S.C.I. Chronicles

In this episode, I dive into Part 2 of my "20 Questions" series, where I answer the final 10 questions about life post-injury, recovery, and everything in between. These questions cover topics like adapting to daily challenges, personal growth, and collaborating with my medical team. Tune in for candid insights and a lot of reflection as i continue sharing my journey.

In this milestone episode, I'm answering 20 questions about life post-injury and my recovery journey - 10 questions at a time! Theses questions come from family, friends, and ones I've been asked in the past. In this episode, I dive into the moments that have shaped my experience so far. Join me for an honest and insightful conversation as I share what recovery really looks like. Don't forget to stay tuned for Part 2!

In this episode, I explore the paradox of being both new to life with a spinal cord injury and handed significant control over my medical decisions. I dive into the mental energy it takes to navigate unfamiliar scenarios, like choosing whether to get an IUD implant or deciding if antibiotics are necessary for a potential UTI. These decisions aren't just medical - they're deeply personal and often overwhelming. Join me as I share the challenges, insights, and lessons I'm learning about balancing autonomy with uncertainty in my recovery journey.

In this episode, I dive into everything I've learned about bladders and bladder management since my spinal cord injury. From navigating urology tests to better understand bladder and kidney function, to the different options for management, I share insights, lessons, and the realities of figuring out a system that works. Whether you're on a similar journey or curious about this aspect of SCI life, tune in for a candid and informative discussion.

After Nearly two months away, I'm back to share what's been going on behind the scenes. Recovery isn't all progress and milestones--it's also about facing the challenges that come along the way. For me, That's meant dealing with persistent bladder issues that have taken over more of my life than I ever anticipated. In this episode, I open up about these tougher moments, why they're just as crucial as the highs, and how I'm learning to move forward, even when the path feels heavy. If you've ever felt alone in your struggles, this one's for you.

In this episode, I'm sharing my experience participating in a research study at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where I took part in a manual wheelchair push test designed to gather valuable data on manual wheelchair users. This study was an opportunity to give back to the wheelchair user community in a meaningful way, knowing that the insights gained could make a difference in the lives of others navigating similar journeys.

I'll also be talking about the importance of meeting yourself where you're at especially when life throws you curveballs. A recent UTI has reminded me to pause and listen to my body, leading to a 3-week break that taught me a lot about self-care and patience in recovery. Join me as I dive into what it's been like reconnecting with my purpose through the research study and the pause.

Following lasts episode's update, in this episode, I dive into the importance of self-advocacy--what it means to me and how it plays a vital role in my journey with an spinal cord injury. From navigating conversations with my medical team to making decisions in daily activities, self-advocacy gives me an opportunity to be part of my health and gain independence. Join me as I share personal experiences and strategies that have helped me speak up for myself and shape my recovery.

In this episode, I'm back after taking a month-long break, and I want to share the reasons behind it. Recovering from a spinal cord injury is anything but straightforward, and sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges. Over the past month, I've been navigating new shifts in my recovery, from physical changes to mental health struggles, and just needing some time to reset and refocus. Join me as I dive into what's been happening, how I've been handling it all, and what's next.

In this episode, I take you through a day in my life five months after my spinal cord injury. It's been a journey of adaptation and change since I last recorded an episode like this three months ago. I'll share how my routines have evolved, the new challenges I face and the small victories gaining more independence. Whether you're on a similar path or just curious about life after a spinal cord injury, this episode offers an honest look at what recovery looks like for me right now.

In this episode, I share the emotional and physical journey of returning to work in person for the first time since my spinal cord injury. As a newly paraplegic individual, this experience was filled with challenges, accomplishments and a few surprises. I discuss the preparation, the day of and the aftermath of completing an 8-hour-day on site. Join me as i reflect on what this milestone means for my perception of independence and the importance of small victories.