S.C.I. Chronicles

Welcome back to SCI Chronicles! We're kicking off Season 2 with a very special guest: my husband. In this episode, we talk about life in an interabled relationship, what changed after my spinal cord injury and how we navigate everything from daily routines to public perceptions.

This season, I'm trying something new: The Rogue SCI Alphabet- where each episode explores a different letter tied to life with a spinal cord injury. And today, we're starting strong with "I is for Interabled Relationship."

Whether you're here to learn, relate or just hear us banter like we do at home, this episode pulls back the curtain on love, partnership and figuring it all out together.

Season 1 has been a journey of sharing my experiences, challenges, and wins in life with an SCI. As we wrap up, I'm reflecting on what I've shared and teasing what's next--broader topics that impact the SCI community and, hopefully, guest interviews. Thanks for being a part of this journey - see you in Season 2!

It's my first "Life Day" - the one-year anniversary of my spinal cord injury. In this episode, I reflect on what this day means to me and processing the emotions that comes with it. From grief and gratitude, I dive into the complexities of marking this milestone and what I've learned over the past year. Whether you're navigating your own injury, supporting a loved one, or just curious about the realities of life after SCI, join me for an honest look at the highs, lows and everything in between.

In this episode, I dive into what it's really like to balance my spinal cord injury with trying to have a "normal" day - whether that's working, spending time with friends and family, or just handling everyday tasks. From moments where my disability fades into the background to times when it throws a wrench in my plans, I'm sharing a candid look at the unpredictability of it all. Some days, things flow smoothly; other days, my injury becomes the main event. Join me for an honest discussion about the challenges, adjustments, and unexpected lessons that come with making life work on my terms.

In this episode, I take you throught my first experience playing an adaptive sport - wheelchair rugby! I joined a practice with WASA (Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association) and got a firsthand experience with this sport. I share what it was like using a rugby chair for the first time, how it compares to my everyday chair, and the differences between chairs designed for players with varying levels of hand function and core stability. If you've ever been curious about adaptive sports, this episode's for you!

Learn more about WASA here: www.wasa.org

In this episode, I turn the focus back to the mental and emotional side of living with a spinal cord injury by breaking down some common platitudes-how they have taken on new meaning, why they don't resonate, and which ones should really be avoided due to their unintended, negative connotations. Words have power, and the way we talk about disability, resilience, recovery and life after injury matters. Let's talk about what actually helps and what we can leave behind.

Happy Valentine's Day! In this episode, I dive into what it's like being in an inter-abled marriage with my husband and how, while not drastically, my spinal cord injury has changed our relationship. From the ways we've adapted in daily life to the deeper connections we've built, I share and honest look at love after injury. And since no Valentine's Day episode would be complete without it, I also talk about intimacy post-SCI--because it's an important part of relationships that deserves more conversation. Whether you're celebrating today with a partner, friends, or some well-deserved self-love, this episode is all about connection, resilience, and the different ways love grows.

In this episode, I'm diving into how my daily life has evolved over the past six months. From changes in my daily care routine to the major shift of converting from a complete to an incomplete injury, I break down what these transitions have meant for me. I'll roll you through what a typical day looks like now--what's easier, what's still a challenge, and how I'm adapting along the way. Whether you're on a similar journey or just curious about life with a spinal cord injury, join me for an honest look at how recovery keeps changing.

In this episode, I'm sharing all about our first road trip and hotel stay since my injury. From planning the drive to making sure our hotel room was actually accessible; this trip was full of learning experiences. I'll talk about how I managed being in the car for an extended time, the extra equipment we brought to make things easier, and what worked (and what didn't) in our accessible hotel room. Whether you're planning your own trip or just curious about the logistics of accessible travel, this episode has tips and takeaways.

Facing a cold is tough for anyone, but as a paraplegic, it comes with unique challenges. In this episode, I share my experience dealing with my first cold post-injury. From managing symptoms with limited mobility to staying on top of potential complications, I discuss the strategies that helped me get through it and critical watch-outs. Whether you're looking for practical tips or curious about how to navigate a cold with a spinal cord injury, this episode has you covered.