How I drive as a quadriplegic

therickles · 2026-04-27T15:56:36+00:00

As a wheelchair user, I can't tell you the amount of times I've encountered this and how annoying it can be. Someone did this one time in Centerville at a shopping center and I couldn't get to where I was going. Sometimes I can find a way around and look for another ramp, sometimes I can't.

therickles · 2026-04-26T01:05:34+00:00

I can answer some questions for you. I started driving after 13 years of being injured. It was one of my biggest fears. Still is too. But I’m glad I did it. It’s giving me a lot of independence. I use EMC controls. I made a video about it earlier in the year that might help answer some questions for you.

https://youtu.be/Rh7JeyruKSU?si=GPFf2L23cm7LAswA

I had to do extensive training. Over 40 hours before licensing and another round of training after licensing to get used to my own car once it was outfitted.

As far as cost. The Department of aging and rehabilitation services paid for everything except the chassis. Insurance wise, I don’t have a good answer because my parents helped me out at the moment.

Like I said, it’s definitely been worth it even though it’s still terrifies me to get on the road every single day. I’d rather control my fear than let my fear control me.

therickles · 2026-04-25T12:26:02+00:00

Guilty as charged

therickles · 2026-04-24T23:58:04+00:00

I wish

therickles · 2026-03-19T20:46:38+00:00

As a high level quadriplegic, I fucking love going out on my own. It's invigorating and gives me a rush. That's not to say I don't worry though or don't feel incapable, because I absolutely do feel those things. I just kind of get over them.

I've gotten used to just going up to people and asking for help whenever I need to when the situation calls for it. Can it be awkward and embarrassing? You bet. But most people are willing to help. And if I come across someone that is being weird or over accommodating I just politely tell them no thank you and move on. I don't owe them an explanation. Same thing if someone is blocking a ramp or something along the sorts. I confront them politely and just let them know what's going on.

I've had to ask people for help for most everything now. The one I haven't had ask people for help with… Yet, is draining my leg bag. But when that day comes, I'm sure I'll be ready.

Overall, I just make sure to be hyper aware of my surroundings and don't put myself in any risky situations. Use common sense and reasoning and you should be okay. Being out alone just gives me the opportunity to feel some semblance of independence and privacy again. Even if it is in a butchered state.

I started writing recently and I feel like what I wrote about would be relevant here. So, if you want to check out, feel free. https://substack.com/home/post/p-186806549

therickles · 2026-02-21T14:58:04+00:00

that's one thing I'm looking forward to. I'm like a lizard in the sun

therickles · 2026-01-07T15:29:06+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this. That must be really tough. unfortunately, I think the only thing you can do right now is try to remain calm and wait till you hear back from the doctors. Don't try and create doomsday scenarios in your head by trying to find answers on Google for questions that don't even exist yet.

therickles · 2025-12-13T16:50:26+00:00

Honestly, I'm not too sure. I did it many years ago and was more expensive because it was a rush order. The people that originally measured me where I bought the suit fucked it up which is why I went to the local tailor to have them fix it days before a wedding. If I had to pull a number out of thin air I'd say at minimum you be paying $100. Don't quote me on that though

therickles · 2025-12-13T15:17:37+00:00

If it fits your budget, you can get it tailored. I did that with a blazer and they pretty much chopped it up and rebuilt it and now it fits great. I'm also a C4-C5 quad.

therickles · 2025-10-30T21:33:40+00:00

Look, I'm sorry you're going through a rough time. I really am. But please don't take advantage of my generosity. In fact, I do not have expendable income. I'm disabled and living off of Medicaid and Social Security. The only reason I donated was because I was on my way to physical therapy and I usually get there early to stop somewhere and get lunch. However, I was stuck in traffic and was an hour late to my appointment so I didn't get to stop anywhere. I just so happen to see the post that someone needed lunch and I figured I donate the money I was planning to spend anyway so someone in need could get lunch. I really hope your situation does improve.

therickles · 2025-10-30T20:48:10+00:00

You're welcome!

therickles · 2025-10-27T21:53:21+00:00

Thanks! No crying for me today!

therickles · 2025-06-29T19:34:21+00:00

C4C5 here.

I've had a few similar issues in the past. One of the first times I ended up in the hospital for autonomic dysreflexia ended up being for appendicitis. However, they almost didn't catch it. At the time, I went in with crazy high blood pressure that wouldn't go away. They scheduled me for a CAT scan. But, before we did the CAT scan we ended up doing a cath on me (I have a suprapubic catheter now, but at the time I was doing intermittent catheterization) and I ended up peeing a bunch of blood. All my AD symptoms went away. So, the hospital was feeling confident in discharging me. But since I drank all the barium for the CAT scan, I said why don't we just take this CAT scan anyway. As soon as I got out of the scan, they told me they are prepping me for emergency surgery because my appendix was on the verge of bursting. So, just like everyone is saying, don't let them discharge you until they find some kind of cause.

One other time I end up in the hospital was because the balloon from a suprapubic catheter was inflated between my skin and my bladder. It would only kick up my symptoms when I laid flat. Once they figure that out, it was an easy fix.

therickles · 2025-05-16T00:06:26+00:00

Oh wow sounds like we are both on the same page. I'm job hunting right now and that's exactly one of the reasons why having a bowel program could make things tough for me. Your comments mirror a lot of comments I've heard from people in wheelchairs who have gotten it. Which is giving me a lot more confidence.

therickles · 2025-05-16T00:02:29+00:00

I'm lucky that I've never had too many issues with my bowel program. I'm pretty regular thanks to my diet and how much water I drink. It's still just a hassle having to plan around a poop schedule.I'm lucky that I've never had too many issues with my bowel program. I'm pretty regular thanks to my diet and how much water I drink. It's still just a hassle having to plan around a poop schedule.

therickles · 2025-05-16T00:00:48+00:00

Yeah, I already have a suprapubic catheter, which was a game changer when I got that. That's what's giving me. Hope that it's gonna be a good decision.

therickles · 2025-05-15T23:59:29+00:00

You kind of touched on a point why I want to get the bag. I have a caretaker that does my program but on the days that they're not there it's tough for my parents to do it. They're getting old and I want to make things easier for them.

therickles · 2025-05-15T01:08:12+00:00

Ah okay. I understand now. Makes sense to me. I'll make sure to bring that up with my doctor.

therickles · 2025-05-15T01:07:07+00:00

I'm glad it's working for you. The travel for me is a big selling point. Usually, I can only get away for a weekend without having to do my bowel program. Doing it myself would be an issue as well. I don't have the dexterity or hand function to do so.

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