FW: RE: [QUAD-L] C5 Driving a van?

[William Willis]

From: Greg [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: 'William Willis' [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] C5 Driving a van?
Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 18:01:53 -0700

Thanks for replying.
What kind of van do you drive?  1996 Ford E-150 (full size)
I imagine you stay in your chair and have an auto lockdown?  yes and yes
Do you drive very far? I get so tired easy.  My longest non-stop trip was 
about 325 mi. (to Nashville and back) It does strain the neck and 
shoulders.
I'm not sure my chair could turn sharp enough to get in a driving position. 
The middle seat is removed so there is plenty of room. I have standard hand 
controls with zero-effort steering and brakes.

I think they should make a lift that sets you right in the drivers area.
Maybe a lift at the driver's door rather than on the side.
I just sent an email to a lady who knows about getting evaluated, so I hope
I hear soon where they do it. I imagine in Phoenix.

Thanks much,
Greg

--
I'm c5 and I've been driving since 1979. It is a bit daunting to think 
about


at first, but it is much easier than you might imagine.

Re: [QUAD-L] About life and length of time as a quad

[Oconnelldb]

Have you heard of the Tibetan monks who hang out in monasteries and get all 
'tuned' in to God and the ultimate 'spirit' and in doing so can walk on hot 
coals without getting burned and can levitate because they are so 
'spiritual'? Wouldn't it be interesting to sever one of their nerves and 
see how well that heals? I think they would have similar results as you 
and me. Now I'm going to go concentrate on healing.. 
OMM.
Dave



In a message dated 6/11/2006 6:50:51 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Ah, yes...I believe this reaction/ view 
  is a denial state because most people think An SCI will NEVER happen to 
  them. It reminds me of being a kid and having my Mom say "Don't do THAT 
  or you will fall and break your neck!" Well after climbing hundreds of 
  trees, hanging upside down from the monkey bars, and mountain climbing, I just 
  sneezed at the wrong time and roplled a car. DEED DONE...THEN, I 
  married an Assembly of God member who told me (after several years) that I 
  could be healed if only I HAD ENOUGH FAITH. My response to that was that since 
  He believed in intercessory prayer, perhaps it was HIS faith that was weak. I 
  believe that God will do his will in our lives, not ours. I still believe this 
  and my Ex-husband was part of Gods plan, not mine.Peace to you 
  all,Tracy (29 yrs as a Quad) and still 
  Rollin'


Dave 
www.daveoconnell.com 
c3-inc-1967

Re: FW: [QUAD-L] C5 Driving a van?

[Oconnelldb]

Let's see... photos are at Dave's Van 
There is actually quite a bit of turning room inside. If you are in 
the Phoenix area, call me and I'll come see how you fit in mine. My 
chair is a Jet-Pride but pretty similar to most other mid wheel drives I've 
seen. 
Try calling: 

HandiCap Vehicle 
Specialists
http://www.handicapvehicle.com/
contact Stan at 
602-286-0332
3306 E Washington, 
#106 Phoenix, AZ 85034

Dave


In a message dated 6/11/2006 7:21:55 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  
  Wow, by chance do you 
  have any photos or know of any on-line that show what your setup looks 
  like?
  I hope to get an 
  evaluation soon.
  I’m not sure my chair 
  can turn sharp enough to get into a driving 
  position.
  What kind of chair do 
  you have, and what kind of van?
  I thought maybe if my 
  ramp was on my back door, I could drive straight 
  in.
  I’d like a mini-van, 
  maybe even use my current Ford Windstar. It has lowered floors, but only in 
  the center.
  Do you know where in 
  Phoenix the do evaluations?
  Thanks 
  much,
  Greg
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I'm 
  C3, (incomplete) been driving since 
  1968.
  
  Dave


Dave 
www.daveoconnell.com 
c3-inc-1967

Re: [QUAD-L] C5 Driving a van?

[Oconnelldb]

Sure some wrecks - 2 alcohol related, 2 not. All were non personal 
injury - just bashing vehicles. 3 could have been avoided (my fault) but 1 
was a woman running a stop sign and I hit her in her passenger side - a few 
fractions of a second different and she would have hit me in the driver's 
side. All in all, pretty lucky. My advice would be, "NEVER drive 
under the influence of ANYTHING that reduces your awareness, and ALWAYS drive 
like someone is out to hit you. Best of luck to you if you decide to give it a 
go. I'm sure you can do it if you put your mind to it.
Dave
Dave's Van 




In a message dated 6/11/2006 6:48:26 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Wow! any 
  wrecks? i'm a c4, i think i can do this. 
  
  
  On Jun 11, 2006, at 6:40 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  


I'm C3, (incomplete) been driving since 1968.
Dave


In a message dated 6/11/2006 4:38:39 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I'm 
  c5 and I've been driving since 1979. It is a bit daunting to think about 
  at first, but it is much easier than you might 
  imagine.From: "Greg" [EMAIL PROTECTED]To: quad-list@eskimo.comSubject: 
  [QUAD-L] C5 Driving a van?Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:46:18 
  -0700Can a C/5 drive a van by 
  themselves?I've always said, even if I could, I'd be to 
  scared. What if I'd spasm whileturning or something like 
  that.But lately, I've been wanting to do more 
  things.Thanks,Greg


Dave www.daveoconnell.com 
c3-inc-1967
  
  Mack Johnson
  [EMAIL PROTECTED]
  http://macknezjohnson.com
  =


Dave 
www.daveoconnell.com 
c3-inc-1967

[QUAD-L] new to the list

[Floreen Breyette]

Dear Quad list:  My name is floee and I am not a quad. My boyfriend is and I am interested in some of the discussions he receives on his email through the quadlist.I aminterestedand want to learn as much asI can to better understandlife after a SCI.I have many questions about SCI and would love to look to other people experiencing or have experienced the same kind of things throughout your lives. Thank you for future advice or answers. __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com 

Re: RE: [QUAD-L] How many collective years of SCI do we have here? New Total June 12

[David K. Kelmer]

David Kelmer, TX.30 years. 147-- New Total[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Carolyn 43 years, FL 117 Total  From: "Lori Michaelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: 2006/06/04 Sun PM 11:16:11 EDT To: "Quad"  Subject: RE: [QUAD-L] How many collective years of SCI do we have here?I was curious just a few days ago of how many collective SCI years are   represented here on the list. Please reply to the list with your name and   how long you have been enjoying these special challenges we all have been dealt. Add your name years and update the total...Dave [EMAIL PROTECTED] 39 years   Eric [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9  
   Total 48   Lori [EMAIL PROTECTED] 26 yrs  New Total -- 74 yrs   

Re: [QUAD-L] new to the list

[Eric Olson]

How long has your boyfriend been a quad? 

Eric 

Floreen Breyette wrote:

  Dear Quad list:
  
  
  My name is floee and I am not a quad. My boyfriend is and I am
interested in some of the discussions he receives on his email through
the quadlist.I aminterestedand want to learn as much asI can to
better understandlife after a SCI.I have many questions about SCI and
would love to look to other people experiencing or have experienced the
same kind of things throughout your lives. Thank you for future advice
or answers. 
  
  
  
  
   __
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com 

FW: Re: [QUAD-L] need more advice

[William Willis]

Hey Dave, I've been using an 18 for two years. Suddenly, it wouldn't go in. 
I've gone down to a 14 and switched from red rubber to a more rigid plastic. 
Things seem to be working quite a bit better now. I think the 18 was causing 
irritation and swelling and was the source of my problem. Thanks for asking. 
Larry




From: David K. Kelmer [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: William Willis [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] need more advice
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:58:53 -0700 (PDT)

Hi Larry,

Did you go up or down to a 14f?

  With Love,

CtrlAltDel aka Dave
C4/5 Complete - 30 Years Post
Texas, USA

William Willis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  Hey guys I need more advice concernin my cath problems. I switched to a 
14

fr. cath and it went in fine. Problem solved...I thought. Now my stream has
become a trickle, even a drip at times. The 14 worked fine for a eeknow
this. I have no symptoms of infection. Anyone got a clue? Thanks in 
advance.

Larry Willis

Re: [QUAD-L] new to the list

[Bill_J]

Ask away, Debbie. We'll try 
to help.

Bill age 55C6 Incomplete since 
7/20/68Leesburg, FLHe had a mind like a Post-It note; it held things but 
not real tight.

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Floreen Breyette 
  To: quad-list@eskimo.com 
  Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 1:03 PM
  Subject: [QUAD-L] new to the list
  
  Dear Quad list:
  
  
  My name is floee and I am not a quad. My boyfriend is and I am 
  interested in some of the discussions he receives on his email through the 
  quadlist.I aminterestedand want to learn as much asI 
  can to better understandlife after a SCI.I have many questions 
  about SCI and would love to look to other people experiencing or have 
  experienced the same kind of things throughout your lives. Thank you for 
  future advice or answers. 
  
  
   
  __Do You 
  Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
  http://mail.yahoo.com 

Re: [QUAD-L] new to the list

[RollinOn]

Welcome Floee,
Whatquestions do you have?


Mark

---Original Message---


From: Floreen Breyette
Date: 06/12/06 12:04:05
To: quad-list@eskimo.com
Subject: [QUAD-L] new to the list

Dear Quad list:


My name is floee and I am not a quad. My boyfriend is and I am interested in some of the discussions he receives on his email through the quadlist.I aminterestedand want to learn as much asI can to better understandlife after a SCI.I have many questions about SCI and would love to look to other people experiencing or have experienced the same kind of things throughout your lives. Thank you for future advice or answers. 


 
__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com 

Re: [QUAD-L] new to the list

[Silas]

Hello Floee, 
Welcome! Im a c3/c4 complete quad, my lady 
friend is also a member she's my life line my nurse my companion my best 
friend! Her name is Amy, I bet she could answer some of your 
questions. 
Silas 

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Floreen Breyette 
  To: quad-list@eskimo.com 
  Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 10:03 
AM
  Subject: [QUAD-L] new to the list
  
  Dear Quad list:
  
  
  My name is floee and I am not a quad. My boyfriend is and I am 
  interested in some of the discussions he receives on his email through the 
  quadlist.I aminterestedand want to learn as much asI 
  can to better understandlife after a SCI.I have many questions 
  about SCI and would love to look to other people experiencing or have 
  experienced the same kind of things throughout your lives. Thank you for 
  future advice or answers. 
  
  
   
  __Do You 
  Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
  http://mail.yahoo.com 

[QUAD-L] I have another question

[Begitee]

you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's are a lot worse off. 
 how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my nose?
Barb

Re: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[Bill_J]

I would have put orgasm at 
the top of the list. LOL

In all honesty, I believe 
God is still with each of us. He just gives us each different 
challenges. It's up to us to trust in Him and do our 
best.

Bill age 55C6 
Incomplete since 7/20/68Leesburg, FLHe had a mind like a Post-It note; 
it held things but not real tight.

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  
  To: quad-list@eskimo.com 
  Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 4:46 PM
  Subject: [QUAD-L] I have another 
  question
  
  you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god 
  that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's 
  are a lot worse off. 
   how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my 
  nose?
  Barb

RE: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[Eric W Rudd]

Title: Message



How far post are you? I can cook, 
cleanum, did I mention pick my nose. C5 here too.


Eric W Rudd
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

  
  -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 3:47 
  PMTo: quad-list@eskimo.comSubject: [Norton AntiSpam] 
  [QUAD-L] I have another question
  you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god 
  that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's 
  are a lot worse off. 
   how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my 
  nose?
  Barb

Re: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[Amy Davis]

Hey eric..Now I have a questionhow do you take care of that one...??  amyBill_J [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  I would have put orgasm at the top of the list. LOLIn all honesty, I believe God is still with each of us. He just gives us each different challenges. It's up to us to trust in Him and do our best.Bill age 55C6 Incomplete since
 7/20/68Leesburg, FLHe had a mind like a Post-It note; it held things but not real tight.- Original Message -   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]   To: quad-list@eskimo.com   Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 4:46 PM  Subject: [QUAD-L] I have another questionyou all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's are a lot worse off.
how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my nose?  Barb __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com 

Re: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[c5sci97]

um, which one?
On 6/12/06, Amy Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


Hey eric..Now I have a questionhow do you take care of that one...??
amy
Bill_J [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:



I would have put orgasm at the top of the list. LOL

In all honesty, I believe God is still with each of us. He just gives us each different challenges. It's up to us to trust in Him and do our best.


Bill age 55C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68Leesburg, FLHe had a mind like a Post-It note; it held things but not real tight.

- Original Message - 
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
To: quad-list@eskimo.com 
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 4:46 PM
Subject: [QUAD-L] I have another question

you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's are a lot worse off. 
 how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my nose?
Barb

__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com -- Eric W Rudd[EMAIL PROTECTED] 

Re: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[Oconnelldb]

Maybe God is too busy elsewhere in the universe on one of the many millions 
of planets that can sustain life to worry about what goes on here on the surface 
of ours. Besides, you chose this life yourself before you even came here - 
this was on your cosmic 'to-do' list for the completion of your karmic evolution 
for your eventual trip to the rapture.
Dave


In a message dated 6/12/2006 1:47:41 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god 
  that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's 
  are a lot worse off. 
   how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my 
  nose?
  Barb


Dave 
www.daveoconnell.com 
c3-inc-1967

RE: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[Greg]

I think God puts us here and then we have
free will and things happen. If God was to control all of our lives and never
let anything bad happen, then why should anyone put any effort into doing anything
if everything was going to end up fine and fun. I think once we are born, we
have free will. Now that doesnt mean we chose this life, but things
happen. I dont think God controls rocks from falling off cliffs, or an
idiot getting drunk and shooting someone. My theory is God puts us here
to try and live together and see what happens. I cant imagine God micromanaging
every life, making sure nothing bad happened to anyone. We could drive 120mph,
jump off cliffs, swim under water and breath in, and not have to worry about
anything bad happening.

There has to be somerisk in lif.

Greg











From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 1:47
PM
To: quad-list@eskimo.com
Subject: [QUAD-L] I have another
question







you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly
be a god that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5
other's are a lot worse off. 





 how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or
pick my nose?





Barb

Re: [QUAD-L] Re: (no subject)

[David K. Kelmer]

Hi Eric,I sure did. At the time of my SCI I was underwater and drowned before getting rolled over to the surface. I remember every second of it...up until I drowned. Not fun!With Love,  CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 30 Years PostTexas, USA  Eric Olson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Have you ever had the unfortunate pleasure of
 just lying there unable to breathe until you lose consciousness? If not, it's an extremely unpleasant way to die. Eric Silas wrote:  LOL. I don't! But im usally able to make it back to the house if something happens, I can breath off for awhile. Shit if something happens while im out on the farm at least ill die doing what I enjoy, hell getting in a car is taking a big chance!   Silas - Original Message -   From: Eric Olson   To: Silas   Cc: quad-list@eskimo.com   Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2006 10:34 AM  Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Re: (no subject)  I'm confused. How can be out by yourself? It doesn't sound like you have the ability to take care of
 your vent circuit coming apart or the ability to connect an ambu bag by yourself. 

Re: [QUAD-L] Suffocation

[David K. Kelmer]

Hi Mark,I agree. The first time I had suffer through a drowning that was quite unbearable, but once that was done there was nothing until I was resuscitated.I count that time but my medical records show only5 separatetimes that I have 'Coded' for three minutes or more. They all were like a warm embraceagainst the cruel sting of life. I chose the sting of life over the warm embrace of death, and have never regretted my choice.  With Love,CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 30 Years
 PostTexas, USA..RollinOn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Dying, it was actually quite peaceful.  Mark---Original Message---  From: Eric Olson  Date: 06/06/06 12:22:00  To: RollinOn  Cc: quad-list@eskimo.com; S. Dial  Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Suffocation  Please explain. RollinOn wrote:  It isn'ta bad feeling but it's definitely a strange feeling, been there twice.  Mark---Original Message---  From: S. Dial  Date: 06/05/06 16:45:44  To: Eric Olson; quad-list@eskimo.com  Subject: [QUAD-L] SuffocationYup, when I became stricken with TM I kept telling the nursing and respiratory staff I couldn't breathe but they refused to believe me (cuz my color was good??) until I died and they had to resusitate me then put me on a vent that I stayed on for 6 months. But, the actual dying part wasn't so bad I just got very tired of struggling and simply lost conciousness and poof I was gone.Steph

Re: [QUAD-L] Re: The Bone Collector coming on tonight

[David K. Kelmer]

Hi Lori,The book is better than the movie because JeffreyDeaver,the author, has more time to explore the medical care needed by Lincoln Rhyme. He does a great job describing AD in the book!With Love,  CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 30 Years PostTexas, USALori Michaelson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:   We have had this movie on DVD for years. And have watched it numerous times. It IS a great movie!Lori  --  I like this
 story.KKThe Bone Collector (1999)  USA Jun 06 08:00pmAdd to My
 Calendar  Movies, 155 Mins.  **+ (Rated R)  A quadriplegic detective and a patrol cop try to catch a killer re-creating grisly crimes. Based on the book by Jeffery
 Deaver.  Cast: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker, Mike McGlone, Luis Guzman, Leland Orser, John Benjamin Hickey, Bobby Cannavale, Ed O'Neill, Larry Day.Director(s): Phillip Noyce.Producer(s): Michael Klawitter, Dan Jinks, Michael S. Bregman, Martin Bregman, Louis A. Stroller.Writer(s): jeffrey Deaver , Jeremy Iacone.Distribution: Universal Pictures  Future Airings:The Bone Collector (1999), USA Jun 07 03:30pmKKAll horses are run aways.

Re: [QUAD-L] About life and length of time as a quad

[David K. Kelmer]

Hi Bobbie,Yeah. It seems even us Quads believe we have a right to judge our peers. Sad but true.With Love,  CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 30 Years PostTexas, USA[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  My Mom told her boss at work what happened to me and she had the nerve to say that some people just bring things upon themselves. What the hell did I do? She doesn't even know me. My Mom just asked her what does she think I did to
 deserve what I've been through.   When I tell people who ask me "how did you have your accident"? "that I was on a motorcycle learning to do jumps" they say things like "Well you asked for it"   I think that even quads among us have a "thing" for people who become a quad by their own doing and other's who had a "true" accident.   Do you know what I mean everybody?   Bobbie

Re: [QUAD-L] I'm kinda new here

[David K. Kelmer]

Hi Barbara,After a few years, 4-7, things seem to start being "normal" living as a Quad. I have lived thirty years as a Quad, and have seen my boys growup, get married, and give me Grandchildren to hold. I would have hated to missed that in my life, no matter what. Stay strong.With Love,  CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 30 Years PostTexas, USA[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Hi, I don't know if this is right but I need to ask a question about living, or should I say existing, as a quad? I'm a bit intimidated about how long some of you have been quads. I was in a car
 accident July 4 2005 and I'm c 5 19 yrs old. I don't think I want to live 10, 20, 30 or 40 years like this? How do you guys do it? I'm so overwhelmed and scared. What am I sopo to do with my life like this? Are any of you guys married or have children?Barbara

[QUAD-L] Paralyzed Pregnant on Discovery Health

[KK Batte]

She is a quad.  It is very informativeKKParalyzed and PregnantDHC Jun 12 07:00pm Special/Other, 60 Mins.A paralyzed woman's pregnancy.Original Airdate: June 12, 2006.Future Airings:Paralyzed and Pregnant, DHC Jun 12 10:00pmParalyzed and Pregnant, DHC Jun 17 02:00pm 

[QUAD-L] I have another question

[wheelchair]

In a message dated 6/12/2006 3:47:41 PM Central Daylight Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god 
  that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's 
  are a lot worse off. 
   how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my 
  nose?
  Barb

Paul Berg, a former quad that past away almost a decade of being a quad, 
used to travel the country by jet, by himself, and speak on corporation 
motivation. His topic, The Impossible Only Takes A Little Longer.

Several years ago, a Rabbi, wrote a book that has become basic training in 
trauma relief.
The book, Why Bad Things Happen To Good People, is also another basic 
book.

Picking your nose in public is just as bad now as before your trauma.

Your Mother board is human, your software is Quad. You have much to 
learn... and you will.
W

Re: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[Tim Thompson]

In my opinion, God is the creator.
Management of everyday events are NOT HIS JOB.
Bad things happen to good people, but that doesn't mean they have to happen for a religious reason, just that Shit Happens.
The 2nd night after my accident, 10 long years ago, I was ready to let go and a voice boomed through my head saying If I had wanted you, I would have taken you
Since that night I've just dealt with learning how to do what I can, and never doubting the old adage that all living things die.
Now I was 43 when my accident happened, so I had a lot of life experience to draw from to guide me. 
My bit of wisdom already achieved through years of learning from my mistakes helped me stay focused through rehab, and I promised myself to deny pity from within or from others. It can be the biggest hurdle for many to overcome. Mine (hurdles)were mostly related with reliance on others (loss of my free-bird life style) and PATIENCE!

Prior to my C5-6 injury, I lived ALONE on a mountain top with my nearest neighbora mile away. I could build or repair almost anything with my hands, a lifetime spent learning those skills. The summer before, I got my first lead bad guy role in an independent film while doubling as the Stunt Coordinator, I was halfway through teaching my first class of new stunt people in a stunt schoolI finally opened  we were going to work in Starship Troopers as the first Stunt Association in South Dakota. It looked like I was finally getting somewhere..

Now, I've started a new life after 4 yrs of college, something I never dreamed of doing before my lifestyle changed. But there is a life after injury, you just need to want it bad enough to get pass the crawling stage of life, w/o crawling.

Others can cook andclean for you, giving them a purpose in life that YOU provide.
And Orgazims are 90% mental even for able bodied people, you may find somewhere on your head-neck-shoulder area that when given the right stimulation (4 example I knew a woman who orgazimed while giving oral sex) and the back of the neck, mouth, ears etc are very sensual areas.

Will your life ever be the same as before?
Probably not, but you can still achieve a lot of living differently.
Why some people mutilate their bodies just to be different.
My advice would be: 
to treat others around you pleasently, and try your best to not dwell on your condition (what you can't do)
to keep trying to develop everything you can get back with rehab, and on your own
then when you're ready, look inside yourself and ask what do I want to do with my life and GO FOR IT.
Stunt
Just some of the websites I've made since becoming a quad
My acting/stunt career
http://thor.prohosting.com/stunttnt/
Firstcomplete website
http://tnthompson0.tripod.com/
Computer Graphic Portfolio
http://tnthompson1.tripod.com/
A non-profit student orgproject
http://members.tripod.com/hoosier-adapt/index.htm
mehttp://quads.nw-in.com/quad-enter.htmlOpen forum for quads
http://nw-in.com/InvisionBoard/index.php
My first Domain
http://nw-in.com/index.html

Not as exciting as doing stunts, but something I couldn't do in my past-life.


On 6/12/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:



you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's are a lot worse off. 
 how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my nose?
Barb

Re: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[Mack Johnson]

How do you know God did this? Like I said in my earlier post, don't dwell. You may never know why, so don't get caught wasting valuable time and energy. I feel god wants use to mind our own business, focus on what we have to do. for me god is of all life, I don't pray and why me, and if God ever answered I'm sure the answer would be "why not you". point is it's none of my business. I pray for myself but only for "the stregth, wisdom and love, these things are in all of life. From the little ants to the great Sequoia, this life isn't that long. Do the very best you can, you are not alone, peace.On Jun 12, 2006, at 2:18 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Maybe God is too busy elsewhere in the universe on one of the many millions of planets that can sustain life to worry about what goes on here on the surface of ours.  Besides, you chose this life yourself before you even came here - this was on your cosmic 'to-do' list for the completion of your karmic evolution for your eventual trip to the rapture. Dave     In a message dated 6/12/2006 1:47:41 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:   you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god   that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's   are a lot worse off.     how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my   nose?  Barb    Dave www.daveoconnell.com c3-inc-1967 Mack Johnson[EMAIL PROTECTED]http://macknezjohnson.com 

Re: [QUAD-L] I have another question

[Mack Johnson]

My grammar sucks, i'm very tired ;)On Jun 12, 2006, at 5:52 PM, Mack Johnson wrote:How do you know God did this? Like I said in my earlier post, don't dwell. You may never know why, so don't get caught wasting valuable time and energy. I feel god wants use to mind our own business, focus on what we have to do. for me god is of all life, I don't pray and why me, and if God ever answered I'm sure the answer would be "why not you". point is it's none of my business. I pray for myself but only for "the stregth, wisdom and love, these things are in all of life. From the little ants to the great Sequoia, this life isn't that long. Do the very best you can, you are not alone, peace.On Jun 12, 2006, at 2:18 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Maybe God is too busy elsewhere in the universe on one of the many millions of planets that can sustain life to worry about what goes on here on the surface of ours.  Besides, you chose this life yourself before you even came here - this was on your cosmic 'to-do' list for the completion of your karmic evolution for your eventual trip to the rapture. Dave     In a message dated 6/12/2006 1:47:41 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:   you all said to ask anything. how can their possibly be a god   that would let this kind of unhumaine suffering happen? i'm only C 5 other's   are a lot worse off.     how am I to cook, clean, have an orgazim or pick my   nose?  Barb    Dave www.daveoconnell.com c3-inc-1967 Mack Johnson[EMAIL PROTECTED]http://macknezjohnson.com  Mack Johnson[EMAIL PROTECTED]http://macknezjohnson.com 

Re: [QUAD-L] C5 Driving a van?

[wheelchair]

Your State will not allow you to drive again until you have been 
re-evaluated by a certified occupational therapist with drivers training 
certification. You will be tested with various equipment to determine the 
best equipment.
I'd consider it. You have very little to lose.
Best Wishes
W


In a message dated 6/11/2006 1:47:06 PM Central Daylight Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  
  Can a C/5 drive a van by 
  themselves?
  I’ve always said, even if I could, 
  I’d be to scared. What if I’d spasm while turning or something like 
  that.
  But lately, I’ve been wanting to 
  do more things.
  
  Thanks,
  Greg

Re: [QUAD-L] quad anniversary.

[Amy Davis]

Me too, Lori. I am so lucky to be loved. He makes me feel special every day! I feel like a teenager when we are together. Good or bad...I am in it for as long as he will keep me..  AmyLori Michaelson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:   My husband and I have beenmarried for 8 1/2 years now and even though we have had some very rough times  he said that he would do it all over again HAD he had the choice.I feel that 'I' am a lucky one to be so fortunate to be married to such a wise, caring and wonderful man. Someone who is there when no one else is.  Lori C4/5 Complete, 26 years post  Tucson, AZ   AGE - 41 
   Amy Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:June 3rd is the 4th aniversary of quad-dom for my friend Silas. I know this is always a hard time for him so help me make this a good day! I know a bunch of people who are thrilled for every day that they have had with him since his injury. It has not been easy the whole way...but for me it has been worth it. I could not imagine him not being in my life. So SilasInstead of saying happy anniversary...since I don't think that is appropiate, Think of how far you have come. From being sucidal and depressed, from being bed ridden and sick, to being a successfull business man and farmer. A wonderful father, son, brother and friend. 
   Thnaks for the past 4 years as far as I am concerned.   __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com 

Re: [QUAD-L] quad anniversary.

[Amy Davis]

Thanks dave. I am truly the lucky lady! He makes my life better in ways that I never thought possible. Thanks for the support.  Amy"David K. Kelmer" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Hi Amy,You both are lucky to have each other to help make each of you lives better. May you both continue to be a part of each others lives for many more years ahead.With Love,CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 30 Years
 PostTexas, USAAmy Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:June 3rd
 is the 4th aniversary of quad-dom for my friend Silas. I know this is always a hard time for him so help me make this a good day! I know a bunch of people who are thrilled for every day that they have had with him since his injury. It has not been easy the whole way...but for me it has been worth it. I could not imagine him not being in my life. So SilasInstead of saying happy anniversary...since I don't think that is appropiate, Think of how far you have come. From being sucidal and depressed, from being bed ridden and sick, to being a successfull business man and farmer. A wonderful father, son, brother and friend.Thnaks for the past 4 years as far as I am concerned.__Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com  __Do
 You Yahoo!?Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com 

Re: [QUAD-L] I'm kinda new here

[Oconnelldb]

I'm not sure when the time will be right - if ever. I do know my 
parents lived too long - both died slow deaths in their mucous years - wetting 
themselves and forgetting names of people around them. One of my sons is 
now putting his life on hold while baby-sitting his wife's grandmother and my 
parents gradually alienated all their kids by living with them too long. 
I'm not waiting for any of these things to happen - I'll go camping by myself in 
a desolate spot first. That time is not in the cards this week or next but I'm 
sure it looms on the horizon somewhere. All this makes me live life a 
little closer to the fire - enjoying more sweet forbidden roses along the 
way.
Dave


In a message dated 6/10/2006 5:42:46 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  When will the time be right for you? For me it is when I can no 
  longer take care of myself. Today I realized that I was nearer than I 
  thought to that point. But I have too much to do yet in this 
world.
  
  KK
  
  
  On Jun 10, 2006, at 5:42 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  



I think a bottle of valium and a fifth of some good hooch ought to do 
it.
that's my plan when the time is right.
Dave

=


Dave 
www.daveoconnell.com 
c3-inc-1967

Re: [QUAD-L] pressure relief mattresses

[Brien]

Dave, I bought the apm 2 safety supreme and so far I  love the comfort and the feeling of having the right stuff under me when I sleep and do not have to worry about turning.  I always have slept on my back which all my pt's and ot's said was ok for 6 hours without changing positions:http://www.spanamerica.com/index.htmlBrienOn Jun 12, 2006, at 11:59 AM, David K. Kelmer wrote:Hi Brien,     What brand did you get?     With Love,  CtrlAltDel aka DaveC4/5 Complete - 30 Years PostTexas, USABrien [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Good morning,You folks may benefit from this if you are now or may, in the future, be looking for a pressure relief mattress. I recently acquired a Span - America mattress:http://www.spanamerica.com/index.htmlI looked at many types and none came close in quality, concept and comfort!Best,Brien