Don't Worry. Do Wheelies!

Don't Worry. Do Wheelies!

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

  • Pain, Pain, Go Away: Part 1 – What’s Nociceptive Pain? | Ep 20
    In the first part of this two-episode series on pain, we talk about nociceptive pain—what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. Abbie explains that this is the kind of pain that comes from things like sore muscles or problems with your organs. Lorie shares simple tips and real-life examples to help you figure out what’s going on with your body and how to feel better. If pain is a part of your life after SCI, this episode will help you understand it and start taking control.

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

    28 min
  • Med Check: Going from 16 Scripts to Zero | Ep 19
    In this episode, Lorie gets real about her journey with medication overload—starting with 16 prescriptions and ending with a life-changing wake-up call when she lost the ability to swallow. Forced to quit her meds cold turkey, she learned the hard way about the importance of taking an active role in choosing treatments that truly benefit your life. The conversation covers how to evaluate your medications, ask the right questions, and collaborate with your healthcare team to ensure every pill serves a purpose. It’s a story of finding balance, taking control, and redefining what "healthy" really means.

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

    34 min
  • Just a Flesh Wound | Ep 18
    In this episode, Lorie shares a personal and eye-opening experience about how a seemingly harmless callus turned into a serious pressure sore, ultimately leading to an infection. This incident underscores the importance of proactive and regular self-monitoring for individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Lorie discusses how SCI disrupts the body's natural autopilot systems, making vigilance essential for maintaining overall health. From skin checks to functional assessments, she emphasizes actionable steps listeners can take to prevent complications and safeguard their well-being. This episode is a candid reminder that small oversights can have big consequences, but awareness and consistency can make all the difference.

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

    29 min
  • Skin in the Game: Winning the Pressure Relief Challenge | Ep 17
    In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of managing skin health and performing effective pressure reliefs after a spinal cord injury. From understanding the importance of routine pressure checks to mastering practical techniques, we share insights that empower you to stay ahead of pressure sores and maintain your independence. Whether you're navigating life in a wheelchair or supporting someone who is, this episode blends expert advice with actionable tips to keep you informed, motivated, and in control of your skin health. Don't miss out—your skin will thank you!

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

    29 min
  • Mischief Managed: Wheelie Adventures
    In this lively episode, Lorie shares hilarious and heartwarming stories of sneaky escapades with fellow inpatients during her rehab days. From daring late-night adventures to the heroic (and sometimes exasperated) rescue missions by staff, these tales showcase the camaraderie, mischief, and spirit of life on wheels. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a reminder that even in challenging times, fun and connection are essential!

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

    24 min
  • Build Strong Bones, Roll Stronger

    In this episode, Abbie and Lorie dive into the critical topic of maintaining bone density for individuals with spinal cord injuries. They discuss the benefits of weight-bearing exercises and parameters for incorporating them into daily life. With their signature mix of positivity and expertise, they also stress the importance of being proactive, from getting bone density scans to planning safe approaches to physical activity. Tune in to learn practical strategies to keep your bones healthy and your wheelies strong!



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

    26 min
  • "Complete" or "Incomplete" SCI Doesn't Tell the Full Story | Ep 14

    Abbie and Lorie shed light on the common yet incomplete understanding of spinal cord injury classifications—“complete” vs. “incomplete.” They explain how these labels only scratch the surface when it comes to the complexity of spinal cord injuries and how function and recovery can vary widely, regardless of the initial diagnosis. Through real-life examples and clinical insights, Abbie discusses why these terms don’t always predict a person’s long-term mobility or potential for recovery.


    Additionally, the episode dispels the widespread myth that spinal cord injuries are typically caused by the spinal cord being “severed.” Abbie explains that in most cases, the injury is the result of loss of blood flow to the spinal cord, causing damage to the nerves and tissue. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how spinal cord injuries happen, the importance of individualized rehabilitation, and why the injury label doesn’t define your potential for progress.

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

    26 min
  • Decoding the ASIA Exam | Ep 13

    In this episode, Abbie and Lorie tackle the often misunderstood and confusing topic of the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) exam, a key tool used to assess spinal cord injuries. Listeners are guided through the purpose of the exam, how it’s conducted, and what the results truly indicate about a person's injury level and potential for recovery.


    This is a confusing topic. Bring a pen/pencil and an open mind! Abbie breaks down the components of the ASIA exam—motor and sensory scoring, the ASIA impairment scale, and the classification of injury—while debunking common myths and misinterpretations that can lead to unnecessary anxiety or false expectations for patients.

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

    42 min
  • Rolling Beyond Limits: Wheelchair Skills | Ep 12

    Lorie shares her personal experiences in developing these skills, recounting her own learning curve and moments of triumph that have lead to skills that allow her access to exploring the outdoors in her manual wheelchair. Abbie adds clinical insights, emphasizing the importance of individualized training, safety strategies, and skill development in real-world environments safely.


    They also explore the wide range of equipment available to support different terrains, including off-road tires, power assist devices, and adaptive attachments that enhance mobility. 

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

    26 min
  • The Art of a Good Wheelchair Fit | Ep. 11
    In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked but crucial aspect of wheelchair fitting: the cushion. We explore how choosing the right cushion can dramatically improve comfort, posture, and even overall health for wheelchair users. With the guidance of experts in seating and mobility, listeners learn about the ways that they can advocate for a better wheelchair fit.

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

    16 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…