Empowered Para

Empowered Para

This channel is a place to share all the information I wish I had when I was first paralyzed. It's for anyone just starting their journey with a disability, anyone living with disability that just wants to feel like they're not alone...or for anyone who is interested in what it's like to live life in a wheelchair. My goal is to help people in wheelchairs live HEALTHIER, be HAPPIER, and feel AWESOME about themselves!

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  • @StarATL
    @StarATL2 сағат бұрын

    My wife, who is going on 62 was recently diagnosed with a Syrinx and I am surfing the web looking for info. We think it’s trauma related, but she has to get a MRI with contrast next to get more detail. She does have a history of Scoliosis which seems to be related and could make this a genetic vs traumatic Syrinx. Still trying to figure this out and what the path ahead will be.

  • @johnhaxmeier2465
    @johnhaxmeier24658 сағат бұрын

    Just finished watching another informative video. Thank you Recently you did a video on your cushions and I was just wondering if you ever did a video on weight shifting and offloading. As I have gotten older it has become more difficult because of bad shoulders Continue the good work and thank you! John

  • @blazingameing6365
    @blazingameing636510 сағат бұрын

    Respect this is a very interesting video

  • @QuadLife101
    @QuadLife10119 сағат бұрын

    Great video with an excellent explanation of the physiology of thermoregulation. With my background in biology and Registered Massage Therapy studies, I had the knowledge of how the process worked for able-bodied individuals, but not specifically at different levels with an SCI. This was enlightening. 😁 Interestingly, as a C5/6 quadriplegic, I also run a KZread channel. Last week, I posted a video on managing body temperature in summer to avoid overheating. I'll include your video in my resources so others can understand the science behind it. Here's the link to my video if anyone wants to check it out; I believe it complements this thermoregulation video for those with an SCI. Enjoy! ☺️ kzread.info/dash/bejne/fYCnrKODeKrWY9o.htmlsi=H022iGTgBIn4jP1O

  • @christinathehawk
    @christinathehawk20 сағат бұрын

    Great advice! You have a lot of important insights to share.

  • @guerd87
    @guerd8722 сағат бұрын

    How was it having kids? Could you feel them kicking? Did you have to have a C section? if so how was the recovery after it? How was it having newborns and toddlers while in a wheelchair? Ok another note, im from Australia and all new house builds (at least in my area) now are required to be built wheelchair accessible. No large steps into doors, wider doorways, no steps into showers, no large shower trays etc etc. They are doing this because the government will pay to modify houses for people in a wheelchair to help them. If they make all new builds accessible it will save them money eventually if the majority of houses must have that. It has been law here for a while that commercial properties must be accessible. When we built my industrial workshop we had to have full accessible areas and our bathroom had to have handrails, had to have a shower and fold down shower table/chair. We couldnt get it passed until it was all done

  • @Effervescent_Smegma
    @Effervescent_SmegmaКүн бұрын

    That mouth still works tho 😂

  • @steiner554
    @steiner554Күн бұрын

    Not able bodied? So, handicapped.

  • @michaelparylak5649
    @michaelparylak5649Күн бұрын

    Awesome video very educational 🙂

  • @LukeMorphett
    @LukeMorphettКүн бұрын

    Great video.

  • @SherryLopez-zp3nr
    @SherryLopez-zp3nr2 күн бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this with us

  • @christiantroy3034
    @christiantroy30342 күн бұрын

    I stumbled across your Channel, I grew up around Paras and Quads, Wheel chair Basketball, Olympics, Going to Woodstock etc. in 1989 I crushed my spine jumping off a bridge, I instantly had my childhood flash through my mind, I made a decision "if I could Stand, I could Live, If not, take a deep breath of water". well I lived. all this time I could not figure out the temperature regulation issue. Thank you

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredParaКүн бұрын

    Did knowing paras and quads help you when you were paralyzed? Did it make it easier to adjust?

  • @patrickh4540
    @patrickh45402 күн бұрын

    Very brave and down to earth explanation, glad I watched it and learned from it. Allow me to shout out what an inspiring woman you are.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredParaКүн бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @curbyi76
    @curbyi762 күн бұрын

    Keep an eye on that pressure sore great video from a fellow chest quad.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredParaКүн бұрын

    Thankfully it healed in a day ot two!

  • @roycesanders4315
    @roycesanders43152 күн бұрын

    You are a super cool person. Life is a challenge, I love your positivity, strength, and confidence. You inspired me today.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredParaКүн бұрын

    Thanks for watching!

  • @conniemcright7986
    @conniemcright79862 күн бұрын

    1

  • @nosuchname9940
    @nosuchname99402 күн бұрын

    A lot of truth bombs here, especially in the area of self esteem and finding it within yourself, not from others. You are very wise.... What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.... Every adversity brings with it the seed of an equivalent success.

  • @user-od4yl3rf4n
    @user-od4yl3rf4n2 күн бұрын

    She squirted and called it an accident

  • @JamesSmith-pm9gp
    @JamesSmith-pm9gp2 күн бұрын

    As I watch this video for the 4th time, I just realize that this one has the word “Inter-Abled” in its title. A word I didn’t even know existed until about 3 years ago when I started watching your EP videos Brittney, even though I’ve been half of an Inter-Abled Couple for over 40 years. Now I must say I am so pleased and proud to follow along with you on your life’s journey with these videos, and hope that there are many more informative, interesting, and fun videos to come! Well done Britt!

  • @crayzmarc
    @crayzmarc2 күн бұрын

    Brave and strong. Thank you.

  • @octavianr526
    @octavianr5262 күн бұрын

    Big hug

  • @aloha270999
    @aloha2709993 күн бұрын

    Can you do same research into folding chairs collapsible towards center but super light weight?

  • @betsybabf748
    @betsybabf7483 күн бұрын

    Share your embarrassing moment!! My most embarrassing moment would have been hilarious if it wasn't me. When our daughter was 5, she had tons of very curly hair For a school show, she asked that I blow it out straight, which looked gorgeous. When she got on stage, standing at the microphone, her teacher said how pretty her straight hair looks. My daughter leaned into the microphone proudly, saying "My mom does the best bl*wjob". The entire school looked at me at once, so I froze and started screaming at the top of my lungs "Blow DRY, blow DRY" to everyone, making myself look like a crazy person, not helping the situation. She is now in her 20s and still grounded.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    omg lol! That is an awesome story haha.

  • @keyup2626
    @keyup26263 күн бұрын

    Real fun video Brittney.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    Thanks Phil!

  • @johnvelas70
    @johnvelas703 күн бұрын

    Don't kill me to death. It wasn't my idea.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredParaКүн бұрын

    what wasn't your idea lol?

  • @johnvelas70
    @johnvelas70Күн бұрын

    @@EmpoweredPara Emily (the paralyzed girl I relay questions for is going to mail me and her Dad to you. We were arguing about who has a better chance at getting a date with "Elizabeth" from the "Waltons". It turns out we both had a crush on her when we were growing up. Emily decided we never did grow up, are still dorks, & you can feed us to the Polar Bears.

  • @hearts.from.sophia
    @hearts.from.sophia3 күн бұрын

    Can you just wear adult diapers? Not being rude just curious

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    no, my bladder doesn't empty on its own.

  • @hearts.from.sophia
    @hearts.from.sophia3 күн бұрын

    @@EmpoweredPara ohh ok

  • @sirduckykins
    @sirduckykins3 күн бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your experience and advice ❤ have a wonderful day lovely human ❤

  • @cpr58
    @cpr583 күн бұрын

    LOL Joe feel your pain. 35 years married myself. Disaplen I was both mentally and physically Abused. I never raised my daughter the way I was. Fun video

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    lol are you taking his side?!

  • @cpr58
    @cpr583 күн бұрын

    @@EmpoweredPara well what can I say. LOL

  • @westiepower2020
    @westiepower20203 күн бұрын

    A little bit of terminology I’m not used to hearing from you, which surprised me as I don’t think of it that way. From a number of friends who use a wheelchair, I tend to think of, and remind others in any way I can who aren’t always comfortable around anyone in a chair, that a wheelchair means freedom and independence. But then, I’m not a chair-user myself so maybe I don’t always understand.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    What terminology are you referring to?

  • @westiepower2020
    @westiepower20203 күн бұрын

    I’m going to ask my wife to watch and listen to your video first, as maybe I’m misunderstanding it. Or the context.

  • @patricianettleton3328
    @patricianettleton33283 күн бұрын

    You are 100% correct!!❤

  • @westiepower2020
    @westiepower20203 күн бұрын

    @@EmpoweredPara”Stuck in a chair” and “not stuck in the chair”. Those phrases just kinda surprised me, and my wife. I dunno, it just sounded odd coming from the 2 of you.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    @westiepower2020 I didn't even notice lol!

  • @scotchtape3896
    @scotchtape38964 күн бұрын

    Qn: following a severe illness I have been left permanently disabled and as a powered wheelchair user. How do I get over feeling embarrassed (despite it not being my fault) by this? I know that it sounds bad but I don’t like being stared at and hate being judged. I am also unbelievably angry about it all. I’ve cut everyone out of my life and I’ve not left my home in years. Please, I really need advice. Thank you for any advice

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    For me, the best medicine is always exposure therapy. Do the things they make you uncomfortable, go places you might get stared at, and then when you realize you can handle it, you get stronger. Gratitude is aways important too. Even for the smallest things that you csn still do like breathe and laugh

  • @cpr58
    @cpr583 күн бұрын

    I may or may not have a right to say anything. I am still pretty new to being in a wheelchair myself. I had the same feeling when I first went out in public. I was ashamed of myself. But I went and got some mental help to deal with how my life had changed and to keep me from being so angry about it. That helped me move on, but I still run into unexpected things. It would help if you let people back into your life. trust me on this.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    @@cpr58 amazing advice!

  • @opentolerance
    @opentolerance4 күн бұрын

    I love the sunglasses!

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    thanks!

  • @rgkafk5djsk291
    @rgkafk5djsk2914 күн бұрын

    OMG your eyes! Thanks for sharing!

  • @loscarnm
    @loscarnm4 күн бұрын

    I think the video was really educational. I have Never have the chance juguetes information from my person that is paradised. Thanks for posting the video.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @jennyschneider2424
    @jennyschneider24244 күн бұрын

    Thank you

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    Welcome!

  • @pippenlapue9643
    @pippenlapue96434 күн бұрын

    Do you at least fake an O for your man or say naughty words to get him going. I saw the video where you show positions when having sex. You guys sure are open about your sex life. How do your kids feel about that? Did you think how it might affect your daughters?

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara4 күн бұрын

    I'm very open with my kids bout why I make content and the purpose behind it. I am raising my kids to know that sexuality is normal and healthy and something that should be talked about openly.

  • @LonnieHarger
    @LonnieHarger4 күн бұрын

    Alright, you got me addicted to your channel. Been binge watching for 3 hours. From pee to sex to falling to wheelies. What an informational channel. Thank you so much.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    Welcome! Glad you're finding my channel educational!!!

  • @LonnieHarger
    @LonnieHarger4 күн бұрын

    Absolutely facinating. As much as I dispise the internet, a video like this would have never been possible without it. I'm 63 and have many times wondered what this process looks like, and its pretty much like I imagined. I'm sure there's a little more that Joe has to do, but we'll leave that to the imagination. 😄 Great video!

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    lol Joe definitely gets a workout some days 😉

  • @MitchellWebster-cj2ix
    @MitchellWebster-cj2ix5 күн бұрын

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO! I AM A BELOW THE KNEE AMPUTEE AND HAVEEN TOTALLY CONFUSED ON SIZING FOR WHEELCHAIRS. THIS WAS ORDERED FOR ME WHILE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MEDICAL CENTER. THE ONE THING I LEARNED FROM YOUR VIDEO IS CENTER OF GRAVITY, THE WHEEL HUB AND CHAIR BACK ON MINE ISRIGHT OVER THE CENTRAL AXEL A ND I AM IN FRONT OF IT.PLUS MY CHAIR IS AN IRON CHAIR WEIGHING ABOUT 45 LBS. I ALREADY HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO LOOK INTOA LIGHT WEIGHT CHAIR WITH DETACABLE WHEELS TO BE USED IN CONJUCTION WITH MY PROSTHETIC SO I CAN DRIVE. I JUST NOTICED MY NEXT VIDEO OF YOURS IS ON SEAT CUSHIONS, MY SEAT IS HOTTER THAN THE HUBS OF HATIES! 😞

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    lol sounds like you need a new cushion that doesn't make your butt sweat! Glad you found my video helpful!

  • @PumpedSmartass
    @PumpedSmartass5 күн бұрын

    4:51 I mean if someone is really really into you, some pee will not an issue, even can be interesting stuff. Voluntary or not

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara4 күн бұрын

    lol exactly !

  • @calvinnaude2402
    @calvinnaude24025 күн бұрын

    I got Cerebral Palsy from birth, I'm 58-year-old man, and my legs get cold in winter, have wearing 2 pairs of leggings! Why do i feel cold my legs? I feeling in my legs! Many Thanks Cal

  • @SolarSolar-uh6op
    @SolarSolar-uh6op5 күн бұрын

    Decades ago I used to do hypnosis parties with friends, that was 40 years ago and I moved on from partying. I'm old now... However, every woman who wanted it, was able to climax because orgasms aren't necessarily physical, they are, for the most part, mental without clitoral stimulation. Anyway, get a few good books on the subject and have your husband study the art, it really is easy to master. Just a couple of days of trying is all it takes. I did it my first try. Depending on the subject, and yes, there are ways to test to see if people are able to be hypnotized, but try it and see if it's right for you. If he picks it up, he will be able to set a suggestion for you whenever you want it. It can be a lot of fun for the both of you, because your imagination is your limit. I used to take my ex skiing on Neptune, if that gives you an idea to it's unlimited use.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara4 күн бұрын

    book recommendations?

  • @SolarSolar-uh6op
    @SolarSolar-uh6op3 күн бұрын

    @@EmpoweredPara This will be a long post, so if you try it and still have issues, I can expand on some techniques if you want more help later. Books? I wish I could remember, but it's been decades. What got me started, was two things, I'd had a really bad accident, I was busted up real bad, a doctor hypnotized me. He said think of what makes you happy, it was my dog, he said imagine you are very tiny and can ride behind his ears and you can tell him to go wherever you want, it worked and I'd had a break from all the pain. The other was a lousy teacher, but gave me the inner workings in how it works. I went to a hypnotist party when I was a teen and I was about to join the army and off to Nam. I desperately wanted to learn to fall asleep fast, well, his tips sucked, but I did learn that the only limit is your own imagination. It comes down to being in command, knowing you can do it and the person to be hypnotized needs to recognize your confidence, Point being, self hypnosis is a great place to start, so look for books on the subject. It really is easy to learn and based on what I see in your videos, you shouldn't have any problem, just remember to relax and take your time. I found an excerpt written by an AI, has some really good tips. Also youtube probably has some vids. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, where a person’s critical thinking is suspended, and they become more receptive to suggestions. It’s not a form of mind control, and a person cannot be forced to do something against their will. Basic Principles Establish a rapport: Build a connection with the person you want to hypnotize by creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Create a trance-like state: Use techniques such as progressive relaxation, visualization, or guided imagery to induce a state of deep relaxation. Use positive language: Speak in a calm, gentle, and reassuring tone, using positive and empowering language. Make suggestions: Offer suggestions that are gentle, respectful, and aligned with the person’s goals and desires. Techniques for Hypnotizing Someone Eye fixation: Ask the person to focus on your eyes or a fixed point, which can help induce a trance-like state. Progressive relaxation: Guide the person through a series of progressive relaxation exercises, such as tensing and relaxing different muscle groups. Guided imagery: Use vivid descriptions to guide the person’s imagination, creating a mental picture that helps them relax and focus. Counting or repetition: Use a soothing voice to count or repeat a phrase, helping the person to focus and relax. Reverse psychology: Use subtle reverse psychology to create a sense of curiosity and engagement. Important Considerations Respect boundaries: Always respect the person’s boundaries and never push them to do something they’re uncomfortable with. Be gentle and kind: Use a gentle and kind tone, avoiding any language that might be perceived as aggressive or controlling. Keep it simple: Avoid complex or confusing language, and focus on simple, clear suggestions. Practice responsibly: Hypnosis should be used for personal growth, self-improvement, or entertainment purposes only. Avoid using it for malicious or manipulative reasons. Remember Hypnosis is not a magic trick or a form of mind control. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth, self-improvement, and relaxation. Always approach hypnosis with respect, kindness, and a willingness to help others.

  • @BobG127
    @BobG1275 күн бұрын

    Wow. Such a beautiful woman with such a beautiful attitude... There are a lot of women without physical impairments who are much more handicapped. Your husband is a very, very lucky man to have found you. Apparently, he is also a very good man, to have won your affection. Thank you for sharing.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara4 күн бұрын

    My husband is an awesome guy!

  • @launadro1646
    @launadro16466 күн бұрын

    Would like contact with Reg

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    his company is 49 Bespoke! www.49bespoke.com/

  • @ilovemyservicedog8862
    @ilovemyservicedog88626 күн бұрын

    Why not just use the Foley at night? I learned to put in a fold the years ago and I learned that you can just push it almost all the way in and inflated and then pull it back out for the right links. I did that for a long time, it took me forever to use catheters I love the speedy cat compact that looks like the lipstick size. They’re the perfect combination of softness and hardness you might be. Like the all in one that come with the bag attached. Also, I would highly recommend the hydrophilic.

  • @xbullshet
    @xbullshet6 күн бұрын

    You are smart, beautiful, and much more body enabled than many of us walking ! Thank you for such positive charge you gave to me and many more here.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara4 күн бұрын

    Thanks for watching and learning@

  • @toastkitten5booklover
    @toastkitten5booklover6 күн бұрын

    I've had my syringomyelia diagnosis for a little over a month now. C5 to t12 with pain, fatigue, and all of the usual culprits. I have an mri in two days to figure out if I have chiari. I've been having breathing problems, headaches, and brain fog on top of the syringomyelia symptoms. I'm praying I have chiari and that I can have surgery to helpfully fix that and for my syrinx to shrink or go away. I'm about to go to grad school and am just terrified that this is how my life is going to be.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    It's definitely scary getting this diagnosis. Fingers crossed it's Chiari but if it's not it's still very treatment most of the time! Good luck:)

  • @JamesSmith-pm9gp
    @JamesSmith-pm9gp7 күн бұрын

    When you were describing the Braun UVL, I think you said you’ve had this trailer for quite a long time now. In the changes in trailer design, do you think that you might be able to find a new trailer one day with a more accessible bathroom for yourself?

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    There are ones with bigger bathrooms, but they are few and far between

  • @JamesSmith-pm9gp
    @JamesSmith-pm9gp3 күн бұрын

    @@EmpoweredPara Thanks. I’ll “patiently” (lol) wait to see your new trailer you mentioned on the KZread video yesterday.

  • @CinkSVideo
    @CinkSVideo7 күн бұрын

    Great explanation. Once again, I leave one of your videos more knowledgeable. Thank you.

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara3 күн бұрын

    Thanks for continuing to watch!!!

  • @kennyjohnson8479
    @kennyjohnson84798 күн бұрын

    I am C5-7 incomplete (broke C1-2 also but didn't hit spinal cord) and I wore a blanket on top my head 18 years it rubbed part of my head bald lol. But somehow 3 years ago I got to where I barely notice it. I don't know why, but too bad it took so long.

  • @JamesSmith-pm9gp
    @JamesSmith-pm9gp8 күн бұрын

    I found it interesting here and on other videos such as the Vacay one that Joe seems to be regularly telling you to put your brakes on. Do you seldom use your brakes on your chair?

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara8 күн бұрын

    I never do lol

  • @JamesSmith-pm9gp
    @JamesSmith-pm9gp8 күн бұрын

    @@EmpoweredPara May I ask why?

  • @EmpoweredPara
    @EmpoweredPara7 күн бұрын

    @@JamesSmith-pm9gp just take extra time to put on!