
relaxing.<br
feeling better.

t's the day after Christmas and we had a
wonderful time. First of all, we had kids with us (which
makes it extra special) and my husband gave me 2
kittens, the cutest little things ever. Now we have a Dr.
Dolittle house, 1 BIG German Shepard (80 lbs, and not yet
9 months old), 1 Female cat who is now royally
pissed off, and two 8 weeks old kittens: they are a
siamese mix, and one has a racoon mask and tail. We also
have mice, even though they are the kind that live
behind the refrigerator...<br
you,<br

Hello Group:
I have worked in the rehab field for 25 years and am trying to
develop better support systems for couples after the SCI of one of
the partners. I am trying to identify individuals or couples who were
either married of who were in committed relationships at the time of
SCI, who would be willing to talk with me about their experience. I
am especially interested in how you coped and suggestions you have
for other couples who currently face such a chalenge. If you are
willing to talk with me, please email me at [jimrohrer@...].
Thanks so much.

I'm a new member, please allow me introduce myself. My name is Steve and I live in Minnesota, the land of 10,000 road constructions. I broke my neck in 1966 in an automobile crash. I may c/3-4 quadriplegic. Right now I'm suffering from cabin fever. We actually don't have any snow in our backyard which is extremely unusual. We usually have up to five feet or more of snow. It is still extremely cold which is the cause of my cabin fever. I can't wait for spring!

hings have been rather hectic and with my love
working so much I haven't had a chance to see her much :
( . I missed a Charlie Brown Christmas (major :( )
so I haven't felt like I was "in the season". And
now to top it off I'm sick
(HUMBUG).<br
spending the next two days with Sherrie and our families.
So even thouth I sit here and cough, things are
looking up. Glad to be here, glad y'all are here. Take
care and have a happy...<br

t is a brisk sixty five degrees in Southern
California, the sun is shining, and it looks nothing like
Christmas! Hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas.
Spend the holiday with your family and loved ones, and
know that you are loved.<br

Yes I was hurt in the military. Schwarzkopf was an interesting person to meet and very sympathetic. At the time of this visit (around September 95) I was the only Desert Storm vet rehabbing there. They practically had to drag him from my side as the discussed how everything was going. He had been briefed that I could not move my hands, but he forgot and offered his hand for me to shake. He was rather embarrassed and my therapists were all taken a collective gasp as they thought I was going to make light of his error, like I normally did. I, however, simply just smiled and he placed his hand over mine as he spoke to me. It was very kind and endearing. I still feel the compassion he showed me as I think about it or see the picture.
Billy
quadpirate <quadpirate@...

Hey Billy I was just looking through the photos which we are getting
a bunch of and it's great to see everyon's face any ways I was
wondering if you were hurt in the military and what was Stormin
Norman like in person?
Mark

t's great that you are finding just a little
time to post. I feel way better today, and had a brain
fart last night. My husband is back with Timmy, and
it's really cool to have him here.<br
German Shepard, is ecstatic to have a companion. Merry
Christmas to all.<br

k, time to get with the program...... I am off
to work 1/2 day, then guess I better buy two more
gifts. My daughter (19) home from college, is my
Christmas Angel, she stayed up last night, wrapped ALL the
gifts, and even did a quick once over on the house. What
a doll! I guess it is time to be thankful. Thankful
for my children, my health, my job, family, warm
home, food on the table, my wheelchair (WHAT WOULD I DO
WITHOUT IT??) My driver's license.(I am so proud of it
everytime a sales clerk asks to see it!) The abilty to
drive, (I just hit 30,000 mi on my 1998 truck, purchased
Jan 98. It's interesting, driving is much MORE
comfortable than sitting in my chair, so now I really LIKE to
drive!)ability to cook, eat, think, cry, read to a child, laugh
(did you hear Monica L. went in to have her "love
handles" removed? <br
ears!) I could go on. I once made a list of all the
things I could do, then those I couldn't. The COULD DO'S
made a much longer list! I am going to call all my
friends today, and wish them a MERRY CHRISTMAS! I have
started with you! Love, Geri

Hi. Walter. Sounds like you are going through the same problems that I had
up until last year. The end result, was that I did the hospital bit, as the
antibiotics were no longer working. I was eventually put onto OXYBUTYNIN
(Ditropan) which is an anti spasm medication specifically for the bladder.
I take three of these a day, three litters (pints) of water per day and two
Cranberry Capsules (10000mg) with food everyday. I have also been shown how
to milk the catheter. You squeeze it at the base and with your other hand,
(thumb and forefinger), rotate the catheter backwards and forwards so the
inside of the catheter rubs against itself, do this all the way down to the
end of the catheter.this will break up any garbage that this stuck in the
catheter. This has worked very successfully for me. My health care workers,
are actually the people who milk the catheter for me everynight. Give it a
try, it might work for you. At least I hope it does. The medication
Ditropan may be prescribed under a different name in your country. I live
in Australia.
Good luck.
Tom

Hey Billy I was just looking through the photos which we are getting
a bunch of and it's great to see everyon's face any ways I was
wondering if you were hurt in the military and what was Stormin
Norman like in person?
Mark

oes anyone know of a T.V. channel that covers
disabled sports. So far I have only been able to find
highlights and only in the wee hours of the morning. surely
there is at least one that covers them.

I am a t-10 parapalegic do too a tumor hemmoraghing in the
spinalcord,july 3rd 2000 i went to a super pubic trying to avoid
problems from intermittent catheing but there has been no luck,i see
a urologist frequently he is the only one taking care of the UTI's he
has checked for stones or any other junk but nuttin.my biggest
concern is i know your body becomes immune to antibiotics
eventually,the last infection i had which i really am still getting
rid of was a real prick took two mths before i could sit up in chair
for more than a couple hrs cuz of bladder and leg pain,finnally took
augmentin which they dont like to give in case u go septic but now i
am taking bactrim(ds) which is finally clearing it up..i have been
like this since7-28-99 and pretty much have had infection since,but
at first with the super they did ease off just this one now is a
prick doesnt wanna leave,they did give me cipro too take when i
change cath every 4weeks,,well sorry sooooo long but thx ,,walter,,,

Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for the
DisabledOfAmerica group:
Who will win the Superbowl today?
o Patriots
o Eagles
To vote, please visit the following web page:

hope everyone has a great X-mas. Dominique I hope you get to feeling better,
and thanks for helping keeping things going. Thanks to all of you.

uch of a Christmas spirit until tonight, coming home
from work, with the snow covering the ground, the sky
pink and blue and hazy, the contrast of the dark
branches and the white snow. And I sang in my head "I'm
dreaming of a White Christmas". And I got teary-eyed, I
suppose for the sadness I have been experiencing of not
seeing my whole life ahead of me as I used to before my
accident.<br
Dec, 15 of 1997; so last year I was somewhat out of it
(really out of it).<br
year, but my husband insisted so we have one. We
decorated it or I should say he decorated it as I was
handing him the ornaments.<br
early this morning to pick up the one I call my little
summer boy, Timmy, who will spend the holidays with us.
It seems to me that Christmas is a time for
children, for wonder and faith that things turn out
allright after all.<br
confused about my feelings.<br
challenge and posting...

K, I check in six days a week, I will try for
seven, and I will see about trying to post something
every day. As far as holiday spirit, the first four
christmases after Michael was in a chair, we did not put up a
tree or decorate. For some reason we just couldn't get
into it. Now, however, it has become an annual "fun
time." The weekend of Thanksgiving, we put up a tree,
and we decorate. I put the tree up and put the lights
on it. Then together we put on all of the
decorations. We do it one ornament at a time, and make it a
mutual decision. (I put on the higher ones at his
supervision). We then decorate the house. He rolls around and
supervises all of the garland, decorations, etc. It has
become a really fun weekend for us and marks the
beginning of the holidays. You may be surprised how much
putting up a tree will help get you in the holiday
spirit. I know it is a hassle, but we now believe that it
is really easy to make an excuse and just let things
pass you by if you let them.<br

--- In Spinalcordinjury@egroups.com, "walter whitling"

Hello. Walter. I am a C5/6 Quadriplegic, and I have constant problems with
(UTI) Urinary Tract Infection. There are a variety of antibiotics which
are available through your general practitioner [DR.] which should control
any infections that you get.
Your doctor can refer you to a Urologist for further investigation if the
problem continues. This is not an uncommon problem for people with Spinal
Cord Injury.
Unfortunately I cannot make any further comments without knowing what you're
condition is. I will be more than happy to pass on my own personal
experiences if you wish to give me more information as to your condition.
Regards
Tom

would do a talk show. I would like to try to
educate people and show them how a seemimgly harmless act
could lead to trouble. Also, I think certain subjects
have been taboo for so long that people don't know
what all is affected by a dis.<br
bladder/bowel dysfunction before because no one talked anout
that stuff. Same with sex ( oooo naughty boy! )

hello i am new,i was wondering if alot of u have problems with
bladder infections if soo what do u do to help keep them away i have
had them constantly for 1 1/2 yrs getting scared i wont be able to
treat them soon,,i have heard all kinds of remedies but have had no
luck..would love the help thx all====walter

KAY, Dominique, I'll follow your lead, I will
check in daily, but can't promise to post EVERY DAY.
here in Phoenix it is nice and sunny, about 60
degrees. It WILL NOT be a white Christmas! As you know, I
drive an S10 pickup, which I lowered, and put on low
profile tires and wheels, enabling me to have a level
transfer. Although it does have a third door, I have a
rigid chair (colours by permobile) so it will not fit
behind the seat or over my lap. I have a Bruno outrider.
A little crane that has remote control and swings
around and takes chair to the back of the truck. OK for
Arizona, but maybe not Colorado! Although last year with
El Nino, it got plenty wet. I do bring the seat in
when it rains, and then just the seat back is wet, so
I can put a towel there if I want.<br
Christmas...anyone else having trouble getting into the spirit? Even
though it is the third one since my crash, and kids are
home from college, I am not motivated to shop,
decorate or anything. Kids said they would get a tree, I
was dreading the unboxing of decorations and the
ensuing mess so much, I think I have them talked out of a
tree. Will be my first Christmas EVER, without one.
We'll see. Hope to be chatting with you all soon.
regards geri

n hindsight, Circle of friend forum died because
nobody posted anymore. So I am pledging I will logon
everyday to this club and post one message.<br
what's happening in Denver today: It is so cold that my
battery in my van is dead. Which brings me into the segue
of "I finally have my van". It took THREE months for
it to be adapted, but oh boy, I am so happy to be
driving again. I've got remote everything, including
remote start (so that it's warm by the time I get in).
The people at Craig Hospital had written a
prescription for 2 batteries, and the company that adapted the
van did not do that. It was a mistake because
remotely operating the sliding door, unfoldint and
dropping the lift, plus moving the driver's seat drain the
battery. SO I'm going to have to bring it back for more
work.<br
all. <br

Hi thanks when I have more time on the web I will def.check it out.
sonya

looking...Sherry

ello folks; I know Geri from Circle of Friends
and have been sorry that it slowly extinguished
itself.<br
many PCs, and I was not using this old one where I had
downloaded Geri's email where she posted the
address.<br
from the chair from handicapped stalls or at
home.<br
pants where I sewed velcro in the crotch:<br
myself so that my butt is at the edge of the chair, I
put my feet on the toilet, open my foot rests (I have
a folding chair), bring the chair close to the
toilet, and put my feet on the other side of the toilet
ring. I use Mentor cathaters (thanks Geri), and the
hardest part is finding the opening of the urethra. But
eventually, I find it and I sound like I'm peeing just like
before ! I put the cathater back in its plastic and
throw it away in the trash. At home, I have a mirror to
see what I'm doing, but at work I need a third
hand...<br
time.<br

made a similar post at N.M.. A couple of us
were joking about talk shows and it made me think. If
you had the opurtunity would you go on one? A chance
to talk to the public. I received varried responses
to my post a N.M.. Some thought it was a good idea,
some a bad, and still others thought no one would be
interested in doing the show.<br
surprised. I thought it would be a good chance to try and
educate the public. I think that is the major problem. I
think people are not puposely malicious, just ignorant.
They don't know. Before I had my accident I didn't
know anyone with a dis. I had a lot of misconceptions
myself.

cott, <br
weekend about the problem of cathing in public. He said
that he cathes from his chair. He pulls straight up to
the commode and straddles it. Sitting on the edge of
his seet he is able to reach the commode with the
catheter. Then he turs his glove inside out with the
catheter inside. Ties the glove in a not, and tosses it
into a bag. That way he can clean it at home.<br
hope this is more helpfull than my first suggestion.

Hello. Sonya. It is quite common for paraplegics to develop shoulder
problems after a number of years. I would suggest that your mother contact
her occupational therapist with regards to obtaining a hoist to illuminate
the problems of transferring. With regards to your daughter, I know of no
solution to this particular problem. I realize that psychologically this
would be causing her considerable stress but unfortunately, I for one, know
of no solution.
Hopefully, someone else will respond to you, with better solution.
Good luck
Tom

Hi I am searching online for my mom who is a paraplegic. She is in
her 40 and been a paraplegic for 30+ years. She is looking for people
in similar situations as of late her left shoulder is hurting so bad
it is risky transfering and she is unable to lift my 18 pound
daughter up. Any one out there with any ideas or suggestions or other
places to chat/post?
Thanks Sonya

ets not forget Mellow Yellow. They all look the
same. Just remember, warm "stuff" needs to be poured
out instead of saved whether pee or soda.<br
on the other hand has a different effect we won't go
into right now. :-)

Hey guys and gals,

I just wanted to let you know that I have started a new group at eGroups, DisabledAbleLovers, as another alternative for those of us with disabilities seeking support and a sharing community on the topics of dating, relationships, love and of course sex. I am a functional paraplegic who suffers from Arachnoiditis and several other spinal conditions. I am engaged to a wonderful AB man that I met on the internet last year. I know how hard it can be to find information on issues affecting the disabled community when it comes to relationships and sex and as such I wanted to start my own forum and do all that I can to contribute. Please stop by and read the description and subscribe. I also hope you will help me spread the word. If any of you have any suggestions for me please feel free to email me personally. I will continue to be a member of this group as well as several others on the subject. I hope that no one sees this as a competition of one group for another
because I don't intend it to be that way. I think the more avenues we in the disabled community have to express ourselves and learn from each other then the better off we will all be, both as individuals and as groups.

Happy Holidays!
Dawn Davis
Moderator, DisabledAbleLovers
http://www.egroups.com/group/DisabledAbleLovers