Re: [QUAD-L] Comebacks_Re: Quality of Life and SCI ~~ Huh?

[Bill_J]

Given my choice I'd use a power chair.  I wish I had started using one sooner so my right shoulder didn't require surgery.  I can do much more in a power chair because the manual sucks the strength out of me leaving me less likely to go out and enjoy life.   Bill age 55 C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68 Leesburg, FL Procrastinate now, don't put it off. ----- Original Message ----- From: Brien To: Lori Michaelson Cc: Quad Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 1:56 PM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Comebacks_Re: Quality of Life and SCI ~~ Huh? Children, in most cases, respond very favorably to my presence.  I always offer a smile and perhaps  a  hi.  I don't know if this is because they are eye level, naturally curious, or both.  Adults, on the other hand, often avoid my presence if I am rolling by or near them at a public place.   But, here is a question to you folks that I just can't figure out but, for  some reason,  need to understand.   Because I  am a borderline quad/para with some c 8 function with slight arm and hand impairment, I am eligible for an insurance covered power chair.  I have a manual chair and am very strong and capable of using it, however I NEVER use it because I can do so much more with power.  Simple example: I can carry a hot pot from the stove to the counter in 2 seconds, mop the floor, vacuum, etc.  I  go  to a gym  and use an ergometer on high resistance for about an hour for very good aerobic exercise.   I also combine this with weights.  Therefore, I do  not need a manual chair for exercise.   However,  most people who I see who can use a manual chair do so.  I also know that over time many chair users require rotator cuff surgery due to  repetitive motion.   Most people who are able  to use a manual chair do,  yet I do  not  and  would not consider it.  Am I missing out on something by not using a manual chair?  If you had your choice, which would you use? Best, Brien On Jul 9, 2006, at 2:23 PM, Lori Michaelson wrote: I have to agree with John to a great extent.   Just today I was telling my home health nurse that the stupidest question I have been asked [and really irked by] over the years is "How Do You Go on?"   I feel like saying "What is the alternative or what do you suggest is the best alternative?"   My nurse asked me if it were adults that actually asked that question and I said YEP!    In my experience, children have asked the best questions and that is probably because they have not had many years of adult live experience that have dull their sensitivity toward others.   Lori   -------Original Message-------   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 7/9/2006 11:58:44 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Quality of Life and SCI ~~ Huh?   that is by far, the dumbest question I've heard in ages. When asked a question that stupid I often reply with an answer equally as stupid. In this case, I wouldn't answer it. I'd run over their foot and while they cried I'd ask, "Did it hurt?" Before my injury I could have dope slapped them.   john   In a message dated 7/8/2006 5:12:42 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi All,     On and off I participate in studies regarding my SCI. Often I'm asked something like "...how would you rate your quality of life since your SCI"? This question gets SO deep under my skin, I could scream.   How do you all feel about your quality of life since your injury?      Bobbie   <7120EC9F-FC44-4CF1-AB41-CCCDD23BC30B>