Answering all your questions....Q&A

[@russellsteele4404]

A tree fell on me in 1989 at the age of 20 was a big change to life as you know but so far I can’t complain God has been good to me and I hope you feel the same. We be sick get infections and so forth but we always come back stronger take care God bless you all

[@EmpoweredPara]

Gratitude is the best medicine! Totally agree that I have lots to be thankful for!

[@Karski1952]

Young lady - Video clip was well worth watching. You have made your life work for you in spite of your injury. Wishing you a happy for filled life .

[@sandyseashells5598]

Thank You Brittany. You are so caring to help others also get through the process of learning how we can all do this! Hugs and Blessings to you and your family!

[@Jaggededge112]

You’re awesome Brittany! Thank you for making this video for the new viewers.

[@evajohnson450]

how do you deal with your period? what do you use? is there anything you do different than anyone else? keep up the hard work you inspire many people!

[@adammackenroth2864]

Period underwear? Maybe

[@EmpoweredPara]

tampons, I hate the mess of pads ot period panties!

[@Lost_and_found85]

You are so inspirational and I am thankful for your videos

[@FairyBoots]

Love your channel and cooking with Margaret xx i herniated my c6/c7 disc left with permanent nerve and muscle damage, degenerative discs badly affect my legs n now at point of considering a Mobility scooter for trips on holiday n be able to do more rather than trying to keep up n be exhausted with nerve and muscle pain slowing me down xx you are such a positive role model, mother and partner to your other half xx keep making videos xx

[@roberto.peterson9917]

Awesome very educational great smile one has to chose to happy/ grateful regardless what life throws at you

[@CinkSVideo]

Do you make any changes to your chair to manage snow and icy conditions when you are out and about? Wheeling on sunshiny days is easy but rain, snow, and ice bring some extra challenges.

[@endtimeawakening5557]

You were injured in 1999 at 13 and I was injured in 2001 (motorcycle accident) at 38. Twenty years felt like an eternity until I found that there were others that have been this way far longer. I don't put much clout in this whisper of an existence we live in the flesh, but I do have much interest in the world to come on the other side of our final breath. That's when we really begin to LIVE! ❤️

[@EmpoweredPara]

Heaven can wait lol. Got lots to learn in this life!

[@endtimeawakening5557]

@@EmpoweredPara Ditto sweetheart! It's an amazing journey... and eternity awaits this vapor of temporal existence in the flesh. ❤️

[@melaniechmiel1739]

Your videos are so helpful. My daughter injury level is a T10. She also can feel when she has to pee. Also she can feel below her injury on the top of her right leg. She is still learning to cath in her chair. Thank you for making your videos, we will be watching more.

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome! If there's anything specific you'd like to see let me know!

[@melaniechmiel1739]

Thank you ❤️

[@endrinar9745]

Hi! Can you do videos with more quadriplegics that are more dependents from people and equipments and how that achieve independence, ? Please

[@katieclemence9888]

Tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary of my SCI. I would like to know how you do winters. What gloves do you use so your fingers don't freeze from touching your push rims? Tips for navigating slippery ramps? What do you use to clean your wheelchair off from all the snow and slush? When your kids were younger, or even now with Jaime, how do you play and stay active with them in the winter months (activities, gear, etc.)? Favorite winter gear for wheelchair users? How do you clean your vans windows off?

[@katieclemence9888]

How do you handle an upset stomach/diarrhea? Are you bedridden? Are you able to make it to the bathroom before an accident?

[@katieclemence9888]

Also, menstrual cycle... What works well for you? Cups/Pads/Tampons?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Great questions! I'll make sure to answer them in the next q&a!

[@bradmoyer9737]

I have watched KZbin influencers and their content for a number of years. I rarely search for a topic as to what to watch, as I mostly watch for entertainment value. I wouldn’t need both hands to count the times that I have run across an influencer that I would consider consequential, using the platform for something other than self enrichment. Thank you for sharing your family with us. May you live as long as you want, And never want as long as you live.🙏🏻

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@susyq5508]

hi im new, im not in a wheelchair but i sit down 24 hours in a sit down walker, so when i saw your video cleaning in a wheelchair i said lets see if she does anything different i can use, so i shared it with my sister in georgia im in ny state. so ive been watching all your videos and sharing them to my kids hense all your new subscribers, sorry you have to start all over with the new ones. i like you and i would watch you even if you werent in a wheelchair.

[@EmpoweredPara]

So I have you to thank for going viral lol?! So glad you are enjoying KY content!

[@xczechr]

How about your stomach? Do you feel hunger or the sensation of being full? If not, then how careful must you be when eating?

[@xcr440sp]

Thank You Brittany, Honest and Real !!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Trying my best to be! Glad it comes across!

[@paralifetv-youreverydaywhe8314]

Thank you for being so open. This will help many many people. The human body is extraordinary. In the sense that after 7 years you began to feel the sensation of having to pee. I'm post 24 years T12 incomplete SCI and about three years ago I started to be able to move my left foot. Back in 2011 (yes I have this date marked on the calendar lol) ... ejaculation came back into the picture after 13 years! Prior to that it was retrograde only with no feeling. Our bodies are continually trying to heal. We can help the process by living a healthy, active lifestyle. Open mind and open heart. Thanks for the Q & A!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Wow i love that you got different function back after all those years! That makes me more hopeful that the gains are still possible!

[@westiepower2020]

Another great video Brittney! Even for someone who has watched almost all of them, this one filled in some details. Thanks! Re: further questions - could you describe parts of the wheelchair for us? For example - does the air in the tires need to be checked and filled up regularly? From your Wheelchair Accessible Van Review, what is meant by the “H-frame”? How do the brakes work? Thank you!

[@MichelleH_]

Congrats on 10K!!! You deserve millions more! I never comment I am usually just lurking in the shadows and enjoying all of your content, but I had to congratulate you❤❤❤

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks! I'm totally a stalker too that never comments on other people's things!

[@GoFishOffice]

This was educational, thank you

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@markmcmanus9886]

You are a brave and informative person to explain your life. 🙏

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks ❤️!

[@suegiegling8996]

I love listening to you & have learned so much. As an able bodied person I would never want to ask a person about the things you talk about but have always been curious! I’m sure you are a great help to others! You explain everything so well! I love your long hair & I think you are awesome!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Well you can ask me anything!

[@suegiegling8996]

@@EmpoweredPara Thank you so much! 💖

[@randybriggs6211]

Thank you Brittany , love your videos filled info. ..;;) Brokin' neck diving accident 1974 quad. .. Happy thanks to you My programs are back on track!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

yay!!

[@westiepower2020]

In my humble opinion, I think many/most able-bodied persons just can’t understand the whole idea and issues of being paralyzed. I’ve used the “straight ring finger exercise” to try to understand it and to try to show others but until recently I couldn’t understand even one issue - how you knew your tailbone was sharp. When you explained today how and WHY you use a catheter, I think it helped. It is/was hard for people to understand that you need to catheterize to actually physically empty your bladder. Thanks for making strong and specific efforts to help us understand. And, really nice to hear again about you and hubby meeting and him asking for your phone number - I admit, I am a sucker for great love stories!

[@westiepower2020]

@@Kirsty-wheels Oh, geez, I sure hope I didn’t come across as shallow or not understanding the scope of it. I had no idea on virtually ANY of this until I started watching these videos and Brittney’s explanations. Thank you so much Brittney!

[@carson2646]

Neither my wife nor I have spinal injuries, but You were in my KZbin recommendations and I'm so glad I took a look. You have answered a lot of questions I have been curious about for year, but it would have been rude to ask someone lol Now I just watch because I like you and I'm usually curious what you'll have to say

[@EmpoweredPara]

Well I'm glad you you find my channel entertaining! Thanks for sticking around!

[@spinningthetruthnorthwoods6430]

Hi Brittney - Thank you for your very informative videos. You are helping so many people! Question - When you are going to build your cabin, what amenities are you going to include that will help you be even more independent? I would think having all doors being 36 inches wide would be good. What else would you include? I think that would help everyone who is building a house to make their house the most accessible way possible. Thank you!

[@merewebster4510]

Brittany you are totally awesome - love you beautiful personality and spirit - God bless you and your family ❤ - Mere - Christchurch NZ

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks Mere!

[@npbrighton]

Hey Brittany, im a new subscriber, only came across your videos this morning really. But im hooked, I love the positivity, the way you tackle every challenge, your desire to do your best, always. I find it inspiring honestly. So no, no question, just a keep doing what you're doing and good luck with everything really

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks! Welcome! So happy you stumbled across my channel!

[@garyeverettlynne9437]

You are an amazing person. I just came across your channel.

[@EmpoweredPara]

thanks!

[@miqiee]

My question: Do you tend to keep up with the latest developments concerning SCI's? Do you hold out hope that someday, they might be able to repair the damage in your spinal cord?

[@EmpoweredPara]

No I just live my life and don't pay too much attention to research. When there's a cure I'll find out about it lol

[@miqiee]

@@EmpoweredPara, a great attitude, but I'm nerdy enough that I'd probably be researching all the time. And I'd probably be missing out on life by dwelling on it. Your way is better.

[@ronaldsinclair6837]

I think it would be nice to see some more day to day activities if your able to.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Anything specific you'd like to see about day?

[@ronaldsinclair6837]

@@EmpoweredPara No Brit, just think we would learn more about your struggles everyday.

[@kardiamit]

I have been in a wheelchair for 29 years (Th4-Th6) and I do not have urethral inflammation. It's probably a gene thing.

[@knupification]

Thanks for this video! ❤ I have another question: Is there a higher risk of thrombosis because you're in a wheelchair? And if so, what do you do about it?

[@davidwattsjr]

Very interesting video. Thank you. You've probably answered this before, but during a C-section, would you feel anything from the C-section process - such that an epidural or general anesthesia was necessary? Or would you have some internal pain from that surgery? Or maybe there were other reasons to have the anesthesia? Thank you very much!

[@johnvelas70]

I'm relaying this question for a 15yo girl who was paralyzed for 10 months she has a T/L level complete injury. She's too embarrassed to ask in person (her dr's therapists etc). Namely she knows she's going to have to do what she calls her "DLT's" herself eventually, how long til she can do these without messing up her sheets/ chair etc? Also do you have a video on this?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Not sure what you mean by DLT's?

[@johnvelas70]

@@EmpoweredPara I asked her and again she's super embarrrased but she means "daily living tasks" aka bathroom, she got her 1st period the week before her accident at 14, etc.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@johnvelas70 I always sleep on an absorbent blue pad (like a puppy pee pad) so that I don't mess up my sheets. Messing up your chair is just sort of a lifelong thing lol. I peemy pants about once a week and mess my chair up. If I am ever in my wheelchair with a naked butt then I put a blue pad on my cushion so that I don't mess it up.

[@johnvelas70]

@@EmpoweredPara I'll tell her what's happening to her is "normal".

[@Melissa_M88]

I have a question for you if you don't mind. How do you deal with your menstrual cycle? I am in a wheelchair myself so I unstand the challenges that come with it. Hope you're having a great say.

[@HayOborn]

It’s a sink hole 😂😂 - I do the same touch technique x

[@EmpoweredPara]

Guys can do touch technique? Isn't your urethra easy to see lol?

[@HayOborn]

@@EmpoweredPara there’s are easier to see… 🤣 however I’m female… 👍 (Hay short for Hayley👍)

[@davegoodridge8352]

How is your car setup that both you and your husband can drive it? I assume it's all done my hand and no petals? Thanks

[@EmpoweredPara]

Hand controls are just bracketed to the petals and allow me to push them with my hand. The car still works the same for able bodied drivers.

[@Bonzoguy66]

I would like to know, did you redecorate your kitchen, for you , to be cooking , or how do you reach the top shelfes ? I take it, you don't pull yourself up in the arms ;)

[@Bonzoguy66]

@@rebeccafoster1368 Hello...your comment, ended up as an answer , to my question .But I clearly understand, being scared about wearing down your arms, when they are all you got . :-O

[@rebeccafoster1368]

@@Bonzoguy66 oops sorry! Thank you for telling me!

[@patrickcooper6074]

She did a video on how she manages with a standard kitchen. If you haven't watched it you might find it interesting and helpful.

[@Bonzoguy66]

@@patrickcooper6074 than you sir, good point , I will look for it :)

[@_JoyceArt]

Do you get to have extra check ups, to find potential issues in your tummy, that you would have felt if you weren’t paralyzed?

[@EmpoweredPara]

no, I can actually feel.a lot inside my abdomen. Even if I couldn't, doctors aren't I he habit if checking unless there are symptoms

[@bj5843]

My question is from a place of true ignorance on the subject, so I apologize in advance. If you can’t feel anything from the chest down, why would there be a need for an epidural or general anesthesia for a c-section?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Because even though my brain no longer interprets pain below my level of injury, there are still pain responses that I can't feel. There is something called Autonaumic dysreflexia that causes dangerous spikes in blood pressure when there is pain below the level of injury so that has to be controlled with an epidural and pain medication during active labor.

[@bj5843]

@@EmpoweredPara That makes sense, I didn’t know about that. Thanks for being so open about everything. And again, sorry for my ignorance on the subject.

[@westiepower2020]

This may not be the correct video to ask this one, but I can’t find the video on where you explain the spinal cord. A friend just fractured 3 vertebrae in his neck, and will be wearing a neck brace for 3 to 6 months. To my surprise, he isn’t paralyzed. Is this still considered a SCI?

[@JCarlito19]

I know this might seem like a dumb/possibly insensitive question (I apologize if it is), but your perspectives are often different from what I'd expect, so I'm curious, given how long it's been since your accident, would you actually WANT to be mobile again, or have you pretty much just gotten used to life as it is? If the former, how would you react if you woke up one day and could suddenly move your toes again?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I would 100% want to he mobile again and would be excited if I woke up being able to move my toes lol!

[@stephenbierlein2517]

Leave your beautiful hair 😍.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Aye aye !

[@elvenrights2428]

Would it be easier for you to use electric wheelchair?

[@Liz-Biz]

Do you get more UTI’s with the touch technique when you cath? Do only clean hands work and not spread bacteria with touch technique?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I used to get UTIs but my bladder is mostly colonized now. It gets used to the bacteria

[@Hannah7Banana]

Question, how do you drive? I’ve seen you driving before, so like H o w

[@morgancalvi6675]

I'm a recent hip disarticulate and have 3 cats and a dog...do you know of any shells to protect the skin flap?

[@EmpoweredPara]

no sorry:)

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredParaI can't find anything.

[@johnli357]

Have you tried massage therapy which helps circulation of the blood.

[@EmpoweredPara]

A few times but I should really go more!

[@johnvelas70]

It's me again totally different topic, the paralyzed girl has a quadriplegic friend from therapy anyway they decided to see if I can wheel myself up a 3 step ramp & down again. Yep on the up & nope on the down I lost control faceplanted on a wall busted my lip & got 2 stitches.

[@EmpoweredPara]

the thought of this is funny lol but I bet it wasn't very funny in real life!

[@johnvelas70]

@@EmpoweredPara they're mad noone had a phone or camera to catch it...

[@javierbarrucz7755]

Impicable❤❤❤ 15:50

[@stephanieandgreggpar]

How do you deal with menstruation (sorry if it's tmi, feel free to ignore)

[@EmpoweredPara]

I wear incontinence pads daily in case I have bladder leaks so that catches any periods I am not expecting and then I use tampons

[@stephanieandgreggpar]

@@EmpoweredPara thank you

[@bonnieharris4538]

Sorry to revisit something that ppl obviously already go on about; but... that catheterisation system? Does that not come with a catheter that stays in you while you sleep?... so how come it's any different to intermittent cath'ing like you do,

[@EmpoweredPara]

It's an external catheter. So not really a catheter at all in the traditional sense. Its just a sponge essentially that sits in between your labia and then that sponge is attached to a suction system that pulls the urine into a container.

[@bonnieharris4538]

@@EmpoweredPara oh... um.... ew!

[@patrickcooper6074]

The system you are referring to, was invented by a man whos wife was incontinent and had to use a catheter, which caused a lot of infections. She found that it was a better solution for her because she could stay dry and not constantly get infections.

[@realemonful]

I have just recently found your channel and I have enjoyed it because there are so many questions that come to mind when you think of a disabled person... and I remember your short conversation with your husband when you mentioned how everyone asks you if you can feel the experience of sex... I am actually just naturally curious since no true answer was given. How does that all work? Do you get aroused? How do you know if you are aroused, and of course, do you HAVE any sensation, during your arousal? I'm not being rude by any means! I am just naturally curious...

[@EmpoweredPara]

Arousal is both mental and physical so yes I get aroused. I don't have any genital sensation when I'm aroused, but still.get the desire to be touched whether I can feel it or not. I guess an arousal is like a craving or an appetite. There are many chemical and physiological factors that contribute to the overall sensation.

[@realemonful]

@@EmpoweredPara Thank you for your truthful answer! It really is way more complicated then what one can even imagine and not in a bad way either lol

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@realemonful you're welcome!

[@tossed_about]

You are very patient in answering questions that just seem to me be voyeurism, surely you have a right to some privacy even if you are motivated to help everyone else out there with similar disabilities. Anyway, feel free to not answer questions that really seem just to be prying and are obviously not asked for educational reasons. The world is full of stupid people asking stupid questions who give no thought to the inappropriateness of the question before asking it, tell them to piss off if the mood takes you.

[@sarahdore7884]

I wish more people would be as open to talk about the ‘tough’ things. So many people have to do these things for a myriad of reasons. I think talking about it normalizes it and hopefully helps other people feel less shame about it. I’m not paralyzed and don’t consider myself a voyeur but I found this Q&A informative and interesting.

[@tossed_about]

@@sarahdore7884 Sure, I don't disagree with you. But she is so agreeable, I'm sure she would answer any question - and would you answer some of these questions about your own life ? Or are paras obliged to be more forthcoming just because we're curious ?

[@marcus6186]

@@tossed_about I believe perhaps there is a degree of her knowing her audience, so to speak

[@sarahdore7884]

@@tossed_about Yes I would answer those questions about my own life. And yes she is very agreeable but also very insightful, well spoken, etc. I worked for years in the medical profession, I’m sorry if I implied paras are a curiosity, it wasn’t my intention. I took care of many spinal care patients directly post injury but never knew how they adjusted. It’s great to see how independent Brittany has become, it’s very inspiring.

[@rayray8687]

@@tossed_about: I don’t mean to be rude but I think you’re looking for an issue that isn’t there. This woman is not obligated to do anything and in fact often doesn’t answer questions that perhaps are irrelevant or redundant. But she does answer hundreds of questions to help others, and while many of those questions are very intimate and personal - questions that many of us would not ask our friends who are paraplegic but would like to know the answers - many other questions are very general but still help us to know when to offer assistance and when to just get out of the way. She offers this advice, information and help of her own free will. I honestly don’t think she needs an ‘advisor’ or protector.

[@xyzct]

You look super-duper cute in that hat ;-)

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks! Not being sarcastic or making fun of me lol....are you feeling OK?

[@xyzct]

@@EmpoweredPara, oh good grief ... _women._ Lol. It was a genuine compliment.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@xyzct I took it as a genuine compliment lol! Thank you 😊!

[@michealjones592]

How do you feel about a man being attracted to women with a spinal cord injury truly i want to marry a woman with a sci . That is the true desire of my heart

[@EmpoweredPara]

If he's not a creeper stalker then I think it's ok

[@slave288]

12 minutes in and finally a question that is not bathroom related. Guys, lets grow up here. Normal people do not ask other people about how they use the bathroom. Also, just like every disability is different im how it affects people, so is true with how a disability will affect how someone uses the bathroom compaired to another...you wouldnt go and tell a para to get up and walk because you have CP for example, so dont tell another disabled person that they need to wear diapers, or use this peeing device, etc...what works for some doesnt work for others. Every disability is different...just let people live their own life and do things in this regard for what works for them...stop juding other peoples disabilities and how they handle it compaired to you.