My spinal cord injury is beneficial to vanlife, especially when using the bathroom. | VANLIFE |
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- čas přidán 15. 04. 2024
- I am a wheelchair user with a spinal cord injury and I live full-time in my Campervan. In this video I describe how I manage without a bathroom in my Campervan. I get really personal and discuss catheters and neurogenic bladder.
My Instagram : keepinitwheel306
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This is super helpful! I’ve been a para for 11 years now so I’m no stranger to regular bladder/bowel care but I’m in the process of building my van and figuring stuff like this out. Thank you so much! So nice to learn from someone who’s figured this stuff out! These videos are always so helpful
Your comment just made my week! It’s intimidating to put this info out into the world but knowing it has helped at least one person validates why I’m doing it. Thanks so much! Have fun with your van build, it’s going to open up a whole new world.
Your honest approach to this issue will surely be beneficial to the para community, who like you, won't let a little setback stop your forward movement and active lifestyle. I truly love the way you roll and thanks for keeping it real. "If you don't take the first step forward, you'll always be in the same place." 🤙🏼
Thanks for dropping in and sharing some positive feedback, you rock!
I think you told your story of your bathroom needs extremely well and it certainly makes a person realise what you have to go through .thankyou
Thank you for recognizing that!
As a retired critical care nurse your educational teaching was spot on.
You truly are going to be a help and inspiration for so many.
I’m over here thinking well damn I didn’t want to takeoff in a van because I have seven dogs. How am I gonna manage that 🤔
I gotta try to figure that out. And I’m watching you and I’m like hell. OK I can seriously do this. Where there’s a will, there’s a way
When we think that we have issues and somebody else shares theirs and have conquered their situation, it is such an inspiration.
Thank you and have an amazing day.👊💖
Aw thanks for commenting. I absolutely want to motivate others to overcome their obstacles so the latter part of your comment absolutely validates that.
@@Keepinitwheel306 👊💖
You are incredibly brave and a true inspiration for EVERYONE!
Aw shucks, thanks for the compliment.
That, young lady, was amazing. 😀
Hell Yeah Go Girl!!!!!
Hi again, I'm a caregiver and I was wondering how you managed your daily care...you are amazingly brave! You are a inspiration,how strong a human can be! Thank-you for sharing. ❤
I’m glad you know now ha ha if there’s any other questions you have let me know and I’ll see if I can answer them
You’re an absolute B-12 shot in the arm of motivation for me. Thank you!
Haha thanks, I think? 😄
YOUR AN ANGEL! THANKS FOR THE INFO. GREAT FOR ALL OF US
As a retired Occupational Therapist I of course am interested in all things re: accessibility. I am glad to have the information to share with folks whom I encounter. But it also gives me ideas for dealing with my own mobility limitations 2° to arthritis. Thanks so much.
Paras are so intriguing.
Wow you are amazing! You don’t let anything stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. Thank you for sharing!
It’s all worth it to have the freedom of the open road :)
Thank you for sharing this information in detail. I learned so much! I've been an occupational therapist for 35 years, but have minimal experience working with people with spinal cord injuries. I found this video very interesting and informative. I appreciate the education! Safe travels. Keep keepin' it wheel!
Right on!! I didn’t know if the subject would interest people but I’m happy you commented to let me know it was informative.
You're amazing.I told you how envious I am.I wish to do your wife's style.I too, and we'll turn around as I told you the things that you're able to share.You should be so proud of yourself.And your inspiration to me and lots of other people.Thank you so much
Love this! Thank you for sharing. I love how wheel it was! I love honest content over fake or scripted.
I am not disabled but I think you got urine handled, and I could definitely do that system. Also, (can't remember term) I am super glad to even hear that there is such a thing as "relocating" the catheter option. I honestly had no idea that was a thing but I am definitely empathic with relief for you and for anyone it benefits. I think it's really cool.
Anyway, for the #2, I think your updated system seems pretty legit. The gel cushion make it look super fancy! I would like to say I could handle that. But I also have weird guts that are weirdly sensitive to weird things and I generally know my proximity to the nearest bathroom at all time anyway. So I probably would have to be colostomy or diapers. Not trying to poke fun. I say this because if I lost the use of my sphincter muscle, I wouldn't even make it to a receptacle. It would be my pants or a bypass.
Which made me curious about your diet and how many calories you have to take in in a day. Could be a good video. 🤔 Thanks again for sharing. 👍👍🫂🤟
What an Amazing person
what an inspiring video - thank you for sharing.
I'm getting ready to start van life myself and just thinking about it I'm finding it challenging. Thank you for sharing your experiences. You have help make me feel a little better about it. Look forward to seeing more of you and your adventures.
Thank you so much 🙌🙌 If there’s anything causing you to worry about Vanlife, let me know and I can try to put your mind at ease. Cheers!
I had polio and wear a leg brace, used to wear 2. I I can walk. It’s just harder now, but just bought an 89 Toyota dolphin RV. I’m trying to work a better way to get into it, but I think I got that figured out. It won’t cost me more money. I don’t wanna live it because I have a home. I’m a widow, but I was and am a little scared to travel like I used to. If you can do it, I can do it. I am older of course. You are amazing. Send some of your courage my way. 🙏
I hope the way to get into the RV works out!! The more time you spend on the road in your RV, the more the fear of travel dissolves. You’ve got this!!
Great video! I am sure most people have no idea what organ systems are all influenced by a spinal cord injury. You also can't walk up to someone and adk these very personal questions. I didn't even learn that all in medical school.
I totally agree :) it was intimidating to make the video but I’m glad some people are finding it educational. Thanks for watching.
true beauty is in the heart, and you are a beautiful person inside and out girl you go and show them you are not handicap, obstacles in your way, but you hurdle them with nicely God bless you.
Thank you, I appreciate those words so much.
Thank you for being so transparent. I learned a lot! Love how adventurous you are!
Thank you so much for watching with an open mind. I appreciate you!
Thank you for sharing this piece of science and ingenuity! It takes a strong person to tackle this topic! I appreciate the amount of details you provided as well! I learned quiet a few things about spinal injuries and how to independently take care of yourself.
Thank you for watching the video, and sounds like it was with an open mind! I appreciate it so much.
Thats a great idea for the toilet and has the stability that you need. Thinking outside the box, pardon the pun 😄. Good luck on your travels. I think your very brave and i admire you for getting out there and living your life your way, probably a little bit crazy as well, in the nicest possible way. Wishing you safe and happy adventures. I hope you achieve everything you set out to do 👍. Xx
i love your approach to solving problems!
Thanks! I could say that engineering, taught me everything I know, but more likely I had a knack for problem-solving, and that’s why I went into engineering lol
I think generally we probably take our bladder and bowel function for granted until something happens to place it in the forefront of our thinking. I take medication to regulate my bladder function, have done for 8 years now and I’m thankful for it everyday. I found your video very informative. I look forward to following you on your adventures.
I agree, well I think we take most things first granted until something happens. I’m happy to have you along in the journey :)
@@Keepinitwheel306 already watched most of your videos, they’re great! In the spirit of van items having more than one purpose - the next time you get a such a big block of cheese, you could always use it as a leveller for your van!!
@@EYEMISSSEINFELD ha! Now why didn’t I think of that?
@@Keepinitwheel306 I guess sometimes we just can’t see the forest for the cheese!
@@EYEMISSSEINFELD haha I’m dying 😂
I am amazed at how innovative and courageous people who have spinal cord injuries manage life. Thank you for sharing this video. I hope that the time will come when you are able to have an in van bathroom. Lots of good wishes coming
your way.
I think I’d have to upgrade to a bus to fit a bathroom in! You’re correct, the slave, certainly sharpens our problem-solving and ingenuity skills
This is the first time I have run across your videos. I just subscribed and you will now be a regular. You are ingenious and are motivating me push past my stiff joints and get moving.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you found the channel and I hope you have a great journey to keep on moving.
Great video! Very helpful, very informative!
I appreciate all the tips, ideas, and your ingenuity!!!
Thank you so much!
My pleasure 😊
I don’t know if I said this before but I love your name. It reminds me of Lisa Frank School Supplies 🦄
Ha yes those fun 90’s stickers. Glad it brings up some nostalgia
Hi, Lisa. Hope all is well. That was a great video. It was very informative and in a very chill way. You are a great storyteller and presenter. I almost bought a small class B RV to use as my everyday transportation and mostly because of the bathroom. However, I can turn anything, anywhere, at any time into a bathroom.😂 A drastic necessity warrants a drastic solution.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy! Everything else is manageable!
Pops
Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Continue to enjoy your amazing journey. 🙏🏾😊🌞
Very interesting. You are awesome
I’m glad you found it informative!
Hi from New Zealand! You INSPIRE me! Thank you my fiend and bless you xx
Thank you
@@Keepinitwheel306 🥰
You are amazing and I enjoy all your adventures
Thank you!!!! I’m not sure talking about poop and pee is an adventure - or maybe it is??? Either way, next video will involve more outdoorsy adventures 😂
I like how you use your space. The toilet idea is great!
Thanks! That bench is the gift that keep on giving, so many uses haha
Thanks for sharing. Very interesting to hear how you make it work.
Thanks for watching! Let me know if you have other questions about how I make Vanlife work.
@@Keepinitwheel306 I was actually wondering how you got into your bed, but you demonstrated it in this video 😊
@@user-fc7pr5yc8c perfect!
Thanks for sharing. I’m trying to decide between getting something like a Winnebago Roam or building something myself.
Definitely build your own. Just start with a shell 🐚
Youre so amazing and handy! Is there anything you cant do! Haha. Such a sweet setup you got. Good video, thanks for being so open. You're one neat and interesting woman! Cheers
Well I can’t walk or stand ;) 🤷♀️ but everything else is fair play haha. Thanks for tuning in!!
Badass! I was an RN at female prison. I got pulled to step down unit and one of the inmates was paralyzed from neck down. Her attendants told me she needed digital stim to poop so i went through records to verify. It seemed legit so i did it and at change of shift the oncoming nurse said “she doesnt need digital stim , you got tricked lol” oh man. I felt creeped out lol
Also, i use home depot bucket for poop and detergent bottle for most urine. I live in converted cargo trailer camper as nomad. I have rbka so i use prosthetic so can ambulate pretty good.
Oh wow that’s one heck of a trick to pull on someone! At least you have a good story from it.
Do you have one of those fancy toilet lids for your bucket? 😂
How are your UTI's on the road? I've had issues and some public bathrooms have most likely given me one. Do you keep Cipro or other antibiotics with you on the road? I love the setup of one your Canadian friends where she had the full bench for shower that also doubled as the toilet by lifting off the cushioned seat. Thanks for sharing. Appreciate your openness!
I've only had one while on the road in 3 years...which is WILD since I used to get 4-5 per year. I credit having less stress in my life (mostly from my previous job) and a boosted immune system from being so much happier. I do carry Macrobid with me and take that after I have dropped off a urine sample for culture.I avoid Cipro as it has been associated with tendon tears.
Thanks for doing this video, very helpful information! I’m not familiar with that gel, can you share a name or source?
Sorry, which gel are you referring to? The gel pads on the toilet?
@@Keepinitwheel306yes the pads on the toilet. They look much simpler than an upholstered bench.
@@pmcallister I bought them on Amazon but honestly I don't recommend them because they are pretty thin. Here is the link though: www.amazon.com/Kindax-Portable-Washable-Universal-Self-Adesive/dp/B072JR944F?pd_rd_w=zMvMT&content-id=amzn1.sym.54a4b70b-6e28-4876-928a-df4db2e325f5&pf_rd_p=54a4b70b-6e28-4876-928a-df4db2e325f5&pf_rd_r=ZRS77HV8BCX8TRVYWS0Z&pd_rd_wg=BmYCR&pd_rd_r=a4e2a27a-4be6-4363-9021-0143ab144a20&pd_rd_i=B072JR944F&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_4_t&th=1
@@Keepinitwheel306thanks! Probably not the answer for someone who spends more time on the bench. Appreciate the info and kudos for being detailed with what you shared.
I am just curious, since you need to use digital stimulation, would it be easier to reach back there while sitting down if you make the toilet seat hole longer in the front?
That would be nice but they’re just isn’t room in the bench lid. If I make it longer, it would cut too close to the edge and could possibly break when I put my weight on it.
Also, about the catheter, are there times that you’re not able to empty the urine bag after you cath? A lot of times i cath in the car, and leave the urine bag inside until i find a trash bin in wherever i’m going, if i can’t find one, i wait till i get home and toss it in the trash. My question is, does the speedicath bag keep the urine inside and not leak? Mine does and i have to tie it stop it from leaking out. I’m looking for a cath system that’ll solve this problem. Thanks!
I do the same, the speedcath doesn’t leak but the bag could puncture so that’s why I prefer the bottles and only use the speedicath if I’m outside and can empty it or if the bottles are full
@@Keepinitwheel306 thank you!
First time hearing about Mitrofanoff. Can a male para have that surgery? I think i want one!
I don’t see why it couldn’t be done. The augmentation part at least I know can be done to a male.
Some doctors won't do it, unless you absolutely need it (redirection of your urethra). But the bladder enlargement 100% they will.
How do you know when you have to pee?
I start sweating and get goosebumps. Bodies are weird but amazing!
Been roughing in a house going on 8 years, so, yeah I’m doing it, but my view has gotten crappy, so I’m about ready to hit the road. Have to finish my taxes first.
Thanks for the reminder to do my own taxes!!
@@Keepinitwheel306Didn’t know Canada had an income tax return, I had heard that they just kept a certain percentage.
@@sunshine3914 they can take a percentage from our paycheques but then we still file out taxes and hope we get a refund.
@@Keepinitwheel306Just like the US, eh? When’s the deadline? Missed ours 23 hours ago.
@@sunshine3914 April 30! Tick tock!
Uh..dang woman! You just incinerated all of my excuses
Mission accomplished haha
I made a dream ! Life in Vanlife.. BUT i leave in France. The facilities are two world between US and France. Second things, how do u manage love and boyfriend ? Did you pack it on the fridge ? (Joke).
I am single and quite happy with that, but still open to a partner. I’ve often wondered if Vanlife is easier in Europe.
@@Keepinitwheel306 Sadlyn the facilites depend of the country u leave. In the northern, as Danemark, Sweden, its ok. But in the South as France or Spain, its almost impossible to be free with facilities outside the van.
@@dagnaldudule6049 are you speaking of difficulty with finding an accessible bathroom or general access to shops and the like? I've not spent much time in France or Italy since my wheelchair days and that has all been with hotels in recent years. I have been in Austria and Germany for several months in recent years and things are not great there either.
Anyone in van or rv life has piss container of some sort.
That hasn't been my experience. I have met a lot of people who couldn't fathom peeing in a container. I'm glad some people aren't grossed out about it though.
why would you want to tell how you go to the bathroom?
If it gives one person with neurogenic bladder some ideas, it’s worth sharing. Read the comments, it has benefited some.
She is a real one or Wheel One 😂 ❤ 🤌👍