Frequently Asked Questions Page

Hopefully this page will answer some of those questions that the uninitiated or newly injured always ask. I know that when I was a newbie to all this, the amount of questions I had running around my head made me dizzy.

Q - This spinal injury thing, is there a cure?

A - Well, no. There are thousands of research projects currently investigating a 'Cure', and Spinal Research Trust raise funds with just this aim in mind. There link is on the left. Christopher Reeves has recently been very active in saying that he will walk again within 5 years, but I personal feel this is extremely unlikely. 10 to 20 years maybe... I would love for him to be proved right though. Stop Press! I have just watched a program here in England which made me think again about this cure aspect of life with an SCI. In it Professor Winston (a famous fertility expert who also now does informative programs on the human body) described how major advances are being made at this very moment. The programme was Super Human. So it seems that Christopher Reeves maybe not that far off the mark, just a little optimistic.

Q - God, you must be brave to cope with life in a chair?

A - Well, no actually. I have come to realise that life in a chair is really not that different to so called 'Normal Life'. Yeah sure there are problems, but then life would be so dull without a few ups and downs. I have come to believe that there are those who survive and those that don't, its just as simple as that, and you have to make the best of what you've got. Just for the record there is a growing resistance to this type of comment, not deemed PC you know....

Q - Whats it like not to be able to feel your legs?

A - Good question! For starters, my lack of sensation starts at about nipple level, so its much more than just my legs. As for what its like, well its like the numbness you get when you have dental work done, the only difference is that its there for life. Funny really, but I think that for me was the hardest thing to get my head round, knowing your legs and body are there, but you can't feel or move them.

Q - Do you still have a good sex life?

A - Simple answer is yes. Clinically speaking I can still get an erection, but can't ejaculate, but this is just my situation. With disabilities each person is different, and so that means what they can and can't do is unique to them. I have found that a open mind and healthy imagination are the best ways to find out what works for you and your partner.

Q - You've put together a good site, but do you need any specialist computer equipment?

A - Wow, you're on form. The only thing I use which could be classed as different is a trackball. I found that using a mouse was trying me out, but the smaller movements required with a trackball mean its a lot easier. Computer software has also progressed greatly since I was first injured. A lot of programs now offer accessibility options, such as drag lock on mouse controls. If in doubt, ask those who you buy your software from, I'm sure they'll have the answers.

Q - Where do you go for information?

A - Well, the main sites I do my research on are on the Links page, but these are but a few of the sites available on the web. Just for the record, when making a search, try more than one search engine for the best results.

Q - Do you ever get frustrated at peoples attitudes?

A - This situation has become a lot better since I was first injured. But it still means that some people do cause me problems now and again. People tend to fall into three groups;

Over helpful - Its really a shame, they really think they're helping. I had the classic example the other day, a woman tried to help by lifting the front of my chair over a step, but I had it under control. In trying to help, she actually did not realise that she was endangering me, as I did not have any anti-tips down on my chair, and she could have tipped me out of it.

He doesn't exist (talk over the top of you) - I have come to the conclusion that some people can mistake this one. People have asked my carer their opinion, and it has been misconstrued. Some people though use it as a defence mechanism, as they just don't know what to say.

Treat you as normal - This is the ideal, and thankfully the most common. If you offer help, thanks, but most times it's under control. I've got a big mouth on me, and will ask if helps required. I have had people get really upset because I've politely refused their help, but it just wasn't needed.