My Life/Relationship Before and After My Spinal Cord Injury

In this video I talk about what my life was like prior to my spinal cord injury and how my relationship with my wife has evolved pre and post injury. If you would like to check out my other videos referenced, please click the links below.
How I Became Paralyzed:
• How I Became Paralyzed
My Marriage Proposal
• My Marriage Proposal

[@Duddie82]

I also have spinal Cord damage. My life was different, I can't remember walking as a child. I was in a truck and my mom had an accident. I fell out and that's when my life changed. No more walking like before. Today, I am wheelchair bound, and have a wonderful wife!! We have 2 children. I am extremely happy with my life!

[@TakosWorld]

I’ve been paralyzed for 3 months, I’m 15 years old. I hate this so much and need all the motivation I can get. I Lovè your videos bro. Shows me I can still live semi normally. And I loved hearing your story.

[@TakosWorld]

And if anyone wants to know, my injury is a L1/L2 incomplete. And T2 incomplete due to gunshot wounds.

[@talkinghead2004]

@@TakosWorld Don't ever give up. You can have a rewarding, fun, and fulfilling life just like the man in these videos. Good luck!!

[@yoyoiven]

How are you a year later? Can you tell your story? Wishing you the best. Cling to life, even if it sucks at the moment. It will get better

[@Rykeron]

I hope you’re doing good Takos I wish you the best

[@TakosWorld]

@@yoyoiven I’m doing much better. I can move my right leg again due to therapy and my mental health is better too.

[@TheRexisFern]

I'm a recent para due to a fall off a balcony on January 1st (happy new years!) and my OT showed me your content. I just want to say thank you for sharing, being honest, and helping some of us figure out how to handle such a big change.

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Sorry to hear about your accident but I’m glad the vids help even if it’s only a little! It’s a rough transition but you will find your way.

[@someonerandom6379]

Lots of great content out here for anyone who is newly injured. Good luck with your new life, it gets easier x

[@tangemclemore8486]

@@ParalyzedLiving you're handsome

[@jaywilliams2679]

Life is tough when you're a paraplegic I've been one for 48 years.. Good to hear your story life can be tough at times and it also can be good especially if you have God in your life keep the faith.

[@theangryquad3127]

Hold on loosely but don't let go! It's an aquired lifestyle........

[@johnhuynh8441]

hi brian, i'm a recent para from a work accident. 10 foot cinder block wall fell on me crushed my pelvis, burst fractured my l1 vertebrae, and fractured my left ribs. i can feel down my right side and have some movement in my right quad. but from left hip down i can't really feel nor move. you remind me of myself with being into cars and going out to drink. but i wasnt as succesful as you in my 20's. im in my mid 30's still living at home. you are big inspiration to me and i'm looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Hey John! So sorry to hear about your accident. You are lucky you are even alive after that! Keep in mind it takes about 6-12 months for your body to “settle” and it is possible you may regain at least some movement/feeling. Hang in there and let me know if I can help you with anything as you adjust to this new lifestyle. I know it’s rough in the beginning but you will get the hang of it, I promise!

[@chefjames3361]

I had a Navy buddy who was paralyzed after a motorcycle accident , but didn't adjust well. I still wake up thinking about his pain. It's nice to hear your story.

[@indianahoosier6367]

1 of your videos came up under recommendations. It's nice to see your positive attitude & sharing your life/story with us. Thank you for the videos & hopefully we will see more.

[@glendalopez5187]

Hi, yes you do. You have a wonderful thing going. I remember when your daughter was an infant. She is beautiful. Many blessings to you and your lovely family. Thanks for posting and sharing your life. 👍🙏👍👍👍

[@feihe2053]

I happened to get recommended with your video today, I feel so glad that you’ve overcome so many difficulties and hard times and having a good life now. Yeah, life is not easy and we may always have this or that kind of problems. However, with the positivity and strong mind, I believe you and your family will be better and better after solving different problems

[@blakethomas8897]

Just discovered your channel and I love yea already! Great work!

[@AngloAm]

Great to see you again. Missed you and your warmth and openness. You are necessary in the world.

[@davidwiorkowski1213]

thank you for sharing, and thank you for being a hero to everyone who sees your videos. You are an inspiring, confident, and truthful person who people instantly like.

[@woiloontan248]

Your positivity and outlook in life is great! Definitely a go getter! It puts a smile on my face seeing you achieving everything you did and especially your little girl. All the best!

[@maxb9094]

Your mentality is so inspiring. Relationships are hard and im so glad it worked out for you guys dispite the misfortune you encountered. Your an inspiration bro and I hope so many people see your attitude towards life and appreciate what they have.

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

Great to see you again Brian! Also sharing what your life was and how it is today. Its pretty obvious you and your wife are meant to be together. Beautiful story, thank you. Btw, I cannot get over how big your daughter has grown. She's so sweet❤

[@amyhull754]

It's so good to hear that things are going well, and to see that your beautiful daughter is doing well. I hope you've found a home that works for you since last year!

[@zohebpasha96]

Great story man. You have been through a lot. And Tiffany is a great girl.

[@dazza70smith]

This video struck such a personal cord with my situation and especially with the fact that my accident and my injury has without question made me a far better version of myself and because of that my life is so much happy. Thank you for making this video and putting it out there. Sending love and prayers to you and yours 👏💜👍🙏🤗♿️

[@soju0707]

My nursing clinical class online introduced me to your channel as we were on the discussion of bowel management for clients with spinal injuries, and I'm so glad I've come across your channel because your videos and mindset are very inspiring and motivating! thank you for continuing to spread kindness and sharing your life!

[@FreddotheWheelchairGuy]

Love all your videos man, they really helped me back in the early days and I really appreciate that. Always love it when you release new vids. Great to follow your journey ❤️

[@Ramiz422]

I just discovered your 9 year old video in my timeline. You're an inspiration

[@georgemendoza5276]

Congratulations! You made that change possible... Happy for you and your family !

[@pacificrules]

You're life is so inspiring. You definitely have a great reason in life to live happy and strong. Keep it going.

[@sanusafalya4335]

Whats that reason

[@hummingbir6]

I am a c6-c7 complete paralysis from 2006. Sometimes I wonder where time flew as it feels live, knowing the traumatic impact of this injury remains vivid in present life. Anyhow, despite your injury, I like how you connect with the external world. People talk about overcoming the accident, but the problem does not stop in its happening, but in the aftermath and day to day challenges it manifests as the body continues to degenerate and other problems arise. My point, overcoming an injury is not a one time action buried in the past, but an every day task to overcome on conscious terms.

[@ParalyzedLiving]

You are absolutely correct!

[@parthmadan2545]

How you doing dear

[@UTAH100]

how u type?

[@globalunity4249]

I was injured back in 1988 L1 injury. Complete para at the start then moved to incomplete about a year later when I started moving my toes. Herrington Rods installed. I walk but have all else to do deal with. Rock on sir! Awesome videos and thank you for sharing.

[@kerryannswink9759]

Wishing continued blessings for you and your beautiful family!

[@gcmacyman]

Yes having love in your life is what matters most. So glad that life is very good for you and your family. You're a true inspiration !

[@flowerpetals1396]

Not true.

[@JoseFlores-qx6pz]

I came across one of your videos and was interested.... after watching it I checked out the channel to see if there were any recent videos, because I saw one that was posted years ago, and wanted to check him out. You have an amazing life and I am interested to learn more about how you go about your day. I am glad that you get to have a family :) :)

[@CB-ex9pr]

You were young for commitment and not communicating properly at the time. I’m sorry for your accident and i love watching your video keep up the good work and for your beautiful family and to communicate that’s when problems start in marriage.☺️🙏🏻

[@WheelyFit]

I appreciate you being real Brian. Most KZbinrs make it seem so easy and let's be real, anyone with a spinal cord injury has to do work physically and mentally just to get by. I have followed you for 2 1/2 years now and all your content has helped me greatly, so thanks bro!

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Yep I try to tell it like it is without the BS. This lifestyle isn’t pretty but it’s definitely doable. I’m so glad the vids helped!!

[@lorainewith1r599]

Great videos!!! Thank you for sharing the hard things. I'm T12 complete para from a car accident at 17 yrs old. I've been in a chair for 35 years, married for 30 year, adopted 4 children and have 2 Grandkids. Life can be rough but there's so much good out there!

[@theo.barcelona]

You are brave person and your story is inspirational !!! God bless you & your family !!!!! Your strengths make you a respectable person

[@WheelchairLiving1]

Great story! Good luck on the house build!

[@jamiemoyer200]

I'm a T1 para/tri since 9-30-17. 5 years. I've been watching you for a couple years now. You're an inspiration. You cover pretty much everything. Thanks for keeping it fuggn real. You seem to stay extremely positive through everything. It took me a couple years to get out of the angry stage where i hated that I'd never do so many things again, instead of being happy I got to rage for almost 30 years from coast to coast.

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Hey Jamie! I totally get it. I went through an angry stage too - it’s all part of it. Things got a lot easier though once I gave up fighting what had happen and just decided to roll with it. (No pun) Glad you are getting to that point too. You can still rage - just gotta tweak how you do it.

[@amberlynn8591]

Oh no I don't think either of you were dumb, it does make for a great story. Just being 35 I look back 10 years and think wow I was just a kid when it came to my mentality. You were meant for eachother and this is the path that led you there😊❤

[@Ali74]

Greetings from Ireland. Tiffany is one fine woman, and you sir are a lucky man ☘️ To show that level of devotion after a split and an accident is very rare. As tragic as the accident was the silver lining is it made you realise what you had with her. You hit the jackpot mate.

[@VulcanOnWheels]

I'm glad you managed to get through your past and do good things through KZbin. I'm also glad that you made up with who is now your wife.

[@alaaalnshar6234]

I started to watch your videos a month ago. Really you are inspiring. And I think you should be given Nobel for your heart. ♥️♥️

[@pattysdaughter5639]

I love your story, thanks for sharing!

[@jacketernity4609]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while. My injury happened in 2015 during a foot surgery. I was 14. Your videos have helped a lot. Thank you.

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Wow that’s an interesting way to get injured. I’m so glad the vids help!! I really hope you are doing well these days! Hang in there bud!

[@jacketernity4609]

@@ParalyzedLiving Thanks for the reply. Trying to stay positive. Hoping things get better for me. I’m not able to do a lot right now given where I live (Condo). I never went to high school. I was born with Dwarfism so that complicates things as well. Not able to transfer because of my arm length. Can’t do the bowel program on my own. I’m in diapers and my parents push on my bladder every few hours. Life kinda sucks right now but as my grandpa always said, better days are coming.

[@monimonica9529]

Jack, wish you always meet across people who value and support you. Greetings from Argentina

[@uwumarii]

It's pretty rare to see a guy to honestly admit their fault otherwise it's just going to fuel the raging fire. I've grown up with a broken family and cheating father and grandfather so that skewed my view of relationships as well so I can confirm that those stuff really does stick with you unconsciously when you get older. Anyways, your wife is a real one for loving you unconditionally and I wish you more happiness with your life and healthy family 😊

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Yes I agree with all of it and thank you for leaving a comment! I consider myself lucky to be breaking the “broken relationship” trend that has plagued my family since I now know it doesn’t have to be that way. And YES, my wife is most certainly a “real one.”❤️

[@Souto_30]

Hope you guys are doing well, god bless ur family!

[@chrysmatt9920]

You really need to write a book, I admire your grit. I was in a car accident in 2019 and I still have not mentally recovered from it and I am not even paralyzed...(many broken bones though and can't walk without aids) I wish I did not have mental blocks preventing me from achieving my dreams and goals

[@ricog8209]

I suffer from depression and have been feeling quite melancholy during this covid lockdown. It's cool to hear someone who is so positive about life despite having challenges. I wish I had that spirit. 🖒

[@meganlebon5891]

Thanks for the transparency! Paralyzed after 5 strokes. Hoping to walk again.

[@Texas_Made_]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="54">0:54</a>,we all had those days😅. Ohh how i miss the 90's and 2000s😢. Imma need you to upload though because seeing inside peoples lifestyle in general always gets my attention 😮

[@eureca2681]

I was para but after years I recovered also watching your vids helped

[@tatianahawaii13]

Respect. Don’t blame yourself for that break up. You were programmed by your family growing up. It wasn’t even your choice. You are lucky that your woman is an incredible person who understood you. Happy for you ❤️

[@jamiemorris3995]

You are a true inspiration to so many I wish you all the happiness and success in the world hope your all keeping safe and well

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Thanks so much Jamie!!

[@celinhabr1]

Really great to see this video. You have a great family and it's beautiful that your love is strong and real. No one is dumb, at all. And you are a fine wine, looking more handsome than ever. Wishing you guys always the best.

[@a.m.308]

Never break No Contact is so strongly advised out there but wow this is one of those rare cases that I'm so glad you both did.

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Me too!! Funny thing is we almost got back together a few times that summer but I told myself not to break my decision. But I hated it.

[@carolinepoll643]

Hey there happy valentine's day to you, and your wife, and daughter, thank you for sharing your testimony you already answer some of my questions. I can see you are a good man. So for just blessing me with your life, I'll say PRAISE GOD, and may HE continually blessed you, and your family.

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Thank you so much Caroline!!

[@carolinepoll643]

@@ParalyzedLiving no thank you so very much.

[@paullaw6988]

@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, happy Valentine’s Day to you, your beautiful wife and your beautiful daughter for me please. God bless you Brian. You are a good father. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.

[@mattyc195]

Great video and thanks for sharing

[@LK-fz7vr]

Bro thanks for the story!

[@Jaggededge112]

I am a woman and I can tell you that neither of you are stupid. Love wins out. You guys have a gorgeous baby and what appears to be a nice and happy life.

[@michaelmcclure7758]

You should be extremely proud of yourself, really. Many people would've just wished to be dead. You made the best of a horrible situation. You're thriving and you've been blessed because you're a fighter. God bless you and your wife...oh, the the little one too! Keep thriving and loving life. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@tomthben9988]

YOU RE HERO OF LIFE

[@fannycraddock99]

Thanks for sharing your life with us Brian. So happy that it's all worked out so well for you all. Stay safe and well.

[@dougpettey7144]

Thanks for this!

[@lovejoy6710]

You kept it real💯❤️

[@chasew4282]

Goodluck to you and your family

[@tomthben9988]

LOVE YOU YOURE SO GOOD

[@Hector-yv7eu]

Great history!!

[@denesejamerson2356]

Happy Valentine's day Brian, Tiffany, and Ellie? Pleasantly surprised to find this new post! You know what Brian? We never know what life is going to send our way. How we handle it is the true testament of our character. Looking at the before accident of you & Tiff, I see a really cute couple who just "looked right". Even though it was because of tragedy the relationship was solidified. Now look at your life, marriage and family that many don't get to realize. This was fitting for this day! You better had gotten Tiffany and Ellie something nice. Remember, you are Ellie's first Valentine, who all other men will be judged by? Set the bar ridiculous? Looking forward to the next post.

[@Sergey-qu2pb]

It love ❤️ and care! Amazing Family!

[@jsosa636]

I don't know if you remember talking to me but thanks for your help when we talked over the phone

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Of course! Thanks for dropping a message. I hope you are doing well!!

[@paullaw6988]

@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, hope you are doing well!!! Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.

[@renofasi9154]

may happiness be always in your favor

[@Snoriver]

Brian as a recent amputee I wanted you to know how much your explination meant to me about how your feelings will "prioritize" about how you think and feel about those you share life with, I personally hear and understand what you are saying, and I wanted to let you know it was a prefect explination. Gene

[@jaywilliams2679]

Brian I enjoy watching your videos. I too am a paraplegic T9 motorcycle accident actually a dirt bike when I was 13. I have been in a chair now for 49 years and I wouldn't be the person I am or be able to do what I do if I did not have God in my life. I too am an outdoors person but I go even farther, hunting, fishing outdoorsy type of person. I'm able to ride an ATV, side by side you name it drive my F-150 to work everyday but once again I give God the glory everyday every night I say a prayer so I can face tomorrow. God is good.

[@MohanSingh-lk8ig]

Iam Indian my injury d12. I like your mind power because you r a hero

[@jayjayleehoffler2555]

You are so lucky to be, alive. That helmet saves your life. You are medical miracles. God was with me that day.

[@danilodacqueljr5978]

Hi sir bryan. im so inspired to you . im from philippines . I like you sir and Love you ❤️❤️❤️

[@ProfessorofPerseverance]

I'm a quadriplegic from playing football. I've started a podcast and wanted to see if you can share your journey of overcoming adversity. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon. Have a blessed day. James Perdue Ed.D. Professor of Perseverance

[@adzajcom]

In one of your videos you mentioned you bought an used Ferticare - where did you look for the used ones? Thanks

[@jasonking2943]

For every man there is a good woman that makes him better. High five to Tiffany for giving you a second maybe a third chance

[@JaroslavHripunov]

Good day.Very good video. I have been in a stroller for 10 years. I live in another country. If you repeated in the text what you say, for those who do not know English well.

[@tenorchazz4274]

I don't know how I stumbled upon ur vids but I found myself watching several. I'm not part of the paralyzed community at all but I can't help but think how awesome and educational ur channel is for those that need it. No topics are off limits and ur candor and honesty is heartwarming. Ur doing an awesome job in extending a helping hand.....wish you and ur family ALL THE BEST!! 👍🏾🙏🏾💛

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Thank you for your message! I really appreciate it! 😉

[@scottlombardy8166]

Will you make a vlog Brian?

[@indioraj]

You have overcome so much. You are really strong!! And you have a beautiful family. Are you a lawyer as well?

[@ParalyzedLiving]

I’m not an attorney but I work with them.

[@paullaw6988]

@@ParalyzedLiving Hi Brian, you are very handsome. You always have a beautiful family. Your a lawyer as well. Kind regards, from, PaulLaw.

[@rafcomtech]

Hello sir, what are you injured for? and which part of the spine is broken?

[@mrsamuel7530]

I love you man

[@pauldunaway6722]

What system do you have on your bike and where do I get one? Do they fit on a Harley?

[@Theworstchannelposting]

Hey brian, I'm trying to get a suggestion on getting a new mattress. I have a hospital bed right now but I want a traditional bed. We have the same injury level and I was just wondering what you suggest?

[@LongTran-nd6fx]

Tempur Pedic…I got pressure sore after 6 months of using normal springs matress. Switched to Tempur Pedic and have never had any more pressure sore for the last 21 years.

[@ajoebo9095]

Thanks for sharing your life. You are a jewel as is your wife. Perhaps one day she will be in front of the camera by your side.

[@jonathanleonard1152]

So now you are a teacher. If I were a parent I would want my kids and all teens to see your series. Particularly this episode. I was born in ‘52 so parenting is not going to happen to me now.

[@darriontunstall3708]

I love cars too, I have cerebral palsy I use a walker and wheelchair I’m 31, I’m learning how to drive, it’s hard for me because of my cerebral palsy, do you still want a Tesla? I do, I want a refresh model S, do you like hocking loogies? I do it’s a guy thing lol! You inspire me so much!!

[@tracypennington2294]

Has there been any incremental improvement?

[@KIMAMOMFIRST]

I just started talking to a guy who is very closed off from dating. He has been paralyzed since he was 16 he is now 41. I think the biggest insecurities he has is being Intimate with me. He thinks I’m just going to just up and leave him because we can’t have sex. I’ve been trying to get him to look into different products we could use. No matter how much I’m there for him he just doesn’t feel like I’m being honest with him. Not sure what I can do or say to him to let him know I do care about him.

[@clohue]

Thumbs up .

[@blakethomas8897]

Hey buddy, hopefully your doing well

[@GamerGirlyearsago]

He’s probably just busy taking care of his daughter.

[@Jennings9462]

I have so much respect and admiration for you. You have done so much for me and, I’m sure, everyone who become paralysed and those that love and care for them. I’m just at a loss for what to say which is unusual given I’m a Trial Attorney and a Writer. If there is anything I can do for you I hope, through KZbin or Google can find a way to put us in touch. I became paralysed from Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. At 25 I was having a lot of sex that included that kind of love and lovemaking that you spoke of. I never thought I’d not have the physical lovemaking. At 70, though Wheelchair bound, I was still having physical sex and actually had a baby boy. Now, at 73, the physical part is gone but I’m fortunate enough to be married to a 29 year old beauty who is working on a Doctorate. She is quite special and I didn’t realise how special until I stumbled across your videos. I no longer feel sorry for myself. Depressed, absolutely but she helps there too. Thank you, Thank you.

[@ParalyzedLiving]

I’m glad you found your way here. I have equal respect for you so thank you for sharing your experience! You mention physical sex which is a part of my relationship that I no longer have but I’ve learned that making love isn’t about JUST that. In some ways, I’m actually glad Tiffany and I split that summer because I gained more knowledge about what I had lost. I also learned there’s a stark contrast between just having sex with someone and actually making love/feeling that emotional connection. The girl I was having sex with meant nothing to me. It was purely physical for both of us so it was no surprise I never heard a word from that girl again after my accident. Not a major loss to be honest! Perhaps that was just one of my life lessons that I needed to learn and experience. By the grace of God, my real relationship continues to evolve and I believe I have what really matters.❤️

[@sadafakhoon5672]

Y u r not going for epidural stimulation treatment . This treatment is best for spine injured patient .

[@dreamaustinkhan5054]

I met with an accident n my spine got damage n ribs too , I was in icu for a month and my dad landed from ship for me n he came n in 16 days he got corona n he got expired I'm really going in difficult time we dnt have any support 😔😭😭

[@ParalyzedLiving]

I am so sorry to hear that. Life isn’t fair that’s for sure. I hope you can find some friends or other family to lean on in these difficult times.😥

[@casperlogan6297]

Nice Integra I am trying to save for the 94 Gsr one

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Mine was a 94 Integra...but that was 2000 so it’s been awhile. 😂

[@casperlogan6297]

@@ParalyzedLiving nice and keep up the good work

[@mrbear9192]

We have alot I'm common in sci over 30 plus years no body tell me how to go on living it was hard but God see me true I get married 2018 my wife want a child that wat I was sad about but I give me hope and I going to take ur advice sorry I didn't see it video much earlier thanks I really would like to email u

[@DonnaLavallee]

I’m paralyzed bro from the nipple down I was 15 when it happened I’m 20 now any advice?

[@DonnaLavallee]

I’m a guy BTW

[@DebUSA]

~ 2021 March 25 ~

[@DanF707]

So I have a big question, let me frame it first.. So October will be 5 years for me and my girlfriend has been in a pretty serious depression since so sex has been in her mind "pointless". Dude I'm having a really rough time with it and in your sex after a spinal cord injury you said exactly how I've always felt even before the accident. A lot of sex is really emotional and guys are very visual. At this point she won't let me see her without her clothes on. So my question is would your wife be willing to talk to her for me a little bit? Email, text, phone or anything that you guys are comfortable with... I'm at a crossroads brother and I'm already a man driven by emotions. Probably more than most.. Let me know what you think and I will send you my contact information if it can happen.. Thanks for what you do it takes courage to make these videos

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Hey Dan! I can ask her for sure. I totally get where you are coming from. I’d be happy to chat more about it if you want to shoot me a message on my Paralyzed Living Facebook page. Talk to you later!

[@jessicadarby9199]

I was born paralyzed from the waist down, Spina Bifida, I'm having issues with weight around stomach, hips and I've been bed bound for years due to multiple things. I have RA, and its hard for me to do certain diets, exercise. How do you stay fit?

[@ParalyzedLiving]

Unfortunately I don’t have a ton to offer in the weight area. I’m also noticing changes in myself. I was working out quite a bit a few years ago but that’s fallen by the wayside after having my daughter. 😬

[@jessicadarby9199]

@@ParalyzedLiving i guess weights trying to find a trainer who's educated about my conditions all I know to do...thanks for replying, and your vids

[@mihe6212]

Friendships and relationships are really hard now a days I cannot seem to keep either. People are complicated and people suck. Your thoughts?

[@Crystifodere]

People suck its true

[@DaBabyOg]

I got shot . S2 - S3 any advice 😔

[@DaBabyOg]

Can’t feel anything or move my legs