Introduction to my catheter failure I had a catheter failure and had to come up with creative solutions to allow me to keep urinating safely and cleanly as a paraplegic. I urinate into a bag, attached to my leg, due to an accident in 2009. I acquired a spinal cord injury (SCI) and click here to read about the accident. One of the difficulties with paraplegia involves urinating, and one solution is to have a suprapubic catheter. I had an…
Sefton Plaza Accessibility – Intro One of the two shopping centres near my home is the Sefton Plaza Shopping Centre. It takes me four minutes via my powered wheelchair to travel the 750 metres. This blog is all about Sefton Plaza accessibility in a wheelchair. The goal is to contact shopping centre management, share the accessibility issues and the access will improve over time. I regularly visit Target, Foodland, Best & Less, the Jam & Savoury Bakehouse and Barnacle Bills….
Freezing carrots for cooking Freezing carrots for cooking is simple. I use wheelchairs to get around and this blog shares how I froze my carrots for the purpose of using them for cooking (within the next 12 months). The first step is to grow them, and this blog doesn’t cover this step. However, the carrots were grown from seed in a raised garden bed in my backyard. Step 1 of freezing carrots for cooking – Prepare the carrots Wash carrots…
Introduction I acquired a disability over eleven years ago, and regularly place myself into challenging situations. A few times I required rescuing, such as when I pushed my four-wheel-drive wheelchair too far. After being stuck in the mud, a vehicle attached a rope to my chair and pulled me out. At other times, I need creative solutions to resolve problems associated with having a disability. Today was my toileting and showering day, and the process after the shower involves transfer…
‘Alive and not Kicking’ memoir ‘Alive and not kicking’ is the name I choose for my memoir and shares my life from September 11, 2009. The ‘not kicking’ part of the book name is an attempt at humour, and laughing is vital when living with a disability. The ‘alive’ part celebrates the medical professionals’ efforts in SA Health and other people, including family and friends. Eighteen Point Five will publish the memoir on September 11, 2021, the twelfth anniversary of…
Introduction I acquired a disability in 2009, and live with paraplegia, chronic pain, apnea, narcolepsy and tuna casserole allergy*. I have personal carers visit my home each night from 8:15 pm for around 90 minutes. They do tasks such as washing clothes, preparing my breakfast and tucking me into bed. Relatively simple and straight forward work as my needs is simple. Carers with commonsense are vital. (* I hate tuna casserole and hopefully it won’t be offered to me if…
Introduction to a disability care plan I have a disability, and on a daily basis obtain help from carers. The following provides a glimpse into my disability care plan, which attempts to clearly explain the tasks required. Hoping that you can get ideas for your disability care plan. Intro Became disabled in an accident on 11th September 2009. Complete T4 spinal injury, no sensation below the nipple line. I try to be active with the gym, swimming and riding bike….
The engagement Bailey asked for permission to marry Jasmine. There was no hesitation as I replied with a ‘Yes’, and I offered my home for an engagement party. The engaged couple organised the whole party, and their timing was perfect. We welcomed over a hundred guests, a few weeks before the COVID-19 restrictions commenced in March. Planning a wedding during the Coronavirus Planning a wedding during 2020 must have required prayer, hope and good luck. Leading up to the mid-October…
Introduction This blog follows on from a previous blog about accessibility and my driveway. I hope this is the last time I need to blog about my difficulties in driving my van and having my bins emptied. The photos in this blog occurred after my three bins were emptied by Eastwaste . I pay Prospect Council via my rates, for waste removal. As I enjoy my independence and believe in doing my share of the chores, I put my bins…
I had a painful and shitty weekend And I am sharing it with you. Why? Before I acquired a spinal cord injury in 2009, I thought people in wheelchairs in general, had only one problem. They couldn’t walk. I knew little and quickly learned there are multiple issues. I want to share a few of the issues that occurred to be on the weekend. The goal is to increase understanding of people who don’t know what it is like living…
