11 replies to this topic

[Ches]

I've never been one to brag to the masses, and I hope this doesn't come off as an outlet for such a thing.

April 15th marked the first year of life with an SCI for me. I still think paralysis sucks but am proud of the way I've handled this all so far. Most of you here have done an equally awesome or even better job at coping with things and it is because of you guys that I have been so inspired to get on with my life. I've never been one to take things slow, lifes to short... I've spent the last year adapting and preparing for life in a chair and even at the end of a good day I've always felt as though something was missing. I couldnt come to terms with it for the longest time, I mean I had my life in control, I was making progress and happy, so what could be missing?
Oh yeah, the old me.
I know I know, I cant walk and it will never be the same,... but I am still me.
As fate would have it, the perfect oppurtunity for me to find myself again was sent my way. I met a boy, we got along and before I could think it out to much I had accepted his offer to fly across the world and spend 10 days with just him. A foriegn place, and a stranger to paralysis.. sounds scary but it was just right. It was a chance to prove myself to myself by going alone, doing it alone, and being completely vulernable in so many ways. I can't explain too much about what I was seeking because its just one of those personal humps I needed to get by. Everyone has them, this was my incident.
So things turned out great, I had a fantastic time. I feared embarassment and gross moments more than anything.. and I hate to admit it but the first day there I wet the bed! I blame it on the catheter I wore for the plane ride, but who knows or cares. Anyways once that happened, he was completely cool about it, and I had already faced the worst so I was kind of relieved..ha.
By the end of the trip I left feeling so great about it all. I had faced so many new situations and fears, I had gotten a vacation, and he made me feel like a woman again. Not in a cheesy way, or even spanky. Just being a girl with a boy and adoring each other.
I got home, slept for 7 hours then jumped in the car for a road trip wih a girlfriend. We headed cross country for a friends wedding, the drive sucked but the trip, again, was worth it.
It was 5 nights in 3 different hotels, which meant learning new transfers and doing things solo once again. Not that I always need help, but there is ALWAYS someone around when Im home. So anyways, my friends and I had a drunken good time, I cant even put this all into words.
Now im back home and its all just finally sinking in, which has given me the urge to share this experience. But like I said in the beginning I didnt want to brag, really I would rather inspire or just share what a blessing this has been for me. I really feel as though I have accomplished alot with these last two and 1/2 weeks. I truely have MY LIFE back, its my call now and I see that. I get it. I mean I knew life rolled on, but man life really does roll on. I wish anyone going through a rough spell or feeling down on themselves could have such an experience, its quite healthy I think. And, if I could afford for us all to go on such a trip, I would make it happen!

[Zammo]

Nice one Ches. It's good to get out of our comfort zone from time to time, and realise that actually the world isn't that scary.

When I've experienced moments like that I think to myself "Why didn't I do this before! What was really holding me back?"

You're right to feel chuffed with yourself, I know I would!

[Kwag_Myers]

I remember my first solo venture - rolling across the street to get a Mother's Day card for my wife. It took me a few days to work up to it, but felt good afterwards.

[carole338]

What a great post Ches. You really made it happen. I'm still struggling to get solo or even go somewhere with my husband. I am planning to go to Atlantic City in a week and have major anxiety issues. Your experiences give me the lift I need.
Thanks,
Carole

[Webwych]

Congratulations Ches! I hope someone reads this and is inspired by you - I know I am, and I've being doing this 35 years! Haha.

[KarenFerguson]

I'm so glad you traveled solo. What a wonderful experience! If you ever feel like traveling again ... come to California!

Edited by KarenFerguson, 16 June 2008 - 06:10 PM.

[Trinity]

Go Ches!
Congrats and well done! It takes a lot of guts to do what you did, I wish I was brave enough!
Trin X

[nomis]

Good one, ches. I'm real happy for you. And why not brag about it. If you won't I will. I'll tell others I know this crazy Texan lady who after only one year para was raising money for treatment then caught a plane....

[WilliamLX]

Hi,
My SCI is not as serious, I can walk, however I have partial paralysis in my left leg. I am just back from spending 2 weeks in Dubai in the United Arab Emarites. This involved 2 flights in each direction (Belfast - London, London - Dubai) with the main flights lasting about 8 hours. An extra complication is that the pain medication I was still taking (Tramadol) is a controlled substance in the UAE, so I had to do without. I was very very nervous about this trip (I was travelling alone for work reasons). The long flight was tough with my back but I managed. Normally I can walk just fine, but when I was tired I did nearly fall a few times because I was finding it tougher to get my left leg to do what I wanted it to (ie going up steps etc). Over all I amanged and it did leave me feeling confident that I could manage trips in the future without having to worry.

The worst part was the withdrawal symptoms from the Tramadol. My doctor told me this stuff was not addictive, he lied it is. Even now I am at home I am making do with diclofenic and paracetamol.

[RacingAxe]

Very cool Ches! Tell us more about the trip when you have time. I'd like to hear about the flying, if you flew, and any obstacles you might have run into. Maybe you already posted something, I should take a look. Congrats on this milestone.

[longhaul]

Way to go................ don't stop.

[Ches]

Thanks to all you for the ever-so-lovely feedback!

Racing, I havent posted anything else about this on the forum. I didnt wanna bore everyone with my tells, but I do love to converse.... sooo.. if you have an specifics, go ahead and ask! As for the plane ride it was with Delta.. Dfw to Jfk with a 6 hr layover before heading to Nice.. The same for the way back. Delta is actually really cool about it all. I read all the post and knew I should make sure everyones aware im completely immobile. Once I cleared that with the check in and gate attendants all was a breeze. No big deal, no scenes. One flight I was loaded on the plane after the mass,, might have embarassed most, but it didnt bother me. All strangers Ill never see again. I also took the extra step to contact delta airlines about 2 weeks before the trip and inform them of my immobility issues, at the point all my seats were upgraded! Thats the one tip I have, call the airlines before the departure date if you hope to get the best seats possible. Oh and your attitude about matters will get you everywhere with the airlines. Disabilities are to be treated like Gold, dont expect anything less!

I did have one complication with a connecting flight, and Delta is literally just waiting for me to take action.. I havent decided what I want to do. For now I'll keep it to myself, but I cant wait to share the horrible part of it all!

Anything other than flight info, feel free to ask. Anyone.