General Disability Lifestyle

Posted on: Tue, Jun 3 2008 1:26 PM

Posted by: Olivette Turbeville Posts: 541

I thinik parking a powerchair on a bad-guys foot (or chest) would be a pretty good defense mechanism.  ???  It seems to scare  pedestrians on sidewalks! 

Posted on: Wed, Jun 4 2008 2:27 AM

Posted by: Hypatia Posts: 373

Welcome winter. Ducky01 made some great suggestions. Also, I know our police department offers (or at least used to) a basic self defense course, so it might be worth checking with your PD to ask if they offer a course and if so find out if there is a version for folks with disabilities. 

I took a self defense course many years ago, pre SCI, and your post has made me think that perhaps I should now check with the PD once more to see if they still offer a course, and a version for the disabled. The suggestion for checking with the University is a good one also.

While it's true that our crutches, w/c, etc. could be good weapons, it could be a good idea (as someone has mentioned) to make sure we know how to use them to our advantage and not end up having them used as weapons against us. After all, the disabled are often times looked upon as easy prey, and the purpose of learning self defense to begin with is to learn to our make weak areas into advantage points.

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/

www.ffrf.org

Posted on: Fri, Jun 6 2008 10:31 AM

Posted by: cudachaser Posts: 2,230

 Hi Winter

I also have neuropathy. I use cutches or a wheelchair all the time. I can only do a few steps unassisted.

I'm not really concerned about self defense, I live in a very safe area...however you can do some real damage with a well aimed crutch tip! 

Posted on: Fri, Jun 6 2008 5:36 PM

Posted by: Loridory Posts: 49

I'm posting here cuz I want to ask both Winter and Cuda about neuropathy.  I'm persuing this diagnosis as I have had for a long time the burning and aching in my feet to where there were times I could only crawl.  I also have it in my hands.  Aren't there several diff types.  I know I'm looking at peripheral and I've made an appt. with my neuro.  Any advice from the insiders that might help get this on the fast track?  I have Cushing's and so this neuropathy was missed.  What's your advice to help me get the dr. to do what I need done?  Thanks, in advance for any help or advice, Loridory

Oh, by the way, as far a self-defence.  I have 2 dogs.  Tornado's pit/dalmation, and the biggest baby in the world.  He's no good for defence because he'd just lick 'em to death.  He's great for pain management, though.  Lays against my legs or back when it hurts and the counter pressure helps a lot.  He gets service dog status for pain management.  I have another dog, her name is Maya.  She's my wheelchair dog cuz she isn't such a spaz like Tornado.  She's the sweetest thing.  She's some mix of German Shepard and wolf.  She's petite for shepard breed and everybody thinks she's gonna bit them.  She's so quiet and mello that she gives that "lying in wait to attack" impression.  Tornado is never mistaken for a mean dog, even though his build it pit, cuz he's such a show off and a goof.  Either one freaks out people when I open the door.

Posted on: Fri, Jun 6 2008 6:26 PM

Posted by: cudachaser Posts: 2,230

 I see a neurologist regularly...first thing they do is give you a nerve conductivty test...it's really weird, muscles twitch and contract on their own!

At one point the neurologist ordered an MRI of my neck. When the results came back, he immediately sent me to a neurosurgeon. The surgeon wanted to cut on my neck since my neuropathy was apparently being caused from cervical disc deterioration...I refused. Two years later...I still use crutches and a wheelchair but I feel OK...the neurotin meds I take numb the pains so I'm about as active as ever...even teaching Scuba diving.

I know my condition will worsen over time...but I'm deathly afraid of surgery

Joe 

Posted on: Fri, Jun 6 2008 6:31 PM

Posted by: vrimkreaper Posts: 133

im about to go out and get me a rifle or a pistol,but i also have an eight pound metal pole with a fiberglasish cast to take off and beat someone with.i have a knife and moodswings so that helps

Posted on: Fri, Jun 6 2008 10:32 PM

Posted by: winter Posts: 4

Hi Tiffany,

It started mainly in my outer legs, like the L5 nerve will not function, and I would get numbness and weakness and be unable to walk in heels.  With time, it start to progress to my thighs.  It's strange because it's only certain parts of my body that are weak and numb, but the others are fine.  I am also noticing it in my hands, but again, only certain fingers or sections.

And the Doctors have tested me for everything! and everything comes negative.  I am at a loss, I really have no idea what to do next.

oh....and no pain, just numbness and weakness.

Tks :)

Posted on: Fri, Jun 6 2008 10:33 PM

Posted by: winter Posts: 4

wow, thank you all for being so nice and responsive =)

I will take all of your suggestions and try to find something.