A closer look at my braces and crutches (Wheelchair user) (Paraplegic)

[antonio1jh]

I suppose its the engineer in me that likes to know!

[antonio1jh]

Am just wondering do the braces transfer some weight or when you stand do you have full body weight on your feet?

[WheelzOfFortune]

@antonio1jh That is a great question. It doesn't really feel like the full weight is on my feet, so I'm assuming that the braces and crutches lessen the load a bit.

[rezuck]

Wow! I am impressed by your ability. I wish I had half of your upper body strength. I am a T5 incomplete paraplegic and I have braces almost exactly like yours except that I have more of a TLSO upper brace because I have scoliosis and a weak trunk. I am not as mobile as you and it takes more effort for me to move around but I try anyway. I do wear my braces in the summer, but then I don't sweat bellow my chest. Keep up the great work.

[foothills1008]

Would you be willing to try walking without your braces and wheelchair? Kinda interested to see what would happen:)

[WheelzOfFortune]

@foothills1008 That's easy. I'd fall flat on my face.

[swelguy]

Thanks for tonight's videos, Joseph. You've provided demonstrations and given answers to questions that we might be hesitant to ask. You are quite the guy!

[WheelzOfFortune]

@swelguy Glad you liked it.

[duke00382]

I guess that I do not envy you with the decision not to wear long underwear at least during the summer. How do you keep warm when outside in the winter as the plastic also conducts the cold almost more than the heat in the summer? I did not think that it took up that much room. Have you tried any silk longunderwear? I am just too plain cheap for that as I enjoy the comfort of pure cotton.

[WheelzOfFortune]

@duke00382 Well, actually the only time I wear any underwear at all is when I am in my braces/crutches. I don't really stay outside for very long in the winter and I never go outside with my braces/crutches in the winter, so it isn't much of an issue.

[duke00382]

Thanks for this additional video, it sure looks complicated but in the end it helps you move around. Do you get hot while wearing the plastic? It does make my legs very hot in the warm weather.  Sometimes I use longer sock just to cushion my legs against the plastic. Keep the vids coming.

[WheelzOfFortune]

@duke00382 Yeah, the braces can definitely get hot. I used to wear long underwear whenever I put them on, but I don't anymore because the little bit of room that I gain from not wearing long underwear really helps a great deal in terms of comfort.

[pedroeras2003]

Thanks Jose. You're charming, you are always willing to teach. We learn from you.

[WheelzOfFortune]

@pedroeras2003 Thanks! I am glad that my videos are helping people.