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Don't Worry. Do Wheelies!
Cracking the Code of SCI Bowel Programs with Erin | Ep 25
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 injuries affect bowel routines, why some approaches work better for specific injuries, and the importance of finding a personalized plan. Lorie shares her preference for natural methods and her experiences with trial and error, while Erin explains why certain medications might be a game-changer for some and a no-go for others.
With humor, empathy, and expert insights, this episode equips listeners with the tools to tackle bowel challenges head-on—whether it’s understanding medications, fine-tuning a schedule, or even exploring pelvic floor exercises. Because when it comes to bowel management, knowledge truly is power! To contact Erin for a SCI bowel and bladder management consult please email erin.gandy@gmail.com!
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40. I am More than My Injury: Lessons from Jerod | Ep 40
33:05||Season 1, Ep. 40If you’re tired of being seen only through the lens of your spinal cord injury, this episode is for you. Jerod, Lorie, and Abbie talk about the invisible weight that comes with SCI—the invasion of privacy for information about your injury, representing the disability community as a whole, and having to be an advocate for the needs that exist as a person living with quadriplegia or paraplegia.They open up about self-imposed limits, the emotional toll of feeling like a spokesperson for the entire wheelchair community, and how they set boundaries on who gets access to their story. Most importantly, they explore what it means to take back your identity, stop apologizing for where you are, and start living for yourself again.This isn’t about giving up—it’s about redefining freedom on your terms.
39. Moving Past the Worst Day to His Life’s Work: Meet Jerod of Positively Paralyzed
06:48||Season 1, Ep. 39Jerod never set out to start a movement—he just wanted to stay in touch with people back home. But after joining an epidural stimulation study and launching Positively Paralyzed, Jerod’s mission quickly evolved into something much bigger.In this episode, he shares how he transformed the most devastating moment of his life into a growing business and a powerful platform for connection, consulting, and community. From teaching adaptive fitness classes to advising major pharmaceutical companies and universities, Jerod is focused on shaping a better future for those living with spinal cord injuries.His message? You can’t always choose what happens to you—but you can choose what you build from it.
38. “I Had to Choose Discomfort”: Yaz on Starting Over | Ep 38
30:58||Season 1, Ep. 38What if growth meant choosing discomfort—on purpose? In this deeply personal episode, Yaz shares what it was like to start life over in a new body after his spinal cord injury. From not laughing for four months to feeling like SCI rehab brought him to the edge of survival, Yaz doesn’t hold back.But in that darkness, he found something powerful: the ability to connect more deeply with people who had been through something life-altering too. He talks about what changed when he stopped avoiding hard situations, and how other people with SCI helped him feel seen, strong, and capable again.This episode is raw, real, and ultimately hopeful—for anyone learning to live again after everything has changed.
37. Yaz on Owning the First Year After SCI | Ep 37
33:22||Season 1, Ep. 37The first year after a spinal cord injury can feel impossible to overcome at times— but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. In this episode, Yaz shares how he went from facing the overwhelming reality of paralysis to problem-solving his way back to independent living, even in an inaccessible home.He opens up about the setbacks, the learning curves (hello, pressure sore prevention and UTI management), and how a little hope — plus seeing other people actually thriving in wheelchairs — lit a fire in him.This conversation is real, relatable, and packed with reminders that you can keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible. If you’re new to SCI or just need proof that progress is possible, start here.
36. “It All Changed in a Second”: Yaz’s Story and What the First Year After SCI Is Really Like
07:04||Season 1, Ep. 36In this powerful kickoff episode, we meet Yaz—whose life changed instantly after a paragliding accident just one year ago. He shares the raw truth of those first moments, the unexpected challenges, and the mindset that carried him forward.Before diving into the lessons from his first year after spinal cord injury in our next episode, Yaz opens up about what no one tells you when the hospital stay ends and real life begins. Whether you're newly injured or supporting someone who is, this episode will ground you, guide you, and remind you that you're not alone in figuring it all out.Let's meet Yaz!
35. When Your Partner Becomes Your Caregiver: Erin on Adapting Together After SCI
24:39||Season 1, Ep. 35In this honest and empowering episode, Erin shares what it’s really like when your spouse or significant other takes on the role of caregiver. She talks about the early challenges, the mindset shifts that helped her adjust, and how she and her partner learned to move forward as a team—without losing the heart of their relationship.Erin also introduces The Ten Percent App, a social media app created specifically for people with disabilities to connect, share experiences, and build community.If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate changing roles in a relationship or where to find people who just get it, this conversation is for you.
34. “Do They Really Just Say That?” Erin on Reclaiming Her Space After SCI
22:02||Season 1, Ep. 34Getting back out into the world after a spinal cord injury can feel like entering a different planet. In this episode, Erin—who lives with quadriplegia—shares what it’s really like to return to the community, from the frustrating stares and awkward comments to the powerful moments of reclaiming confidence and showing up boldly. Her stories are honest, eye-opening, and deeply relatable for anyone who's had to navigate a world that doesn’t always understand disability. Whether you're newly injured or years into your journey, this conversation will make you feel seen—and remind you that you’re not alone.
33. This Isn’t the End: How Erin Built a New Life—and a Community—After SCI
07:35||Season 1, Ep. 33If you’ve ever wondered whether life can still be full after a spinal cord injury, Erin is here to show you what’s possible. In this trailer episode, she opens up about life as a woman with quadriplegia—how she’s not just surviving, but thriving. Erin is launching a social media platform built by and for people with disabilities, and she’s currently pursuing her master’s in mental health counseling to support others on their journeys. Her story is real, uplifting, and packed with hope.You can find Erin on social media at the link in the podcast or here: @erin.fieldd. And find her upcoming social media platform here: @thetenpercentapp.
32. Breaking the Mold: Abbie’s Bold Leap into Virtual SCI Rehab
22:31||Season 1, Ep. 32Why would a seasoned neurologic physical therapist walk away from the traditional insurance-based model to create something entirely new? In this episode, Abbie shares her journey of founding AbbieRoad Physical Therapy, a private practice that delivers spinal cord injury rehab exclusively through digital platforms. She reveals the frustrations that led her to rethink rehab, the challenges of building a new model, and the incredible impact virtual therapy is having on her clients. Tune in to discover why she believes this is the future of SCI recovery—and how she’s making it happen.Would you like any adjustments to better capture your voice or vision?