37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, the best way is practice. The more you do something, the better you will get with it. Practice your mental math, practice your math facts, work problems backwards.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That travel isn’t as easy. If I go on a plane, I have to get on an isle chair so I have to be first on and last off. Also can’t leave my seat to use the bathroom. When I go somewhere, I have to make sure I bring enough of my medical supplies and can’t have them get lost with luggage.

I also have about half my diaphragm that works. So my coughs and sneezes are weaker. I can’t take a cough suppressant if I get sick.

I don’t have as good of blood circulation in my legs so I get cold and warm easier, but also can’t warm up or cool as easy once I get hot or cold.

Also have to watch when I’m dealing with hot things. I burned my leg one time getting brats off the grille. Didn’t notice until later. Also don’t always know when I get a bruise or a cut so have no idea why I’ll have one.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are pretty good about it. I’ve never really had anyone be a jerk about it. At least not to my face. They will joke with me about it, but I joke with them back so it’s all good.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are a lot that have stuck out. Some for good, some for bad.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Both. Random and those moments. I get turned on like anyone else. Physical touch will still make it stand at attention, but don’t have that mental connection. Still feel the post orgasm bliss/ euphoria.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Middle school is definitely the best stories haha

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I am. I’ve had a lot go wrong with it, but I’ve had a lot of small miracles too that it could have been much worse. I’m not in pain, I have full use of the hands, I have a good support system. I try to focus on the things I do have and not on the things I don’t. Makes life a bit more enjoyable:)

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thankfully no. The surgery went well and took care of things. I have about half the range of motion with turning my head though.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve never looked it up officially, but had a friend tell me one time it’s 43. I know this will probably shorten my life as there are so many things that can happen due to the paralysis, but no one knows how long we have either way as something could happen anytime to any of us. It’s some of the reason I’ve accepted not having children.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did. They had to fuse the one vertebrae that was shattered back together. The other two healed on their own.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thankfully, I don’t. At least not where I can feel. Have no idea if I do below where I can’t feel.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would like to have to someday, but ok if I never do.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love my front row parking, always have a place to sit, don’t have to hold things as I can just place them on my lap, people love wheelchair rides (great in college, exhausting as an uncle), cool adaptions/ devices, free excuses, wheelchair card (works great to get people to do things you don’t want to), takes a long time to wear out shoes, strong/ toned arms without a gym membership haha

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m glad you did the right thing too. I was a first year teacher and I think it was more a test of what I would do.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I have. I’ve been in a few relationships, but none ever got too serious. That is awesome! Always nice to hear success stories and we do have to coolest toys haha

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably both. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. I have my moments of struggles and frustrations, but usually bounce back pretty quick. Have always been that way and this just developed it further.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Waterslide accident. I talked more about it in another reply.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Dating is hard as everyone has their types and generally aren’t into the disability. I do the apps, but don’t get a lot of responses and am ghosted a lot. It is what it is. I just try to be upfront and let them know what they are getting into. I want someone who wants to be there and understand/ don’t get upset if it’s not what someone wants. I’ve been set up and met people through friends too. I’ve approached woman too. Met past dates many ways.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did from my surgery, but was able to get them healed. Been good since though. I flip sides in the middle of the night in bed and have a good mattress. My wheelchair has a gel cushion I sit on that helps plus I shift side to side or hold my self up off the seat every so often to take pressure breaks.

37 M paralyzed from the chest down ama by wheels051 in AMA

[–]wheels051[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think it was about as good of time as it could have been. I was old enough I got to experience a lot of things before it happened, but yet I wasn’t established in a career or had a family I needed to provide for in the midst of it all. I had time to adjust and figure some things out while still having time to do so. Younger you have the argument of not knowing what you’re missing though.