Don't Worry. Do Wheelies!

In this episode, Abbie and Lorie tackle the tough topic of arachnoiditis, a chronic inflammation of the spinal cord’s protective membrane that can cause adhesions, nerve pain, and complex challenges for those with spinal cord injuries. Lorie shares her personal journey with this condition, including her experiences with nerve cysts and the tricky balance of managing risks with her medical team. Th...

In this episode, Abbie, Lorie, and Erin wrap up their conversation on bladder management, diving into the final frontier: finding control with a lower motor neuron injury and finding the perfect pelvic floor specialist. Erin shares actionable tips for identifying a skilled provider who understands spinal cord injury-specific needs and emphasizes the importance of personalized care for better outco...

Abbie, Lorie, and guest Erin take a deep dive into one of the most delicate but essential topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: bowel programs. Erin unpacks the science behind stimulant and osmotic laxatives, fiber, and stool softeners, offering practical tips and thoughtful guidance for navigating the complexities of bowel management. The trio explores how upper and lower motor neuron inju...

In this episode, Abbie, Erin, and Lorie get real about the intricacies of managing bladder and bowel functions after spinal cord injury. Erin breaks down the key differences between upper and lower motor neuron injuries, explaining how they affect reflexes, muscle tone, and sphincter control. The trio dives into practical strategies for maintaining a healthy catheter schedule, balancing fluid inta...

In this episode, Abbie and Lorie are joined by occupational therapist Erin to dive into one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of spinal cord injury rehabilitation: continence management. Together, they explore the functional role of occupational therapy in addressing bowel and bladder challenges, sharing practical tips and real-world experiences. Erin opens up about advocating for c...

Life changes after a spinal cord injury, and so do relationships. In this episode, we talk about how things can shift with your partner, family, and friends—and how to handle those changes. Lorie shares her personal stories and tips for keeping connections strong, setting boundaries, and finding support when you need it most. Whether you’re rebuilding old relationships or starting new ones, this e...

In this episode, we dive into neuropathic pain—the tingling, burning, or electric shock-like pain that can come after a spinal cord injury. Lorie shares what it’s like to live with this unique type of pain and offers tips for managing it day to day. This episode is all about giving you tools to take control and feel more comfortable in your own skin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

In the first part of this two-episode series on pain, we talk about nociceptive pain—what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. Abbie explains that this is the kind of pain that comes from things like sore muscles or problems with your organs. Lorie shares simple tips and real-life examples to help you figure out what’s going on with your body and how to feel better. If pain is a pa...

In this episode, Lorie gets real about her journey with medication overload—starting with 16 prescriptions and ending with a life-changing wake-up call when she lost the ability to swallow. Forced to quit her meds cold turkey, she learned the hard way about the importance of taking an active role in choosing treatments that truly benefit your life. The conversation covers how to evaluate your medi...

In this episode, Lorie shares a personal and eye-opening experience about how a seemingly harmless callus turned into a serious pressure sore, ultimately leading to an infection. This incident underscores the importance of proactive and regular self-monitoring for individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Lorie discusses how SCI disrupts the body's natural autopilot systems, making vigilance e...

In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of managing skin health and performing effective pressure reliefs after a spinal cord injury. From understanding the importance of routine pressure checks to mastering practical techniques, we share insights that empower you to stay ahead of pressure sores and maintain your independence. Whether you're navigating life in a wheelchair or suppor...

In this lively episode, Lorie shares hilarious and heartwarming stories of sneaky escapades with fellow inpatients during her rehab days. From daring late-night adventures to the heroic (and sometimes exasperated) rescue missions by staff, these tales showcase the camaraderie, mischief, and spirit of life on wheels. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and a reminder that even in challenging times, fun an...

In this episode, Abbie and Lorie dive into the critical topic of maintaining bone density for individuals with spinal cord injuries. They discuss the benefits of weight-bearing exercises and parameters for incorporating them into daily life. With their signature mix of positivity and expertise, they also stress the importance of being proactive, from getting bone density scans to planning safe app...

Abbie and Lorie shed light on the common yet incomplete understanding of spinal cord injury classifications—“complete” vs. “incomplete.” They explain how these labels only scratch the surface when it comes to the complexity of spinal cord injuries and how function and recovery can vary widely, regardless of the initial diagnosis. Through real-life examples and clinical insights, Abbie discusses wh...

In this episode, Abbie and Lorie tackle the often misunderstood and confusing topic of the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) exam, a key tool used to assess spinal cord injuries. Listeners are guided through the purpose of the exam, how it’s conducted, and what the results truly indicate about a person's injury level and potential for recovery. This is a confusing topic. Bring a pen/pencil...

Lorie shares her personal experiences in developing these skills, recounting her own learning curve and moments of triumph that have lead to skills that allow her access to exploring the outdoors in her manual wheelchair. Abbie adds clinical insights, emphasizing the importance of individualized training, safety strategies, and skill development in real-world environments safely. They also explore...

In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked but crucial aspect of wheelchair fitting: the cushion. We explore how choosing the right cushion can dramatically improve comfort, posture, and even overall health for wheelchair users. With the guidance of experts in seating and mobility, listeners learn about the ways that they can advocate for a better wheelchair fit. Hosted on Acast. See...

In this episode, we follow Lorie’s inspiring recovery story as she transitions from using a power wheelchair to a manual one. After sustaining a significant injury, Lorie begins her rehabilitation journey using a power chair to support her mobility while focusing on her medical and physical recovery. With the help of her physical therapists, she gradually builds strength and regains mobility, even...

In this compelling episode, Lorie opens up about her struggle with chronic pain, particularly the challenges posed by her fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate. She shares her daily battle against the temptation to lay down for temporary relief, acknowledging that stepping out of her "cocoon of happiness" and facing discomfort is crucial for managing her condition. Abbie and Lorie delve into t...

In this inspiring episode, Lorie shares her journey of regaining strength and independence as she transitions from rehab to living on her own after a significant ankle injury. Abigail and Lorie discuss the progress she has made in physical therapy, focusing on her use of various mobility aids and the critical role of independent rehabilitation. They explore the delicate balance between relying on...

In this episode, Lorie recounts her inpatient rehabilitation experience following her spinal cord injury, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs she encountered along the way. She shares how the personalized approach of her rehab team played a crucial role in her recovery, helping her rebuild her strength and regain independence. Lorie discusses the importance of creating an individualized...

In this powerful episode, Lorie opens up about the life-altering accident that led to her spinal cord injury. She recounts the details of the incident, the shock of the initial impact, and the immediate aftermath. Lorie then takes listeners through her hospital stay, describing the physical and emotional challenges she faced during this overwhelming time. She reflects on the difficulties of naviga...

While advocating and empowering those with SCI, Lorie and Abbie also have a fun side! Lorie shares her journey with her love of horses and how it helped her through her recovery. Abbie shares that she is a twin and answers the all powerful question, "Do you like being a twin?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Abbie and Lorie tackle the common two-year narrative associated with spinal cord injuries, diving deep into both the physical and emotional challenges faced during this time. They discuss the critical role of proper wheelchair fitting and the importance of understanding spinal shock and its impact on recovery. Abbie brings a medical perspective, addressing flaws in current research, while Lorie sh...

In this trailer episode of "Don't Worry, Do Wheelies," Abbie and Lorie talk about their shift from short-form Instagram content to a more expansive podcast format. They explain how this transition allows them to share the full stories of Lorie and other guests, offering a deeper dive into the realities of neurological recovery. Through these longer conversations, they aim to debunk myths, prove ke...