Going to the dentist as a paraplegic | wheelchair user

[@harizismail314]

I’m having some health issues with my joints, but we had a family trip planned for New York City. This kzbin.infoUgkxuxJwamLFanm476LC5WPeTouyyU1GXomC was perfect! It’s lightweight enough that my friend could carry it up or down stairs when we needed to. (I can walk very short distances) It was comfortable for me to sit in, I would say if you’re super tall it might be a little cramped. I’m 5’1” and the foot rests were the perfect height. This may not be the best one for long term use, you get what you pay for, but for something that fits our budget that gives me accessibility while we deal with my health this was amazing.

[@blackbelt721]

I subscribed, as a person who has been in a chair my whole life, it is refreshing to see people as yourself who dont see a disability as an obstacle but as a way of life. I am a Martial arts instructor and together with my wife we have run a martial arts school for the last 22 years. Keep up the great content, it is inspiring, even if you dont mean it to be, it really is at a basic level, the endurance of the human spirit.

[@terryday9637]

My dentist chair is wheel chair friendly. No arm rests. I used to walk on crutches and am now permanently in a mobility chair. So glad I could sidle up my scooter to the table and transfer over. They are able to raise or lower the chair. We need this at all dentists.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yes we,do!!!

[@cheryljacobs1413]

I’m going to the dentist tomorrow. First time since my accident. I found this video so helpful and affirming

[@EmpoweredPara]

You are gonna do great! Just remember that you get more confident each time so even if it doesn't go well it'll be a learning experience.

[@outandaboutwithataxia]

I was just saying to my wife last night how I need to go to the dentist but how worried I was since I have lost so much strength since I last went that I'm having transfer issues , today this popped up, thank you , you made it look effortless.

[@EmpoweredPara]

It's sometimes clumsy for me too lol. The camera makes things looks smoother haha

[@outandaboutwithataxia]

@@EmpoweredPara Clumsy or not, you helped. THX.

[@suegiegling8996]

Thank you for sharing! You are awesome!!!❤

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks!

[@Lost_and_found85]

I love watching your videos. I’m an able body, but have major depression and anxiety. Your strength helps me so much. Thank you so much

[@ronaldsinclair6837]

Thanks for that, your courage is amazing.

[@xyzct]

A teeth cleaning isn't _that_ big a deal ;-)

[@ronaldsinclair6837]

@@xyzct Happy Thanksgiving Brittany and all of us too.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Are you saying I'm not courageous lol?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks !

[@mikefrancis1293]

God bless you and your family. Happy holiday season.

[@EmpoweredPara]

You get the prize for the first person to wish me happy holidays! ❤️ Happy holidays to you!

[@warrenfloyd1484]

What my comment didn't take!? I love the way you deal with things 😎👍♥️

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks Warren!

[@kimcwhite6509]

Brittany, I'm a new subscriber here. I want to tell you how adorable and inspiring you are! The fact that you are not embarrassed and are so honest about many subjects is so helpful. It's nice to know you could have babies (I thought you could) and all that goes with that. You have a beautiful family also. I enjoyed this video and look forward to many more that you share. Grandma Kim❤️

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks Kim! Welcome to my community!

[@Aussie_Witchy_Woman71]

As someone who uses a wheelchair, I can honestly say that this isn’t the compliment that you think it it.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@Aussie_Witchy_Woman71 Well I'll take it as a compliment when someone says I have a beautiful family:)

[@kimcwhite6509]

@@EmpoweredPara I'm sorry, please tell me why it isn't a compliment. I want to make sure I don't make that mistake again. Is it because sometimes my age is ignorant of current realities.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@kimcwhite6509 I took it as a compliment Kim. I'm as confused as you are.

[@endtimeawakening5557]

I've been to the dentist several times since my accident Britney and what I've found is that it's easier just to stay in my power wheelchair than it is to transfer. My chair does everything that a dental chair does and the dentists are quite fine with it. This doesn't help those with manual chairs, but it sure does make it easier for us power chair users. It still doesn't alleviate the pain of the dentist though! ❤️

[@EmpoweredPara]

That would be much easier!

[@Skatejock21]

it would depend on the location too. Ive heard of others doing that as well only if the space allows it or the person really could not transfer at all. Not all offices are built to have the room. The space the office could afford to have.

[@endtimeawakening5557]

@Skatejock21 Very true. Some of the offices don't have the space. I discovered that early on and found those that do accommodate for wheelchair use. I've used these same dentists when I need dental work for that specific reason. Some of the newer offices have mobile dental chairs that can be moved out of the way, making room for power chairs. ❤️

[@feelgoodfaster]

I have watched many thousands of hours of KZbin and I have to say, you are the most genuine and authentic KZbinr I have ever seen. You are just so down to earth and honest. It's such a beautifully refreshing change. I am able bodied and stumbled across your channel in my feed and decided to watch your videos out of curiosity. Your videos have answered every question I have ever had about SCI and wheelchairs. You have opened my eyes and given me a mindset that will only help me relate to and possibly serve SCI-people better. Thank you.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thank you for such a wonderful comment! Authenticity is very important to me so I'm glad it comes across!

[@billziegler9634]

I have issues too. Most exam rooms are just too small at my Dr. I wish I could switch, but I like the staff and my family uses the same practice and won't switch just for me.

[@EmpoweredPara]

It blows my mind how inaccessible doctor's offices are. It seems so backwards that primary care facilities aren't totally accessible

[@Wheelsandparenthood8723]

Thanks for this. My dentist office doesn’t have big enough doorways to fit my chair. So my husband has to help me transfer

[@EmpoweredPara]

oh that's unfortunate 😕

[@monkeychicken27]

Thank you for sharing and creating your honest and open channel. As someone with an incomplete injury incomplete recovery, it’s unique not fully fitting into either world. It is refreshing to get your perspective as a reference for so many.

[@terrybourff7156]

I recently stumbled across your video's. You are an amazing person! You should be so proud of yourself. You show so much strength, courage and value to family and life! I truly wish you and your family the best!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks so much Terry!

[@UfschtonGong]

Just had been at the dentist 2 month ago 😅 Shoes off for me too is very important for comfort. I had 4 consturction sites in my mouth. I made 4 sessions so I didint had to sit too long on that hard dentist chair. 👍

[@Jaggededge112]

Nice video! My kids love the dentist as well, so maybe we both have weird kids 🤣. I’m glad that you were able to show us your transfers thank you.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Weird kids we have lol

[@seanmc1351]

i have commented before, im able bodied, but i do think your videos are very inspiring. not because you have a disabilty, its because your normal, live a normal life, i have mental health, does not mean im not normal, just an issue we all have to deal with through life. BUT YOU GIRL omg, and your children OMG

[@EmpoweredPara]

I have lots of mental health challenges too:) Anxiety mostly. Debilitating at times.

[@seanmc1351]

@@EmpoweredPara looking forward to your next video.

[@kellyjarrett1408]

You're amazing!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks Kelly!

[@jakethomas1025]

Very inspiring thank you for sharing

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@westiepower2020]

Thanks for this video! Your transfers are all sooo smooth and fast. Deb and I have always gone to the bathroom right before we get into the dentist’s chair, partly because of nerves, and partly because once I had to go down the hall to the bathroom with a bunch of dental stuff in/on my mouth when I couldn’t wait; that was really weird. And we see that they let you leave your toque on lol!

[@warrenfloyd1484]

Hey sweetheart, check out this video, home dentistry, I do have a high tolerance for pain, you have a high knowledge of how to do things ,no matter what, love ya😎👍🎶♥️

[@EmpoweredPara]

home dentistry sounds scary lol

[@EmpoweredPara]

that would be awkward Jim lol!

[@warrenfloyd1484]

@@EmpoweredPara it's really not, no gore, I kept it clean, but 30 mins later I was playing the harmonica again! I'm a good veterinarian, lol😎👍♥️

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@warrenfloyd1484 oh my gosh lol

[@MsImpala2011]

Very inspirational video, I have to wear diapers 24 seven and I get nervous when I go to the dentist that they will see my diaper. I do like when they put my kiddie dentist Bib on me, they always say to me we need to put your kiddie dentist bib on you. they make it fun for me by saying that to me and putting the kiddie dentist bib on me.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah always scary to have people notice incontinence products. Wear a big sweater maybe ! cover your waste!

[@westiepower2020]

My 2 year old electric toothbrush that looks like yours is helping. A Cleaning at the Dentist used to take a full hour. Last year, 44 minutes, last month down to 35 minutes. I’m not quite down to your 15 minutes, but if I live long enough LOL, I am hopeful I can get it down to 15 minutes.

[@adrianvasquez254]

I don’t know if you find it weird that people would be curious about how you go about your everyday life, but I don’t know a paraplegic so this is truly informative. My video request would be your top 5 or 10 handicapped-friendly places (businesses, cities, etc. Your choice.). Peace!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Great suggestion! Thank you!

[@cpr58]

I had to do that transfer last week. It was hard for me to do but I made it. But still learning

[@EmpoweredPara]

Nice! It'll get easier!

[@theresainns4342]

This just popped up on my timeline - yes this is of great interest to me as I am looking to probably move to a wheelchair very soon (MS). You may not remember but how did the dentist react to you initially as a wheelchair user - were they freaked out as to how it would all work.

[@WDADVG]

For me, its easier to cross my leg on top of the other to put my socks and shoes on.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I've never been that good at doing it that way. I guess we all learn our own way:)

[@rileywc8069]

Thanks for sharing - very helpful 👍 As a view of your daily life, could you add a front facing camera so we can see the accessible challenges you face from your perspective?

[@EmpoweredPara]

That's always challenging to do. I have a go pro that I can wear on my head but I always look like a weirdo wearing it. Definitely gives the first person perspective though. I'll try to do more of that!

[@rileywc8069]

@@EmpoweredPara Oh, don't worry if it's hard to do. I thought you had a mount for your chair? I love your videos. Thanks for sharing ❤❤

[@xyzct]

Britany, now that you're an international superstar, you could make cinnamon toast and people would watch. (Make me some while you're at it ;-)

[@EmpoweredPara]

Lol not quite that famous yet. I love cinnamon toast!

[@k.r.murphy4301]

Good transfer!

[@EmpoweredPara]

thanks!

[@westiepower2020]

Apparently I’m in a groove as all my questions seem to come in groups of two now LOL! 1) I notice that you are always very intentional in how you place your legs and feet before you transfer. Is this a critical part of all transfers? 2) My wife and I notice that you always move your wheelchair fairly close to wherever you transfer to. Is that an “self-independence” thing? Or do you find that other people are reluctant to help you by bringing your chair back to you? I know that in some of my social circles, people seem to be “afraid” of wheelchairs and of people in wheelchairs. I’m working on why that is, because it seems so odd to me.

[@syschinesubbie]

I love the dentist too but don't tell

[@EmpoweredPara]

Secret's safe with me!

[@Fiddlinfrenzy]

I have problem to set up for the X-ray machine the dentist has, because usually people stand up for it.

[@dougbrown7150]

It's weird for me, I can't deal with dentists but I definitely want one of the chairs

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

Re: Everyday things - my friend is now in a wheelchair. He is retired Air Force and he likes a crisply ironed shirt. He’d like to surprise his wife by ironing his own shirt. Is it possible to iron in a chair?

[@EmpoweredPara]

yep!

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

Just lower the ironing board to a more comfortable height and do it?

[@westiepower2020]

Do you find it difficult to find business/services that are fully accessible and have convenient Accessible Parking? Partially because of the fact that my wife now wears an AFO on her one leg, partially because we don’t think it is “fair/right” that some businesses don’t try very hard, and partially since we follow your channel, we have been noticing a lot more now which businesses have fully accessible premises. For examples: We are ardent gardeners, and if a Nursery doesn’t have a good parking lot and nice smooth concrete floors, we don’t go there anymore. Or when we went to a rural restaurant recently, we waited an extra 15 minutes for a table on the main floor rather than on the 2nd floor. We notice curb cuts more and flat thresholds.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I don't shun businesses that aren't fully accessible. There are lots of reasons I chose where I go. Mostly the service and the products I want. But if there are things that aren't accessible then I try my best to build a relationship with the owner/manager/employees so that I can educate them. If you don't tell a businesses owner why you love their business and how they can make your experience of it easier, they don't know any better.

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

Very wise. Oh yes, I always tell them gently and in a positive way why/how we love how they are set up. I’ve got a very different personality from my wife so it usually falls to me to thank them - which I’ve done at least half a dozen times over the past 10 days. And if it isn’t up to Accessible Expectations, I explain how it could be better. Somehow over the past year, your advice and examples has made it soooo much easier for me to explain this to people.

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredParaI meant that we choose accessible businesses when multiple places sell the same product. For example, we have 5 garden centres that all sell about the same species of flowers we buy. They are all about the same distance from our home, so we choose the 2 that have smooth concrete floors, not the 2 that have landscape fabric stretched over dirt, or the one that has hidden thresholds.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@westiepower2020 aah makes total sense!

[@charleslatman6123]

I have a question. When you drive your car.. is all the controls modified to drive. I not sure what I am asking... lol. Could you explain how you drive your car.

[@Jaggededge112]

She has hand controls that push the brake and gas from the hands rather than the foot pedals. It’s pretty cool actually. I’m eventually going to have to get hand controls.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'll do a video of my hand controls!

[@charleslatman6123]

@@EmpoweredPara ok looking forward to it

[@westiepower2020]

I’d love to see your hand controls as well! And does your van have the Auto Hold feature as well, so you don’t have to hold the brake when you are at a stoplight or at a drive-thru? I love that!

[@pradeep02oct84]

New to ur channel, m too a c-6/7 ASIA c para for 2 yrs. My right leg too shivers due to spasticity like urs but can’t put on and off d shoe myself as u do so curious to know about ur level of injury and duration. God bless u ❤

[@EmpoweredPara]

t6 and 23 years!

[@westiepower2020]

My goodness, you must go for a teeth cleaning more often than Deb or I. You said your appointment was only 15 minutes; ours are always a full hour!

[@EmpoweredPara]

my teeth are super clean lol. Half hour max when I go. I use a Sonicare toothbrush and it has totally improved my teeth!

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara Wow! I gotta try that! I wish I’d discovered this years ago!

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredParaFinally started using the Sonicare toothbrush - yes, it took me 6 weeks since Christmas to try it - it looked complicated so I procrastinated. Other than my wife complaining about the drool, it is working well. Still need to fine-tune a few things. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@EmpoweredPara]

@westiepower2020 It's easy to use lol. Just hold at your gum line for 5 seconds, then move to a new spot

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara Thanks. We haven’t figured out the sanitizing feature yet.

[@pascalehaller-jahn5513]

Hi Brittney, thank you for your video. Let me please know : I'm very interested on why you don't wear socks on your feet and why a wooly hat on your head ???? 😀 Thanks !

[@EmpoweredPara]

Haha. I was in a hurry that day and realized I wasn't wearing shoes when I got out go my car (hazards of not being able to feel your own feet lol) so my son ran in the house to get me shoes but didn't bring me socks. I can feel my head so didn't forget the hat lol. You must be from the UK lol. Only people I know that call toques wooly hats haha.

[@JakeSmith-tu1cg]

Did you have any cavities?

[@EmpoweredPara]

nope!

[@GoFishOffice]

I love your videos

[@sandramolteni3875]

Even by going to the toilet to pee just before the dentist visit, I would not trust my bladder. I have to wear absorbent products or I would end up in trouble. 🤒

[@didierbuignet7864]

Hello!

[@EmpoweredPara]

hi!

[@T11paraplegic]

Cool blog👍♿️

[@westiepower2020]

Is it much the same when you go for a haircut, or do you stay in your chair for that?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'll do a video on that soon! I transfer into the salon chair.

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara I look forward to a future video.

[@karingetz7243]

How do you do it at the eye doctor?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I stay in my wheelchair there

[@AB..__..]

Have you noticed how much your daughter looks like you? :o)

[@EmpoweredPara]

She is starting to isn't she!

[@christopheralen]

sweet angel

[@ajayvlogs5599]

Mam iam handicaped please help me

[@mariamendez9882]

15 minutes no no they get paid for an hour the insurance get paid an hour well the office

[@ajayvlogs5599]

Hometown in india

[@nezaroobest7139]

My friend's first comment