Your voice when talking about postnatal women and birth is so funny. I chuckled because it's true their insides completely move around and their abs literally move out of the way for the baby. It's insane.
I have EDS and we discovered accidentally that my 11 year olds “hard” hug would perfectly put my ribs back in place lol. That brace must be like a Riker hug! ❤️
If there's one thing I learned from these videos it's that people are really ignorant and rude when it comes to disabilities. I'm honestly baffled that people actually come up to you and ask what's wrong with you or why you're using/wearing an aid.... How is that any of their business? I'm glad you guys are able to make light of it and make up stories to help entertain you, though! It reminds me of my Goth days when people would ask why I'm wearing black and I'd respond with "I'm dressed up for your funeral" 😂
Strangers that run the gambit of butting into my life get a 50/50 chance of me asking something taboo about them, or me going "Hello, I don't recall getting a new doctor(Physician /OBGYN - depends on the question)"
I have chronic pain & have been wearing braces for 15 years now. I truly hate my braces & how the general public reacts when I'm wearing them. "You're so young!" or "Darling, you really don't need that." or "Should you be wearing that to work?" Are just a few of the comments I get when rocking braces, they wear me down. So much so, that the next time I should be wearing a brace, I don't because people will ask stupid questions. Knowing that's it's not just a me thing; that people are generally quite uninformed & can get weird around medical devices makes me feel less alone. Thank you Martina, Simon & Anika for making these videos & raising awareness in invisible illnesses! ❤️ I promise to just wear my brace when I need to & try my hardest not to take the comments of strangers to heart.
I've totally gone without braces I need or have taken them off before I go out because of the comments I've gotten before! It's just so awkward and uncomfortable answering strangers' intrusive questions 😤
What is wrong with people that they would think or SAY those things?? Lol meanwhile I’m like “gah I really want to tell this woman that her flamin orange hair is gorgeous and totally makes her blue glasses pop but like I can’t just start talking to someone who doesn’t know me!” I totally understand how those comments must wear you down! I have Generalized Anxiety and it’s so hard for me to hold a job without mega stress because every little snide comment or snappy attitude gets to me for dayssss. And it builds! Someday we’ll be able to hear them without taking it personally and do the things we gotta do!! 😊
Or people telling you that you shouldn't be wearing a brace because it will weaken you.....when you don't want to explain all the exercise and therapy you do, but things still move?! Nice how strangers all become doctors.
Found this channel in 2016 when life had taken an unpleasant turn. It was Korea, K-pop and Simon with no beard. Now you're in Japan and you continue to share your lives. There's been ups and downs. However every time I see both of you, I am reminded that life is to be lived.
"Sweaty sweaty hot hot" -Martina 2020 When I wore a brace for carpal tunnel and people asked me what happened, I would always tell them that I was off fighting pirates.
It BAFFLES me how people constantly ask "What happened?" I'd never think to ask, because it's none of my business! Loved the videos and love you two, stay strong 💕💪
I'm disabled and have been really struggling with chronic pain and dislocated joints, but knowing someone "gets it" and understands what I'm going through makes a HUGE difference!
Currently have lower ribs dislocated and/or repeatedly subluxing in 7 different spots. I've been avoiding getting a rib brace since my top surgery last year and after watching this finally went and got one. Had it on for about 10 minutes a damn does that feel amazing
Just a FYI: They have rib braces like that at my work. If you need a replacement look for a safety supply company. Might be cheaper to purchase them there, even in bulk! Buy some for your friends!
Thanks so much for these videos. These came at just the right time for me. My leg has been out of hip joint for a week now, and I might have to start wearing a pelvic brace with a thigh part thingy. And I was really. Really. Not looking forward for it. But you guys have given me the courage to do it. So thank you for that. Also all the uneven ground in Taipei hasn’t been helping. As much as I love Taipei. 😂
I wear a back brace too! I left a really long comment on Annika’s video and mentioned it there along with my struggles with it so I’m really happy you made a mini tutorial. I wear mine for scoliosis, it helps support my lower back which is often being strained over compensating for the curve in my upper back. Doctors never believed my complaints for back pain when I was a child and until I was 13 they finally went “you have scoliosis why didn’t you say anything sooner! now ur back is like this forever and u have to wear a brace” .-. I don’t wear it daily because it’s uncomfortable at times so I can’t believe I haven’t been wearing a tank top under my brace, that’s so SMART, Martina. My back brace tip is putting the brace on *before* putting on pants. Sometimes that’s more comfortable, sometimes it’s not, kind of depends on the day but when pants are high waisted enough it can cover parts of velcro that otherwise get caught on your shirt.
I have EDS. I used one of those waist cincher braces after having my daughter 2 years ago. I ended up using it around my hips because my SIJ and hips just got busted after laboring for 3 days. I still have it and use it for my ribs.
I have chronic migraines that are caused by a pain in my left shoulder. Over the years the pain has trickled down to the point where my entire left side of the body is sore and sometimes it gets hard to walk. I wear my back brace to prevent me from bending so that i don't injure myself more or to keep my back upright so i don't slouch from all the pain which will just make it worse.
have you ever had an mri my mom has degenerative disk disease and she has a similar problem because her spinal disks are deteriorating and that pain radiates to her shoulders and neck?
I just wanna say thank you guys for making these videos. You and Annika's videos were not only super inspiring and informative, but also super helpful to hear you guys' experiences. You also helped me find ways to do my stretches and keep active without causing my own body more issues. I've had several dislocations with my knees in my life, and generally doctors shrug me off since I'm athletic or tell me to just not do something, neither being super helpful. It's strange to realize I've treated mobility aids like knee braces or tape or lower-profile kneepads like something only for people with 'more recognizable issues' or for 'more athletic people'. I dunno, I just wanted to say thank you so much for informing and helping me out in more ways than one. Hope you're doing okay in these strange times!
there is no one reason why you peeps are so awesome.. just all round good quality people, down to earth, nice.. really appreciated both main videos about something stereotyped set in an "everyday" way. just a big thank you for continuing to post all your content about everything.
I have a hip brace that is a bit broader then the rib brace (so can't use it for my ribs). But it always slides up when you sit down and then you have to pull it down again when you stand up. Very flattering (not) when you are out. I haven't found a solution for that yet. Perhaps I should fix suspenders on it and fix those to over the knee socks or something hahaha I indeed cover up the hip brace by puting long dresses or tunic tops over it. Same with like the kinisiologic tape. I usually cover it with cloths but I also buy different colours so I can match it with my outfit.
omg I had to explain to a 4 year old a little while ago as to why i was wearing a wrist brace and it was both easier and harder than explaining to an adult, but the kid was really chill about it then moved on once she had an answer, overall it was a cute experience haha
I remember going to a medieval fair and the girl who was selling corsets said she actually has back and spine problems and instead of wearing a back brace she wears corsets. She says they’re tight bough to help support and to improve her posture that helps with preventing pain when she’s not wearing it.
I will try to explain this the best I can in english: My stepfather had a decease when he was a kid that caused him to have one leg shorter than the other (i don't know the name in english) and I never saw him as a disabled person, but because how our society is, he runs away of anything that can make people have any prejudice against him like wearing a cane or have an adapted car. For example, in Brazil, there are laws that give you discounts on some taxes when buying your car if you have any special need, but he never even applied for it. I really appreciate this type of content where I can learn other ways to approach the topic with him because he himself doesn't want to make things easier for him.
Hiya Simon and Martina! Can y’all do a video on the renovations Tokyo is doing for the 2020 olympics? I’ve read about the changes they are making but haven’t seen any of the Japan bloggers I watch do a video on it
Hi! The account nekojita blog already made one of those. Is in spanish, i dont know if it’s subbed tho.... it would be an amazing video if Simon and Martina do one!
I want a plus size version of those pants and not just to hide my knee brace. They’re awesome! Plus I’m tired of telling people that my knee constantly partially dislocates. I have eds and I’ve recently been having back and rib issues so I need to try a brace and stop being stubborn about it. I had a foldable cane a few years ago and it was amazing- especially for flying.
Oh my gosh Rib braces are a thing?? I had no idea! I'm always saying how i just need something to hold my ribs in place cause they just randomly move around and the pain is worse than most of my other joints. Thank you for this info! I'm so excited!
I have no disabilities or need for mobility aids so why was I so entertained by 2 minutes of instructions on a rib brace??? I guess I just love Martina 😚
Why the hell are people asking you why you wear any kind of brace or use a mobility aid. Who are these busybodies who can’t mind their own damn beeswax?
personally it's usually not randoms on the street, but people I've met or already know (but I know for others it can be randos) and so it's coming from a place of genuine concern, but it does still get very tiring when you've been asked for the 10th time that day "what happened to your knee?"
As someone who wears corsets pretty regularly, I can confirm that they actually function really well as back/rib braces! It's good too because you get to completely control how tight you lace it at multiple points, so if you want it to give more support around the ribs than you can just lace it a little tighter there. I'll wear them a lot of the time under my clothes at work, because I sit for most of the day at my desk and having the corset on helps to support my back Just wanted to throw it out there for if anyone was looking for more options!
I actually wear steel boned corsets for my rib subluxations. The laces help ensure even tension, preventing what Martina was saying about dislocating the other side. Also improves posture, and if it fits well can be with all day.
I had to wear a back brace as a teenager (why, yes, it did destroy my self esteem. And no, it has no effect on my curvature). Definitely agree about the breathing issue. You may have said elsewhere, but I couldn't live without talcum powder. Gotta absorb some of that sweat.
Ohh that bit about breathing while fitting your brace takes me back to when I was fitted for a hard brace against scoliosis as a teenager! I was vain so while I did breathe in for it, I also tucked my belly in. I looked extra svelte for a year, but that was sooooo silly looking back ^^
I hate having to explain my limp to people so I'm always trying to avoid that conversation, but the alligator wrestling story is SO GOOD. I need to try making up my own stories when people ask what happened lol that sounds fun.
Mine is not as important as your guys, but I have asthma and work at a smokehouse, loading and unloading. I use a face mask, but especially with the current health scare going around, my work started to try to restrict the use of my mask. Luckily I purchased some a long time ago so I use them, and they are alright with that for now. But if it comes between me wearing it to be able to breath or not and collapsing, I will wear my mask... no matter what is said....
I still have my ankle brace that I use sometimes, but bc it just kinda looks like a sock I don’t usually get questions on it. I do tend to hobble a bit when I wear it though bc I can’t move my ankle to walk normally lol
talking about not feeling sexy with chronic pain, I just love smelling like menthol all the time from using icegel/flexall or whatever other gel I'm using that day 🙃
I always get nervous when you dance or do fast sudden movements 'cause I'm afraid you'll dislocate something! I'm just a nervous person overall I guess. XD I'm glad you and Annika found each other, awesome friend combo!
Simon and Annikas fiancé should make a video on how it’s like having a partner with invisible illness and how the support and encourage their partners during hard times
With the rib brace..... have you looked into custom corsetry? They’re expensive, but there are a couple of corsetieres that concentrate on medical support custom patterning etc. And there’s the option of thinner layers, or mesh etc (and pretty colours!)
I got some awesome writing gloves on Etsy to hide my wrist braces. Most are heavier knitted or wool, but I live in Florida so those don’t really work for me. Also, Martina, did you do a video on how you decorated your cane? I want to decorate mine.
Any possibility of a guide to Japan for people with disabilities or limited mobility? While I enjoyed my time in Japan I had a hard time getting full enjoyment out of places I visited since they weren't all that accessible.
Baggy pants all the way! Whenever I wear my knee brace I wear more baggy pants or some boyfriend cut jeans or jeans with patchwork on them and the brace is barely noticeable at all.
Carrie Fisher described her last costume as a Classy Gas Station Attendant, I was thinking about all the support gear as Over Clothes, make them the Accent of the Clothes instead of hiding them, Annika sews maybe some coverlettes for the slings and braces....Ooh!?? what?
what do you look for in a knee brace? I've recently dislocated my knee but the braces I've come across either aren't supportive enough or the Velcro drives me insane!
Had to say hello and thumbs up. I'm surrounded by people in my small down that need mobility aids and braces, etc. If they'd make them out of livelier fabrics it would be cool. Why all the black and dull stylings? That's what I want to know.
I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Stickman Communications, but they’ve created some really handy cards with details about chronic illnesses on, so you can literally just shove them at whomever’s asking about your braces and you don’t want to speak to them 😅 I just got some for hEDS: stickmancommunications.co.uk/product/heds-pack/ Also, really like the look of the rib brace. I’m definitely going to look into that! I recently heard about this thing called the Body Braid that looks cool, too - you don’t have to use loads of braces, cause it basically fits your whole body! Hope you’re both doing okay 🙂
Martina, I just had an idea... for those times when strangers demand you explain yourself and you're too tired to but you don't want to just tell them to go sod off, what about making a video where you explain about what you're dealing with and have cards you can hand out with a QR code that links to the video? I mean, if regular people can get the codes - I don't really know how they work. Anyway, just a thought.
