My spinal cord injury is beneficial to vanlife, especially when using the bathroom. | VANLIFE | 

This is super helpful! I’ve been a para for 11 years now so I’m no stranger to regular bladder/bowel care but I’m in the process of building my van and figuring stuff like this out. Thank you so much! So nice to learn from someone who’s figured this stuff out! These videos are always so helpful

As a retired critical care nurse your educational teaching was spot on. You truly are going to be a help and inspiration for so many. I’m over here thinking well damn I didn’t want to takeoff in a van because I have seven dogs. How am I gonna manage that 🤔 I gotta try to figure that out. And I’m watching you and I’m like hell. OK I can seriously do this. Where there’s a will, there’s a way When we think that we have issues and somebody else shares theirs and have conquered their situation, it is such an inspiration. Thank you and have an amazing day.👊💖

I had polio and wear a leg brace, used to wear 2. I I can walk. It’s just harder now, but just bought an 89 Toyota dolphin RV. I’m trying to work a better way to get into it, but I think I got that figured out. It won’t cost me more money. I don’t wanna live it because I have a home. I’m a widow, but I was and am a little scared to travel like I used to. If you can do it, I can do it. I am older of course. You are amazing. Send some of your courage my way. 🙏

You’re an absolute B-12 shot in the arm of motivation for me. Thank you!

Hi again, I'm a caregiver and I was wondering how you managed your daily care...you are amazingly brave! You are a inspiration,how strong a human can be! Thank-you for sharing. ❤

The iceberg opened my eyes. I had no idea what people went through and had to deal with. This was a very informative and interesting video. Thank you 😊

I think you told your story of your bathroom needs extremely well and it certainly makes a person realise what you have to go through .thankyou

You are incredibly brave and a true inspiration for EVERYONE!

Thank you for being so transparent. I learned a lot! Love how adventurous you are!

i love your approach to solving problems!

Thank you For Sharing. Your Bravery in sharing this is awesomely beautiful. Truly God Bless you.

You're an inspiration!

Super helpful, clear, and energizing!!! Thanks for the details and your honest experiences.

Keep it wheel!

Great video! I am sure most people have no idea what organ systems are all influenced by a spinal cord injury. You also can't walk up to someone and adk these very personal questions. I didn't even learn that all in medical school.

Lisa, you are a remarkable young woman. I am inspired by your positive attitude. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I hope to take these moments of shared inspiration and apply them in my own life. Cheers!

[Super helpful to know. I am not in a wheelchair. This is very good to know for ways that I can make someone else's journey less complicated. Thanks.]

Thank you for the awesome explanation. Many people will benefit from your videos. You overcome challenges that life has handed you. You rock! Blessings to you.

That, young lady, was amazing. 😀

This is the first time I have run across your videos. I just subscribed and you will now be a regular. You are ingenious and are motivating me push past my stiff joints and get moving.

Thank you for sharing this information in detail. I learned so much! I've been an occupational therapist for 35 years, but have minimal experience working with people with spinal cord injuries. I found this video very interesting and informative. I appreciate the education! Safe travels. Keep keepin' it wheel!

So helpful!

This is such an informative video. I am not a quad or para, but I took care of my brother who at 15 became an incomplete quad. I have dealt with all of his care (catheterizing him etc). I love your continued zeal for life and you inspire me in so many ways. I have many health issues now and have had spinal surgery, COPD and lots of other issues. One is IBS so I must have a bathroom close by, hence my wonderful lugaloo. I have just put it in a storage bin that looks like a log lol. And it's my seat as I need to do things in my low roof van. But life is too short not to get out there when I can so thank you for inspiring me and so many others. I love your lift to get in and out of your van. You created a nice home on wheels for yourself.

You're a amazing and strong woman and keep grinding 💪🏿.My daughter uses the same method of using the bathroom but no spinal injury other medical issues and she's now 16 yrs old.

Very informative. I had a college friend who was paralyzed at 16 and a relative born with bladder issues who has a stomach port as well. It is helpful to know what things you go through so we can be more supportive.

I think generally we probably take our bladder and bowel function for granted until something happens to place it in the forefront of our thinking. I take medication to regulate my bladder function, have done for 8 years now and I’m thankful for it everyday. I found your video very informative. I look forward to following you on your adventures.

You are phenomenal, next time I think im having "troubles" I'll think of your smiling face and be thankful for what is teaching me patience for real.

What a terrific inspiration you are! I saw you on CheapRVLiving with Bob and decided to check out your channel and you made me want to subscribe. I look forward to watching your adventures!

I am always amazed at how openly many Americans talk about their bladder and bowels, in Germany hardly anyone would talk in such detail. But of course it helps wheelchair users, so thank you for your openness❤❤❤. I took a look at the Milford system, but unfortunately you can get bladder infections and the urine can also leak back into the kidneys. But it is an alternative to think about, as I see a lot of bladder infections and could perhaps get fewer at the beginning, as a new bladder is formed from the bowel.

I've wanted to devise a Velocity Activated Grey/Yellow Tank/Drain. The idea is the tank would hold liquid until the Van reaches Highway Cruising Speeds (45MPH+) and then gradually drain it's contents, dispersing it's Contents normally on pavement and hopefully resembling the discharge of an AC sweatline.

Thanks so much for sharing!!! Continue to enjoy your amazing journey. 🙏🏾😊🌞

Thank you ... super informative.

I don’t know if I said this before but I love your name. It reminds me of Lisa Frank School Supplies 🦄

Not boring. I am familiar with the procedures, but the way you tell the story, being so frank and open, is not boring and will help people be less ignorant about spinal injury and how it impacts life

Great video! Very helpful, very informative! I appreciate all the tips, ideas, and your ingenuity!!! Thank you so much!

You are amazing and I enjoy all your adventures

I like how you use your space. The toilet idea is great!

Youre so amazing and handy! Is there anything you cant do! Haha. Such a sweet setup you got. Good video, thanks for being so open. You're one neat and interesting woman! Cheers

Badass! I was an RN at female prison. I got pulled to step down unit and one of the inmates was paralyzed from neck down. Her attendants told me she needed digital stim to poop so i went through records to verify. It seemed legit so i did it and at change of shift the oncoming nurse said “she doesnt need digital stim , you got tricked lol” oh man. I felt creeped out lol Also, i use home depot bucket for poop and detergent bottle for most urine. I live in converted cargo trailer camper as nomad. I have rbka so i use prosthetic so can ambulate pretty good.

Inspiring woman

⚘

Very good, will be helpful to others that need to, but don’t know how you did it.

Hell Yeah Go Girl!!!!!

#healinghumanity #bbbe #carnivorediet

How are your UTI's on the road? I've had issues and some public bathrooms have most likely given me one. Do you keep Cipro or other antibiotics with you on the road? I love the setup of one your Canadian friends where she had the full bench for shower that also doubled as the toilet by lifting off the cushioned seat. Thanks for sharing. Appreciate your openness!

❤❤I have one more question, where did you get the money toilet ring? I've never seen anything like it in Germany. It doesn't look like that. Can you provide a link? I'm going to order it from the USA. Thank you it would be so great

First time hearing about Mitrofanoff. Can a male para have that surgery? I think i want one!

Thanks for doing this video, very helpful information! I’m not familiar with that gel, can you share a name or source?

I have cerebral palsy and was homeless for over 11 years after I aged out of foster care. I always wanted to live in a car rather than sleep outside. I have a manual wheelchair and a hope one day I can have stable housing by building my own box trailer. However I have zero financial ability to do that. Thank you for your content. Do you get hassled by police when you park?

How do you know when you have to pee?

Uh..dang woman! You just incinerated all of my excuses

Been roughing in a house going on 8 years, so, yeah I’m doing it, but my view has gotten crappy, so I’m about ready to hit the road. Have to finish my taxes first.

👍helpful information 👍 kind thanks 👌 Awesome to find you & your videos - wish I'd found you 8 years ago! Lol😊

Good job…………..

I made a dream ! Life in Vanlife.. BUT i leave in France. The facilities are two world between US and France. Second things, how do u manage love and boyfriend ? Did you pack it on the fridge ? (Joke).

Anyone in van or rv life has piss container of some sort.

Your honest approach to this issue will surely be beneficial to the para community, who like you, won't let a little setback stop your forward movement and active lifestyle. I truly love the way you roll and thanks for keeping it real. "If you don't take the first step forward, you'll always be in the same place." 🤙🏼

I love this. You gained a new follower here. Im actually an above the knee amputee in the process of building my own van out right now. Since im a disabled veteran. It gives me the financial freedom to do the van life experience. Follow my journey if you want. Its gonna be fun

SCI or not, every female I know has the trustee pee bottle. Many have a funnel as you do. They just worked so well in the van or in my case… Tiny camper.

Thank you for sharing this piece of science and ingenuity! It takes a strong person to tackle this topic! I appreciate the amount of details you provided as well! I learned quiet a few things about spinal injuries and how to independently take care of yourself.

Wow you are amazing! You don’t let anything stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. Thank you for sharing!

I am amazed at how innovative and courageous people who have spinal cord injuries manage life. Thank you for sharing this video. I hope that the time will come when you are able to have an in van bathroom. Lots of good wishes coming your way.

As a retired Occupational Therapist I of course am interested in all things re: accessibility. I am glad to have the information to share with folks whom I encounter. But it also gives me ideas for dealing with my own mobility limitations 2° to arthritis. Thanks so much.

I'm getting ready to start van life myself and just thinking about it I'm finding it challenging. Thank you for sharing your experiences. You have help make me feel a little better about it. Look forward to seeing more of you and your adventures.

Thanks for sharing. I’m trying to decide between getting something like a Winnebago Roam or building something myself.

All this is easy for paraplegics 😁 it's us with no hand function that have to do the real thinking 🤣 honestly great job tho 👍🏻

true beauty is in the heart, and you are a beautiful person inside and out girl you go and show them you are not handicap, obstacles in your way, but you hurdle them with nicely God bless you.

Hi, Lisa. Hope all is well. That was a great video. It was very informative and in a very chill way. You are a great storyteller and presenter. I almost bought a small class B RV to use as my everyday transportation and mostly because of the bathroom. However, I can turn anything, anywhere, at any time into a bathroom.😂 A drastic necessity warrants a drastic solution. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy! Everything else is manageable! Pops

Thats a great idea for the toilet and has the stability that you need. Thinking outside the box, pardon the pun 😄. Good luck on your travels. I think your very brave and i admire you for getting out there and living your life your way, probably a little bit crazy as well, in the nicest possible way. Wishing you safe and happy adventures. I hope you achieve everything you set out to do 👍. Xx

Love this! Thank you for sharing. I love how wheel it was! I love honest content over fake or scripted. I am not disabled but I think you got urine handled, and I could definitely do that system. Also, (can't remember term) I am super glad to even hear that there is such a thing as "relocating" the catheter option. I honestly had no idea that was a thing but I am definitely empathic with relief for you and for anyone it benefits. I think it's really cool. Anyway, for the #2, I think your updated system seems pretty legit. The gel cushion make it look super fancy! I would like to say I could handle that. But I also have weird guts that are weirdly sensitive to weird things and I generally know my proximity to the nearest bathroom at all time anyway. So I probably would have to be colostomy or diapers. Not trying to poke fun. I say this because if I lost the use of my sphincter muscle, I wouldn't even make it to a receptacle. It would be my pants or a bypass. Which made me curious about your diet and how many calories you have to take in in a day. Could be a good video. 🤔 Thanks again for sharing. 👍👍🫂🤟

You're amazing.I told you how envious I am.I wish to do your wife's style.I too, and we'll turn around as I told you the things that you're able to share.You should be so proud of yourself.And your inspiration to me and lots of other people.Thank you so much

I urinate into a bottle in my car all the time. The #2 I haven’t done. If I have a van or camper I will probably have no other choice but to use a bucket.

you’re a strong person for having to deal with your situation. inspirational.❤

I'm above knee amputee and is very helpful,thank you very much

Great information. Loved it ❤. Have a blessed day.

what an inspiring video - thank you for sharing.

Thank you so much for this informative video! You have a beautiful spirit!

Your badass and motivating great story.

Thank you very much for all the really great info.

Paras are so intriguing.

YOUR AN ANGEL! THANKS FOR THE INFO. GREAT FOR ALL OF US

Very inspiring ❤

What an Amazing person

I am relatively new to vanlife and for now I am using a bucket. I am so thankful Bob introduced us to you young lady. You are inspirational and delightful- thank you and may God bless ❌⭕, Iris and Little One 👋🐾

I am just curious, since you need to use digital stimulation, would it be easier to reach back there while sitting down if you make the toilet seat hole longer in the front?

Also, about the catheter, are there times that you’re not able to empty the urine bag after you cath? A lot of times i cath in the car, and leave the urine bag inside until i find a trash bin in wherever i’m going, if i can’t find one, i wait till i get home and toss it in the trash. My question is, does the speedicath bag keep the urine inside and not leak? Mine does and i have to tie it stop it from leaking out. I’m looking for a cath system that’ll solve this problem. Thanks!

Very interesting. You are awesome

Hi from New Zealand! You INSPIRE me! Thank you my fiend and bless you xx

I just want to say that I watched one of your videos and it said that your other half. Left you because of your disability? Well I am going to have to say that he was an idiot!!!! I apologize if this comes across wrong it’s not my intention!! God bless you for what you are doing for yourself..

Thanks for sharing.

I'm ablebodied (limb-wise, anyway) and if I ever got a camper van, I would do my toilet just the way you do it. Pee in a bottle with a funnel, poo in bags in a bucket. I'd also bring my cat, so I'd have to have a way to dispose of her pee/poo/litter anyway. I'd probably chuck some cat litter in the bag for my own use too, just to absorb some wetness and smell! (And I'd have a collapsing shower as I've seen in some other van builds; maybe a tray that pulls out from under the kitchen/bench, with a zip-up curtain lifted up to hook around the ceiling fan.)

You need the space for your handbike, have you ever thought about attaching the handbike to the outside, I've seen another handbiker in USA do that. Then you would have more space.

Bravo girl! I admire and enjoy your joyful courage, determination and love of life! It’s refreshing to hear someone speak so clearly and simply of things that most people shy from! Merci and… bonne route!

I love your personality and your honesty and openness. You would be such a wonderful resource for my spinal cord patients. You're a beautiful young lady. God bless you!

I'm fairly young than most people who are concerned about their future mobility, but with stenosis and 2 chronic arthritis types on board, it's encouraging to know that there are feasible options if i decided to take my life on the road, just for camping, or otherwise! I really appreciate your openness ❤

How about hunger and eating. does spinal injury stop those feeling?

you do with what you got, campgrounds will say "handicap accessible" but what places don't understand is it goes past hard surfaces to roll on.🙂

What an attitude. Ur Amazing nice lady Surprised ur parents havent tried to stop u.

Wheels up

Good that your sharing this - what about your monthly??