Don't Worry. Do Wheelies!

Don't Worry. Do Wheelies!

By Abigail RuppelHealth & FitnessEducation
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Don't Worry. Do Wheelies! episodes

  • Giovanni's Successful Mindset for Recovery | Ep 30
    In this episode, Giovanni, Lorie, and Abbie discuss the crucial role of personal effort in spinal cord injury recovery. While medical professionals provide initial guidance, long-term progress depends on the individual’s dedication. Abbie highlights the need for a clear roadmap for post-rehabilitation care, while Lorie emphasizes integrating recovery into daily life. Giovanni shares his experience with a physical therapist who pushed him to train like a professional athlete, reinforcing the value of hard work and persistence. They conclude that sustained motivation and finding positive feedback from effort are key to a successful recovery journey.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  • Giovanni's Rehab from a Toe Wiggle to Walking Again | Ep 29
    In this episode, Giovanni shares his journey of recovery from a spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of movement, perseverance, and structured training. He describes how spending time in the pool improved his circulation and mobility, the impact of high-volume repetitions, and the support he received from Abbie in her online SCI training program customized for Giovanni's abilities and his goals. From the training program he was able to strengthen more of his leg muscles in order to progress from a rollator to crutches and flat surfaces to hiking again. His progress continued with the use of an electric bike, covering an impressive 7,000 kilometers in a year.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  • SCI Survivor Story: Meet Giovanni | Ep. 28
    In this episode, Abbie and Lorie welcome Giovanni, who shares his experience of sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2022 after a 40-meter fall from a mountain. Initially uncertain about his future, Giovanni has been working for the past year and a half while navigating a "wobbly phase" in his recovery—able to walk but still facing instability. He reflects on both his progress and ongoing frustrations, highlighting the complex emotions of rehabilitation. Stay tuned! This is just an intro to a two-part episode to go through his rehab and his resilient mindset!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min
  • Sticking Together: Arachnoiditis and SCI | Ep 27

    In this episode, Abbie and Lorie tackle the tough topic of arachnoiditis, a chronic inflammation of the spinal cord’s protective membrane that can cause adhesions, nerve pain, and complex challenges for those with spinal cord injuries. Lorie shares her personal journey with this condition, including her experiences with nerve cysts and the tricky balance of managing risks with her medical team.


    The duo discusses the importance of proactive measures like testing and the critical role of movement and medication in managing symptoms. Along the way, Lorie offers inspiring insights into staying positive, minimizing stress, and finding strength through knowledge and a resilient attitude.


    With honesty and hope, this episode provides valuable perspectives for anyone navigating the twists and turns of life with arachnoiditis or other spinal cord conditions.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  • Bladder Matters Part 2 with Erin | Ep 26

    In this episode, Abbie, Lorie, and Erin wrap up their conversation on bladder management, diving into the final frontier: finding control with a lower motor neuron injury and finding the perfect pelvic floor specialist. Erin shares actionable tips for identifying a skilled provider who understands spinal cord injury-specific needs and emphasizes the importance of personalized care for better outcomes.


    The discussion highlights the role of pelvic floor exercises in improving bladder function, from managing leaks to reducing reliance on catheters. Along the way, they share relatable stories, lighthearted humor, and practical advice to help listeners take charge of their bladder health.


    Whether you’re navigating the world of pelvic floor therapy for the first time or looking to level up your care, this episode is your guide to reclaiming control with confidence and maybe even a few laughs along the way!


    To reach Erin for more information please email [email protected].

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  • Cracking the Code of SCI Bowel Programs with Erin | Ep 25

    Abbie, Lorie, and guest Erin take a deep dive into one of the most delicate but essential topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: bowel programs. Erin unpacks the science behind stimulant and osmotic laxatives, fiber, and stool softeners, offering practical tips and thoughtful guidance for navigating the complexities of bowel management.


    The trio explores how upper and lower motor neuron injuries affect bowel routines, why some approaches work better for specific injuries, and the importance of finding a personalized plan. Lorie shares her preference for natural methods and her experiences with trial and error, while Erin explains why certain medications might be a game-changer for some and a no-go for others.


    With humor, empathy, and expert insights, this episode equips listeners with the tools to tackle bowel challenges head-on—whether it’s understanding medications, fine-tuning a schedule, or even exploring pelvic floor exercises. Because when it comes to bowel management, knowledge truly is power! To contact Erin for a SCI bowel and bladder management consult please email [email protected]!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min
  • SCI Bladder & Bowel Basics Part 1 | Ep 24

    In this episode, Abbie, Erin, and Lorie get real about the intricacies of managing bladder and bowel functions after spinal cord injury. Erin breaks down the key differences between upper and lower motor neuron injuries, explaining how they affect reflexes, muscle tone, and sphincter control. The trio dives into practical strategies for maintaining a healthy catheter schedule, balancing fluid intake, and avoiding complications like infections and kidney damage.


    Lorie shares her personal challenges with dehydration and bowel management, revealing how measuring water intake and experimenting with medication can make all the difference. Erin offers actionable tips—like setting hydration benchmarks and adjusting bowel routines—to help navigate these daily hurdles with confidence and care.


    If you’ve ever struggled with finding balance in SCI bladder and bowel management, this episode is packed with insight, empathy, and solutions to help keep things flowing smoothly! Make sure you come back for Part 2!


    Connect with Erin to learn more about bladder management at [email protected]!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  • The Bottom Line: Tackling Continence with Confidence | Ep 23
    In this episode, Abbie and Lorie are joined by occupational therapist Erin to dive into one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of spinal cord injury rehabilitation: continence management. Together, they explore the functional role of occupational therapy in addressing bowel and bladder challenges, sharing practical tips and real-world experiences. Erin opens up about advocating for clients, fostering collaboration with treatment teams, and the importance of honest, grounded conversations with physicians about functional outcomes. If you’ve ever wondered about the nitty-gritty of SCI rehab, this episode sets the stage for an even deeper dive into the technicalities of managing your bowel and bladder, so it doesn't override your daily life. To connect with Erin for more information on bowel and bladder management please email her at [email protected]!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  • Relationship Changes after SCI | Ep 22
    Life changes after a spinal cord injury, and so do relationships. In this episode, we talk about how things can shift with your partner, family, and friends—and how to handle those changes. Lorie shares her personal stories and tips for keeping connections strong, setting boundaries, and finding support when you need it most. Whether you’re rebuilding old relationships or starting new ones, this episode is all about growing together after SCI.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  • Feeling the Burn: Understanding Neuropathic Pain | Ep 21
    In this episode, we dive into neuropathic pain—the tingling, burning, or electric shock-like pain that can come after a spinal cord injury. Lorie shares what it’s like to live with this unique type of pain and offers tips for managing it day to day. This episode is all about giving you tools to take control and feel more comfortable in your own skin.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min

About Don't Worry. Do Wheelies!

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Don’t Worry, Do Wheelies Podcast! Are you recovering from a spinal cord injury and you’re looking to learn more about others experiences just like yours?
Here we will learn all…