10/06/2011: Lorisayshey from San Diego, California replies: "I discovered this site recently when my quadriplegic son and I contracted Scabies and it was a huge help to get rid of it. So, thought I would contribute some valuable lessons learned on how to keep your quadriplegic loved one healthy. My son broke his neck 11 years ago in a surfing accident and is a C4/C5 complete. The average life after injury for someone with this severity of being paralyzed is about 10 years, and usually includes a host of medical problems: Urinary tract infections, bedsores, pneumonia, etc. Bobby is very healthy and happy. We founded a nonprofit org to help other paralyzed individuals and their families cope with living as a quad (www.cantkeepmedown.org) We have learned over the years what works to keep him healthy and to keep him from taking a ton of meds everyday as most doctors try to shove so many medicines into quads, which sometimes makes things worse. He can only feel from his nipples down. However, he does have movement in his right arm enough to lift it up and down. So, he has a custom brace on his right hand allowing us to insert a pencil, eraser end down, into it so that he can use it to push down on a wireless keyboard set next to him. This has been a lifesaver from boredom for him. He has a hobby making surf films. He was 22 and on his way to becoming pro when he was slammed onto the beach when he went over the falls from riding a huge wave. This hobby of making films has also allowed him to stay connected to his surf buddies and the surfing community. He has many friends who are pros and really good local surfers who go on surf trips and save some surf footage for him that he uses to make some amazing surf films. He's made 6 thus far and is working on his 7th film. In the beginning we'd sell them in the surf shops and on the internet. They even made a movie about him called "Can't Keep Me Down" still on sale all over the internet. We just give them away now to friends and people who need to hear about his inspiring story of courage and renewal.

So, we've learned some amazing remedies to keep him healthy. Since Bobby and I began taking extra virgin coconut oil in April 2009, we have not had a cold or flu, or even been sick! Bobby used to get urinary tract infections (UTIs) on a regular basis - hasn't had one since we started using the coconut oil (co). Bobby used to get bed sores from skin breakdown a lot, especially the first few years. He still gets them occasionally, but now they never go beyond the blister stage. We found these amazing bandages called Alyven Adhesive that get rid of them quickly. Put one on the blister and leave for 4 days, remove bandage they they are nearly gone! Amazing. I've seen some ugly side effects from quads who tried many remedies to cure their stage 3 and 4 bedsores to no avail. These bandages are very expensive, but well worth it. We keep them on hand at all times. Christopher Reeve died from complications from a bed sore. Anyway, we're here to help answer any questions you might have about quads and how to keep them healthy and overcome the many challenges that face them on a daily basis.

For all of you precious people out there who are living with this difficult life, I pray you have comfort in knowing that there is hope for a full and happy life. My son has spoken to many groups of young people over the years and he has honestly told them that he is happier now than he was before he was paralyzed. He has found a new Hope in a place that he likes to share with others whenever the opportunity arises. Take care and please write. We are here for you. Lori"

10/06/2011: Jen from Bozeman, Mt, Us replies: "What a wonderful post and story. I am truly amazed at the power of the human spirit on a daily basis. I know you and your son will give hope to so many people through your website and strength. I work for a wheelchair company so it is very inspiring to hear from people like you and your son. Who are overcoming their disabilities and won't let themselves be knocked down. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and keep your website in mind when I talk to people who need a little inspiration. God bless you both."

10/06/2011: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada replies: "Hi Lorisayshey and Bobby - It is incredibly humbling and motivating to read such an inspirational story! It definitely puts things into perspective. There is always hope. Thank you for sharing with the Earth Clinic community. Take care, Bess"

10/11/2011: Timh from Louisville, Usa replies: "Lori, you are correct about the sort of healthcare quads recieve from conventional medicine. I once nursed a c/4 that had just returned from Sheppard in Atlanta and he was on lots of meds, some neccessary & helpful, some not. I recommended cranberry for the uti which also required the extract capsules. The chronic antibiotics created severe yeast infection with all the nasty side effects that go with it. I recomended my patient to report the problem to urologist and was prescribed nystatin with good results. Patient has continued a somewhat conventional treatment lifestyle, his health has worsened, assets depleted, and now living in log-term care facility. Yes, extra care is badly need for such extreme conditions.

Just finished Joni Earickson's book Joni and am now reading her second book A Step Further. She has a wonderful ministry and website Joni And Friends. http://www.joniandfriends.org/

Lots of luck to you and son."

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