13 replies to this topic

[L33J4Y]

Hi, um Im new to the forum I normally just read but I really need help. I am a c5/c6, been in a chair since 2007, at the moment i have no bladder problems or no problems wen i go to the toilet [i use supps every 2nd day] I have a very good diet and I am not fat at all Im 23yrs old but my belly always seems to be swollen/bloated I really dont know what it could be, i look rediculous, like a teletubbie =[ i do have a marena but dont think that could make me swollen, and i do fart lol plz help =[

[mellowgator]

hi girl,

i'm sorry to tell you this but you have what is known as a quad belly. i am 5'7" and only weight 115 and i still have one. there is nothing that can be done it's just due to lack of muscles to hold things in.

i handle it by wearing dresses that aren't too formed fitted or leggings and shirts always tucked out. you'll just have to find a style that looks good sitting and go with it.

some quads wear a brace around thier middle to keep blood pressure up this could hold your belly in as well.

regards,

mellowgator

[Snakeye]

Ditto on what gator said...loose-fitting clothing seem to be the answer to the quad pouch...

[Tetracyclone]

Mellow,

I sooo disagree. Look around and you will notice lots of older people have bloated bellies. The classic beer belly can be carried by an otherwise rather skinny alcoholic.

Muscles are not generally used to hold in the belly, except by image obsessed teens. I have decent abdominal strength, but those muscles can be stretched painfully tight over swollen intestines.

Organs swell, sometimes linked to prolonged use of antibiotics, sometimes linked to allergies, linked to alcohol abuse... I don't know all the reasons, but if you feel your belly you will make out the lines of swollen intestines.

Probiotics are a theoretical fix that ought to work, but may not. My belly is much better hen I stay away from soy products (difficult in Taiwan) and dairy.

Obviously different people will have different reasons, but I am convinced the "no muscles" argument is a myth.

[mellowgator]

tetra,

i never had a belly until i was injured. there's not a quad i have ever met who doesn't have this belly. i would love to think that if i tried probiotics i could lose this paunch. it'd be nice.

are there any quads on this forum who don't have the dreaded quad belly? if so i'll humbly appologize.

tetra, i realize you are a quad. i'm speaking of w-c bound who have no muscles or movement neck down




mellowgator

Edited by mellowgator, 11 April 2011 - 01:54 AM.

[Scott_C4-5]

My quad-belly took many years to develop. I don't have much body fat at all, but my gut belies that. Another problem I have is that I drink through a straw and tend to always be bloated, which causes a little more distention. I wear oversized tees and thermals depending on the season to hide my belly. I've used a binder belt, but its effect isn't as effective as I hoped. I considered using electrical stim units to try and build up muscle but never got one because I figure its money lost and potentially a belly burner. (injury, not muscle building) The probiotics and avoiding dairy might help, but I still require a straw and thus feel bloated.

[BillS]

Tetracyclone, on 11 April 2011 - 01:40 AM, said:

...I am convinced the "no muscles" argument is a myth.

Would a reasonable test of this be: If you lie on you back and the belly goes away or is greatly reduced then maybe it's lack of muscle.

[L33J4Y]

mmmm thanks guys, i am also on alot of medication due to my bipolar =[ i do take probiotic tablets and stemcell tablets o well maybe i can tell ppl they can rub my belly and make a wish haha like buddah

[mellowgator]

here a link discussing quad belly. http://www.apparelyz...267-quad-belly/



what in the world are stem cell pills? are they doing anything for you?

[Tetracyclone]

BillS, on 11 April 2011 - 04:03 AM, said:

Tetracyclone, on 11 April 2011 - 01:40 AM, said:

...I am convinced the "no muscles" argument is a myth.

Would a reasonable test of this be: If you lie on you back and the belly goes away or is greatly reduced then maybe it's lack of muscle.

If the belly goes concave, yes, a very good test.

[Tetracyclone]

Karen,

I include myself in the discussion of quad belly because my own gets very distended at times, then when bladder and bowel work well for a stretch, the belly looks normal.

[mellowgator]

Tetracyclone, on 12 April 2011 - 03:11 AM, said:

Karen,

I include myself in the discussion of quad belly because my own gets very distended at times, then when bladder and bowel work well for a stretch, the belly looks normal.

fair enough pat. i've not been able to get rid of mine even when i got down to a sickly 99 lbs.

mellowgator, on 13 April 2011 - 12:43 AM, said:

Tetracyclone, on 12 April 2011 - 03:11 AM, said:

Karen,

I include myself in the discussion of quad belly because my own gets very distended at times, then when bladder and bowel work well for a stretch, the belly looks normal.

fair enough pat. i've not been able to get rid of mine even when i got down to a sickly 99 lbs. my belly goes concave when i lay flat as well.

[Tetracyclone]

Don't be sickly Karen. mange.

[Cathelena]

I am t4 complete 16 months and have a belly that makes me look about 8 months pregnant. I have tried a belly belt which made absolutely no difference at all. I have been told that the electrode pads on fes bikes can be used on the stomach with some success. I was wondering if there was anyone who had tried this and had any success.