Paraplegics TOP 50 Items and GIFTS for WHEELCHAIR USERS - Paralife Episode 35

[@beeb6730]

I'd love to see more exercise videos. Thanks for this video, it gave me some good ideas of things I could ask for. Thanks 😊

[@PARALIFE]

Glad it could give you some ideas. We'll try and film some soon, any type of exercise you're particularly interested in?

[@PARALIFE]

@@RingaMahiCrafts we'll try and get some out soon, is there any type of exercise you really want to see?

[@beeb6730]

I'm most interested in stuff I could do myself at home but seeing fun outdoors adventures is fun too. I've been in my manual a bit over a year and I'm trying to work out how to get stronger in my upper body so anything doable inside that helps with strength or just fun indoors exercise. Thanks 😊

[@PARALIFE]

There's been some interest in different things so we're thinking we might split it into a series of videos around keeping fit and healthy - club/team sports, independent outdoor sports, home workouts, stretching and diet 😀 We'll try and get the home workouts out soon since it's so miserable to be outside at this time of year!

[@beeb6730]

That all sounds awesome!

[@jpsimon206]

It's great that your government provides so many opportunities. Here in the states, you can only qualify for Medicaid if you have less than $2,000 in assets. We spend an average of $11,000 annually for disabled person. We spend an average of 79,000 on a prisoner. They also get full medical and dental.

[@shila2434]

My daughter has been in a wheelchair for 3 years now and I can't believe I've never thought about getting a second set of tires for her chair. Makes perfect sense!

[@PARALIFE]

Haha, it's the small things that make all the difference!

[@wheeliegirlshannon1181]

I just recently had to get a new set of tires put on my wheelchair and I really think I should invest in a second set of wheels.

[@chantzabrams1527]

As a newbie paraplegic this is a thoughtful video… THANK YOU! My wishlist is a bit different: 1 understanding 2 patience 3 not being asked what’s wrong with me 4 people making me feel uncomfortable or less than I used to be 6 a workout system I can wheel up to 7 a lot more self acceptance (I am struggling with wheel chair life, but trying 8 a new “BOX WheelChair” with off-road tires, a dirt bike helmet, elbow pads, and people to not think I’m crazy to want to do enjoy being pretty insane and still have a good time.

[@lindalagarce8996]

I am in a wheel chair part time and the list really helped a lot. Thank you for sharing.

[@PARALIFE]

We're glad it was helpful! 😀

[@starrv34]

I’ve been in a wheelchair for over 20 years. You addressed very important issues with gifting. Thank you for sharing your story, your joy and knowledge with the world. Enjoy every moment! “RollStrong!© “

[@atricewarner5705]

I got myself a bike bell to put on my wheelchair. I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user and anxious. I’m hoping the bell helps bridge communication gaps when I end up too nervous to speak.

[@drew2982]

I have a ring doorbell and find it priceless.

[@susanborsky9436]

Just found your great channel. I've been a T-10 para for 35 years. I love to travel, especially to Europe from home in US.. One of my fave accessories is an underseat cargo net. Took a bit of fiddling to fit my rigid chair but it can pack a lot especially for day trips without overloading my backpack to the tipping point. I found it by accident on Amazon US for ~$30 USD. I got SmartDrive power assist before my trip to Italy in October 2019 (just before the corona virus disaster there). It worked amazingly well on what are without a doubt the worst cobblestones in Europe. You may not need now but 35 yrs from now you might. Glad to see you embracing your new life with gusto!

[@PARALIFE]

I'm glad you enjoy the channel :) We've been thinking about ways to carry more stuff around, particularly when travelling. We've seen some bags which go under the chair but not considered using a underseat cargo net. Thanks for the tip! I've actually recently got myself a smartdrive (video to come). It's great isn't it?? Looking forward to travelling again once this mess passes!!

[@pjaypender1009]

The soft top socks are really easy to find on Amazon. They are often called "diabetic socks." I've found them in just about every color.

[@davesnedeker8068]

I I my name will is 😅,Dave I'm in a wheelchair you guys have a great day and smile more.

[@gerb3664]

neoprene sleeves. my son gave me a set from bike store. Great with a vest too.

[@kaleb7931]

Thank you so much for this video. I've made a list which I'm going to leave where my wife can accidentally find it.

[@PARALIFE]

Amazing idea 😅😅 Glad you found it useful 👍

[@Jackiesguineapigs]

try getting some compression arm sleeves easy to carry on your chair and useful if you are out wearing short sleeve shirt to quickly warm your arms up and useful for healthcare consultations if you need blood taking useful to just slide out of way so they can tale blood and you do not have to struggle taking your sleeved tops off and you can get numerous designs in different colours or tattoo looking.

[@tsakanimkhabela6637]

Thanks

[@PARALIFE]

Thanks :)

[@thiabrabson2533]

I enjoy ALL your videos💯✔

[@PARALIFE]

Thanks for your support, we enjoy all your comments 😀

[@bambina772]

Thank you so much! I’m so surprised how little information there is online regarding this topic!!

[@smorin6532]

A hand bike is not only a bike I own an electric handbike with a range of 50 to 60 kilometres and takes me anywhere. Unhitches from the chair and allows me to get out with friends and go to a restaurant

[@johnrutledge3892]

Thanks !

[@Questor-ky2fv]

Thanks for the great video! It was nicely done and full of useful info. Much of the info can also be used by people who aren't disabled. Although I don't use a wheelchair, I do need a rolling walker or 2 canes to get around, so some of this info applies to me. I have a number of health issues, but it's my 2 bad knees and bad back that limit my mobility. My sleep apnea and short sleep syndrome also interfere with my mobility because I am very tired all of the time, and can nod off anywhere. Not to worry! I no longer drive so I'm not a hazard behind the wheel. I sold my car to a relative several years ago, and used the money to get a handicapped accessible apartment!🤗 No more stairs and no more high sided tub, and there is room to pull my wheeled task chair or a wheelchair under the kitchen sink and neighboring section of counter.🤗 Between being tired and not being able to walk well, I rarely go out anymore, but I really like my apartment, and the internet brings the world to me, so I'm doing well. Fun fact: I named my rolling walker Warp 9.😄🚀 I really liked your video, and I like how informative it is, so I decided to subscribe to your channel.😊

[@davidtolley4979]

Yes do the exercise and stretching video anything that might gets wheelchair users and do that stuff is a good thing

[@PARALIFE]

That's very true! We'll try and get it done as soon as possible

[@NavyVetChris]

smartdrive is a great device to have...

[@PARALIFE]

We've recently bought a smartdrive, it's been great so far, we totally agree!

[@ecologist_to_be]

I think it depends where you live as I've also heard many say nhs dont fund standing frames x

[@PARALIFE]

We haven't heard that before so good to know. Does it also depend on why you need it do you know? They seem to give them for SCIs but maybe not so much for other medical conditions?

[@belladaylight2132]

I really appreciated this video because I just started having to use a wheelchair a little while ago and it just helped me figure out what is usefull to have. i actually ordered a waterbottle holder for my wheelchair just now. I was sitting in a bike shop the other day trying to figure out how i might be able to attach one to my wheelchair and it reeally annoys me that I always have to try to get into my backpack when I want a drink when I am out and about with my dog. I also ordered a freeewheel for myself a few days ago and I am eager for that to arrive but the biggest thing for me right now is that i am finally supposed to get my custom wheelchair in the next 2-3 weeks or so because I am using a really crappy one right now that is really heavy and hard to move

[@PARALIFE]

Having a good wheelchair makes a huge difference! Alot of disabled specific equipment is really expensive, we're always looking for cheaper non-disabled items that will do the job (bike parts work especially well). Feel free to ask any questions you have 😃

[@TexMexTraveler]

good stuff, love that your videos talk about your interests while also bringing disability awareness to more people. Question, we are thinking about traveling to the UK next May and have some questions about wheelchair accessibility around the country, assuming Brexit does cause wheelchair accessibility problems lol. Aloso maybe while there we can make a crossover video of both of us

[@PARALIFE]

Sure, want to chat on Facebook/Instagram/email?

[@nikkiwunderlich3570]

My friend has an Apple Watch and it works great for tracking her pushes on her wheelchair

[@Phoenix-Crafts]

Have a look at rechargeable compressors for the tyres cheap and easier than a pump

[@primxeli2207]

I'd love to see more transfer videos and spasticity videos, I'm a T6 incomplete para and have lots of spasms so I also need some tips on spasms

[@PARALIFE]

Any transfers in particular? There are a couple more we plan to make but we've already covered most of the transfers we can think of so let us know if you want something that we've forgotten. Spasm is going to be one of the next few videos we release so keep an eye out for that in the next few weeks

[@primxeli2207]

@@PARALIFEmaybe Shower to chair ? And yes I will keep an I on the spasticity vid . Thank you

[@PARALIFE]

@@primxeli2207 that's a good idea, we currently don't have an accessible shower to demonstrate it in (hence the bath transfers) but we can try to film it next time we go to a hotel or somewhere that has a shower

[@nadi737]

I have the Xiaomi compressor. It's the best compressor/pump ever. You don't have to work-out anymore haha. It's really small, like a powerbank, So it fits in your jacket or wheelchairbag. He stops automatically (so chill). Has a light, useful for pump your wheels in the dark. You charge it simple with usb (micro usb opening). My tires goes to 10 bar/145 psi. Most of the compressors don't go that high. This one does :) The price is acceptable. 48 euro's (53 dollar). I just wanted to give that as a tip :)

[@keithmerrill4058]

Ticwatch e2 is a good smart watch

[@PARALIFE]

I got the ticwatch e2 with my smartdrive, it seems like a good watch but the battery life is terrible so I don't use it much. Thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@wheelieblind]

I use something similar to those smart plugs but I have remotes instead of a smart speaker spying on everything I way which requires internet just to make sense out of anything I say.

[@angelaoconnor3763]

I can't find the video on how to make your own standing frame and also is there a video of how you get into the standing frame

[@utooberrookie]

Too bad the wheelchair repair video isn't online anymore :(

[@morgancalvi6675]

I think in the wheelchair accessory part I know I would recommend 1) side guards to keep clothing from a) dragging in the wheels and b) to prevent clothing from getting mud and water from splashing up on your clothes and 2) quad knobs, or projection rims. I am a C4 quad and have no hand function...and you can just use the heel of your hands to push a chair--use it or lose it, right?

[@PARALIFE]

They are some good recommendations. We didn't recommend anything I haven't tried personally. I didn't feel like I could recommend anything I haven't tried (including quadriplegic specific items). If you want to send us a short list of things you find useful we will consider making another video 😊

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@PARALIFE that is more than fair. I was basically speaking to other readers,...sorry ifI confused anyone.

[@PARALIFE]

@@morgancalvi6675 no worries about 😀

[@lnjfeisty6718]

Just finding your channel is amazing. I became paralyzed a little over a year and a half ago. I live in the US. Its amazing they give standing frames. I live by my lap tray and grabber haha. AND SERIOUS PLEASE ON THE EXERCISING AND STRETCHING VIDEOS. The winter set my spasms off to the max. And its hard for me to find the perfect and easy way to stretch and all without my legs freaking out. Ive found things online that are to help aide in that. But they also run like 100$ it's always a hit or miss on so much lol Also was just kinda wondering as i said in the US they dont fund standing frames. What all were you provided guess in the UK. I have so many questions. Terribly sorry lol These videos are truly so amazing. I have wanted to start my channel for my recovery and all that. Thank you guys 💙💙💙💙

[@PARALIFE]

I'm glad you enjoy the videos :) We are lucky in the UK that we get provided 1 free standing frame. These are typically oswestry standing frames (oswestryframes.co.uk/custom). We found that as we spent alot of time in 2 different places that 1 wasn't enough though! Check out our video/blog article on how we built our own standing frame for much cheaper (livingwithparalysis.com/how-to-build-your-own-standing-frame/). My spasms are also quite annoying, we are definitely planning on making a separate video soon about stretching. If you haven't seen it already we have a video about muscle spasms where we briefly talk about stretches that Craig does to help with his spasms. Feel free to leave any questions you have here or DM us on instagram :)

[@morgancalvi6675]

I watched this video before and don't know why I didn't post this but regarding the smart items, the FitBit tracks how many pushes on your wheelchair as well as steps. I'm sure you guys could swap it and track either steps or pushes. Just a thought on the skiing...I know you are using the standing frame, but you really want to make sure your bone density is ok first because the last thing you need is AD and/or broken bones.

[@PARALIFE]

Some smart watches do track pushes but some only do steps (although you will get some "steps" from pushing).

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@PARALIFE you were talking about snow skiing, right?

[@PARALIFE]

@@morgancalvi6675 which bit? I think we mentioned both snow and water skiing

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@PARALIFE the older ones, yes. They probably just didn't have the technology to do that...but the new ones today, definitely do. A mobile friend of mine down the road doesn't make a move without his FitBit tracking something 🤣 and when I became non mobile, I looked up 'do they track wheelchair pushes' and they do. 'The Fitbit Flex wristband counts any movement as steps, including manual wheelchair propelling. ... The Fitbit tracker uses an algorithm to track motion. If motion is large enough to meet the set threshold, it's counted as a step. The tracker can be synced with the Fitbit app, available for iOS, Android and Windows.Jun 29, 2016'

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@PARALIFE I forget if I was talking about snow or water skiing and what my question is now 🤔.

[@estelanavalenzuela311]

I can’t find what’s in your beg video

[@pjaypender1009]

My wheelchair came with all the tools needed for maintenance. Isn't that normal?

[@christineskinner8217]

I love my Alexa for my bedroom light what plugs do you use I have 1 that works but a number of plugs that we haven't been able to connect

[@PARALIFE]

We just use the amazon smart plugs and have had no issues at all with them: www.amazon.co.uk/amazon-smart-plug-works-with-alexa/dp/B082YTKC47/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=amazon+smart+plug&qid=1623679339&sr=8-1

[@christineskinner8217]

@@PARALIFE thank you for your reply I will try these as I find Alexa invaluable

[@jpsimon206]

I don't know if it is something you guys would feel comfortable taking on, but navigating the US federal and state systems for getting disability, SSI, Medicare, and more relevantly tangible mobility devices is something that desperately needs a clear guide. I'm sure each state is different so even if you took on the Federal aspects it could help many people. I don't know if it is still true, but when I was approved, I was told it was standard practice to deny people the first three times, an average of 12 years. The sad fact is that it was more economical, many of these people died in that time

[@joseph7534]

Hello Sir...This is Joseph. Am a Paraplegia patient. I need ur help sir...

[@PARALIFE]

Hey Joseph, how are you doing? How can I help?

[@joseph7534]

@@PARALIFE Seriously i need your help sir....Is there any better treatment for complete spinal cord injury..?Sir please send your e-mail or Whatsapp contact ..... please🙏

[@PARALIFE]

I'm afraid we're the wrong people to ask about treatments, more focused on living life and making the most of what I can do while I still can at the moment but I did see this on the news the other day www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-manchester-50601355 It's called neurophysics I think - don't know anything about it but you might want to look into it more? Email is [e-mail]

[@morgancalvi6675]

I'm surprised you recommened Virtual Reality because they can trigger seizures and such.

[@PARALIFE]

yeah of course people should use their own discretion when using these things and we'd recommend following the manufacturers instructions and warnings when using it but for those who don't get seizures you can get a lot out of VR. We have a paraplegic friend who says it really helps him cope with is injury so definitely worth it for some people

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@PARALIFE right, I just think maybe you should have said that when you recommend it because many do NOT know this. For instance, Nintendo games...of Mario under water doing Mario stuff...many played that game and ended up super sick.

[@wheelieblind]

Waistcoat... that's called a vest for 99% of the English speaking world.

[@k.r.murphy4301]

I would actually give birth to a cow if someone gave me a gift based on my disability as opposed to my status as a human. If you let your injury define you, all your potential, all the gifts you have to give will be wasted. It’s 44 years now and there are very few ABs who have done and experienced what I have.

[@GAINZonWHEELS]

Smart doorbel??? Yeah poeh that’s the first what I need since I paralysed (he wil nevercome) how more smart in your house how more data in your house, there wil be come a time that it agains us…. Think twice with al your IA, and smart shit..