Jenna’s Story
February 26, 2009
Hi, my name is Jenna and I live with paraplegia. I have other health issues as well. I want to share my story with you to encourage you about what you may be facing in your life. I will tell you how I became disabled and how I am learning to deal with it. Tell your friends to visit www.TheSingingNurse.com and send any questions you may have, put Jenna in the subject and email to: TheSingingNurse@gmail.com
Life is More Than a Wheelchair
March 4th, 2009
Being in a wheelchair sucks so much because I can’t get up and walk like my friends can. But, I am blessed to be in a wheelchair, because that is how I get around the house, go to school, do shopping and go to church. It’s purple but not fun to sit in, but… my nurses get to push me around when I go for a walk.
I have a big wheelchair that I go to school in. I like going really fast so my nurses have to run to keep up with me and that is fun to me. I feel like I can drive in it, it makes me feel like I’m in the driver’s seat. My bigger wheelchair has the ability to tilt that I love, and I also love the horn.
Even though it sucks to be in a wheelchair, I am still a teen like everyone else.
Question from Jenna’s Pt 3 YouTube Video:
March 9th, 2009
Can you explain how AFO’s help?
Definition:
Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
Ankle foot orthosis is externally applied to the lower limb and designed to protect, prevent, support or correct deviation of the foot and ankle.
AFO’s are prescribed for several conditions, some of which include stroke, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, polio or ankle and foot deviation.
Jenna’s AFO’s help support both her feet and especially helps her right foot from going into a tip toe position. Jenna uses AFO’s while she works on walking with her physical therapist.
Another question from Jenna’s pt 3 video:
March 13, 2009
What is the collar for?
Jenna had difficulty breathing when she had surgery and needed to get oxygen to her lungs, so a tracheostomy was done.
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening in the neck leading directly to the breathing tube.
The collar helps to hold the hollow tube in place in her neck, that leads to her breathing tube (trachea) which leads to the lungs. Jenna also receives oxygen and sleeps with a breathing machine at night through her trach.
My Dreams Today!
March 13th, 2009
My dream is to meet the Jonan’s Brothers, to walk with my friends, to do a sleep over and to swim.
I would love to get my trach out of my neck and no more sleeping with a vent (breathing machine) at night.
My wish is to get my driver’s license so I can visit with my friends whenever I want.
I want to be able to fly in an airplane by myself so I can hang out with my friends that live far away.
My desire is to go on the news or The Oprah Show to talk about my story and share the song my nurse and I wrote about walking again.
I would really like the Jonas brothers to hear and maybe sing my song with me.
Click here to learn more about Jenna and her writing the walking song with her nurse, Ms. Dawn.
Link to this page
