My Video log a.k.a. my SCI diary.
I’ve been doing some thinking and had often wanted to video my life with a spinal cord injury in hopes that it would help others understand what it’s like. “What is it like to be a recovering quadriplegic?” is a question I get asked quite often, some execute this query with tact and others not so much, but that’s okay.
My first response is, “It’s not bad, but I think I was lucky!” And the conversation goes on from there, explaining this and that and why.
It just never sunk in that I should or would I be willing to share some more intimate moments of my SCI life. Like the good, the bad, and the ugly! Overall I’m a pretty positive guy, but do get to feeling down at times as well.
With that being said, here’s what I’m doing,
Gonna post a video each week or so, of me getting up, training, or whatever, so you can see what it’s like. I know people are curious, I was too when I first got injured. How do I do this or that and what about…
I want to remind you that I’m not the highest functioning quad or the lowest, I don’t ride a handcycle, but I do ride an English racing trike, which puts me out of a few categories for many sporting events. And still use a wheelcair for longer distances. So ya see I’m a tweener, in between here and there and this and that. I will always and forever be a C5-6 incomplete quadriplegic, if one needed a label. But why let a label define me or even you, after all it’s just a bunch of words.
Hopefully I can answer some questions as time goes on. I can only give you my view of the injury, along with my thoughts and opinions of doctors, medical staff, therapy centers (always a heated discussion), and countless others along the way. I promise to edit out the swearing if the topic gets heated when I’m on the soapbox!!
Video log #1, #2 are of me waking up, going through some of the morning routine, spasms, etc., and just some random thoughts as the brain wakes up. It's funny the stuff we say, or don't realize we said until we watch the "tape." Good suff!!
These videos provide a bit more of a glimpse into my life, I’m still am unsure of how much I’ll release. I truly want people to understand that just because you have had a spinal cord injury life doesn’t stop. Yes it is painfull, and feeeling good all the time is something that's hard to do. However positive thoughts do more good than the negative. So go and enjoy the things you can or do enjoy, get out and be apart of something. (Trust me it helps in the healing process) Also find a new passion and get cracking on it! For me it was the English racing trike and the recumbent, but mostly the trike! Feeling the wind in my face and handlebars in my hands…MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!!
Until next time, I hope these help!
Jay
Video log #1
Video Log #2
