53 replies to this topic

[Wheelsonfire]

Angela

It was good that he gave you the confidence to venture out, at least you took something positive from him and if we can find motivation from whatever source it maybe we should grab it with both hands, or so to speak.

Your beauty in itself should propel you to enter any scenario with confidence

PS this is that ugly bird I was talking about http://www.google.ie...ved=0CBkQsAQwAA

Big hugs

John
xxx

[Texas Angel Ang]

John -- that is exactly what I try to do from everyone's opinion/response to threads.

PS that ugly bird... not going to lie she is hot... as a blonde haha.

[StillFingers]

John, you work in IT, we must chat tech sometime, as I am an ITer as well, just as passionate, obsessive about this forum, work until I nearly drop...and luv pushin iron...yep I read your profile; it's a small world

[Wheelsonfire]

Texas Angel Ang, on May 6 2010, 04:39 AM, said:

PS that ugly bird... not going to lie she is hot... as a blonde haha.

As we say over here she would give a snowman a H_ _ N I'll let you fill in the blanks

Angela and Jerry this one is for you

StillFingers, on May 6 2010, 04:43 AM, said:

John, you work in IT, we must chat tech sometime, as I am an ITer as well, just as passionate, obsessive about this forum, work until I nearly drop...and luv pushin iron...yep I read your profile; it's a small world

Yes Jerry I too am a geek....PC repair/build/networking/CIW master in web design and anything else one can think of, except c++ hate the web side also....oh major Linux geek

Edited by Wheelsonfire, 08 May 2010 - 12:04 AM.

[CrazyLucky]

Hello All,
A bit on stem cell research, though from a different angle...

Stem cell research is actually rather alive since Obama took office. I have my own personal opinions on Bush/Obama politics as many of you likely do, so I'll try to leave that out of it and stick to the facts. Without getting into too much detail, yes, stem cell research was decreased under the bush administration due to the ramifications it may have had on aborted pregnancies and the issues with those who believe that life begins at conception vs. those who believe that life begins at birth. However, much of stem cell research actually involves studies on cells that have nothing to do with research on the unborn (adult stem cell research). Unfortunately, the fetal concerns become major fodder for mainstream news. Since the Obama administration has come on board, restrictions on stem cell research have been reduced. I work in artificial heart technology, and we are currently studying the use of artificial heart pumps in conjunction with stem cell injections into heart muscle in an attempt to recover heart funtion by allowing the stem cells to develop and restructure heart muscle that has been damaged from various disease processes. This will hopefully reduce the need for heart transplants (supply vs. demmand...500,000 new cases for heart failure/year in the states...2,000 heart transplants done/yr....do the math). Granted, it is a different organ system, but the development of research on stem cells is any area benefits the greater good. We do not know if it will work, but we will not know one way or the other unless we try and study (Kind of like trying to move toes or fingers, or trying to walk again). Those of us involved in science always hope for the best, but more importantly, we hope for the truth. While controversy always surrounds scientific and medical advancement, it is important to understand that those working on (most) advancements in medicine are seeking truth. A good doctor will tell you to get a second opinion, and a good scientist will tell you that there is always benefit to success and failure. While public spokespeople and media and news pundits may be at the front of the discussion, please keep the faith that there are people involved in science that are not in front of the cameras that have very realistic ideas of comprehensively studying new therapies to determine their benefit, or lack thereof. We may never have a cure for SCI, but many are trying. You may not want to walk again, but some do. You may hate CR, but he raised awareness. Had my injury not happened at the same time as Kevin Everett's, my friend would have never run a half marathon for The Miami Project. I wouldn't have busted my ass to ride 100 miles for spinal cord research on my 1 year anniversary. I wouldn't have gathered 5 people to ride 100 miles the second time. I wouldn't have 15 people to ride it this year. I wouldn't have found this site, and on so many occasions I would not have read posts, got off my ass, and be thankful for what I have, even if I concentrate on what I don't have. I'd like to say that I have a tremendous creshendo of a point here, but I don't. None of has the answers, all we can do is keep looking for them in our own way...and have respect for how each individual goes about the process. It's great to argue...it's better to shake hands and walk away with respect afterwards.

Sucks I can't spellcheck a 'quick reply'. Apologies. It's late, and gin can do that to a guy:)

[Wheelsonfire]

CrazyLucky

Cheers for the info, I do have some input and I can really sum it up in one word.

Paragraphs



Oh lucky me I'll get 1 hours sleep, time for beddy byes......jeez

Regards

[CrazyLucky]

Hey Wheels,

Thanks for the suggestion...umm, you're a dick!

Eh, it's always nice to type as though everyone is hanging on my every word...Sadly, along with spasms and weakness, the worst side effect of my injury is that I think I now have something to say!

Peace out homey. Have a good night. It's nice to know that the post you wrote in 2 minutes has a similar impact to the one I spent 30 minutes on! I'm so L-A-M-E!

[CrazyLucky]

Funny, I just looked at your profile...an IT, rugby loving, weight lifting, Irishman...absolutely none of those word rationally go together!

On the plus side, I'm an sports loving, overly philosophical, pot smoking, whiskey loving, law abiding, married father of two, male nurse, who would rather be in the gym or the bar than anywhere else...so I sympathize!

[Wheelsonfire]

CrazyLucky, on May 6 2010, 05:39 AM, said:

Hey Wheels,

Thanks for the suggestion...umm, you're a dick!

Eh, it's always nice to type as though everyone is hanging on my every word...Sadly, along with spasms and weakness, the worst side effect of my injury is that I think I now have something to say!

Peace out homey. Have a good night. It's nice to know that the post you wrote in 2 minutes has a similar impact to the one I spent 30 minutes on! I'm so L-A-M-E!

It's all good dude, take care and enjoy and have a good one.

Regards

John

CrazyLucky, on May 6 2010, 05:44 AM, said:

Funny, I just looked at your profile...an IT, rugby loving, weight lifting, Irishman...absolutely none of those word rationally go together!

On the plus side, I'm an sports loving, overly philosophical, pot smoking, whiskey loving, law abiding, married father of two, male nurse, who would rather be in the gym or the bar than anywhere else...so I sympathize!

I left out self induced head injury when it suits me

Enjoy

[CrazyLucky]

Wheelsonfire, on May 6 2010, 12:46 AM, said:

CrazyLucky, on May 6 2010, 05:39 AM, said:

Hey Wheels,

Thanks for the suggestion...umm, you're a dick!

Eh, it's always nice to type as though everyone is hanging on my every word...Sadly, along with spasms and weakness, the worst side effect of my injury is that I think I now have something to say!

Peace out homey. Have a good night. It's nice to know that the post you wrote in 2 minutes has a similar impact to the one I spent 30 minutes on! I'm so L-A-M-E!

It's all good dude, take care and enjoy and have a good one.

Regards

John

Yeah, those are always interestingly currative. Though I prefer vodka to head injuries...probabaly one in the same at the end of the day! I'm Irish too, so my logic is obvious!

CrazyLucky, on May 6 2010, 05:44 AM, said:

Funny, I just looked at your profile...an IT, rugby loving, weight lifting, Irishman...absolutely none of those word rationally go together!

On the plus side, I'm an sports loving, overly philosophical, pot smoking, whiskey loving, law abiding, married father of two, male nurse, who would rather be in the gym or the bar than anywhere else...so I sympathize!

I left out self induced head injury when it suits me

Enjoy

[animadversor]

So here's my 2 cents:

I'm all for having walking as a purpose in life. BUT I hope that you still have a life in the process.

I have a couple buddies that won't do piss all, they're waiting to walk (and working hard at pt/therapy). In the meantime, their lives are on hold. One's a c5 quad. Won't add dump to his chair so he can cath himself because it'll affect his standing posture...won't change the position of his footplate to keep his feet on because it'll affect how they sit when weight bearing. on n on...

it is their life, but it drives me crazy.

/rant

[Ratticis]

Since when is anything about the Irish ever rational anyway?

amimadverspr, I totally agree, If you want to try and walk again, great! But don't let it run your life. I've accepted my injury is complete and I'm probably stuck like this for good. I hope not, but am preparred to live like this. I get down about it from time to time, but usually kick myself in the ass pretty quick and realize I don't have it so bad. I mean, I could/should/was dead. I could be a vegtable. I could live in some 3rd world country where 'modern medicine' is long outdated in this part of the world. I mean, hell, this is 1 of the best countries in the world for gimps plus I was lucky enough to go to the best rehab center in the country, so what the hell do I have to complain about? Some prick doctor who isn't worth the paper his diploma's printed on? Bla! Sometimes I sicken me.

[Hikkakaru]

Ratticis, on May 4 2010, 12:55 PM, said:

It's really sad that you define your life by your ability to walk

It's really sad that you belittle others' motivations.

I think maybe you should take Jerry's advice, look in the mirror, and realize that not everyone's predicament is identical to yours , and even if it were the qualities held high from person to person remain different. If it takes self-dedication towards a long term goal to get themselves to wake in the morning , who are you to argue their methods as long as the result is the same; they wake up?

The individual is the person in charge of deciding when they think they are seeing diminishing returns, not anyone else. Until the effort becomes greater than the amount of result you see (not necessarily from physical return, but from emotional well being as well which often accompanies physical workout), I don't think that anyone should (or even would) quit trying to make themselves better.

Physical rehab is one of the only outlets that we get the chance to put an extra effort in; most things in this lifestyle fall between waits for doctor referrals, appointments, and operations. Rehab is much more flexible, nearly totally dependent on the patient (which reinforces self independent thought), and really gives back what you give it in terms of time and effort. The pros are immense, the cons little (if you're in healthy shape) , and all you lose is the time you dedicate to it, and personally since I adopted this wheelchair I have the time to dedicate.

Edited by Hikkakaru, 10 May 2010 - 08:40 AM.

[rue2you]

"Judge not lest ye be judged..." - that's a great thing to live by too. I just want to cheer everyone on, whether they need cheering to continue their hard work, or need cheering because they are active in their new way of life. Or maybe, they need cheering because they are neither and don't even care anymore. We all enjoy a pat on the back (not on the head) every now and then!

[Tetracyclone]

All,
Reading Motor's profile I get a picture of a guy who has delighted in pushing beyond his physical limits all of his adult life. hIS LIFE HAS BEEN ALL ABOUT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. So his present dedication to walking is just being the guy he has always been and that is what we hope SCIs will do- return to their lives.

Always read profiles.

cheers.

[The Black Sheep]

I feel very similar to the original poster, but after 12 years I've learned that as much as I WANT that, the reality wasn't so optimistic. I still know it's going to be a life-long goal to walk again, but in the mean time, finding happiness and life where the good parts are is important. I figure I'm going to be around for another 70 years or so, so I got plenty of years of PT ahead of me.

On that note, I'm going to waddle around in my walker for about 5 minutes.

[greybeard]

rue2you, on May 10 2010, 02:16 PM, said:

"Judge not lest ye be judged..." - that's a great thing to live by too. I just want to cheer everyone on, whether they need cheering to continue their hard work, or need cheering because they are active in their new way of life. Or maybe, they need cheering because they are neither and don't even care anymore. We all enjoy a pat on the back (not on the head) every now and then!

Haha.  There are a good few people I know who fully deserve a really hard pat on the head with something extremely solid - not that I'm vindictive, you understand. 

[Tetracyclone]

The Black Sheep, on May 10 2010, 10:30 AM, said:

I feel very similar to the original poster, but after 12 years I've learned that as much as I WANT that, the reality wasn't so optimistic. I still know it's going to be a life-long goal to walk again, but in the mean time, finding happiness and life where the good parts are is important. I figure I'm going to be around for another 70 years or so, so I got plenty of years of PT ahead of me.

On that note, I'm going to waddle around in my walker for about 5 minutes.

I'm impressed that you are up to a waddle, Black Sheep. I'm still at teeter totter stage, but i'm starting to keep my gaze up more dependably. Looking at the floor is not good for posture!

[The Black Sheep]

Tetracyclone, on May 10 2010, 03:21 PM, said:

I'm impressed that you are up to a waddle, Black Sheep. I'm still at teeter totter stage, but i'm starting to keep my gaze up more dependably. Looking at the floor is not good for posture!

Haha, my waddle is definitely not impressive. I have a death grip on the walker, push my hips out way forward (partly because my back spasms and arches), and one foot lifts, drags its toes and then kinda going down... sometimes on its side. I'm not sure what phase that is, but it is anything be graceful. =)

Teeter Tottering, waddling, hopping, whatever stage it is, being upright is good thing.

[Millard]

After injury, my goal was to walk, regardless of the amount of work. I did get up and walk, with forearm crutches, and the next 37 years I was happy and proud of myself. When bone thinning took its toll and I began to break bones when falling, my orthopaedic surgeon insisted I get a power chair. I finally complied in 2004. I wish I had gotten into this chair 20 years earlier. When I was on crutches, I was limited to how far and where I went. I wouldn't go to a theatre because after sitting for two hours, it was very difficult to stand up. Restaurant benches hurt my butt and if I sat at a table, my crutches were in the way and the excuses go on. Now I use a power chair and accessible van and I can go anywhere, anytime with no physical restraints and it's great.

I don't expect, and would be greatly disappointed, if anyone to dismiss their dream of walking. Just make sure the dream doesn't get in the way of living and enjoy life.

Good luck to all future walkers.

Edited by Millard, 20 July 2011 - 02:42 PM.

[The_Wheel_Life]

I'm glad someone brought this old thread back from the dead. It has quite a few interesting points. I've heard arguments about Chris Reeve from time to time. A lot of people talk about his sole purpose being to walk again. I wonder if it was really HIS purpose or just the expectations that others had for him. Being a celebrity with such an injury, it isn't hard to end up with all sorts of media attention. Maybe he didn't want to be nearly as public as he was, but he knew it is what people expected of him and genuinely felt that he could help others. Of course he was doing all sorts of therapy and treatments. However, from what I know about the CR Foundation, it's about far more than just finding a cure.

In more than one of my endeavors, I've had people suggest I contact the Christopher Reeve Foundation for some help. None of the things that I'm into involve walking again. I don't claim to know everything about the CR Foundation, but I'd venture to guess that it has helped far more than it's hurt. Even if Christopher Reeve never had an injury, people would still want to see injured folks "fighting the good fight." How many times have we seen little kids with missing limbs on morning shows? It's an easy sell to the public. They get all rubbery when they see people struggling to overcome whatever challenges lie before them. I was once a Paralympian. People were always talking about how great it was. To me, it just felt selfish. All of my efforts were about my personal performance. These days, I'm trying to start a small business in which I can build equipment for other people with disabilities, and no one seems to give two $#!ts. I think people would still rather see me being a circus monkey that is "overcoming" an injury or affliction.

OK. Enough ranting. This was just an interesting thread that got my gears turning. If I have anything to offer, it would be this. Don't spend too much time worrying about what OTHERS are doing with their time on this planet. Think about how you want to spend YOUR time.

[madhouse73]

Motor Good on you for giving it everything you Got and them some more by the sounds of it


on the other side for some there has to be a acceptance .That it is not going to happen and make sure you do not miss out on life as it happens becuase you are to busy reaching for something thats unreachable .




.

[Irish Wheelz]

When I had cancer at 1 year old plus chemotherapy and surgery on the spine, it limit my ability to walk. I been on the crutches and walker till I got my first wheelchair at 8 years old and I freaking loved it. It got me around alot better than my walker and crutches. Now I still had used of my legs at 8 years old, but walking in the walker and crutches was just so freaking tiring. As I got older, my back had not grown out normally as it supposed to be. So walking with a F'd up back was difficult. It was my parents and doctors that were encouraging me to walk. I knew and accepted the fact that I wasn't gonna walk for the rest of my life. Before they inpute a rod in my back to straighting it out, I still had full use of my legs. I remember tapping my foot to the rhythm of music. After the operation, I can no longer move my legs or my foot or my toes. I remember just flipping the f**k out, I was yelling at my doctors and my parents. But you know what, that's life. Sh** happens! You can't dwell on it forever. Now I'm not saying give up on what your willing to do or fight for. But if it doesn't improve or better your life, then start over with a new plan. Now I wouldn't give anything to walk, I LOVE being in the wheelchair. Now it has it ups and downs. I deal with spasm, but walkers deal with charlie horse or legs cramps. My brother may walks circle around me but if he gets within my reach, I knock the living hell out of him cause I have serious upper body muscles. I love when womens bend down to talk to me if you know what I mean. I'm just saying being in or out of the wheelchair or living with or without a disability, you got to to find the positive in life.

[T A]

Motor
It’s great to have a purpose in life, stick with it! Mine is to live each day to the fullest!
Tim