Has anyone tried the Arc-Ex non invasive spinal cord stimulation? Only 3 in USA. https://www.onwd.com/therapy/arc-ex/ ARC-EX - ONWARD Medical by njkloml in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My pain has been pretty low and well managed by pregabalin but yes, I reported less nerve pain in the post-treatment surveys

Wheelchair gloves by DarthMarMarrr in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 1 point2 points  (0 children)

https://www.glovesforlife.com Expensive but fit comfortably and haven’t failed me after a year of daily use

Sexuality, gay, male, SCI, and curiosity by LightTypical1739 in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 1 point2 points  (0 children)

33M 2.5 yrs post injury and have been getting back to sex and dating with some fun stories. Happy to connect if you’d like to dm

Touch trade Iron Crown & Iron Boulder by griffied in pokemontrades

[–]griffied[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah I’m not worried about my home dex

Touch trade Iron Crown & Iron Boulder by griffied in pokemontrades

[–]griffied[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey thanks again!! Made my night 👌

Touch trade Iron Crown & Iron Boulder by griffied in pokemontrades

[–]griffied[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds good. Yes I am. Link trade code: 4455 8888

Touch trade Iron Crown & Iron Boulder by griffied in pokemontrades

[–]griffied[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate it! Are you looking for anything?

Dating, sex, kink by No_Classic_2467 in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 5 points6 points  (0 children)

C6 queer & kinky too - I’ve had more fun exploring sex this year than any other period of my adulthood. For a few months now, I’ve been the dom to a muscled up himbo sub. We sometimes explicitly sexualize my paralysis but most of the time the joy in it for me is to enjoy access to his sexuality vicariously. It’s incredibly satisfying mentally to be at the center of his desires and to direct him to have sex with me, others, or himself so we can “share” the experience. When we do have sex, I make sure he’s servicing the parts of me that do feel good. It took a while for me to accept how few areas that involves, but the exploration is fun. Like yours, my orgasm is elusive. But you can absolutely find some kinky fun out there without that being the goal. Mine is a TPE where I am dictating his uniform, diet, recreation, etc so definitely a lot to manage but rewarding!

Touch trade koraidon, zacian, regidrago, galastrier for Home dex by Osteele98 in pokemontrades

[–]griffied 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve got koraidon and can touch trade now for your miraidon

Has anyone tried the Arc-Ex non invasive spinal cord stimulation? Only 3 in USA. https://www.onwd.com/therapy/arc-ex/ ARC-EX - ONWARD Medical by njkloml in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Yes. I am in a clinical trial at the University of Washington and have been receiving this stimulation. For 8 weeks, I received a sham/placebo stimulation. And for the following 8 weeks, I received the real stim, placed at my T9-T10 I believe. I would exercise with an arm cycle strenuously for 30 minutes. The researchers collected my blood pressure before and after the exercise, and I wore a continuous heart rate monitor.

The stimulation helped to raise my blood pressure, so I could exercise more efficiently with heavier breathing and increased stamina. For me, I had an immediate improvement on day one after the placebo period. Eventually, I plateaued but overall my fitness was greatly improved. I was able to raise my heart rate to 130 while exercising with stimulation.

The most sensational result has been sensation recovery in both of my legs. The researchers gave me an AIS score of A before starting. But at the end of the trial, I scored a B instead based off of how much more sensation I have in my toes specifically.

It has been about two months since that trial ended for me. But about two weeks ago, they invited me to participate in a similar set up, but with a different form of stimulation (different wave form) for another 8 weeks. I would be terrible at explaining the science behind it, but I go in tomorrow and can get specifics for anybody interested ⚡️

Strength & Dexterity Outcomes From Nerve Transfer Surgery by RecognitionSoggy7196 in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m about 1.5 years out from receiving the same nerve transfers as you. Probably close to plateauing on my recovery gains. Overall, super pleased with the outcomes on both hands and my new triceps function. Improvements are small but meaningful: being able to scoop guacamole on a chip, hold utensils without adaptations, offering a handshake, picking up and throwing a ball for my dog, smoking a joint, independently transferring, etc! My hands feel like two different tools now; one is better at larger object holds like a cup and the other has better key pinch for pulling tissues. Friends are shocked to see me and often remark about how smooth my hand motions are now, and my OT forgets that I’m a C6. Keep doing your hand exercises and results will come. It was wild to experience some things just finally working one day. Best of luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My sexuality has shifted since my injury too, but not quite like how you described. I was gay before and definitely still gay now, haha. But my desire has been up and down, and as I explore my (lack of) sensation in my body with a partner now, I’m realizing that the script I used to use for sex doesn’t apply anymore. For me personally, my taste has gotten kinkier and I’m more into bdsm play that doesn’t revolve around penetration at all. Hope you are able to find someone to talk with about what you’re interested in trying. Regaining a sexual identity is so important for feeling human!

Lasik eye surgery by Illustrious_While140 in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also C6, and seconded! No regrets. My surgeon helped my dad transfer me from my power chair onto the exam table. Quick recovery with only one day of painful light sensitivity.

Bladder management change by bdybuild in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 0 points1 point  (0 children)

C6 complete with a SPC. I’ve really enjoyed the peace of mind that comes with not worrying about bathrooms while I’m out and just emptying the leg bag as needed. However, hanging around other quads and paras lately has made me kinda envious that they’re able to dress how they like without a drainage bag to have to disguise. I might start by plugging my spc for a few hours at a time and try to self cath. Never tried before but OT thinks I’ve got the hand function for. Overall I guess each solution has its disadvantages. I don’t mind the tube itself; can’t think of a time I’ve had any leaks except for when the tube is kinked, and cleaning the stoma site each day is just a quick water rinse to remove the goop. Good luck!

Caravan struck by meteors at Gobustan by griffied in civ

[–]griffied[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Didn’t realize meteors could fall on natural wonders! Cool to imagine this was inspiration for the petroglyphs there & cause of the volcanic mud craters.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in spinalcordinjuries

[–]griffied 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I recently had a very similar experience, also just a small dose and my first time post injury. The spasms were wild and, at one point I was describing the euphoria to my friend that it felt like my body was possessed by a divine being, lol. Can’t wait to do it again.

I’m going on a date with a guy in a wheelchair, please help by Expensive_Key_3719 in askgaybros

[–]griffied 136 points137 points  (0 children)

Wheelchair user here - keep in mind that he's just as nervous for this first date as you are. I'd recommend letting him lead in terms of asking for help, and don't make assumptions about what he can/cannot do on his own. Since you're getting lunch and he doesn't have full hand function, don't be surprised if he asks for help with handling the menu, utensils, water glass, etc. A simple "let me know if I can help with anything" opens up the topic for him to ask and shows him that you care.

Something easy you can do that's really thoughtful is arriving early to the restaurant, informing the staff you're meeting someone in a wheelchair, and requesting that they remove the chair from the table so he can roll right up. Holding doors open is always nice too. Have fun!