I have a daughter with Tetraplegic CP and I have NEVER heard this from any of her doctors! We have so much trouble with her ability to go to the bathroom. Thank you TH-cam algorithm and thank YOU for putting this on my radar. I’m going to look into it for her.
@@EmpoweredPara You mention nothing about taking a laxative to help you go to the bathroom, and that you would be using gloves and lube and making nice round circles to try to get it to come out, and also, wow, how do people not know, especially if they have a child who can not move well enough to go on their own, other then the fact children are often put in diapers I guess?? But what would concern me is what if that child is constipated and so it will not come out easy into some diaper... so how can they not know these things?! I would highly suggest they go learn anything else they don't know, like basic wheelchair repair as much as their are situations where you will have to have someone fix or replace something anyway... I strongly suggest that everyone should learn how to fix their mobility aids or the parent on their behalf. That's horrible!, poor child! The parent would need to make it come out. The other thing you should probably be bringing up, is the fact you can cause injury to your body doing that all the time. Also this was a random video I found, and also I don't think their is anything I'm going to learn from you that I don't already have some idea about about the only thing I don't know is like someone telling me they are a T3 T4 or whatever I would not have that all remembered like just how much could they fill based on the letter fallowed by a number, I could not tell you for the most part other then from what some friend of mine told me as they were what they were but in most cases I already forgot where down the spine it might be. I was born with multiple disabilities and do not have a SCI. also interesting enough I do not know many people who have CP who are Tetraplegic, most of these people who I have known how are in many cases a little different one with way more uncontrollable involuntary movements then the other and so on. Most had some upper body movement if not much control so that's interesting. I think if I was doing this video I would explain the hole thing as I would hate for someone watching to cause injury to themselves or someone else they are taking care of. If you are emailing that mother back and forth I would tell them what else they should learn. Where do I start... like I said they should learn some basic wheelchair repair or maybe it is a powerchair either way you get the point. Learn about pressure sours and how to prevent that if you somehow don't know that yet either. If you can get a wheelchair or powerchair that can tilt and recline, and a standing frame for use around the house. There's a video idea for you lol a list of stuff for all the new people or new parents who have children with disabilities. Also considering you were not born with a disability I have to wonder what I know that you might not know, as much as I think you know enough, so you know, just start your videos and allow us to other people with disabilities comment on anything your skipped, plus their are tricks to thing you might not have though about... one thing that comes to mind is fibbing to paratransit so that when they screw up and get you somewhere late you still show up on time if in the neck of time lol. Seeing as some people in wheelchairs drive not everyone uses paratransit and also in some cases their are no services in the area someone might be living in. Also in the UK for example they have handicapped access public restroom keys which is not a thing in the US that a new person would know about. That is kind of odd as here in the US we just have a tiny stall that is almost too small to fix my powerchair with a bunch of note accessible stalls, or we have the problem were a store or other place uses that spot for storage, which is just an other reason to have a catheter *sigh*, and why you might find yourself emptying your pee into a sink while you are not the only one in there. 🙂Because ADA law means nothing to America in most cases, but hey at least if you did not need to go poop you can empty it into a sink. An other fun or rather not so fun when going down memory lane, is a video of horror stories as told by people with disabilities... so what are your funny or not so funny horror stories?
Your channel raises my knowledge, empathy and understanding of people who have less mobility than average. I have an autoimmune disease which is chipping away at my mobility and your channel increases acceptance and understanding of this community. Thank you.
dude youtube shines such a light how horrid the US medical field CAN be. you have to advocate for your self. boy-o is that more than true. almost have to be your own doctor.
I just found your channel. I worked with a guy for years that has been paralyzed from the chest down from a bow hunting accident, I'll always remember his saying to the guys that were complaining about stuff they didn't want to do. He just looks at them and says " I don't like to stick a finger up my ass to shit either, but a have too" He was one of the best co-workers I ever had.
Nice to see someone talking about this. My wife has MS and as it has progressed, and with her limited mobility, I had to start "helping" her with this. I was kinda surprised, when she finally had to move into a nursing home, they had no clue about this, including their doctors. I had to teach them and fight for them to understand the necessity and the risks if not maintained. God Bless and don't hold back on those little things no one wants to talk about.
My mom has MS and had to do a 2 month stint in the hospital recently. It was a nightmare cause they were brutally clueless. Late on her meds all the time, constantly giving her laxatives that were extremely aggressive and unnecessary. I don’t know why, they were the ones that had to clean it up! A friend or family member had to stay with her 24 hours a day and fight for proper care just to make sure she didn’t friggin die! You can’t just be late with medications. Like… what the hell?? Anyways, sadly you’re not alone but I know it feels that way. I’m sorry for the hand you and your wife have been dealt… it’s cruel and heartbreaking ❤
@@EmilyJBunny I truly appreciate the kind words. We are the fighters for those who can't. I visit my wife daily in the nursing home to ensure everything is going smoothly. I know the stress and frustration you deal with, but please keep in mind, hospitals and our healthcare services have been severely ignored by our society. Yes, when you feel something isn't being handled correctly, I'd suggest requesting a meeting with the administrator, head doc along with the nurse supervisor, maybe include a Patient advocate. Sit and explain the needs and necessity. Discuss options and alternatives. When they see you care, and you're not just complaining, they are more than willing to modify their procedures to get things done properly.... Give them a chance... We all deal with the stress of the situation, but remember, a single nurse or aide has to deal with 10 or 20 patients, families, and stress... Help them to help you. God Bless.
@@jtrourke667 JT, my mom's getting older and needs a lot of care. Somehow, this summer, I went from being the baby in the family to being responsible for mom's care. I've felt like I had to suddenly grow up all at once. Thanks for sharing you experience working with the medical system and how to advocate. It's nice to know that people have are walking this path that I'm getting started on.
@@wolfumz You are not alone. Don't forget to take care of yourself. If you're not in good health (mentally and/or physically) you're less likely to be able to help your mom. Look into Medicaid in your state. They usually have options for home health aide coverage, transport to and from doc appts, even home delivered meals. Check with your county Dept. of Aging or your local Health Dept. to get ideas on available programs that may help you and your mom. Finally, check with your local library, hospital, and colleges, for Caregiver support groups. Here you'll find others in similar situations and find the support you need, get ideas, and maybe even network to find part time help if Medicaid isn't available. Hope this helps a bit. Take care of yourself. Don't hesitate to talk to someone if you feel overwhelmed. 😇🤗
@@EmilyJBunny Most medications can be safely given a little later than scheduled. In fact, it's almost impossible in most hospitals to give medication EXACTLY on time. Also, laxatives are often given because opioid pain meds cause fecal impaction.
As someone who is not paralyzed this video reminds me of all of the countless things we completely able bodied people take for granted. It never occurred to me that a para person lost the ability to accomplish such basic bodily functions as going to the bathroom. It must be terrible that not only do you have to deal with lifelong paralyzation, you have lost complete dignity of modesty and privacy. You are super human strong to deal with all of this and still manage these positive helpful videos to those who need the help and advice. You're amazing!
@@XeLTH-cam Without agreeing or disagreeing with you, what does that have to do with this topic? So you're against keeping animals in cages? OK. .. I don't see the connection to this thread or video.
I love real takes like this. Most people avoid the really unflattering parts of disability. Thank you for sharing this story. I know that this has helped someone.
I'm a paraplegic. I appreciate you bringing this out in the open. When people find out I'm paralyzed, they express sadness for me not being able to walk, run, or go up stairs. But the real problem with not having sensation or voluntary movement is things like bathroom issues. It's embarrassing, but I'm glad people are curious and learn about the real issues.
Hi... just came across your channel! My mom did it for me the first time in rehab ( teaching lesson). Being I had to wear a back brace ( turtle shell), I was advised to do it in the bed laying on my side. Long story short, I did my poop like this for about a month after I got home from rehab. My mom cried every time (I cried on the inside). One night, my mom didn’t come home on poop night. That’s when I I started doing it myself. I finally learned to do it on the toilet. Anyway... 31 years later, “check” almost every day, either gotta go or not. Wayyyy less accidents. First day out of rehab, airplane ride, talk about a shit story!! ‘Poor first class passengers! Again, my mom cried. My dad in shock, me... numb ( literally emotionally and physically). Crazy days! Me: injured at 23, T7 complete. 31 years post injury. ‘Keep up the informative channel. !!
Omg! I would literally have died inside if I shit myself on an airplane! It makes for such a good story now though lol! If you can make it through that you can make it through pretty much anything!
Ahhh the guilt. Wish I learned about digital stimulation sooner. Coulda saved my sister a lot of pain. She couldn't push hard enough, we didn't know. We had to resort to having to force her to push by lifting her up a bit (which she would end up pushing). Everytime. Plus 💩 mixed with bed sore wound is a heck of cleaning.
Spinal rehab nurse here, you did a great job explaining this in a relatable way! On a related humorous note, one of my patients liked to jokingly refer to a dig stim as "a Digimon", so they're now kind of our unofficial unit mascot, lol
Thanks for making this little fact of life so natural. Disabilities require understanding to appreciate everyone’s life and struggles. No one is perfect, but you’re pretty close to it in how you have approached life.
My cousin was born paralyzed. Her being younger then me, I grew up learning and helping her with everything. Some things like this it takes me a second that not everyone grows up knowing how to go to the bathroom when you can't feel anything.
Brittany you really helped me to understand toileting someone with severe Cerebral Palsy. While they are not paralysed, their brain messaging can be erratic when it comes to pooping and sometimes they also need some help via digital stimulation. Your positive and honest approach on such sensitive subjects is just perfect.
Wow! Not paralyzed, and this was an eye-opener. You had a great mother to help you for those 5 years or so. I’m sure the mature you knows that. I’m amazed I got to be an old man and never thought about paralysis ramifications such as you have courageously revealed in the videos I have stumbled across. Thank you for the education. We all need to encourage all aspects of accessibility since it is the minimum we should do to help paralyzed people who already have a set of needs most of us don’t even know about. You have tremendous courage. Stay as well as you can.
I did something VERY similar when I had a prolapsed hemorrhoid that I delayed caring for. Every time I had a bowel movement, I had to push the hemorrhoid back in, otherwise, it would be extremely uncomfortable. Granted, nothing on the wavelength of your battle. Your humility and candidness is extremely heartwarming, and your positive attitude glows as bright as a billion suns. God Bless.
What a great video! Not paralysed here, but I did that learn pushing back hemorrhoids with “digital” stimulation has it’s benefits. Never have I ever thought it would come to that, but here I am. Your positive and real attitude brings a smile to my face.
Thank you for this comment! I didn’t even know you can do that! Thought it might have been growing or inflamed on the outside - been absolutely miserable for the last few days till I pushed em in today. It was like instant relief.
Don’t know how you showed up in my feed but I’m truly glad you did! Your honesty and sense of humor are amazing! I love learning about other people’s journey and sometimes have to be extra sensitive that my curiosity doesn’t offend. So this is gold. I have my own challenges but have no embarrassment about them and most times can just laugh. If not right then, soon after. It’s really nice to find likeminded others! Instant sub & happy holidays 🥰
I love your brutal honesty about this subject. These are things that non-paralyzed people don't realize about the condition. You are an amazing woman. ❤️
I guess I never thought of it like that. I actually fell and broke my back about 35 years ago. I was grounded that day, so I never told anyone (I was a kid). I didn’t go to the doctor either. However, several years later, I had found it was definitely broken. Fast forward to 2017, and that’s when I finally had back surgery. I had a laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and a fusion at L4-S1. I also have arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and fibromyalgia. I experience A LOT of weakness, numbness, and burning in my legs and butt. I also have to go to the bathroom A LOT for someone my age. It is not confirmed, but I think I actually have partial paralysis already. I can still walk, but it’s getting harder and harder as I age. I consider myself lucky I’m still able to walk, especially considering that fall was about 6-7 feet off the ground-directly onto my back. However, I worry about paralysis everyday. I watch a lot of videos like this just to learn about it, and to prepare myself for it. I worry about becoming completely paralyzed. I’m sure if, and when, the time comes, I will be mentally prepared. Physically, not so sure, but I see several videos like this, and everybody still appears to be positive and happy. That helps a lot in itself.
My prayers to you, you are incredibly strong and I just wanted to say that preparedness is the best thing you can do just in case. I can tell by your story that you must be independent and strong willed
@@warroom17 I am very independent. I don’t know if I just have nerve damage, or what exactly is going on. I figure it’s a possibility I could stay the same forever, but I also remind myself that the possibility of me becoming paralyzed still exists. I know that I will have to accept whatever happens.
@@babblesp1367 I agree, and the manner in which we choose to accept makes all the difference. I'm glad you chose the higher road and I will truly pray for your continued strength and determination. I went to the ER for back pain/immobility in September and found out I had stage 4 cancer which spread to my bones. The news was devastating, but at the same time, I'm glad I found out and am able to receive treatment. I avoided going to the Dr for a long time because of many experiences in which my wellness and recovery did not seem to be their priority.
Everyone poops! My late husband lived in a power chair the last decade of his life. We had the ‘bowel program’ down to five minutes. God Bless you Sweetie! 🙏🏼♥️🕊
@@TheSouthIsHot I know my high school students discovered this book back in the 80’s or 90’s and for the next 2 years that was their response to everything that applied to a large swath of the population.
I know I’m a bit late but TH-cam just recommended this video to me today. You have an amazing light about you that comes right thru the screen. Sorry if that sounds corny. I don’t mean it to be. Thank you for sharing your struggles about a difficult subject with humor and grace. I can (sort of) relate to what you’re going thru. My dad became a quadriplegic when I was 7 and he was teaching me to dive in our swimming pool. He just rolled off the 1st rung on the ladder that was out of the water and hit his chin on the bottom of the pool (not doing anything stupid and no push off with his feet). It was just me and him and luckily I figured out something was wrong and turned him over so he could breathe and started yelling for my mom. His spinal cord was just bruised. This was in 1974 when we basically knew nothing about spinal cord injuries. They told my mom he might live 5 years, tops (he made it to 62). My mother took care of him by herself along with me and my 4 year old sister. We all received quite an education and yes, this was one of many things we learned (my sister and I are both RNs now). I’ve subscribed to your channel and will be going back to look thru your older videos. Thank you again for bringing up such a sensitive topic.
Wow, it's amazing that you were able to save your father's life, essentially, at just 7 years old. I never learned how to swim properly because the only time I had access to a pool was on a weekend vacation once a year at a hotel. I did have an incident with my dad in the pool one of those times, however. I'm not sure how old I was, but probably around 9. He would stand in the middle of the pool up to his chest in water and I would jump in for him to catch me. It was a fun game until one time I got too ambitious and jumped too far, landing on my dad's head, causing him to be unable to catch me properly and I went underwater. I thought I was going to drown and panicked, flailing my body around in an attempt to save myself. My dad managed to get my wriggling body up out of the water, and thankfully neither of us had lasting injuries. I can't imagine how guilty I would feel if my landing on his head would have paralyzed him. But honestly, great job on knowing how to save your dad and also knowing that something was wrong as such a young girl. I'm so sorry that happened to you guys, but I'm happy he lived longer than the doctors gave him. And I love that you and your sister are both RN's now. Take care and thank you for sharing your story.
Must be the YT algorithms thought I needed to know about this. I've always wondered. You are a wonderful teacher, I trust you are using that talent to help others.
this was heart-breaking and hilarious all at the same time. my heart goes out to you, your mom, and all of your digits. that must have been a very rough time. thanks so much for your openness about this topic. these are things hardly anyone ever brings up, let alone has the courage to ask (or explain).
As a caregiver to a partner with severe MS and part-time carer to those in the community, i applaud you sharing your knowledge and leaving nothing taboo..."digital stimulation" was one of my first experiences as a caregiver and i was like "you want me to do WHAT??!!!" so i could only imagine how it must have felt to be the recipient of such personal care and at such a tender age
Being 13 at that juncture most likely helped, so innocent yet ready to take on the world, hopes and dreams (expectations) Heroic endeavors awaiting ….flexible.
@lesliepropheter5040 yes and no lol. Being 13 was beneficial in some ways - naivete, no financial responsibility, resiliency - and detrimental in other ways - immature, lots of people willing to feel sorry for me and enable me. But overall I'm glad I was paralyzed young, much easier to adapt
I deeply admire how secure you are in yourself, and how easily you speak to this topic and others. You seem like someone who has taken it upon themselves to surge forward every day. I hope you continue to. Many blessings.
I love your humor, perspective and attitude. Those things make or break "mentals" in life changing traumatic events. I also feel deal and heal with a side of laughter,... more like an entree. I appreciate the courage sharing such an intimate part of yourself with strangers!!!
I have no Idea why youtube recommended this video to me but watching this woman being able to stay positive and even have some humor about her situation makes me annoyed at myself for getting stuck on petty things! That speaks to the quality of her character, If you are reading this good luck to you Britney and keep on keeping on!
I want to thank you. I am always intrigued by how we grow and learn. You are a refreshing experience and I cannot thank you enough. I can become cynical about our specie and you have given me the precious gift of hope. What a bright spark of light you are.
I almost had to have one leg removed at 13. Spent 4 months in the hospital. Did not walk for over a year. Your story reminded me of having a lot of depression. Alone in the hospital crying. Adolescence made it tough. After a few years I regained the use of my leg. No one told me the amputation was touch and go every day. Had a bad case of gangrene too. Lots of skin grafts. Your a very brave well adjusted young woman.
For some reason this literally never occurred to me. Thank you for sharing, it really has increased my understanding of what you guys deal with on a daily basis. On the positive side, you never have to worry about a bathroom accident.
In re-watching these older videos of yours (my gawd, you were a blond once!), I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who thought that being paralyzed meant that one just couldn’t move their legs. I was so naive up to just 4 years ago that I didn’t know that one loses sensation, bowel and bladder control, and all the other things you’ve taught us about. Thank goodness someone came up with the concept of Digital Stimulation and catheters as it gives you back control over these functions and great independence. And independence is very important IMHO! And a long and healthy life as well. Live well Brittney!!
You should be given a TH-cam award! No-nonsense, straight to the point, and no politically correct concerns. As the famous detective always said, Just the facts ma'am!
@@dshe8637 In todays world everyone is so worried about offending someone with colorful or expressive language. Even you you got miffed just because I used the term "politically correct" which doesn't have anything to do with politics. Get a life!!
I knew this before, because my grandma suffered from parkinsonism and gradually lost her mobility before passing away. Her full-time carer did this for her even before she became paralyzed, because her muscles became weak from illness and she lacked bowel movement in general. Thank you for discussing the topic and talking about real life struggles that we able-bodied may not realize. I bet this knowledge will help many people.
I'm not sure how I got on your channel but I have to say. Your a beautiful woman and I really dig your humbleness and admire your courage and your ability to deal with your condition. I must say as a soldier I thought spending a few months in Walter Reid learning how to use my arm again was hard. I'm so embarrassed to think I had it rough. Your a BadAss..
Hey I think being a soldier is much more courageous then anything I've ever done! Never diminish your own accomplishments or obstacles that you have overcome just because you learn about someone else's!
@@EmpoweredPara With all do respect Ma'am I have a TON of respect for you. I was trained to expect what I went through. You were not. I admire your courage and positive attitude. You a wonderful wife and Mother.Your a Hero in my book!
I've been an RN for over seventeen years and I never thought or knew how people who are paralyzed go to the bathroom. I work on a cardiac and dialysis floor so don't see really any newly paralyzed patients. I have seen patients get so constipated for other reasons that they require to be "digitally disimpacted" meaning a doctor inserts a finger and digs out any poop. When you said digital stimulation I knew it involved using a finger but not sure exactly how until you explained it. I have had patients on chronic pain meds for years for chronic pain and had chronic constipation from it so bad that they would regularly "digitally disimpact" themselves. Thank you for being so candid about your experiences. Stay well! 💕
Zup iam in this boat because of opioid pain mds . The mds used too control the contispation don’t always work fully and this is sometimes nessary or it’s a visit to the ER
@Kathleen Givant-taylor Sorry you have to deal with that. My mom was on opioid pain meds including a Fentanyl pain patch and sometimes I would have to help her with a Fleets enema. She had severe neck and back problems so she would need help but with just the enema part because it's hard to squeeze the bottle once it's in place. Anyways, hope you stay well. ❤️
Congrat's and kudo's for being brave and strong enough to tell this story to people who don't know how different and difficult life can be after a spinal injury. I don't know that much, but I have been close friends with two people that were quad's before I met them, and one very close friend who, after a very bad accident in the oil patch where we worked in 1980, became a quad also. Your straight forward, no nonsense talk, is inspirational to people who find themselves needing information and advise after a horrible accident has changed their, or a loved one's life because of spinal injuries! At 68 years old now, I realize life is hard, but it can still be something to enjoy and even after a tragedy, it can be wonderful and rewardingly beautiful! Keep on fighting the good fight....life is very short and precious!
I had been a healthcare provider for a dozen years when I took a job at a physical rehab facility and learned about some of these things. Amazing the resiliency of the human spirit.
Wow! What a horrifying thing for a young girl to go through. I won't lie, I have had medical problems some that effect me in many ways, I could not handle the reality that I may go blind or have seizures or at one time possibly die. We that have gone through these horrors are super strong to still be here.
Great explanation! I don't think I would have been that cool, even after 13 and not to get on camera and talk about it. And you did it great! Paralyzed isn't the only thing that may take the digital route to poo. I have MS and when things just go into "I'm not doing it" mode and feeling stops in that area, you have to do it until the body decides to reroute the nerves and let things get back to a semi-normal state. I've had that happen, the whole "not going to walk because you can't feel your legs & feet. Thankfully, so far, it's remitted and I could handle things. You did a great job with this video. :)
I was born with Spina Bifida and I was given the word enema as how I was going to "regulate" my bowel routine. As a 33 year old adult, I admit, I've stopped doing it out of inconvenience to me having to go through it every other day & STILL having accidents in between anyway. Now I just use Goodnites (protective/ bedwetting underwear) on the daily. Any guy I meet that has a problem with that if we become intimate at any stage in our relationship is CLEARLY not the guy for me long term.
Well, guess I'm not complaining about having to do this every other day too. I can actually get to the bathroom in time 90% of cases where "an accident" could occur. I just hate the "diarrhea feeling" afterwards 😬
One other comment or suggestion - perhaps you already own one. I bought a bidet from Costco last year. Not expensive and easy install. Looks just like a toilet seat. Fabulous fabulous purchase. Crazy I waited until I was 63 to realize it is a necessity for me. Cleaner and more comfortable.
Very informative to people who don't know this technique. I've been slowly getting paralyzed over the years and have been having drama with number 2's. I was reading on the internet how people can have a much better quality of life once this digital business is implemented in their lives. I use it sometimes when things get backed up , especially when taking meds that can aggravate the situation. Reading about it, I was surprised to find that even some people without being paralyzed do this as well. Take care and let's both pray / hope for a cure.. Life SUX when you ain't got no moving legs.
Iam one because being a chronic pain patient on opioid pain killers they can affect ur feeling in bowels and also even bladder in certain cases. U have a choice ER for severe contispation or blockage or take matters in ur own hands. Not taking my pain killers means I don’t have any real quality of life without
You’re absolutely FABULOUS!!! Meeting you would be an honor. You are so strong confident and take on “life” head on. I’m an Italian from Pittsburgh and truly amazed and inspired by your video. God Bless.
Im late to replying but I've just recently found your channel. I had to take care of my mother when I was a young age, 12 or 13 till I moved out and she suffered through MS, not the same story as yours but the pooping part was hard for her as well, that had to be hard to talk about so thanks for sharing.
Hey, Just found your channel. I am a 12.5 year long t4/5 para. I can not imagine getting paralyzed as a teen. It would guess it is no more fun as a teen than it was as an adult in my early 30's. My experience with learning how to do dig stim was well, it just one more thing that I have to know how to do to keep living safely in the world now.
Hi, Dave here. I just stumbled on your channel and I must say you are amazing. I commend you for being so up front and candid about all of your struggles and triumphs over the years. Keep up the awesome channel and I wish you much continued success.
Just started your vid & amazingly, you’re the second very young person I’ve seen develop sudden paralysis at 13, in just the past couple of days (Google algorithm doing it’s thing no doubt). I had no idea of the numerous factors that can result in sudden paralysis.) You & the other amazing young girl, Sydney, were both 13 when struck down with this phenomenon. What you both have in common is that you’re incredibly strong & amazing, young women. I’m in awe of your strength & attitude. You’re an example to us all. Proud of both of you. You’re incredible! 💕 Edit: Finished the entire vid now & my God, girl, your SOH is effing incredible. I just adore your whole vibe & I’m a happy, new subscriber. I’ve had a rotten, past few years. Your humor & spirit has inspired me to hang in there. You’re fantastic, Brit!
This is so very educational and usefull. Thank you for sharing and being realistic and open about these topics... it just confirms that paralyzed persons and especially you, deserve a lots and lots of respect...
Jeez, that must have been rough to deal with as a teen. Thank you for sharing though, honest talk about the reality of health issues helps people so much. There are so many health problems, both mental and physical, that could be a little bit easier to live with if not for the "we don't talk about that" attitudes you so often find even among medical professionals. Not everyone is comfortable with being an educator, but the people who can do it and want to do it are goddamn treasures.
When I was crushed by a bundle of granite slabs tipping sideways when I was in between them and woke up in the hospital it enough of a shock seeing all of electrodes on my chest monitoring my heart with machines making noise 24/7 and even more if I moved or coughed. I had air hoses in my nose to breath and even some drainage hoses in my lung sticking into the side of my ribs from having crushed my lung collapsing it. But it was when the nurse who came to drain the catheter bag that's when I learned about the hose going up (well we know where it goes) that I really started thinking OMG what the hell did I do to myself which had its own mental issues for years being I never touched the bundle of slabs and the mind always ate at me and wondered why I never knew they were tipping over as I walked backwards into them so the PTSD kicks in and that's a story of it's own. But fast forward to a couple years later when I'm finally out of the hospitals and the spinal cord rehabs and my teenage high school daughters are growing up and going out with friends who are driving and all I worried about (PTS induced) was my kids in a car accident and me having to go see them in hospitals and rehabs paralyzed. So anytime they were going out I had them bring in who ever was driving to meet and talk to me about how fast their lives can change to one or all of them in the car simply by reading a text, the kids goofing around when the car is moving or the worse fear of all that they don't think about it and they get high or they drink and drive. After a few weeks realizing I'll never meet all of their potential friend who may drive them somewhere I decided to offer to go speak at their school. I could see how I had young teens attention. As expected its on and off being how kids are "until" I whipped out a catheter and asked if anyone knows what this is. My daughter's eyes opened wide being they already knew and I think they thought I was about to embarrass them. But what I did was I had the teacher hand out a catheter to each one so they could see it and feel it. When I told them what it was and that one bad call could have them using these FOREVER it really got their attention when I told them how they have to use it. I said everyone one of you boys try being it. Feel how rigid and how thick that it is and now picture yourself putting it inside "there" to pee because you will do this several times a day the rest of your life. Suddenly the quiet whispering and giggling from the boys got dead silent and now most all of their eyes are lit up. Then I said if not there's this solution and I held up a leg bag and showed them that they strap it on and hide it under their pants and nobody knows or use this bigger bag that hangs from the wheel chair. When you physically show them what could be in store for them and they feel this thing they never realized existed it seems to hit home so much more. It sat in their head a lot longer then a speech alone probably would because I had been contacted by the school about a few parents who sent the teacher a note about how it effected their kid enough to talk to the parent about it and told them to thank me. What was the most shocking part to them was I'm not 100% paralyzed so I can walk a little bit. The spine wasn't severed but it is still enough to cause muscle and organ related problems. So when I told them that it's not just everybody in wheelchairs that people who you see who dont walk well and using canes or arm braces right can all still be in this same boat. That fact that you don't need to nearly die to wind up with lifetime problems hopefully did more then sink in. My kids are now parents themselves and they got through those years hopefully they pass on this same message to theirs
Brilliant way to deliver that message! I am a teacher and talk about loss of bowel and bladder control all the time to kids. Its something they just don't think about but that really hits home. Thank you for sharing that story.
You have such a wonderful attitude and have made me realise how easy I have it not being paralysed. God bless you sweetheart, all the best from the UK 🇬🇧 🏴 ❤
Thank you for this . I’m laying in bed laughing but at the same time totally feeling for you and how you had to cope with the realization of hey girl you gotta do what you gotta do .
Wow, i had no clue this was how it had to be done, but of course it makes sense. I guess i was just as naive as you were at 13 by not realizing that paralysis will also affect the organs in that area. Thanks for being so open about it.
I’m not paralysed but do have a progressive neuromuscular condition that means my body doesn’t tell me when things are full or need emptying. So many different options but it’s always best to go with what works for you. So glad your so open
Thank you for posting this and others related to your injury. I appreciate how challenging life is for you with your injury but I also appreciate how your honesty is probably helping thousands of others. Those 'others' will hopefully include folks without injuries who will be part of your big, bright world. You are helping to demystify life as a para...Thank you for your honesty, openness and courage.
I don't think very many people know this, I didn't until my best friend in college who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, told me the process, that was 40 years ago and this story is the first time I have seen this addressed.. ..
Hi there from Greece! I stumbled upon this video and being paralyzed myself I can only admire your smile and courage and the humor . You might not believe this but when I became paralyzed 17 years ago NOBODY told me I would have to do ds . I figured it out on my own. Hilarious
You figured it out on your own!? lol now I know it must not have been discovered by a doctor like I thought haha. Just paralyzed people that really wanted to poop and couldn't lol
Not paralyzed, but I had noticed that sometimes when I'm wiping (and focusing on the BH), that suddenly I get an urge to poo some more! I never thought about "why" it was just a noticable thing during my potty breaks. Thank you for not only explaining how paralyzed people "go", but also a little anatomy that helped me understand my own body. 👏👍🏼
I have two close friends in the same situation and they explained what they have to do. Anyone in this situation including yourself are amazing and an inspiration to me.
I met two ladies, Gina and Jina at school two times within two years, and one of them was paralyzed from a car accident. She was happy to explain how she goes on with daily life. I am so happy to see another person who is open and honest about their situation and how to do things. I bet this will help others come to terms with their paralyzation and just any other stuff you know? Any way, this is getting long, lovely to meet you and I hope you have a great day!
I’m not paralyzed but I’ve always said if I can’t wipe my own butt then I don’t want to live. Now I need to change that if I can’t make my own self poop, I don’t want to live. Ha! Thank you for sharing this, I’d have never thought of it from this angle before.
what a great video , a video that everyone should see so they can be aware of how lucky they are to be able take something as simple as a shit !!!!your energy is trough the roof 🤛🏻💪🏻
Lol! Right! I tell everyone I know how I shit so that the next time they tell someone in a wheelchair they are an inspiration, they actually have a good reason!
First of your videos I’ve ever seen. Having lived a rather full and exciting life, I have had a total of just under 25 surgeries to repair accidental damage along with nearly a month in the hospital in the early 70’s (yeah, I’m old) after a badly ruptured appendix, I can almost relate. Several of my injuries were related to racing motocross without any fear of exciting crashes. My injuries were mostly boring ole broken bones and other stuff that had me on a first name basis with several orthopedic surgeons. Fortunately for me, I only spent a tad over a month in a wheelchair and I did not have to experience the digital show. I only preface my comment with injury disclosures so you know that I am no stranger to pain and broken body parts. Still, I had absolutely no idea about the poopy stuff you so wonderfully discussed. You honestly made me think, made me giggle a bit, and made me smile and remember that people who had injuries worse than what I had are still very normal people who just happen to live with different everyday circumstances. I love your “hey, it happens” outlook because I try to remind myself to have that outlook. I know nothing about you or your injuries but you, as a person, have wowed me and won me over. I’ve never been able to talk about the details of my injuries, which clearly pale in comparison to yours, as you can. Your attitude is actually very refreshing! It would be easy and understandable for someone in your position to be depressed and feel sorry for themselves. I won’t say how I know that. Keep up letting the world have a glimpse of how you tick. You are someone special!
I feel like humor helps me relate to people and the more we relate to each other the more inclusive the world becomes. I'm so glad that you made it through all your spills with just broken bones and can laugh at me from the sidelines as I share my shit stories lol.
I think I would have done everything to avoid my mum doing anything quite that embarrassing as a 13 year old. To be fair, it is your own finger and your own poop and it is gloved. Also, you have to trust someone an awful lot not to hurt you doing something like that, whereas, if you doing it yourself, you know when it starts to hurt and you can slow down use less pressure etc.
Thank you for posting. This was very interesting. I have never thought past the "legs don't move" part. I would be seriously shocked if I ended up paralyzed. Never mind if I was 13yrs old. Can you feel or do you know when it's time to poop?? Or do you just do it on a set schedule?
I always wondered why I can't control my bladder while others can. Your statement that a low damage keeps the sphincter to stay open all the time makes sense to me. And it also makes me really sad because it is a huge hygienic problem.
@@EmpoweredPara My damage is at sacral level, very low, a suprapubic cath would be an invasive intervention with the risk of getting UTI. I also got botox injections twice but it didn't work. Are you able to stay dry?
@@sandramolteni3875 my friend said that a suprapubic a minor procedure. Maybe you are thinking of thr mitrofonoff surgery which is really invasive. I stay dry for the most part.
Can you still enjoy sexual stimulation? I can’t imagine the difficulty of being aroused in your mind and not being able to find relief or is that even a valid question?
OMG you are hilarious!!! And your mom deserves some sort of prize… one for every time she had to perform that digital technology for you 😂 That is actually much less graphic than what my friend told me. Her dad is paralyzed and in grade 2 The first time I went to her house she was giving me the tour and told me what the box of rubber gloves was for. Let’s just say she was a bit mistaken about how the operation worked cause it’s physically impossible to do what she described 😂 🤦🏻♀️
Lol yeah she was pretty awesome about it! And it's funny because she can barely hear the word poop now without gagging. It must have been really hard for her but she never made me feel bad!
I have a daughter with Tetraplegic CP and I have NEVER heard this from any of her doctors! We have so much trouble with her ability to go to the bathroom.
Thank you TH-cam algorithm and thank YOU for putting this on my radar. I’m going to look into it for her.
Happy to offer any advice on bathroom issues! email me at empoweredpara@gmail.com!
@@EmpoweredPara You mention nothing about taking a laxative to help you go to the bathroom, and that you would be using gloves and lube and making nice round circles to try to get it to come out, and also, wow, how do people not know, especially if they have a child who can not move well enough to go on their own, other then the fact children are often put in diapers I guess?? But what would concern me is what if that child is constipated and so it will not come out easy into some diaper... so how can they not know these things?! I would highly suggest they go learn anything else they don't know, like basic wheelchair repair as much as their are situations where you will have to have someone fix or replace something anyway... I strongly suggest that everyone should learn how to fix their mobility aids or the parent on their behalf. That's horrible!, poor child! The parent would need to make it come out. The other thing you should probably be bringing up, is the fact you can cause injury to your body doing that all the time. Also this was a random video I found, and also I don't think their is anything I'm going to learn from you that I don't already have some idea about about the only thing I don't know is like someone telling me they are a T3 T4 or whatever I would not have that all remembered like just how much could they fill based on the letter fallowed by a number, I could not tell you for the most part other then from what some friend of mine told me as they were what they were but in most cases I already forgot where down the spine it might be. I was born with multiple disabilities and do not have a SCI. also interesting enough I do not know many people who have CP who are Tetraplegic, most of these people who I have known how are in many cases a little different one with way more uncontrollable involuntary movements then the other and so on. Most had some upper body movement if not much control so that's interesting. I think if I was doing this video I would explain the hole thing as I would hate for someone watching to cause injury to themselves or someone else they are taking care of. If you are emailing that mother back and forth I would tell them what else they should learn. Where do I start... like I said they should learn some basic wheelchair repair or maybe it is a powerchair either way you get the point. Learn about pressure sours and how to prevent that if you somehow don't know that yet either. If you can get a wheelchair or powerchair that can tilt and recline, and a standing frame for use around the house. There's a video idea for you lol a list of stuff for all the new people or new parents who have children with disabilities. Also considering you were not born with a disability I have to wonder what I know that you might not know, as much as I think you know enough, so you know, just start your videos and allow us to other people with disabilities comment on anything your skipped, plus their are tricks to thing you might not have though about... one thing that comes to mind is fibbing to paratransit so that when they screw up and get you somewhere late you still show up on time if in the neck of time lol. Seeing as some people in wheelchairs drive not everyone uses paratransit and also in some cases their are no services in the area someone might be living in. Also in the UK for example they have handicapped access public restroom keys which is not a thing in the US that a new person would know about. That is kind of odd as here in the US we just have a tiny stall that is almost too small to fix my powerchair with a bunch of note accessible stalls, or we have the problem were a store or other place uses that spot for storage, which is just an other reason to have a catheter *sigh*, and why you might find yourself emptying your pee into a sink while you are not the only one in there. 🙂Because ADA law means nothing to America in most cases, but hey at least if you did not need to go poop you can empty it into a sink. An other fun or rather not so fun when going down memory lane, is a video of horror stories as told by people with disabilities... so what are your funny or not so funny horror stories?
the next question is whos finger is gonna go first
Your channel raises my knowledge, empathy and understanding of people who have less mobility than average. I have an autoimmune disease which is chipping away at my mobility and your channel increases acceptance and understanding of this community. Thank you.
dude youtube shines such a light how horrid the US medical field CAN be. you have to advocate for your self. boy-o is that more than true. almost have to be your own doctor.
I just found your channel. I worked with a guy for years that has been paralyzed from the chest down from a bow hunting accident, I'll always remember his saying to the guys that were complaining about stuff they didn't want to do. He just looks at them and says " I don't like to stick a finger up my ass to shit either, but a have too" He was one of the best co-workers I ever had.
THIS 🙏
Nice to see someone talking about this. My wife has MS and as it has progressed, and with her limited mobility, I had to start "helping" her with this. I was kinda surprised, when she finally had to move into a nursing home, they had no clue about this, including their doctors. I had to teach them and fight for them to understand the necessity and the risks if not maintained. God Bless and don't hold back on those little things no one wants to talk about.
My mom has MS and had to do a 2 month stint in the hospital recently. It was a nightmare cause they were brutally clueless. Late on her meds all the time, constantly giving her laxatives that were extremely aggressive and unnecessary. I don’t know why, they were the ones that had to clean it up! A friend or family member had to stay with her 24 hours a day and fight for proper care just to make sure she didn’t friggin die! You can’t just be late with medications. Like… what the hell?? Anyways, sadly you’re not alone but I know it feels that way. I’m sorry for the hand you and your wife have been dealt… it’s cruel and heartbreaking ❤
@@EmilyJBunny I truly appreciate the kind words. We are the fighters for those who can't. I visit my wife daily in the nursing home to ensure everything is going smoothly. I know the stress and frustration you deal with, but please keep in mind, hospitals and our healthcare services have been severely ignored by our society. Yes, when you feel something isn't being handled correctly, I'd suggest requesting a meeting with the administrator, head doc along with the nurse supervisor, maybe include a Patient advocate. Sit and explain the needs and necessity. Discuss options and alternatives. When they see you care, and you're not just complaining, they are more than willing to modify their procedures to get things done properly.... Give them a chance... We all deal with the stress of the situation, but remember, a single nurse or aide has to deal with 10 or 20 patients, families, and stress... Help them to help you. God Bless.
@@jtrourke667 JT, my mom's getting older and needs a lot of care. Somehow, this summer, I went from being the baby in the family to being responsible for mom's care. I've felt like I had to suddenly grow up all at once. Thanks for sharing you experience working with the medical system and how to advocate. It's nice to know that people have are walking this path that I'm getting started on.
@@wolfumz You are not alone. Don't forget to take care of yourself. If you're not in good health (mentally and/or physically) you're less likely to be able to help your mom. Look into Medicaid in your state. They usually have options for home health aide coverage, transport to and from doc appts, even home delivered meals. Check with your county Dept. of Aging or your local Health Dept. to get ideas on available programs that may help you and your mom. Finally, check with your local library, hospital, and colleges, for Caregiver support groups. Here you'll find others in similar situations and find the support you need, get ideas, and maybe even network to find part time help if Medicaid isn't available. Hope this helps a bit. Take care of yourself. Don't hesitate to talk to someone if you feel overwhelmed. 😇🤗
@@EmilyJBunny Most medications can be safely given a little later than scheduled. In fact, it's almost impossible in most hospitals to give medication EXACTLY on time. Also, laxatives are often given because opioid pain meds cause fecal impaction.
As someone who is not paralyzed this video reminds me of all of the countless things we completely able bodied people take for granted. It never occurred to me that a para person lost the ability to accomplish such basic bodily functions as going to the bathroom. It must be terrible that not only do you have to deal with lifelong paralyzation, you have lost complete dignity of modesty and privacy. You are super human strong to deal with all of this and still manage these positive helpful videos to those who need the help and advice. You're amazing!
I can't even imagine how difficult that must have been to come to terms with at such a young age.
Acceptance was hardest. Once I did that I realized that the finger up the bum was really not that difficult.
@@EmpoweredPara Yooo I looked at this comment right after the video started, I was not expecting this to be the solution.
and billions animal force impregnated in cage without concent and unnessesarily :(
at least we can get medical help and compasion when injuried !
@user-bi5uq1hl2t spoiled it for ya lol
@@XeLTH-cam Without agreeing or disagreeing with you, what does that have to do with this topic? So you're against keeping animals in cages? OK. .. I don't see the connection to this thread or video.
I love real takes like this. Most people avoid the really unflattering parts of disability. Thank you for sharing this story. I know that this has helped someone.
I'm a paraplegic. I appreciate you bringing this out in the open. When people find out I'm paralyzed, they express sadness for me not being able to walk, run, or go up stairs. But the real problem with not having sensation or voluntary movement is things like bathroom issues. It's embarrassing, but I'm glad people are curious and learn about the real issues.
Yeah bowel and bladder are by far the hardest parts of paralysis
@@EmpoweredPara No doubt
Hi... just came across your channel! My mom did it for me the first time in rehab ( teaching lesson). Being I had to wear a back brace ( turtle shell), I was advised to do it in the bed laying on my side. Long story short, I did my poop like this for about a month after I got home from rehab. My mom cried every time (I cried on the inside). One night, my mom didn’t come home on poop night. That’s when I I
started doing it myself. I finally learned to do it on the toilet. Anyway... 31 years later, “check” almost every day, either gotta go or not. Wayyyy less accidents. First day out of rehab, airplane ride, talk about a shit story!! ‘Poor first class passengers! Again, my mom cried. My dad in shock, me... numb ( literally emotionally and physically). Crazy days! Me: injured at 23, T7 complete. 31 years post injury. ‘Keep up the informative channel. !!
Omg! I would literally have died inside if I shit myself on an airplane! It makes for such a good story now though lol! If you can make it through that you can make it through pretty much anything!
Same thing happened to me. I was 19, T5 injury, just got out of rehab, airplane ride and ya, shit happens. Most embarrassed I've ever been in my life.
Ahhh the guilt. Wish I learned about digital stimulation sooner. Coulda saved my sister a lot of pain.
She couldn't push hard enough, we didn't know. We had to resort to having to force her to push by lifting her up a bit (which she would end up pushing). Everytime.
Plus 💩 mixed with bed sore wound is a heck of cleaning.
@@pinkishhaven5158 If your sister needed lifting, she might have been too young for this chore don’t you think?
@@lorraineforster8164 She was 35
Thanks for demystifying EVERYTHING about having your kind of disability. Learning lots and really enjoying it.
Happy to answer all the questions I know people have! Even if it's too much information!
Spinal rehab nurse here, you did a great job explaining this in a relatable way!
On a related humorous note, one of my patients liked to jokingly refer to a dig stim as "a Digimon", so they're now kind of our unofficial unit mascot, lol
Thanks for making this little fact of life so natural. Disabilities require understanding to appreciate everyone’s life and struggles. No one is perfect, but you’re pretty close to it in how you have approached life.
My cousin was born paralyzed. Her being younger then me, I grew up learning and helping her with everything. Some things like this it takes me a second that not everyone grows up knowing how to go to the bathroom when you can't feel anything.
Good for you for being such a great cousin!
Judging by your avatar, looks like your brain is paralyzed.
Younger THAN me !!
You are a natural teacher. Your attitude and way of explaining is refreshing, honest, relatable, informative and hilarious 😂
Thank you! 😃
Brittany you really helped me to understand toileting someone with severe Cerebral Palsy. While they are not paralysed, their brain messaging can be erratic when it comes to pooping and sometimes they also need some help via digital stimulation. Your positive and honest approach on such sensitive subjects is just perfect.
Wow! Not paralyzed, and this was an eye-opener. You had a great mother to help you for those 5 years or so. I’m sure the mature you knows that. I’m amazed I got to be an old man and never thought about paralysis ramifications such as you have courageously revealed in the videos I have stumbled across. Thank you for the education. We all need to encourage all aspects of accessibility since it is the minimum we should do to help paralyzed people who already have a set of needs most of us don’t even know about. You have tremendous courage. Stay as well as you can.
I did something VERY similar when I had a prolapsed hemorrhoid that I delayed caring for. Every time I had a bowel movement, I had to push the hemorrhoid back in, otherwise, it would be extremely uncomfortable. Granted, nothing on the wavelength of your battle. Your humility and candidness is extremely heartwarming, and your positive attitude glows as bright as a billion suns. God Bless.
What a great video! Not paralysed here, but I did that learn pushing back hemorrhoids with “digital” stimulation has it’s benefits. Never have I ever thought it would come to that, but here I am. Your positive and real attitude brings a smile to my face.
Lol there's that benefit too haha. Until the hemorrhoids pop back out again lol
Thank you for this comment! I didn’t even know you can do that! Thought it might have been growing or inflamed on the outside - been absolutely miserable for the last few days till I pushed em in today. It was like instant relief.
@@AdamsBrew78 glad it helped!
After the birth of my first child I learned how to push haemorrhoids
You are one of the most mentally healthy person ever. May your life be blessed.
Don’t know how you showed up in my feed but I’m truly glad you did! Your honesty and sense of humor are amazing! I love learning about other people’s journey and sometimes have to be extra sensitive that my curiosity doesn’t offend. So this is gold. I have my own challenges but have no embarrassment about them and most times can just laugh. If not right then, soon after. It’s really nice to find likeminded others! Instant sub & happy holidays 🥰
100% agree! =)
I love your brutal honesty about this subject. These are things that non-paralyzed people don't realize about the condition. You are an amazing woman. ❤️
Thank you!
I guess I never thought of it like that. I actually fell and broke my back about 35 years ago. I was grounded that day, so I never told anyone (I was a kid). I didn’t go to the doctor either. However, several years later, I had found it was definitely broken. Fast forward to 2017, and that’s when I finally had back surgery. I had a laminectomy, microdiscectomy, and a fusion at L4-S1. I also have arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and fibromyalgia. I experience A LOT of weakness, numbness, and burning in my legs and butt.
I also have to go to the bathroom A LOT for someone my age.
It is not confirmed, but I think I actually have partial paralysis already. I can still walk, but it’s getting harder and harder as I age.
I consider myself lucky I’m still able to walk, especially considering that fall was about 6-7 feet off the ground-directly onto my back. However, I worry about paralysis everyday. I watch a lot of videos like this just to learn about it, and to prepare myself for it. I worry about becoming completely paralyzed. I’m sure if, and when, the time comes, I will be mentally prepared. Physically, not so sure, but I see several videos like this, and everybody still appears to be positive and happy. That helps a lot in itself.
My prayers to you, you are incredibly strong and I just wanted to say that preparedness is the best thing you can do just in case. I can tell by your story that you must be independent and strong willed
@@warroom17 I am very independent. I don’t know if I just have nerve damage, or what exactly is going on. I figure it’s a possibility I could stay the same forever, but I also remind myself that the possibility of me becoming paralyzed still exists. I know that I will have to accept whatever happens.
@@babblesp1367 I agree, and the manner in which we choose to accept makes all the difference. I'm glad you chose the higher road and I will truly pray for your continued strength and determination. I went to the ER for back pain/immobility in September and found out I had stage 4 cancer which spread to my bones. The news was devastating, but at the same time, I'm glad I found out and am able to receive treatment. I avoided going to the Dr for a long time because of many experiences in which my wellness and recovery did not seem to be their priority.
Everyone poops! My late husband lived in a power chair the last decade of his life. We had the ‘bowel program’ down to five minutes. God Bless you Sweetie! 🙏🏼♥️🕊
There's even a book about it with that same title: Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi.
@@TheSouthIsHot I know my high school students discovered this book back in the 80’s or 90’s and for the next 2 years that was their response to everything that applied to a large swath of the population.
I know I’m a bit late but TH-cam just recommended this video to me today. You have an amazing light about you that comes right thru the screen. Sorry if that sounds corny. I don’t mean it to be. Thank you for sharing your struggles about a difficult subject with humor and grace. I can (sort of) relate to what you’re going thru. My dad became a quadriplegic when I was 7 and he was teaching me to dive in our swimming pool. He just rolled off the 1st rung on the ladder that was out of the water and hit his chin on the bottom of the pool (not doing anything stupid and no push off with his feet). It was just me and him and luckily I figured out something was wrong and turned him over so he could breathe and started yelling for my mom. His spinal cord was just bruised. This was in 1974 when we basically knew nothing about spinal cord injuries. They told my mom he might live 5 years, tops (he made it to 62). My mother took care of him by herself along with me and my 4 year old sister. We all received quite an education and yes, this was one of many things we learned (my sister and I are both RNs now). I’ve subscribed to your channel and will be going back to look thru your older videos. Thank you again for bringing up such a sensitive topic.
Wow, it's amazing that you were able to save your father's life, essentially, at just 7 years old. I never learned how to swim properly because the only time I had access to a pool was on a weekend vacation once a year at a hotel. I did have an incident with my dad in the pool one of those times, however. I'm not sure how old I was, but probably around 9. He would stand in the middle of the pool up to his chest in water and I would jump in for him to catch me. It was a fun game until one time I got too ambitious and jumped too far, landing on my dad's head, causing him to be unable to catch me properly and I went underwater. I thought I was going to drown and panicked, flailing my body around in an attempt to save myself. My dad managed to get my wriggling body up out of the water, and thankfully neither of us had lasting injuries. I can't imagine how guilty I would feel if my landing on his head would have paralyzed him. But honestly, great job on knowing how to save your dad and also knowing that something was wrong as such a young girl. I'm so sorry that happened to you guys, but I'm happy he lived longer than the doctors gave him. And I love that you and your sister are both RN's now.
Take care and thank you for sharing your story.
Today I got the recommendation. She's hilarious. I love her delivery.
Must be the YT algorithms thought I needed to know about this. I've always wondered. You are a wonderful teacher, I trust you are using that talent to help others.
I had no idea what a paralyzed person had to go through just to go to the bathroom. Thank you for sharing your story for the world.
this was heart-breaking and hilarious all at the same time. my heart goes out to you, your mom, and all of your digits. that must have been a very rough time. thanks so much for your openness about this topic. these are things hardly anyone ever brings up, let alone has the courage to ask (or explain).
As a caregiver to a partner with severe MS and part-time carer to those in the community, i applaud you sharing your knowledge and leaving nothing taboo..."digital stimulation" was one of my first experiences as a caregiver and i was like "you want me to do WHAT??!!!" so i could only imagine how it must have felt to be the recipient of such personal care and at such a tender age
I always think it would be just as traumatic as a caregiver lol. Thank gosh for you guys that are willing to do things for us!
Being 13 at that juncture most likely helped, so innocent yet ready to take on the world, hopes and dreams (expectations) Heroic endeavors awaiting ….flexible.
@lesliepropheter5040 yes and no lol. Being 13 was beneficial in some ways - naivete, no financial responsibility, resiliency - and detrimental in other ways - immature, lots of people willing to feel sorry for me and enable me. But overall I'm glad I was paralyzed young, much easier to adapt
I deeply admire how secure you are in yourself, and how easily you speak to this topic and others. You seem like someone who has taken it upon themselves to surge forward every day. I hope you continue to. Many blessings.
I love your humor, perspective and attitude. Those things make or break "mentals" in life changing traumatic events. I also feel deal and heal with a side of laughter,... more like an entree.
I appreciate the courage sharing such an intimate part of yourself with strangers!!!
I have no Idea why youtube recommended this video to me but watching this woman being able to stay positive and even have some humor about her situation makes me annoyed at myself for getting stuck on petty things! That speaks to the quality of her character, If you are reading this good luck to you Britney and keep on keeping on!
I have my good days lol. I save all my whining for my husband haha.
Should be titled: _The Day Brittany Gave Digital Stimulation the Middle Finger_
Well I think digital stimulation won the battle lol
That’s a ripper! 🤣🤣🤣
Omg funny. But she's very strong lady
Y
Hi
I want to thank you. I am always intrigued by how we grow and learn. You are a refreshing experience and I cannot thank you enough. I can become cynical about our specie and you have given me the precious gift of hope. What a bright spark of light you are.
I almost had to have one leg removed at 13. Spent 4 months in the hospital. Did not walk for over a year. Your story reminded me of having a lot of depression. Alone in the hospital crying. Adolescence made it tough. After a few years I regained the use of my leg. No one told me the amputation was touch and go every day. Had a bad case of gangrene too. Lots of skin grafts. Your a very brave well adjusted young woman.
Wow, you mum deserves serious kudos for sticking with that as long as she did! I think I'd be pushing for independence a lot sooner!
Hello 👋 how’re you doing?
You are, brave, funny, compassionate and generous. Feel sure someone will benefit from you sharing.
Thank you!
Thanks for teaching this 76 yr old gal a new trick. Always something to learn. Blessings to you .
You bet!
For some reason this literally never occurred to me. Thank you for sharing, it really has increased my understanding of what you guys deal with on a daily basis. On the positive side, you never have to worry about a bathroom accident.
In re-watching these older videos of yours (my gawd, you were a blond once!), I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who thought that being paralyzed meant that one just couldn’t move their legs. I was so naive up to just 4 years ago that I didn’t know that one loses sensation, bowel and bladder control, and all the other things you’ve taught us about. Thank goodness someone came up with the concept of Digital Stimulation and catheters as it gives you back control over these functions and great independence. And independence is very important IMHO! And a long and healthy life as well. Live well Brittney!!
You should be given a TH-cam award! No-nonsense, straight to the point, and no politically correct concerns. As the famous detective always said, Just the facts ma'am!
Why mention politically correct?
@@dshe8637 In todays world everyone is so worried about offending someone with colorful or expressive language. Even you you got miffed just because I used the term "politically correct" which doesn't have anything to do with politics. Get a life!!
@@harleyb-ham266 you completely misunderstand the concept
Thank you for sharing details about that important topic !
All the love to you girl ! :**
I knew this before, because my grandma suffered from parkinsonism and gradually lost her mobility before passing away. Her full-time carer did this for her even before she became paralyzed, because her muscles became weak from illness and she lacked bowel movement in general.
Thank you for discussing the topic and talking about real life struggles that we able-bodied may not realize. I bet this knowledge will help many people.
You are delightful....what a gift for others going thru the same
I'm not sure how I got on your channel but I have to say. Your a beautiful woman and I really dig your humbleness and admire your courage and your ability to deal with your condition. I must say as a soldier I thought spending a few months in Walter Reid learning how to use my arm again was hard. I'm so embarrassed to think I had it rough. Your a BadAss..
Hey I think being a soldier is much more courageous then anything I've ever done! Never diminish your own accomplishments or obstacles that you have overcome just because you learn about someone else's!
@@EmpoweredPara With all do respect Ma'am I have a TON of respect for you. I was trained to expect what I went through. You were not. I admire your courage and positive attitude. You a wonderful wife and Mother.Your a Hero in my book!
I've been an RN for over seventeen years and I never thought or knew how people who are paralyzed go to the bathroom. I work on a cardiac and dialysis floor so don't see really any newly paralyzed patients. I have seen patients get so constipated for other reasons that they require to be "digitally disimpacted" meaning a doctor inserts a finger and digs out any poop. When you said digital stimulation I knew it involved using a finger but not sure exactly how until you explained it. I have had patients on chronic pain meds for years for chronic pain and had chronic constipation from it so bad that they would regularly "digitally disimpact" themselves. Thank you for being so candid about your experiences. Stay well! 💕
Zup iam in this boat because of opioid pain mds . The mds used too control the contispation don’t always work fully and this is sometimes nessary or it’s a visit to the ER
@Kathleen Givant-taylor Sorry you have to deal with that. My mom was on opioid pain meds including a Fentanyl pain patch and sometimes I would have to help her with a Fleets enema. She had severe neck and back problems so she would need help but with just the enema part because it's hard to squeeze the bottle once it's in place. Anyways, hope you stay well. ❤️
@@ngo7156 thank u. Sorry about ur moms issues as well. Take care
Congrat's and kudo's for being brave and strong enough to tell this story to people who don't know how different and difficult life can be after a spinal injury. I don't know that much, but I have been close friends with two people that were quad's before I met them, and one very close friend who, after a very bad accident in the oil patch where we worked in 1980, became a quad also. Your straight forward, no nonsense talk, is inspirational to people who find themselves needing information and advise after a horrible accident has changed their, or a loved one's life because of spinal injuries! At 68 years old now, I realize life is hard, but it can still be something to enjoy and even after a tragedy, it can be wonderful and rewardingly beautiful! Keep on fighting the good fight....life is very short and precious!
Life is much to short to spend it being miserable! I'd rather laugh than cry so humor it is for me lol!
I applaud your courage and candor. You are inspiration to anyone with a disability. You deserve every happiness.
Thanks!
I'm able-bodied and I had no idea about this. Thanks for sharing. It made me smile. I can't imagine 13-year old me reacting well either!
I had been a healthcare provider for a dozen years when I took a job at a physical rehab facility and learned about some of these things. Amazing the resiliency of the human spirit.
Wow! What a horrifying thing for a young girl to go through. I won't lie, I have had medical problems some that effect me in many ways, I could not handle the reality that I may go blind or have seizures or at one time possibly die. We that have gone through these horrors are super strong to still be here.
Dude! You are THE BEST storyteller!! I was in absolute tears, laughing so hard! Thank you!!
I really need to post more stories lol! Thank you!
Great explanation! I don't think I would have been that cool, even after 13 and not to get on camera and talk about it. And you did it great! Paralyzed isn't the only thing that may take the digital route to poo. I have MS and when things just go into "I'm not doing it" mode and feeling stops in that area, you have to do it until the body decides to reroute the nerves and let things get back to a semi-normal state. I've had that happen, the whole "not going to walk because you can't feel your legs & feet. Thankfully, so far, it's remitted and I could handle things.
You did a great job with this video. :)
You are a very strong person and an awesome speaker. Thanks for the informative and funny spin on an awkward discussion
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
I was born with Spina Bifida and I was given the word enema as how I was going to "regulate" my bowel routine. As a 33 year old adult, I admit, I've stopped doing it out of inconvenience to me having to go through it every other day & STILL having accidents in between anyway. Now I just use Goodnites (protective/ bedwetting underwear) on the daily. Any guy I meet that has a problem with that if we become intimate at any stage in our relationship is CLEARLY not the guy for me long term.
Well, guess I'm not complaining about having to do this every other day too. I can actually get to the bathroom in time 90% of cases where "an accident" could occur.
I just hate the "diarrhea feeling" afterwards 😬
One other comment or suggestion - perhaps you already own one. I bought a bidet from Costco last year. Not expensive and easy install. Looks just like a toilet seat. Fabulous fabulous purchase. Crazy I waited until I was 63 to realize it is a necessity for me. Cleaner and more comfortable.
You’re doing a great service for people. If I ever end up in your situation I’ll know who to ask for advice!
I really appreciate your candor & humor regarding such hard facts of life. Thank you for the education. Definitely going to subscribe
Very informative to people who don't know this technique.
I've been slowly getting paralyzed over the years and have been having drama with number 2's.
I was reading on the internet how people can have a much better quality of life once this digital business is implemented in their lives.
I use it sometimes when things get backed up , especially when taking meds that can aggravate the situation.
Reading about it, I was surprised to find that even some people without being paralyzed do this as well.
Take care and let's both pray / hope for a cure..
Life SUX when you ain't got no moving legs.
Iam one because being a chronic pain patient on opioid pain killers they can affect ur feeling in bowels and also even bladder in certain cases. U have a choice ER for severe contispation or blockage or take matters in ur own hands. Not taking my pain killers means I don’t have any real quality of life without
You’re absolutely FABULOUS!!! Meeting you would be an honor. You are so strong confident and take on “life” head on. I’m an Italian from Pittsburgh and truly amazed and inspired by your video. God Bless.
Im late to replying but I've just recently found your channel. I had to take care of my mother when I was a young age, 12 or 13 till I moved out and she suffered through MS, not the same story as yours but the pooping part was hard for her as well, that had to be hard to talk about so thanks for sharing.
I don't know why this came up in my feed but now I know. Thank you.
And you can never unknow it lol!
Hey, Just found your channel. I am a 12.5 year long t4/5 para. I can not imagine getting paralyzed as a teen. It would guess it is no more fun as a teen than it was as an adult in my early 30's. My experience with learning how to do dig stim was well, it just one more thing that I have to know how to do to keep living safely in the world now.
Hi, Dave here. I just stumbled on your channel and I must say you are amazing. I commend you for being so up front and candid about all of your struggles and triumphs over the years. Keep up the awesome channel and I wish you much continued success.
thank you so much! Thanks for stopping by!
Just started your vid & amazingly, you’re the second very young person I’ve seen develop sudden paralysis at 13, in just the past couple of days (Google algorithm doing it’s thing no doubt). I had no idea of the numerous factors that can result in sudden paralysis.)
You & the other amazing young girl, Sydney, were both 13 when struck down with this phenomenon. What you both have in common is that you’re incredibly strong & amazing, young women. I’m in awe of your strength & attitude. You’re an example to us all. Proud of both of you. You’re incredible! 💕
Edit: Finished the entire vid now & my God, girl, your SOH is effing incredible. I just adore your whole vibe & I’m a happy, new subscriber. I’ve had a rotten, past few years. Your humor & spirit has inspired me to hang in there. You’re fantastic, Brit!
You got guts girl. And know I know. And knowing is half the battle.😂
I’ve gain so much knowledge from watching your videos and now learned how to better understand people with disabilities. Thanks for sharing!
Cool! I was wondering whether you had a disability but from this comment it sounds like you don't:)
This is so very educational and usefull. Thank you for sharing and being realistic and open about these topics... it just confirms that paralyzed persons and especially you, deserve a lots and lots of respect...
thanks!
Jeez, that must have been rough to deal with as a teen. Thank you for sharing though, honest talk about the reality of health issues helps people so much. There are so many health problems, both mental and physical, that could be a little bit easier to live with if not for the "we don't talk about that" attitudes you so often find even among medical professionals. Not everyone is comfortable with being an educator, but the people who can do it and want to do it are goddamn treasures.
When I was crushed by a bundle of granite slabs tipping sideways when I was in between them and woke up in the hospital it enough of a shock seeing all of electrodes on my chest monitoring my heart with machines making noise 24/7 and even more if I moved or coughed. I had air hoses in my nose to breath and even some drainage hoses in my lung sticking into the side of my ribs from having crushed my lung collapsing it. But it was when the nurse who came to drain the catheter bag that's when I learned about the hose going up (well we know where it goes) that I really started thinking OMG what the hell did I do to myself which had its own mental issues for years being I never touched the bundle of slabs and the mind always ate at me and wondered why I never knew they were tipping over as I walked backwards into them so the PTSD kicks in and that's a story of it's own.
But fast forward to a couple years later when I'm finally out of the hospitals and the spinal cord rehabs and my teenage high school daughters are growing up and going out with friends who are driving and all I worried about (PTS induced) was my kids in a car accident and me having to go see them in hospitals and rehabs paralyzed. So anytime they were going out I had them bring in who ever was driving to meet and talk to me about how fast their lives can change to one or all of them in the car simply by reading a text, the kids goofing around when the car is moving or the worse fear of all that they don't think about it and they get high or they drink and drive. After a few weeks realizing I'll never meet all of their potential friend who may drive them somewhere I decided to offer to go speak at their school. I could see how I had young teens attention. As expected its on and off being how kids are "until" I whipped out a catheter and asked if anyone knows what this is. My daughter's eyes opened wide being they already knew and I think they thought I was about to embarrass them. But what I did was I had the teacher hand out a catheter to each one so they could see it and feel it. When I told them what it was and that one bad call could have them using these FOREVER it really got their attention when I told them how they have to use it. I said everyone one of you boys try being it. Feel how rigid and how thick that it is and now picture yourself putting it inside "there" to pee because you will do this several times a day the rest of your life. Suddenly the quiet whispering and giggling from the boys got dead silent and now most all of their eyes are lit up. Then I said if not there's this solution and I held up a leg bag and showed them that they strap it on and hide it under their pants and nobody knows or use this bigger bag that hangs from the wheel chair. When you physically show them what could be in store for them and they feel this thing they never realized existed it seems to hit home so much more. It sat in their head a lot longer then a speech alone probably would because I had been contacted by the school about a few parents who sent the teacher a note about how it effected their kid enough to talk to the parent about it and told them to thank me.
What was the most shocking part to them was I'm not 100% paralyzed so I can walk a little bit. The spine wasn't severed but it is still enough to cause muscle and organ related problems. So when I told them that it's not just everybody in wheelchairs that people who you see who dont walk well and using canes or arm braces right can all still be in this same boat. That fact that you don't need to nearly die to wind up with lifetime problems hopefully did more then sink in. My kids are now parents themselves and they got through those years hopefully they pass on this same message to theirs
Brilliant way to deliver that message! I am a teacher and talk about loss of bowel and bladder control all the time to kids. Its something they just don't think about but that really hits home. Thank you for sharing that story.
You have such a wonderful attitude and have made me realise how easy I have it not being paralysed. God bless you sweetheart, all the best from the UK 🇬🇧 🏴 ❤
Thank you for this . I’m laying in bed laughing but at the same time totally feeling for you and how you had to cope with the realization of hey girl you gotta do what you gotta do .
Wow, i had no clue this was how it had to be done, but of course it makes sense.
I guess i was just as naive as you were at 13 by not realizing that paralysis will also affect the organs in that area.
Thanks for being so open about it.
I’m not paralysed but do have a progressive neuromuscular condition that means my body doesn’t tell me when things are full or need emptying. So many different options but it’s always best to go with what works for you. So glad your so open
Thank you for posting this and others related to your injury. I appreciate how challenging life is for you with your injury but I also appreciate how your honesty is probably helping thousands of others. Those 'others' will hopefully include folks without injuries who will be part of your big, bright world. You are helping to demystify life as a para...Thank you for your honesty, openness and courage.
So much easier when everyone knows more about each other! Even if it's how we poop lol
Love the eway you use gentle hmour & honesty to explain the realities of life.
I don't think very many people know this, I didn't until my best friend in college who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, told me the process, that was 40 years ago and this story is the first time I have seen this addressed.. ..
Hi there from Greece!
I stumbled upon this video and being paralyzed myself I can only admire your smile and courage and the humor .
You might not believe this but when I became paralyzed 17 years ago NOBODY told me I would have to do ds . I figured it out on my own. Hilarious
You figured it out on your own!? lol now I know it must not have been discovered by a doctor like I thought haha. Just paralyzed people that really wanted to poop and couldn't lol
Not paralyzed, but I had noticed that sometimes when I'm wiping (and focusing on the BH), that suddenly I get an urge to poo some more! I never thought about "why" it was just a noticable thing during my potty breaks.
Thank you for not only explaining how paralyzed people "go", but also a little anatomy that helped me understand my own body.
👏👍🏼
This occurs when changing baby diapers also.
It could be just hemorrhoids or you do actually have to go more. A simple wipe wouldn't be enough to stimulate it.
What are you? Going elbow deep?😂
Horrified at first! Then amused! Happy to receive this valuable information!
My emotional journey took those turns too lol.
I have two close friends in the same situation and they explained what they have to do. Anyone in this situation including yourself are amazing and an inspiration to me.
Very brave. You’re a champ. I couldn’t imagine what your experience has been like. Thank you for sharing.
I had to do that with both of my babies who struggled with constipation, worked like a charm.
Thank you so much for sharing. One of my dad's best friends was paralyzed in a rail crossing accident in his teens.
I met two ladies, Gina and Jina at school two times within two years, and one of them was paralyzed from a car accident. She was happy to explain how she goes on with daily life. I am so happy to see another person who is open and honest about their situation and how to do things. I bet this will help others come to terms with their paralyzation and just any other stuff you know? Any way, this is getting long, lovely to meet you and I hope you have a great day!
Your honesty and attitude are amazing. I wish nothing but the best for you!
I’m not paralyzed but I’ve always said if I can’t wipe my own butt then I don’t want to live. Now I need to change that if I can’t make my own self poop, I don’t want to live. Ha! Thank you for sharing this, I’d have never thought of it from this angle before.
Can't imagine how difficult and traumatic this entire experience of being paralyzed was :( I'm so sorry. Thank you for educating us, I had no idea
It was a big change for sure! luckily humans are pretty resilient!
what a great video , a video that everyone should see so they can be aware of how lucky they are to be able take something as simple as a shit !!!!your energy is trough the roof 🤛🏻💪🏻
Lol! Right! I tell everyone I know how I shit so that the next time they tell someone in a wheelchair they are an inspiration, they actually have a good reason!
You’re amazing! I’m old but continue to learn everyday. Thank you.
First of your videos I’ve ever seen. Having lived a rather full and exciting life, I have had a total of just under 25 surgeries to repair accidental damage along with nearly a month in the hospital in the early 70’s (yeah, I’m old) after a badly ruptured appendix, I can almost relate. Several of my injuries were related to racing motocross without any fear of exciting crashes. My injuries were mostly boring ole broken bones and other stuff that had me on a first name basis with several orthopedic surgeons. Fortunately for me, I only spent a tad over a month in a wheelchair and I did not have to experience the digital show. I only preface my comment with injury disclosures so you know that I am no stranger to pain and broken body parts. Still, I had absolutely no idea about the poopy stuff you so wonderfully discussed. You honestly made me think, made me giggle a bit, and made me smile and remember that people who had injuries worse than what I had are still very normal people who just happen to live with different everyday circumstances. I love your “hey, it happens” outlook because I try to remind myself to have that outlook.
I know nothing about you or your injuries but you, as a person, have wowed me and won me over. I’ve never been able to talk about the details of my injuries, which clearly pale in comparison to yours, as you can. Your attitude is actually very refreshing! It would be easy and understandable for someone in your position to be depressed and feel sorry for themselves. I won’t say how I know that. Keep up letting the world have a glimpse of how you tick. You are someone special!
I feel like humor helps me relate to people and the more we relate to each other the more inclusive the world becomes.
I'm so glad that you made it through all your spills with just broken bones and can laugh at me from the sidelines as I share my shit stories lol.
You’re amazing Brittany! 💕
You're too kind! Thanks 😊 🙏!
Never knew any of this, thank you for sharing- You are a strong, amazing, and beautiful young lady!
Well now you know 😉
I think I would have done everything to avoid my mum doing anything quite that embarrassing as a 13 year old. To be fair, it is your own finger and your own poop and it is gloved. Also, you have to trust someone an awful lot not to hurt you doing something like that, whereas, if you doing it yourself, you know when it starts to hurt and you can slow down use less pressure etc.
Thanks for being open and candid (also informative)!
You are so welcome!
Thank you for posting. This was very interesting. I have never thought past the "legs don't move" part. I would be seriously shocked if I ended up paralyzed. Never mind if I was 13yrs old. Can you feel or do you know when it's time to poop?? Or do you just do it on a set schedule?
This channel is absolutely amazing and I admire your courage. And God bless your sweet mother.
I always wondered why I can't control my bladder while others can. Your statement that a low damage keeps the sphincter to stay open all the time makes sense to me. And it also makes me really sad because it is a huge hygienic problem.
We are all so different. Have you ever considers a suprapubic catheter? You can get one and clamp it and that might stop the accidents.
@@EmpoweredPara My damage is at sacral level, very low, a suprapubic cath would be an invasive intervention with the risk of getting UTI. I also got botox injections twice but it didn't work. Are you able to stay dry?
@@sandramolteni3875 my friend said that a suprapubic a minor procedure. Maybe you are thinking of thr mitrofonoff surgery which is really invasive. I stay dry for the most part.
Can you still enjoy sexual stimulation? I can’t imagine the difficulty of being aroused in your mind and not being able to find relief or is that even a valid question?
Maybe a purewick could work? There don't seem to be discrete portable options though so maybe it wouldn't work...
OMG you are hilarious!!! And your mom deserves some sort of prize… one for every time she had to perform that digital technology for you 😂
That is actually much less graphic than what my friend told me. Her dad is paralyzed and in grade 2 The first time I went to her house she was giving me the tour and told me what the box of rubber gloves was for. Let’s just say she was a bit mistaken about how the operation worked cause it’s physically impossible to do what she described 😂 🤦🏻♀️
lol that's hilarious. All these years you've wondered if we had to do that horrible thing haha. Well now you know..
You're fantastic 😆 love how honest and open you are. A very attractive quality.
Five years? Your poor mother! I can't believe she didn't force you do to it yourself in the first few months.
Lol yeah she was pretty awesome about it! And it's funny because she can barely hear the word poop now without gagging. It must have been really hard for her but she never made me feel bad!
I'm glad you found some good humor in this situation :) Made me smile and question my own self absorption in being able bodied
Don't be so hard on yourself! We only know what we know! Thanks for stopping by to learn something new!