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gt; ...was on vacation in the depths of
Louisiana.<br
in the worst way,<br
pay the high prices the local vendors<br
asking.<br
with the "no haggle" attitude<br
shopkeepers, the blonde shouted, "Maybe I'll just<br
out and catch my own alligator so I can get a pair of
shoes<br
The shopkeeper said, "By all means, be my guest.
Maybe<br
one!"<br
headed for the swamps,<br
an alligator.<br
the shopkeeper is driving home, when he<br
spots the young woman standing waist deep in the water,
shotgun<br
alligator swimming<br
aim, kills the creature and with<br
of effort hauls it on to the swamp bank. Laying<br
&gt; nearby were several more of the dead
creatures.<br
amazement. Just then the blonde<br
on it's back, and frustrated, shouts, "Damn,
this<br

eri, I read with special interest what you
experienced on your trip. You are right, I have never really
traveled without Ed there to help me. But where ever we go
we are always posing the question, what if someone
was by themselves--isn't that what wheelchair
accessible is supposed to mean? Thanks again for the info, I
am doing more and more on my own and who knows, one
of these days I just might travel on my own, but it
won't be too soon I'm afraid. Take care and speaking of
blones I have a blonde joke for everyone. Of course as a
blonde wannabee I am deeply offended by blonde jokes.
:&gt;)....Betty

Hi Cherry,

I'm thinking I remember someone here having healing of pressure sores as a
problem. Seems someone has found something that works for them. Hope it
helps.
Dave
In a message dated 12/9/01 2:49:05 PM US Mountain Standard Time,
dmille06@... writes:
<< Hey! Finally found something that has healed my skin and I up everyday
now!
I finally had gotton frustrated enough to go to the plastic docs and prepare
for eventual surgery. They, of, course, said its not bad enough go home and
go back to your regular sitting schedule and see you in 2 weeks. In the
meantime put a piece of telfa over the spot and to cut down on tape
irritation do not change it but every 2 days. Well, it got better! And
better! and now is healed! I have not babied it at all--been hitting those
sidewalk cracks and bumps and stuff at full throttle. Still putting the
telfa on it tho. Knew friction was a problem, but gads, I've had telfa
around forever! Just did not know to use it. I spent the summer in bed for
nothing!! Grrrrr!
So, thats the only thing we are doing, telfa and super sensative skin tape,
change every 2 days. Just thought I'd let you all know! take care,
Dana and Sabre TT, CGC
dmille06@...

k, now any of my friends out there..please do
not take this next question personaly. <br
THAT WOMAN A BLONDE?????<br
sometimes you got to wonder where these peoples brains
are.<br
come with us and run interference??<br
work with a great group. And from your wisdom I will
know what to do when we are ready for a real trip.
Thanks<br

ole at my level, the toilet was standard height (I
can transfer, but not as safely) the light by the bed
I was unable to turn off from the bed, the mirror
in the bathroom was so high I could only see my
eyes, and I couldn't reach the night-lock. So I made a
list and gave it to our group sales person. She passed
it on to her management, and they Thanked me, and
said they would work on it. Since my company spent
about $120,000 there, it might get their attention. I
wrote a letter to the Disney land Hotel last year, as
their room was worse. The tub had the same simple stool
as Oceanside, sitting all by it's lonesone in the
tub. Again, no showers, this time for 4 days! They
never responded to my letter, BTW. One roll in said
there was a built in "seat" in the back. It was set
back into the wall, and requiring "jumping" the two
inch curb, not exactly "roll in", after getting over
the curb, I was positioned right in front of the
seat, and couldn't transfer, even if I could I would
have been unable (and afraid) to push my chair out of
the shower for fear I couldn't retrive it. One BIG
roll in in Sedona, AZ, was great, padded shower chair,
but no curtain, so it was very difficult to shower
without getting your chair all wet! <br
things are something you guys might not even think
about, as you probably don't travel alone. Your spouse
could easily help, or move chair, or what ever. The
shower 6 ft away also posed the problem: Turn it on, get
water temp ok, transfer, shower, (hope the water temp
doesn't change drastically, cause you can't move, OR
reach controls). When finished, water is still coming,
you can't dry off, so must get onto w/c while wet
with water running. Sound like TOO much fun????<br
remembered to retrieve my "grab strap" the one I tie to a
chair or dresser for help turning over in bed, before
checking out. This time I used a luggage strap, as I
didn't have dog leash, or my son's rope! I had to leave
the maid a note "don't put iron out of my reach" as
she kept wanting to put it back in the closet. So I
remember to check every night, as in the morning I am not
ready to answer the door when I call for
help.<br
down. So I had to go outsided, around the building and
in the back door to get there. Then if I needed the
ladies room, or something from the bar, or buffet, I
either had to go outside and around, or get help. The
guys I work with are AWESOME. They try to help so
much, but have all learned that I am fiercely
independent, so now they ASK first, if it is OK to help me.
The entire meeting was 80 sales reps, and about 20
assorted other, management, etc. Four women total, it IS
NICE to be outnumbered. The group photo at the pool
was interesting. I asked how to get to the pool (lots
of steps) was directed to another bldg, through it
(carpet hallways) then outside, then down a steep,
winding sidewalk, full of plant debris and woodchips. It
was probably two city blocks. When I arrived, I was
on the "upper level of the pool, and the group was
arranged on the steps. So the guys carried me down about
10 steps to the front. Then we grabbed a lawnchair
for the pic instead of w/c. Now we needed me in
closer about 4 feet, so they are scooching the chair
with me in it (nails on chalkboard) Then, nobody can
find my boss! He has gone to look for me, since I was
late with the detour I took. After we're finished, he
shows me a neat little pathway out of the pool area.
The next day, I tell the woman who sent me on the
scenic tour, about the path. She says, "I though you
wanted to be in the back of the group" Now, picture
this, 99 people standing on steps, and I am going to be
in the
BACK??????<br

i guys! Will start with the most obvious thing
in an adapted room. The shower. I always call ahead.
If they say "roll in" I make sure there is a seat.
Then I make them describe it. (one was like a little
stool, no way) that was Oceanside, I had business in San
Diego, but stayed there, 40 miles away JUST for the
shower, then couldn't use it. Well, this was roll in,
with the flip down seat attached to the wall. Sounded
fine. I get to the room, and after checking to see how
high the iron was stored (top of closet) I check out
the bathroom. As promised. Only the seat is on the
back wall, and 6 feet from it is the front wall, with
standard knobs, and standard shower head ( 6 foot high) I
checked the angle with water on, and it didn't begin to
make it past the middle of the shower, it never would
have reached me! So I got to take a sponge bath and
wash my hair in the sink. The next day I requested the
installation of a hand held, and they did it! Cool. to be
continued....

o glad everything went well with your trip. And
I am very glad that you will be sharing your travel
tips. Want to do some with chuck as soon as I can. We
did go to Orlando and Disney. As you said the hotels
aren't REALLY w/c literate. I guess I can put it that
way...LOL I think you have crossed a major road with this
trip and you came out on the positive side.
Congrats... and God bless you. Hope to hear some great
stories from you soon. <br

[INLINE] [INLINE]

ongratulations on your handling of going back to
that painful place. I got injured, on the same block I
used to live. So I had to look at the spot pretty
often. What I did was not wanting to go back in my
Thunderbird. So we rented cars for a while, and then it got
ridiculous, so I rode in it again.<br
today, everything flying everywhere. And we have grey
skies: which is not too often.<br
have lunch and talk to you all later.<br

eri, sounds like you had a good trip to Orlando
with a lot of good insights. I don't actually think of
Orlando as a city, I think of Disney World as my
hometown--I probably should have been born there.lol The
point is I also love it, Ed and I hope to go there in
Feb. or March. Thank you for the sharing, take
care...Betty

From: "Justice For All Moderator" <jfa@...
To: <justice@...
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 9:59 PM
Subject: Urgent - Action Needed on SSI
that
the
subsist
on
total
of
the
level
subgroups
of
entirely, or
a
to be
cut
lose
basic
that
some
benefit for
an
combined
with
income of
other
severity
of
for
SSI.
one-half
of
employed.
SSI
a
budget

I love pool. Where do you live?

ello Everybody! Florida trip was awesome! I got
back last night, still catching up on mail, voice
mail, e-mail, and phone-mate! Lots of little details or
potential pitfalls I will post later, regarding travel
(airplanes & hotels) I need to get to work, LOTS to do, and
I can't wait!<br
morning though. I was really reticent about ORLANDO,
since that is where I had my crash in 96. Driving on I
4 on the bus (my associates CARRIED me on the bus )
I found it difficult to carry on dialogue as I kept
looking at the road side, sandy with sparse grass, at
about a 30 degree slope. Lots of bad memory,
associations & vibes. The rest of the trip went well, the
hotel had been retro adapted for w/c, and not very
well.<br
kept feeling like everything said, FLORIDA, or
ORLANDO, and did I really want to bring home those
"memories"?<br
is A CHOICE! And I was going to change mine, right
NOW! With a knot in my stomach... But I was determined
to do it. I decided that I was going to EMBRACE
Orlando. I am an expert at playing "the glad game"
(remember Pollyana? All my life I have been called
Pollyana, and a year or so ago, it came on cable, and when
she climbed the TREE, I remembered what happened to
her, talk about IRONY!) So, I began to think of all
the postives, I started with, "I LIVED". Then "THEY
TOOK GOOD CARE OF ME, AT ORMC". "I came HOME to my
children in one piece" (ok, broken a bit) So I decided
that I was going to make Orlando my favorite city in
the country, maybe even the world, (though I am
really partial to Rome) I looked around the shop and
there was a darling flamingo beenie baby. I have never
bought one, but this was the right time, and the right
place! So it is now my memory of my favorite city! When
I get around to unpacking, I plan on finding a
great place to display it! <br
have a terrific day! I plan on it.<br

Am I the only unemployed, disabled person, with lots of time so, he
spends it on the Internet? Oh god, I hope not. I must have joined
200 or so disabled e-mail lists with abundant membership sizes
searching for others who enjoy to play pool. I only found two
prospects. I don't care if you are male or female, 12 or 72,
disabled or not. If got a few hours to spend daily, weekly or even
monthly, let's shoot some.
zeek
http://www.communityzero.com/vpadpa/index.cfm

From: ADAPTMT@...
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 12:45 PM
Subject: FYI for ADAPT folk
LIVE Webcast
Ask the Experts: Medicaid
On Wednesday, April 20, a panel of experts will answer questions
about
potential changes to Medicaid during a live webcast of "Ask the
Experts" a
kaisernetwork.org program.
WHAT: With potential reduction in Medicaid spending a big issue on
Capitol
Hill, kaisernetwork.org's "Ask the Experts" will host a live
discussion
about possible changes to the program.
WHO: The panel of experts:
a.. Jim Frogue, Center for Health Transformation
b.. Alan Weil, National Academy for State Health Policy
c.. Jeanne Lambrew, George Washington University Department of
Health
Policy
WHEN: Wednesday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
WHERE: Watch the live webcast on kaisernetwork.org.
HOW: The panel of experts will take your phone calls and emails. Send
questions in advance to ask@... or call 1-888-KAISER8
(524-7378) during the live broadcast.
Please note: The toll-free number will function only during the live
program
and is for submitting questions only. The program is accessible via
webcast
on the Internet and not via teleconference. If you have never viewed
a
webcast before, please test your media player in advance of the live
webcast.
NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt MiCASA List http://www.adapt.org
Mark

'm a new injury myself. June 30 of 98. I hope
this site is helpfull. I'm not here as often as I
would like. Still trying to get my life back in order.
I think you'll find everyone here very helpfull and
friendly. If there is ever anything I can do to help, just
say the word.

Have you guys ever seen these? This is what I use to take my little buddy
for a walk. It goes about 10 MPh and is supposed to go about 20 miles on a
charge - mine might make it 10 or 12. It's a lot of fun and really gives
one a sense of freedom. I carry a little bucket of water for him and refresh
it at the park.
Dave

No charge

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign
advertising the 4 pups.

And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard.

As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his
overalls.

He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.
"Mister," he said "I want to buy one of your puppies."
"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat of the back of his
neck,
"These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of
money."
The boy dropped his head for a moment.
Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change
and held it up to the farmer.
"I've got thirty-nine cents Is that enough to take a look?"
"Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle.
"Here, Dolly!" he called.

Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four
little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His
eyes danced with delight.

As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed
something else stirring inside the doghouse.

Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller.
Down the ramp it slid.

Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling
toward the others,doing its best to catch up.

"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt.
The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't
want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."

With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached
down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.

Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands."

Holding the little pup carefully he handed it to the little boy.

"How much?" asked the little boy.
"No charge," answered the farmer, "There's no charge for love."

The world is full of people who need someone who understands. It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care.

I wish to unsubscribe from the group - I am in the group under the name of wildhotcherry69. I joined because I am a friend of John ( from Ohio). But he doesntn't seem to be on-line anymore---- Has anyone heard from him?

The unsubscribe e-mail doesn't work-- Tried it twice. The e-mails came back to me saying there is no such address.

Kathy

My son invited me down to the Best Buy where he works for "Family Night".
That's where I can get his discount when buying things. They had these cameras
and these two very cute camera sales girls..... I might even have to go back and
actually BUY one of those little beauties. (cameras) I couldn't afford the
others....
Dave
(Who's that happy guy in the middle of that Dave Sandwitch?)

eth, Michigan! lol Well that is one heck of a
ways from Florida--we have some very good friends who
live in Rockford Michigan who keep us posted on the
snow and it sounds like you have similar snow
depth--what part of Michgan are you from? Yes winter is NOT
the time for a wheelchair, unless you live in
Florida. The sidewalks here in Pickerington, near
Columbus, Ohio are all covered with plowed snow, but I must
say I wouldn't have wanted to use them anyway--a
Winter Storm warning here. Take care and good to hear
from you...Betty

First of all, I'm not selling nor do I have buisness ties with any
soft/hardware company. I am simply a disabled guy, just like you,
who
likes to shoot pool. I have a condition verry spastic, leaves me
uncoordinated and slow. In my teens no one hardly knew I was
disabled.
I shot pool as much as I could. In college I shot daily and when I
moved to Florida I hustled drinks at a sports bar. When I was 25 my
condition deteriated my body so bad that playin real pool was too
much.
My fiance` bought me a game called Virtual Pool. I played it lots, I
found most trick shots to be impossible but I enjoyed the game. I
searched the WWW for Virtual Pool Communities, I found several but
one
that gave me the info I wanted. Making this short, I have gone
through
4 versions of VP and now play VP3. After 5 or 6 years I am offering
other disabled folks help and assistance to have fun and the
possibility
of making friends. I'm also trying to form a league for the
disabled.
I'm not quite sure yet, I'll know soon, if Dragon Dictate works with
VP3, if not I'm sure VP4(soon to be released) will. Visit and
register
here http://www.communityzero.com/vpadpa/index.cfm I offer tips,
help,
advise, downloads for the game and will give one on one help. The
game
only cost 20 bux(all you need to play online) and all you need is two
fingers or even less depending on your accessibility set up. See you
on
the felt.
Zeek
PS-Administrators, please excuse me for spamming this on your e-mail
list but also please allow it as I believe my "cause" is just.
zeek
"Do not suppose that, if you find something hard to achieve, it is
beyond human capacity; rather, if something is possible and
appropriate
for man, assume that it must also be within your own reach." -
Marcus
Aurelius, _The Meditations_

y sons are the ones to have the good sense to
live in Florida. I'm in Michigan drowning in snow.
News last night said 39.5 inches since Jan 1st. But
then we got another 4-8 last night! My son's
wheelchair wouldn't go in sand - I can't imagine what it
would be like in this snow. He has a Quickie GP with 3"
rollerblade wheels up front. The handicap parking area here
is a joke. There is snow piled up between it and the
sidewalk. We would have been doing a lot of complaining or
a lot of shoveling ourselves if he would have
stayed here.

Hi River,

Thank you for the reply to Amelia. I'm sure there was no intent to scare her away because she is a Para, but someone new to the Quad-List may have read it that way. We are all different but have more similarities than differences, and we should be willing to be here for each other regardless of any differences! If it's not those of us that understand how difficult the battle offering help or advice, then who?

Dave Kelmer,
Wichita Falls, TX

I'm in a manual but locking down is definately a necessity. I saw a girl
lean so hard one time she pushed a guy in a chair right over backwards....
now why couldn't that happen to me? I also saw a guy in a Santa suit go in
to 'cheer up' the girls. They were all over him like stink on sh#$. That
was a pretty good idea.
Dave
In a message dated 12/1/01 4:49:36 PM US Mountain Standard Time,
WHEELCHAIR@... writes:
<<
In a message dated 12/1/01 3:52:34 PM, DiannaL767@... writes:
Kinda pathetic blaming all that on your son!
Dianna
I'd suggest that if its nice to you, then its good for ya. Every consider
getting a script for once a month session. Another suggestion. When
accepting a lap-dance, make sure that you turn your chair off.
W

nd sets me right on the seat--then I clutch
frantically at the arm rests and back of the seat till I
swing a leg over. And there I stay till he helps me
off--there's no going into the DQ or anything like that!:&gt;)
I had patches on my eyes for about ten years--we
would take them off at night when it was dark, and put
them on in the morning--it was like being blind in
that I saw virtually nothing. Now that my eys are
better, not all better but close enough, enjoying life's
beautiful sights is something I cannot get enough
of....Beth, welcome to this board, I m sort of a newcomer
too, only been here a few weeks but it sure is good to
communicate with everyone. Another Floridian who has the good
sense to live in a State that doesn't freeze over every
year! :&gt;)...Take care, Betty

Hey Matt,

i! I just happened to read a post from Karen on
a different message board and started writing her
because she lives in the same state as my son and her
husband sounded like he had a lot in common with my son.
She invited me to the Wheelin On Club. Thanks
Karen!<br
us. They can never give you enough information in the
hospital or rehab center. And you just don't know what
questions to ask at the time of injury.<br
injured May 98 (T12)so we are still fairly new at this
and still learning as much as we can.

karen, karen, karen....
you are sssoooo funny.... untie david and let him answer. (I'm tellling him
what you said.) you're killin' me. this is mother nature you're
fighting.... you don't stand a chance. be glad he doesn't want to go to
"chip-n-dale's" instead of "super hoots".
kisses,
dave
In a message dated 11/30/01 11:09:36 PM US Mountain Standard Time,
Karen_Q@... writes:
<<
I am glad u had fun dave . I have no problems with u going to a bar ...i
aint married to u. Now david went i woud klll him lol

Hey Heather I posted there twice yesterday and I do think it's a Great Site. More people aught to go check it out and read your post their. I got real BIG laugh for few minutes, got choked cause I laughed so hard about the one about the wheelchair up on blocks in the front yard. LOL LOL Kinda remind me of that ole Redneck, Jeff Foxworthy. Anyway's, thanks for the cheering up..

Cquad7 ( Chet )

so, i was just sitting here, minding my own business when.... my kid calls -
says he's out of work early and is ready to go light up the town. now i'm a
good daddy and i say to my little woman, "i better go keep an eye on the kidd
while he exercises his rights as a free white 23 year old american." iit
worked..... she let me go with him - easer than putting up with me here at
home i guess... so, he wanted to go to this dumb topless bar where the main
draw was 50 cent long necks. ok, i thought if i gotta, i gotta. let's go.
we went - it was OK... his friend met us - some of their friends circled...
they were OK... one said, "hi dad" (now THAT hurt) but she danced for me
- introduced me to the "twins" - all was cool. we had a few beers - i'm
home early sipping on some sour appe pucker stuff - pretty good actually -
leaning on one arm while i type with one finger on the other - if the caps
aren't right or the spelling sucks - tfb... i'm dealing with a handicap
here. if the rest of you wussies weren't already in bed, i wouldn't be stuck
writing to a blank screen. i took my son to the topless bar when he was 16
-= told him he must return the favor when i'm old and grey - OH - SHIT - I'M
HERE... AAAHHHHH.... he's such a good boy. a real chip off the old blocck.
sssooooo.... i know what the guysd think of my friday night out.... i'm
thinking the girls here have a few words they are dieing to share...... ok,
so spit em out you girls... are we dogs for enjoying nature's treats? are
we pigs for paying to see someone we don't live with, jiggle? right on...
they need to earn a buck too you know. i had a few beers - no uti's here -
no spasms here, no sleep problems here... - wishing all you short ball
hitters a peacefull evening and a happy new year. (I'll be back -= this is
MY festive season and my best buddy and i have not been out for our holiday
season cheer yet.. (this apple pucker stuff is burning my lips... aaawwwww),
My bestes buddy Dick... ---
HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/dave0c/bob.html"
Love you guys,
Later,
Dave

r do you ride in a sidecar ? Sounds very
interesting. When you wore the patches on your eyes, was it
all the time ? I want to see this new movie out with
Val Kilmer where he plays someone who was born blind
and got his sight restored: I saw a clip where his
friend tells him about his shadow. Pretty amazing stuff.
I believe it's a true story. <br
work. Just needed a little break.<br
Louise

d has never had a serious motorcycle accident
and I worry every time he gets on his bike--he has a
Goldwing now. Shoot,I worry every time I got on the bike,
I have become such a nevous nellie. But he loves it
and I have gotten to where I am a little more relaxed
each time I ride. Years ago before I became ill I
would ride behind Ed without a care the world, just
holding on to his belt loops. Now I have become a big
fraidy cat who needs arm rests. I first became ill back
in 1978--our son was 4 years old. It started in the
arms and the nerve damage gradually spread to every
part of the body including the eyes. I had patches on
my eyes for almost ten years. Now things are so much
better and I just count every day a joy that it doesn't
go back to as bad as it was-still in a wheelchair
but I'm able to deal with that, especially with the
support of friends that I've made with this marvelous
computer! Take care Karen and Leslie and Lucy Louise, I
mean Dominique. :&gt;)...Betty

Do any of you get DPP in the mail?
They are pretty neat and do have their own website.
<A HREF="http://www.disabilitypostcards.com/"
product information for disabled individuals</A
The one that caught my eye was the "Roll Aid" at the StandAid site.
(They don't mention the price.)
<A HREF="http://www.stand-aid.com/"
Dave

Hey guys I was wondering if y'all can help me? On my web site which
opened last week, how can I get people interested in posting in the
forum? Any suggestions? We have about 40 something members but only
a few people are posting.
Heather
http://spinalresource.com/

ou are right. All kinds of SCI injury occur. Michael's wasn't due to an
accident. He had an aneurism inside of his spinal cord at C4. This is what left
him paralyzed.<br

Funny you should mention &#8216;walking a mile in my shoes&#8217; as a good plan
for an OT/PT student. My 25 year old son helped me get my new chair ready for
use recently by switching old usable parts for new plastic ones and afterwards
tried my old chair with some of the new parts. He wheeled around the house, out
into the garage, over to the fridge for a beer, down the hall to the bedrooms,
out onto the patio&#8230;.. I&#8217;m in a one level house and have ramped all
exits and replaced all carpets with wood floors. Even so, he came to me in
about an hour and said, &#8220;this chair business really sucks doesn&#8217;t
it?&#8221; I&#8217;ve been in this for his entire life and he is definitely one
of my best buddies. He&#8217;s been at my side or on my lap ever since he
arrived 25 years ago and we do lots of stuff together. A pic is worth 1000
words&#8230;. http://members.aol.com/mmmo7734/kidspage.html he got all
philosophical about everything and that day he said to my wife, &#8220;You know,
dad
has really paid in full whatever it is he&#8217;s paying for. When he goes,
I&#8217;ll be sad for sure but at least he&#8217;ll be free from that nasty
prison he&#8217;s in.&#8221; woah&#8230; what a kid.
On a side thought, my 20 yr old daughter moved out to live with a her g/f and
another guy (same thing I was thinking &#8211; but platonic is the word.) The
guy got shot &#8211; mistaken identity &#8211; and is now in a chair &#8211; T12
complete. She has since &#8216;fallen in love&#8217; with him and figures
there&#8217;s no big surprises coming, after all, her dad is in a chair and she
knows all about life in a chair. Oh boy. I have pretty mixed emotions about
this one.
Dave
In a message dated Thu, 29 Nov 2001 7:06:01 AM Eastern Standard Time, Caron
Valentine-Bennett <cbennett1@...

I thought of you guys today as I left my warm cozy house at 6:30am and went out
to my car this 42 degree, breeze blowing morning. My hands got sssoooo cold,
and that brisk 10mph wind blew down my neck - my quad neck REALLY doesn't like
anything cold. Not even in summertime. Some of you are in the Chicago area -
some in northern Indiana - I'm a transplant from Michigan myself. As I grabbed
the frosty wheel, pulled my collar up around my neck, hit the heater, shut my
eyes..... I remembered when I was in school in Detroit. I thought, "You sissy.
THIS is nothing. You froze your butt off in Detroit (well, not completely off.)
and bitched and moaned until the city bought you a one way ticket to Arizona
just to get rid of your whiney little ass. And what are you doing now? Whining
about 42 degrees? Suck it up, wuss-boy. Where you going next, Mexico?" I'm so
glad YOU guys are back there dealing with winter and not me. Oh, BTW, Arizona
is full so don't even get the idea to move your frozen little butt o
ut here.
I'm seeing more and more wheelchairs out in public these days too. I'm always
tempted to go up to them and ask, "Now you are being nice out here in public
aren't you? I don't want any doors slammed in my face because you mean-mouthed
someone. Makes me wonder who is out with theor PT/OT. Gets me all excited just
thinking about it.
Sending a little puff of my 50 degree midday heat to you eskimos. (Pretend
you're here.)
Peace,
Dave

ell Dominique,<br
Congratulations on your team doing so well. <br

My DH is having the same problem, the belly muscles are not working he is a para *new* 4/2/01 , any ideas we are trying laxatives and enemas thanks

Alexandra

Do Not Meddle in the Affairs of Dragons for Thou Art Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup!

he house is painted navajo white, the trim is painted cocoa, the accent is
painted stonish beige. The painter comes on Wednesday to start and I am really
excited!<br

I not only have a 'little' quad-pot, but I'm starting to have problems
keeping things moving through my system and on out. I'm thinking a little
exercise might fix me up - tone those abbs, you know - like a little walk
around the block maybe. Possibly some easy sit-ups.... wait a minute.
That's not possible. Those muscles don't work. My 'get up off your lazy ass
and move around' things don't freeking work. I'm thinking maybe a little
help from a gadget might get my innards moving a little better again. Please
post any results you see from using this thing - good AND bad results.
Dave
(Maybe I'll just pretend I can pinch a loaf - that'll work, huh?)
In a message dated 11/25/01 9:44:09 AM US Mountain Standard Time,
mp317912@... writes:
<< I will post it to see how it works. I've told my son who now has a quad
belly that he must realize that the muscles in the stomach area are not
working and he must realize this. It's very common for the quad belly.
Really no one except them notices it, especially when they wear sweater or
shirts outside the pants you can't even see the quad belly.
Marie

Hey Amelia,
I know I've been in many ruts and I just take a hard look around and
remember even me being a C5/6 one armed bandit that there are people
out there in a lot worse situations than me.
I try to stay busy and if you're capable get a job a hobby like
painting.
Oh and I wanted to ask who painted the beautiful praying Indian
woman in the photo section of the sight because if you're selling
I'm buying.
Keep your head up Amelia Spring is here and warm weather awaits us!
Mark

Amelia,
feel free to contact me again. I am often available to chat.
Dana (C 4-5, 30 years post, 51) In a message dated 4/13/2005 12:46:57 P.M. Central Daylight Time, think_ndn_7@... writes:

[INLINE] [INLINE]
hey to all , The post from river was an outstanding statement. I totaly
agree with her words and just want to underscore, her comments to
Amelia. I wish the majority of us people with whatever reason to be on
the list would be so insightful, with that said Amelia, spring is here, time
heals, but most of all HOPE is what keeps us going in these times of
trouble. So Take care and keep posting Reuben

t is true there are so many stories. One guy in
our hospital fell off his toilet and hit his neck. He
is now a Quad. Very hard to deal with I am sure. But
guess like they say there is a reason for everything.
We just aren't privvy to the reasons. Would be nice
if we were let in on it though. The bike ralley is
called Sturgis. We planned on going one of these days.
Might still do it, never know. I can be stubborn when I
want to go somewhere. And think it has been good for
Chuck. Makes him do stuff he thinks he can't do. Pushy
broad I guess. Still working with him and his "I can;'t
do that" attitude. Have a great day at work and take
care.<br

These two bone-heads sound like perfect candidates for the Wheelchair
Pretenders group. Yes, you heard right, they pretend to be handicapped and
then go out in public to check on people's reactions to them. They claim us
real SCIs "just don't understand" them. The mother of all
understatements... The movie "Planet of the Apes is starting to make more
sense to me now. I'm thinking we have found the missing links.

<< Hello,
Just signed in today to see if anyone on here lived around Northwest
Indiana.
Hello welcome, from Northern New Jersey. Bobbie

hey to all , The post from river was an outstanding statement. I totaly
agree with her words and just want to underscore, her comments to
Amelia. I wish the majority of us people with whatever reason to be on
the list would be so insightful, with that said Amelia, spring is here, time
heals, but most of all HOPE is what keeps us going in these times of
trouble. So Take care and keep posting Reuben

hings. Sometimes they are freak accidents like
Ed, or me: I was going to work about 6:15 am on Dec
15 97 (=cold) and the street was icy. Is stopped in
front of my neighbour's house to pick up the paper as I
was taking care of her house; my car was an automatic
and instead of having it on drive I had it one below.
So when I stopped, I put it in reverse instead of
park. And as I got out of the car, I slipped (?) and
was it by the door of the car rolling backwards, and
was folder in half and dragged by the door. So here I
was in the middle street with no lights, no car next
to me, it went and hit a house, and terrified that
someone would run over me. (at 6:15 am it's still night).
But thankfully, some neighbors heard for my cries of
help and came to my rescue. Or this guy at Craig was
runover by a snowmobile.<br
were quite a few people who had been injured by
bullets. And also motocycles.<br
harley rally in S. Dakota (the name is escaping me right
now) and we had a ball. We did not have a bike; but
Tom wanted one.<br
we see one, I tell him, you can look at it, you can
have lust in your heart about it, you can commit
adultery in you head with it, but you can't buy one! (I
figure one paraplegic per household is enough)<br
am at work, so I should get back to what I was
doing, y'all. (It's going the Western Stock Show, here
at the end of the month, and we are Texans for a
day: Tom becomes Tommy-Joe, and I become Lucy Louise
(with big drawling accents)<br

ey betty, see that Ed bought a new bike. What
kind may I ask. We are riders also. As a matter of
fact, that is how chuck got hurt. I was in Orlando at
the Super Soap Weekend, yes I watched the soaps, and
he was home by himself. He decided to go into town
and get a movie. Took my bike. I have a trike. Well,
somehow he went over a railroad track and the front end
came up on him. Can't steer if it goes up. He got it
down but by that time he was on top of the curb. Hit
it with the right back tire. Threw him off and then
came down on him. Broke 15 ribs, right clavicle, right
heel, dislocated right hip, and of course the back, and
blew out both lungs. That drive back was the longest
drive in the world. It was a freak thing. I am not
telling you this to get sympathy. I guess Ihave never
told anyone on these posts exactly what happened. Just
thought I would give some background. But we don't blame
the bike. As a matter of fact we are thinking of
having a special bike made for him. They can make all
the controls on the hand grips for him. Then a
special harness and he is off on his own. We both love to
ride and think it will do him a world of good. Like I
have said before...We can do anything we put our minds
to. And he does have a positive attitude...most the
time anyway. Sorry to be so long winded. Have a great
week everyone. I sure hope Geri is having a good time.
And that all goes well. Karen

Hello,
Just signed in today to see if anyone on here lived around Northwest
Indiana.

you guys are beautiful - a lot of stuff i think - you say... how cool is
that? i've taken drugs to kill spasms before and other drugs to clean out
my bladder - know what works best???? about a gallon of beer input. no
spasms - pee like water from the tap. not to menntion a don't-give-a-shit
attitude and a gabby finger to tell everyone who doesn't care, about the
whole thing. i'm with the new girl - i love you guys - what cheap therapy we
have to vent on our buddies - and the worse that happens is they tell us to
"GROW FU@#$NG UP". big deal - my mom could yell better than that - is that
the best you got?
oh, btw - it IS friday night - and some of us DO get out with the boys and
have a few.... it's REALLY cool when we can get a few girls on here to
flirt a little and tell us what mad passionate rabbits we'd be if it just
wasn't for the distance.... make something up - get creative..... come
on,... you can do it. "NO, NO, SWEET THING. I'D BETTER JUST TAKE MY OVERLY
VIRLE BODY TO BED - I WOULDN'T WANT TO HURT ANYBODY HERE"
oh, my classmate told a very funny story about 9th grade, biology class, and
a very simple offer from Tom - the experimenter in 9th grade. be sure to ask
me tomorrow when i can relay the story without any embelishments that i'm
certain it would get tonight.
be good you guys -later,
dave
In a message dated 11/16/01 4:10:52 PM US Mountain Standard Time,
WHEELCHAIR@... writes:
<<
In a message dated 11/16/01 4:24:42 PM, Bobbie299@... writes:
Talk to your pharmacist about long term effects. If you don't have a
good relationship with your pharmacist, get one. These guys and gals are a
mountain of information and ALWAYS know more about meds than Doctors.
Be good, Bobbie
Great Advice Boobie, er Bobbie. Not because YOU said it, but its very true.
Pharmacist (drug-pushers) are a library of knowledge on drugs and mixing
them. Rarely do they make mistakes and are very well trained. Get to know
one.

on't know why I use ya'll so much. I was born in
Cleveland and now live near Columbus so I am a MidWesterner
all the way, still ya'll sometimes is exactly what I
mean. Hope all the remodeling profects are going well,
and yes, what color? :&gt;) It sure is good to talk
to others from all over the country. I got a bad
case of cabin fever and tomorrow is a day to get
out-Ed ordered a Harley several months ago--a mid-life
crisis thing--it came in earlier last week and now they
want their money of all things! So we'll go there and
do some other stuff, like eat!! Ya'll--:&gt;)--take
care...Betty

Dear Amylia,
I don't know any specifics about you or your slump. I'm a quad 29yrs
post. Sometimes you do need help with depression. You seem to realize
that already. If we have one thing in common,, its that we are all
different. I don't know what will work for you, but it is springtime.
God bless,
John

WOW, I not only got my people mixed up... I even confused my lists. You are on
THIS list, she's on THAT list. Sometimes I get ssooo confused.
Message I responded to:
My favorite every day sip lately is a Fetzner Merlot..1998. And tonight I
bought soame rather cheap red and made mulled wine. I used a new recipe and
doctored it some on my own and god its good. It would be stupid to use a
great wine because you cover it up with sugar and apple jack and such. This
is a great holdiday drink. My son came down with a miserable cold yesterday
and could not sleep so he even got a few sips and within ten minutes he was
snoozing like a baby. Our pediatrician always used to prescribe Jack Daniels
and rock candy for coughs. I guess this is pretty much the same thing.
Anyways..if you wanna know how I make it ask..or just look up one of the
hundreds of recipes online. Epicurious is a great site for great recipes.
Caron from Quad-List, please say hi to Liz from Spinalcordinjury.
AND send me your mulled wine recipe. Here's my chicken recipe:
http://www.users.qwest.net/~daveoc/recipes.html#jerkchicken
Dave <-- (Hope I got everything right this time.)
In a message dated Wed, 14 Nov 2001 10:56:49 AM Eastern Standard Time, "Liz"
<delicate_rosebud@...

..out here in sunny Colorado. Thank you all for
your great encouragements and support for my big
adventure. Karen, we are doing things backward from you. We
first are working on the garage and driveway and then
we'll finish the inside. I have grown accustomed to
"camping" in the house. Actually this like the Hilton
compared to the 2-story townhome we owned when I was
discharged from Craig.<br
choose for the house?<br
(built in 59) and the builder has a "signature mark" of
letting the cement between the bricks bleed. Plus the
bricks are painted white. I will be planting Virginia
creeper to hide that.<br
time in Florida. How do you like traveling in planes.
When I was at Craig, we had one overview of what to
do: like not checkig the wheelchair with theluggage
and folding presonally as apparently they are not
very nice with it. ANd then, something about having it
on board. I don't quite remember.<br
posting on the weather: that made me laugh.<br
go visit Tom's son who is outside of Pueblo, so I'll
be driving a few miles today !<br
BRONCOS!<br
wonderful to come on line, hear everybody's news, and talk
to people who understand.<br

am sitting here on pins and needles..What color
did you choose??? Hope it will cover all the splashes
you made...LOL I bet you will be glad when all the
remodeling is done. I know I was when we finally finished
our place. Didn't think I would ever get my things
put back where they belonged. Now all I have to do is
get the garage done (YUK) and the roof and driveway.
Then we are DONE. But at least the inside is back in
order. Well, as much order as I have time
for...LOL<br

hanks Betty. It is a beautiful 83 degrees today.
(Even this is warm for January in California) Have a
Santa Ana wind condition coming in tonight which will
make it very windy and even warmer tomorrow. We
finally picked colors for our house, now we just have to
get the painter out here! :)Hope everyone has a great
weekend!<br

Booze Recipe Dave?? HAHAHAHAHAHA....Sorry, don't have one to give. Don't
drink any booze. Anything else you want instead?
liz

Please remove me from your Spinal Cord Injury list to receive e-mails.
Thank You,
Lynn310@...
http://community.webtv.net/lynn310/SHONDASWEBPAGE
http://community.webtv.net/lynn310/doc

Ok Liz - but you better not stiff me on your booze recipe....
<A HREF="http://www.users.qwest.net/~daveoc/recipes.html#jerkchicken"
Recipes</A
Dave
In a message dated 11/12/01 11:00:00 AM US Mountain Standard Time,
delicate_rosebud@... writes:
<< Chicken recipe huh dave?? Alright, hand if over. I want it, now! hehehe
liz

Chicken recipe huh dave?? Alright, hand if over. I want it, now! hehehe
liz

i everyone, I am off for my sales meeeting in
Orlando, be home Wed nite. Am wondering how the day will
go. Have a 37 minute layover, plane change in Dallas.
Since I am the LAST to deplane, and making a gate
change, it'll be close. Then onto an already full plane,
all the way to the middle of the plane ,row 21, (on
the "aisle chair" which is really a human dolly)
Doesn't look like there will be time for a stop in the
ladies room in Dallas. Then another 2 or more hours to
Orlando. I have had 3-4 oz of water since 8 pm last night.
Hoping that will do it. Or I am going to have to be very
discreet and drain my bladder ( have a foley with plug)
into a bottle, hidden under my dress. I ordered leg
bags, looked them over, and couldn't bring myself to
find a place to strap them on. Here I am all dressed
up and I just couldn't wear one! Take care....geri

Actually for me, the revelation here is that a guy who DOESN'T replicate is
telling us that replicating is our prime directive as humans. Of course this is
the same guy who preached unconditional and complete forgiveness for everyone
for everything. I think the human brain gets confused when focused so tightly
in one direction. I prefer taking advice from someone who has "walked a mile in
my shoes." Old fashioned
I know, but if you haven't done it - I don't think you can be too good at
teaching it. I lay one example of truth to this as our perpetual stream of
executive VPs we have pumped through my work place in the past 6 years who came
from other divisions. They don't know what we do or how - but someone has given
them the job of directing us to our future. (It hasn't worked out yet.) I see
similar unsuccessful teaching attempts going through this group in the religion
category. Although it's tough to convince anyone of anything in this field, the
banter creates lively reading, don't you think?
Dave
In a message dated Mon, 12 Nov 2001 10:25:08 AM Eastern Standard Time,
WHEELCHAIR@... writes:

gt;)...Betty<br
of bad weather East of the Mississippi, I'm
sure<br
degrees - Californians put their sweaters on.<br
degrees - Miami residents turn on the heat.<br
degrees - Vermont residents go to outdoor
concert.<br
shiver <br
swimming.<br
degrees - Water freezes.<br
your vacation in Australia.<br
water freezes. Californians weep<br
<br
degrees - Politicians begin to talk about the
homeless.<br
vacation farther south.<br
don't start. Cat insists on<br
bed.<br
going.<br
degrees - Alaskans put on T-shirts.<br
German cars don't start. Eyes freeze shut<br
you step outside.<br
your breath and use it to build<br
<br
residents<br
sleeping in pajamas with you.<br
do something about the homeless. Minnesotans
<br
start.<br
cables to<br
degrees - You plan a two week hot bath. Swedish
cars<br
disappear. Minnesotans button<br
button.<br
your<br
freezes. Alaskans<br
window.<br
Packer<br
Lawyers put their hands in their own pockets.<br
degrees - Hell freezes over. Clinton finally
tells<br

Heck yeah I want the recipe. Not that I'm short on sipping ideas for the
holidays but I'm always interested in a new sipper. I'll trade you for my
favorite chicken recipe.
http://www.users.qwest.net/~daveoc/recipes.html#jerkchicken
Dave
In a message dated 11/11/01 2:22:35 AM US Mountain Standard Time,
cbennett1@... writes:
<< My favorite every day sip lately is a Fetzner Merlot..1998. And tonight I
bought soame rather cheap red and made mulled wine. I used a new recipe and
doctored it some on my own and god its good. It would be stupid to use a
great wine because you cover it up with sugar and apple jack and such. This
is a great holdiday drink. My son came down with a miserable cold yesterday
and could not sleep so he even got a few sips and within ten minutes he was
snoozing like a baby. Our pediatrician always used to prescribe Jack Daniels
and rock candy for coughs. I guess this is pretty much the same thing.
Anyways..if you wanna know how I make it ask..or just look up one of the
hundreds of recipes online. Epicurious is a great site for great recipes.

eading about bikes makes me long for good
weather. I have actually called this power chair a bike
several times, but when you're on a paved bike trail that
stretches for several delicious miles that's what it is.
Actually I am a motorized vehicle and technically
shouldn't be on the trail at all--that'll be the day.
:&gt;)...Betty

got all excited just reading your news. It
sounded like you had the very best time. I am so very
happy for you. See, anything can be done if we just put
our minds to it. Now we will never see you here. You
will be out roaming the land. You keep it up and have
all the fun in the world.<br

Hey - in church today, the priest said the main reason we were put here on
earth is to - replicate. Wouldn't that be a scream if that were indeed our
ultimate reason for being? To heck with turning the otther cheek, being nice
to others and being your brother's keeper. Just do it.
Dave

New topic......
It's Saturday night. That means Dave is Cooking on the grill and sippin'
some fermented grapes. My current favorite is Turning Leaf Gold Label
Cabernet Sauvgnion '97. This stuff is fruity AND oak aged. It has the
bouquet of the smoked oak and the taste of dry red grapes mixed with a black
raspberrie. This stuff is SO good it makes your tongue wanna slap your
brains out. It's dry and very 'swishable'. If you just sip and swallow,
you're missing the main treat of this wine. It's dry enough without being at
all bitter to make it impossible to spit for at least a minute. Just sip,
swish around and swallow in 3 parts - the after glow is wondrous.
I'd love to hear of YOUR favorite sipping stuff. This IS the sipping season
you know. As we approach the holidays, I will be sending you some comments
on my other sipping favorites - I have about 10. I also have a killer recipe
for Christmas Bourbon balls. If you have never tasted bourbon and chocolate
- you haven't lived yet. You'll love it.
So, what do YOU drink for 'special'?
Dave

ominique, congratulations on your driving. Did
you have to take lessons? I took two (it was supposed
to be 5) but I was a quick study. I got my license
at 5 months post injury, but didn't have an equipped
vehicle until 8 months after.<br
crash I drove (ALONE) to Los Angeles. (About 375 mi)
across the desert, in June 1997. I wasn't scared at all,
really enjoyed the freedom, and for an occasional moment
or two actually forgot I was paralyzed. That happens
more and more now, I really love it, when later I
realize that I had forgotten. Sometimes while riding on a
golf cart, boat, but mostly driving, and my mind is so
occupied. My first truck I owned 1 yr, put 30,000 mi, my
second is one year old on the 15 th of Jan, and it just
turned 30,000. I am so very proud of each and every
mile! And of course, since I am single, with grown
children, 90% are "alone" miles.<br
filled today. The nurses have gotten much better at
"finding" the port in the pump to stick the BIG needle in.
The first time it was an hour and 20 minutes! Now we
are at about 10 min. When I go , I always visit
rehab, like Dominique at Craig. Every time I leave I am
so thankful for my progress, and realize what a HELL
the summer of 1996 was !<br
night for FL. Can't forgot one important item... Will
tell you one of my hotel tricks. At home I have a
trapeze over my bed.( I tell people EVERY WOMAN should
have a trapeze over her bed, I can't believe I waited
42 years!) It makes turning over so much easier, and
I sometimes move around 5-6 times a night. Have
found that it is much harder to turn over in a hotel
bed. One time I had my dog leash in my duffel bag, so
I tied it to the dresser on the opposite site of
the bed, and laid it across the bed so I could reach
it. It gave me that little bit of extra help when
turning to the side away from the side where my chair was
(easy to grab chair) Anyway, one time my son (21) and I
were in the mountains for a meeting, I forgot my
leash, so he hooked up a rope, tied it to the bed post.
Well, we forgot it, can you even imagine what they
thought when they found it??? We got a laugh out of that.
(lol, betty)<br
authorized the purchase of a BIKE for me! The Dr. wrote the
Rx for "cardio vascular, upper body, and weight
control" and it got through! I can't wait. They say it
mught be 4-6 weeks, but it will be GREAT weather by
mid-Feb, so I am realy excitied. I had borrowed one for a
month this fall, really enjoyed it. Want to find a way
(there is a hitch attachment) that I can take it with
me, so I can ride in interesting places. I always
took my cell phone, heard about a guy whose chain
broke, and there he was...... I tested one once about 6
months after my wreck, and the front spokes collapsed
(of course I was going a bit fast) so my face flew
into the handle bars. I got a good vertical cut (about
3/4 inch) above my lip. The shop was concerned, but I
told them that after what I had been through, this was
nothing. Anyway, the next day was my company Christmas
party. So there I was with swollen, cut uppper lip.
Everyone asks "what happened to you?" I loved saying,
"bike wreck". They were pretty puzzled.<br
rambling. Good night...<br

Hi
i'm a new member from London.
Please visit my web site and tell me what you think....it gives
information about my accident.
http://www.toyresearch.co.uk
Thanks
Touhidul

'm glad to hear that you had such a great day! I am a knitter also so if you
need any help getting started again let me know!<br

hi you sound nice !
I am interested where are u from?

was smiling with you all the way--sounds like a
great day!--hope you have many more like this one. I
still depend on others for driving and this dumb
weather also keeps me cooped up--hearing your story helps
a lot!!! Go for it and tell us more!...Betty

Hello. My name is Sara Douglas, and I am almost 27 years old. I am an
able bodied female, however, I am very interested in meeting a young
man between the ages of 25 and 35, who is a paraplegic, and who may
be looking to meet a new friend, and possibly someday engage in a
relationship (if the sparks are there of course).
I am ultimately interested in an intimate relationship, however I do
believe friendship is equally important.
If anyone out there would like to know more, please feel free to send
me an e-mail at
douglassara@...
Thankyou for your time, and have a nice day. Bye.
Sara.

Hi All,
I blew a disk last February and had a spinal operation. Shortly
after that I am told that I seriously blew a second disk which damaged
the nerve and I had a 2nd operation. My surgeon tells me that it now
has a degenerative disease which can not be treated. I go to a
Neurologist who has me on Neurontin, Ultram and Zanaflex.
This is fine for walking around my apartment. However, my two
biggies a week are to the food store, library, ABC Store and the
laundry place. I divide them into two trips, and I can maintain for
about 20 miniutes then the pain is so bad I have to sit down for about
10 miniutes. Before I go I take 2 Percocet, 750 Mg each and that
does help and it is the only time I take them. The surgeon tells me
that it will not get any better and nothing can be done. However, he
feels that I am a perfect candidate for Spinal, Dorsal Column
Stimulator. I am told that this is an electrical pulse that tells
the brain that there is no pain. They do 2 operations. The 1st is to
see what kind of relief you get, and if it is at least 50% they do a
permenant implant. The surgeon tells me that he would not want to do
it before next March or April. My first operation was May 1st of this
year.
My question to the group is, are any of you familiar with this and
has it helped you? I would appreciate any feedback you can give me. I
hope and pray for all of you that are suffering with pain.
Regards,
Jack Keville
jkeville@...

actually, he would love it............... :-)

..adventure today ! Tom brought me down the
front stairs at 7:30 this morning and then I was free
as a bird. What a feeling. I first went to Craig
Hospital for annual sensory and motion tests. I have made
great progress since last year in terms of
moving/lifting legs. My insurance is Kaiser which always has
been pretty good, but they don't believe much in PT. I
am going to beg the doc to order some.<br
staying there for a couple of hours and seeing people I
had not seen in a while was great, especially since
now I do dress nice, do my hair and put make-up on.
When I was at Craig last year I just did not care what
I looked like or wore. So people told me I looked
"fantastic" which of course always predisposes one to feeling
good.<br
and beautiful shoes for fat swollen feet/ankles like
I have now. It's really pathetic, I have kept all
my old shoes, just in case the swelling ever goes
down. (you never know). So now, I have a couple of very
nice pairs of shoes. (I also have the indian mocassins
which I like a lot).<br
went to the fabric store and bought some knitting
patterns: I haven't knitted in years, but I use to love
it.<br
here I am in the big city looking for a handicapped
accessible bathroom. I figured I could go to this very
upscale Mall we have called Cherry Creek. Not a single
parking available (also since I have a van, my clearance
is 8ft). Then I found a Bed Bath & Beyond and not
only did they have a handicapped access bathroom, but
they had really nice towel holders for my
bathroom.<br
home to see if hubby was there and he was, so I drive
home.<br
to the hand controls very quickly.<br
sooooooo fun. The garage is almost done

certainly don't take comfort in the hostitlity
of the world. And the yes the world is unfair--where
I do find comfort is in the knowlege that there are
far more good people in the world than terrorists,
that most people want to lead their lives in peace
like we all do. I guess after 20 years of illness I
have quit wondering about the unfairness of life and
have been counting my blessings, and that's where we
can find comfort. A good question Leslie, don't know
that I actually answered, sure something to think
about, thanks for the post...Betty

Maybe Brian would like a lunch out sometime???
Possibly Dale and I could come pick him up one day...?

came across this comment and I thought I would
share it:<br
life was so unfair. Then I thought,<br
much worse if life were fair, and all the terrible
things<br
them? So, now I take<br
hostility and unfairness of the universe."<br
you guys think?<br

gt;&gt;&gt;A woman gets home, runs into her
house, slams the door and shouts, "Honey, pack your
bags. I won the lottery." The husband says, "Wow!
That's great! Should I pack for the ocean, or should I
pack for the mountains?" She says, "I don't care. Just
get the hell out."&gt;&gt;&gt;

Dear Rchanah and of course all others...
i have indeed had my turn, "in the barrel" as the saying goes. it can indeed be
very tough leaving 'who you were' behind - especially when i was having so much
fun. my mom - bless her heart - even told me after i crash-landed, "you're
lucky you broke your neck - you were on a path to kill yourself". now that
didn't settle just right for a while but now in my ADULT years, i can see the
wisdom of her thoughts.
i slowed to a halt for a while and then was rescued by my dearest buddy Dick.
he's the tall guy in the 1st pic at: http://hometown.aol.com/dave0c/bob.html.
we went through high school together, did a little partying in college and now
to our good luck, he lives here in phoenix with me - for the past 20 years. we
still live 'on the edge' - i could go on - don't get me started.
there is NOTHING in the world like a good friend - no matter what shape you are
in. we have streatched the envelope and have narrowly avoided getting killed by
our dear little women. we try to live life to the fullest - as much as possible
with wives and kids and jobs and - responsibilities.
be sure to emphasize to Brian that there is indeed a girl for him out there
somewhere. with 6 billion of us wandering around down here - it isn't THAT hard
to find a partner. (i even enjoy cruising the local meat market sometimes -
checking to see who wants to 'take care of me' tonight ) us challenged guys get
to flirt a lot more than our walking buddies with no real consequinces.
Brian should have a few things filtering to the top of his 'list'. they would
be eliminating the heavy drugs, finding his close buddy, and getting out into
the mainstream of society. some little girl will latch onto him in no time.
trust me, girls just can't resist us for long. he's 5 years into this? that's
good enough - mourning time is over - time to survey your hand and see what you
can make of it.
when you consider that each of us made our own life master plan before we got
here, you can easily see that taking one's own life will get him nowhere. he'll
just have to come back here and do it again - and the next time - won't be this
easy. all you can do is belly up to the bar and deal with what you have. one
of these, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" sayings is worth a lot
where you're at the bottom looking up.
hug him and tell him everything will work out just fine - he wouldn't have given
himself too hard a row to hoe.
hugs,
Dave
=======================================
In a message dated Fri, 31 Aug 2001 12:31:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Rochanah
Weissinger <rochanah@...

atched some of the impeachment procedings this
morning and this afternoon. I know a lot of people are
sick of it, but I have always liked the news--kind of
like a soap opera--a new episode every day. With a
nice fire and some popcorn it's almost as good as
General Hospital--not quite! :&gt;)<br
care...Betty

Hello Dave:
can you tell more about YOUR challenge?
This group is not very active.......
I would like to hear from people who have dealt with Oxycontin addiction.
I am a mom of a 21 year old "challenged" young man -- fell off a 5th story
building into a concrete walkway....... brain pretty much intact except for
head trauma i.e. trouble with emotions and anxiety attacks , but chronic
pain and the addiction to morphine after 1 and a half year of oxycontin are
now a big problem.
best
rochanah

hanks for the input. We do have a therapist and
I work his legs (stretching) every day or at least
every other day. We do have the bike too. I found a
magazine called Access to Recreation. It has been very
helpful. Even got him a standing table so he gets to be
upright and it moves like a chair so he wheels himself
all over the house. That he loves. The one thing we
do need to get is the weight machine. Just have to
find the room for it...LOL Once our son moves out
(hopefully soon. He is 22) we will have a whole room we can
turn over to his office and exercise room. The
therapist told him it takes a long time to get those
muscles (stomach) to tighten up and he is NOT a patient
man. Wants every thing now. Having some trouble with
the bladder right now. So have to get that cleared up
first. The spasms are causing him to be a free goer. If
you know what I mean. Don't ever let him know I said
that on here...LOL But we are all in the same boat so
to speak so feel like I can talk about it. Saw the
post about the sex thing. Is it really possible to do
that? Haven't tried because am afraid he will get more
depressed when things don't "work". Thanks again for all
your help. Take care Karen

Hello there,
My name is Dave and I chanced upon your group as I was fishing around

Amelia,
go to the doctrine see if you might suffer depression maybe get some new hobbies . Are there any disability groups in your community .
Good luck.
Dana (C4-5 complete, 30 years post, 51)
In a message dated 4/7/2005 1:16:28 P.M. Central Daylight Time, ac25ac@... writes:

[INLINE] [INLINE]
Hello to all,
My name is Amelia. I am para t6. I am currently
in a slump and I have recently realized I have been
in it for a while now. Dose anybody have any advice
on how I can get out of it???
Thanks :)

Hello to all,
My name is Amelia. I am para t6. I am currently
in a slump and I have recently realized I have been
in it for a while now. Dose anybody have any advice
on how I can get out of it???
Thanks :)

oday I went to the hospital for a follow-up to
the exciting kidney smashing I had done Dec. 23--only
thing good about it was a lunch at Damon's on the way
home--do you all know of the miracle known as
Damon's?...Karen, I will try to check in at 1:00 if I can and see
if anyone is there--I would love to chat. We can
hardly get our dog Sparky to go out, much less get him
in, it has been so cold, and starting to snow
again--what ever happened to this earth warming
thing?...Dominique, Driving alone, that's something I haven't done in
over 20 years and it scares me. I don't know if I
could do it or not now, but boy do I envy you! Go for
it and enjoy--that is the real freedom...Betty

Welcome aboard Scott. I hope you find friendship and fun here. Sounds lik eyou
have a busy life, with lots of pets and a teenager. I hope you haven't given
him the keys to the car. hehe. =] Good luck on the upcomming move. You'll
have to let me know how it goes, since I'll be in that same position in the next
year or two. I look forward to talking with yoU!
liz
Get 250 color business cards for FREE!
http://businesscards.lycos.com/vp/fastpath/

aren,<br
magazine called New Mobility. In there are alot of
advertisers with specialized equipment for people in
wheelchairs. Michael has a weight training machine for his
upper body that he drives his chair into the center of
and a stationary bicycle that he pulls his wheelchair
up on to and we strap his feet into these boots and
it exercises his legs. You should also look into a
physical therapist. He has one that comes twice a week to
stretch him out. Hope this helps.<br

Hello To All I'm new to this group.
I suvered a spinial injury in 94.
I am looking forward to meeting every one as time goes on.
A little about me I'm A 31 year old merried disabled vet.
I resided in PA and looking forward to moving back to GA with my wife
in the comeing year. I got a 16 year old step son and a 6 year old
doughter.
I have a lot of pets to keep me company from fish to birds & cats.
I try to keep as active as possible no matter the pian level.with
Gardning and some light actives no where near what I uses to do prior
to my injury. Well Thank You for tacking the time to read this and
hope you have a verry nice day.
Scott

oes anyone here have a personal testimonial, or
know of someone who does, about the Ferti-Care
personal vibrator. Its made for men who want to
ejaculate(why?). My fiance is talking about having children and,
well, um...you get the picture. <br
a web site which carries it, but I need a doctor's
prescription and 464 dollars to acquire it. So I wanted to be
sure it would be worth the
investment.<br

saw your post about your butt being on fire.<br
Ben-Gay in your seat before you sat in your chair? ; )<br

Thanks for the advice Derek, but I'd rather not be on Gov't assistance as much
as possible. I'm just hoping the accessible places are too much more expensive
than some of the other places close to the university.
liz
--
Get 250 color business cards for FREE!
http://businesscards.lycos.com/vp/fastpath/

Liz,
One thing you could look into, too, is gov't help to help pay for rent.
There are programs in some states that will assist you if have a disability
that negatively affects your employment prospects. Good luck.
Derek

do enjoy following everybody's life too. And I also read every posts.

Thanks For the advice Derrek. Luckily we won't be moving for another year-2
years (depends on how my schooling goes)so we have a little time. Right now of
all the places we're looking into, Iowa is the only place we don't know someone.
Luckily at my job, people come in and out from lots of different places so it's
getting easier to know people from all over. I'm sure we'll probably move into
an apartment first off, since we're not ready for the investment of a house and
making it accessible. But that may change. Keep me updated on how things are
going.
liz
Get 250 color business cards for FREE!
http://businesscards.lycos.com/vp/fastpath/

sooooooo jealous.......it's beautiful mark!
quadpirate <quadpirate@...

I just uploaded the pics of my new home so check it out ya'll.
Mark

am playing hooky today (spelling ?). I did not
wear my tens unit when I went to work on Monday and
yesterday I sat in my chair pretty much all day. So today
my butt is on fire. Too bad I can't transform that
energy into btu's.<br
myself in my van all day. I am very excited... Go
anywhere, I want to go everywhere.<br
with all the details.<br

HELLO everyone!
I've been away for a while, nice to see the listserver getting lively.
I am wondering if anyone has much information about pain meds: which
are least likely to be hard on the liver. My son has been on
oxycontin and viox and vicoden, sometimes he abuses drugs. He suffers
from severe depression (he fell off a 5th story building a year and a
half ago and has a severed nerved in the sacral area) and has
attempeted suicide by overdosing. He is 21.
A few weeks ago, after he was brought back from near death from the
last overdose, he was told by doctors his liver is very enlarged. Now
he is worried about that and wants to be careful about liver damage.
If anyone has any info on the relative harm to the liver between the
drugs/meds listed above, do let me know.
Thanks
rochanah

I just uploaded the pics of my new home so check it out ya'll.
Mark

Welcome Heather,
I'm Mark a C5/6 from Arkansas and I'll check your site out today.
I've been moving all weekend and still moving today so Hello
everyone and I'll be taking some pics of the new house as soon as I
can find my camera lol!
Mark

ey, I can always make time for a friend. I
really enjoy hearing from people and getting little
hints on how to make my hubby's life a little better.
That is my goal. I want him to realize that he still
has a whole life ahead of him and that he can do
whatever he wants. Since we are just a year out from
injury he is still dealing with all the fallout. The
depression seems to be the worse. He tries so hard to keep
fit and the weight just seems to keep coming. I
shouldn't say weight..it really is just muscles that he
hasn't learned how to get tightened yet. But we will get
there. We are now freezing our little butts off. But
they say back to the 80's by the weekend. Brought my
dog in and covered her with a blanket. She is really
an outside dog but can't let her stay out in that
cold weather. She is very happy sleeping by our bed. I
hope things are going well at your end. I see on the
news that the midwest is going to get hit again.
Batten down those hatches and stay warm. Have a great
day and maybe we will get in the chat room soon. I
get on the computer about every afternoon around 1:00
so if I see you I will message you and maybe we can
chat a bit. Or if you see me on just message me. Take
care and thanks for talking to me. Karen

That's Ok Derek, thanks for the info you've given this far. Just so much that
is required when thinking about school and the future.
Does anyone have good advice on how to find a good accessible place in a new
city? Has anyone had to move since becoming an SCI? I think moving and tring
to find a place terrifies me, because the only way to know for sure if a place
is going to work is to go check it out yourself. But this seems pretty hard
to do considering transportation and the costs involved. Anyone have any
ideas?
liz

The Fight is On. Protect Research, Defend Hope!
We knew that our opponents were gearing up for an assault on
research, and here they come. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Mary
Landrieu (D-LA) and Representative Dave Weldon (R-FL) have
introduced the Human Cloning Prohibition Act (S.658, H.R.1357). The
legislation prohibits human reproductive cloning (cloning to create
a human being which we all believe is unethical and provides no
societal benefit). But their legislation goes much further.
Research is under attack. Our opponents aren't interested in
finding common ground, they are committed to an ideological agenda.
Their bill also bans somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT, also known
as therapeutic cloning) used for medical research purposes. Worse,
it imposes severe criminal and civil penalties on scientists for
practicing this potentially lifesaving research. In short, this bill
would send scientists conducting SCNT research to jail for growing
cells in a petri dish.
Urge your Members of Congress to vote against the Human Cloning
Prohibition Act S.658 or H.R. 1357.
We have a bipartisan coalition lined up to defend research.
Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and
Representative Mary Bono (R-CA) are planning to introduce their own
legislation, the Human Cloning Ban and Stem Cell Research Protection
Act. This common-sense legislation:
criminalizes reproductive cloning;
establishes important oversight and regulations for responsible
research utilizing SCNT;
includes review by an ethics board and protections for research
participants, and imposes large financial penalties for violating
these conditions.
Urge your Members of Congress to vote against the Human Cloning
Prohibition Act S.65