Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!snorkelwacker!mintaka!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!360!1.13!Curtis.Oglesby From: Curtis.Oglesby@p13.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Curtis Oglesby) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Question Message-ID: <12847@bunker.UUCP> Date: 18 Jul 90 04:43:12 GMT Sender: news@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Curtis.Oglesby@p13.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:360/1.13 - Augusta Forum, North Augusta SC Lines: 42 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 9243 [This is from the Spinal Injury Conference] GF> One thing that tires me out that I never expected is GF> conversation. I know this is due to the paralysis of the chest GF> muscles that aid in breathing, leaving only the diaphragm to do all GF> the work. It's usually no problem, but if I talk to fast, I get GF> short of breath very quickly. It hits me hardest when I try talking GF> to people in loud places. There have been times when I've gotten GF> dizzy because of it. I'm guessing this GF> is fairly common in higher paralysis? I'd say it's very common. But, you'll build up your diaphragm with time. You'll also learn to moderate your speed of talking so it won't wear you down. Don't expect to ever be able to talk above a lot of noise, though. Why try? BTW, I say this because I've ALWAYS avoided loud places. GF> I have found (as you probably have too) that most people who GF> aren't familiar with disabled people don't realize how difficult it GF> is for them to be physically active. I think this is why the advice GF> they offer for every problem is to "get out and do something." GF> Usually, the activities that are difficult for the disabled person GF> aren't perceived as such by those who take them for granted. Exactly, and it's tough facing this fact as a young, active person. It was very hard on me. I was determined to do anything I wanted and everything I had done before the injury. But, you soon learn that if you take it slower you can actually do more. It's like not going out too fast in a long distance race. What most people can't seem to understand is that while I'm "cooped up" in my air-conditioned room with my entertainment center and computer system, I can be much more comfortable, entertained, and productive than anywhere else I've been so far. But I'm no a recluse; I'm still open to all suggestions! Curt -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!360!1.13!Curtis.Oglesby Internet: Curtis.Oglesby@p13.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org