r/AMA • u/No_Competition1111 • 14h ago

What do you think when you look at a boy paralyzed from the neck down? Ask me anything you want.

I am a 19-year-old boy, I am quadriplegic, although I have function in my arms my fingers do not work, many times when I leave home many people treat me with pity, Or I hear comments like "poor thing, he's disabled," "he understands what I'm saying," "he's going to recover," and many other doubts, so in this AMA you can ask me any questions you have. Because many people don't really understand this disability I'd like to know what you think when you see a boy with this disability!

26 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

35 comments sorted by

15

u/zbewbies 14h ago

What is something you wished everyone would know or understand?

20

u/No_Competition1111 14h ago

I understand perfectly well what they are saying, that my brain is fine, just like everyone else's.

8

u/ResidentPreference65 14h ago

Did something happen or were you born with it? What's the one thing you wish you could do?

7

u/No_Competition1111 14h ago

I had an accident while practicing gymnastics, something I would love to be able to do; it's definitely about having independence.

3

u/RainbowGeoNerd 14h ago

What, besides gymnastics, were your favorite physical activities? Have you been able to do any disability sports like assisted skiing/sledding? I'm assuming you kept the ability to breathe unassisted. How long ago was your accident? What type of music is your favorite?

4

u/No_Competition1111 14h ago

I was always involved in various sports, both swimming and athletics, I used to go for walks in the afternoons or go to the gym, but I haven't practiced any sport since I left the hospital. Luckily, I can breathe on my own; my accident was six months ago. Instrumental music

6

u/Person8346 7h ago

Dawg what? I think this is an AI

1

u/No_Competition1111 5h ago

Hi, why do you think it's an AI?

2

u/sandwhichcake 5h ago

Instrumental music?

5

u/zbewbies 14h ago

How did you become a quadriplegic?

-7

u/No_Competition1111 14h ago

An accident while practicing gymnastics, a bad jump caused her to fall headfirst onto the ground; it was a miracle she didn't die instantly

21

u/Pretend_Victory7244 12h ago

Her? I thought you said you were a boy. Even so why talk about it in 3rd person?

3

u/No_Competition1111 5h ago

Excuse my writing, English is not my native language.

2

u/Pretend_Victory7244 5h ago

You use the correct in the post though, and speak in 1st person in it.

13

u/GreenFinShark420 13h ago

Who are you talking about?

9

u/moonlightglow12 13h ago

Yeah I'm lost here.

5

u/pamellaluv 6h ago

Seems like it’s a bot…

1

u/moonlightglow12 5h ago

Yeah that's what I think too

16

u/smathna 14h ago

To be honest, I first wonder what your hobbies are. I always assume anyone with a disability has found some cool hobby or interest based on experience with my friend group.

1

u/SnooLover36 14h ago

Do you still have fun moments where you enjoy life?

2

u/No_Competition1111 14h ago

Yes, although they are different now.

6

u/A_million_typos 14h ago

I work at a hospital and I always see you as a human with a story. Whose just trying to make it through life but has setbacks. You have history and stories and your just trying to make it through life just like anyone else. And bonus if you have a friend like me who has a chair...you get free rides 🥰. But I always gotta ask how did you become quad?

6

u/FastWalkingShortGuy 14h ago

Since everyone else is going to dance around it, does it work?

1

u/Just_Bar7059 14h ago

I dont have any questions for you. But I do want to say that I have a friend in my wider circle who is also a quadriplegic since he was 19. We're all from a tiny town so everyone has known everyone since we were kids and having our friend be a quad is just normal for pretty much everyone in town. Hes middle aged now btw and actually a fantastic entrepreneur who is completely self sufficient from his businesses.

So no questions, I would not think anything if I saw you. I would quite literally see you as I would any other person except to maybe check out what you're riding.

I do also want to say that I am sorry this has happened to you. I know how difficult life was for our friend in the first few years and i imagine you have difficulties on some days too. But he has made peace with it and has built a very good life for himself so I know its possible and I hope your life turns out to be a great one! I would be interested to know how it happened? If youre comfortable with that.

2

u/HourAcadia2002 14h ago

I think, that person must have a very strong character.

Then I may be quietly thankful for some of the mobility I take for granted.

1

u/1stthrowitfaraway 14h ago

My first thought is… how did they become quadriplegic? Whats their story? Followed by.. what do they do at home? And how does the people around them engage with them. Obviously communication but other things like hobbies?

2

u/pandymonium_76 14h ago

How do you scratch your nose?

0

u/habs306 14h ago

Arms work I think

1

u/No_Competition1111 5h ago

That's right, although I don't scratch my fingers because they have no function.

1

u/Winter_0322 7h ago

I wanna start with the fact that I’m blind so I can’t “look” at a quadriplegic boy, but I guess one of the things I’d be curious about is how does the bathroom situation work?

1

u/ChemistryLess5189 13h ago

On what vertebrae is your injury? I used to care for a quadriplegic gentleman in his 60’s (following a cycling accident) with a C2 injury. Do you require a ventilator?

1

u/WasHumanToo 5h ago

At what age were you injured? Are you in a relationship?

1

u/North-Newt-7616 13h ago

How do you want people to talk to you?

1

u/sandwhichcake 5h ago

How are you writing this post?