A new life - irving reborn after near fatal accident

[irving2008]

on 25th oct on way to work i rode into back of parked van. dont know how orwhy. i broke spine at c7 t1 t2 so now officially paraplegic. have useof arms but weak may get some use of fingers back eventually. as u can see i can use technology tho slow n tiring. i will get stronger and relearn howto do stuff. obviously workshop isnt going to happen as planned but still hope to find ways to use minilathe and maxnc mill thogh rest will have to be sold,. will need help with this and setting up. thats all long way in future. in meantime i'll drop in from time to time to say hi as i get stronger. and there will be a blog. lee, best take me off mod duty for now.

[Ricardoco]

OMG Irving, im so sorry to hear that, i didnt even know you were a fellow biker. Im so shocked you were the first person i ever spoke to on this site and if you remember i even asked where you were when you didnt post for such a long time some time ago. Listen you dont know me but if there is anything at all i can do to help then please just ask...

Rick

[g4ghp]

Hello Irving, you don't know me, but ever since I joined this motley bunch 18 months or so ago, I have noticed how helpfull you have always been to the newcomer, and fledgeling diy cncer.Always done with style, care,and the ability to get your message across without letting the recipient feel as though he was an idiot... Do take care my friend, and as people have already said , if there is absolutely anything I can do , just say....distance is no object.

I am just getting back into circulation myself having nearly been killed by my gp who put me on statins a year ago, and I have had a very bad reaction.

Anyway...all the best...will look forward to you words of wisdom as they appear on here from time to time.

Bren........g4ghp

[motoxy]

Hi irving. Had a few offs as I have been a biker for over 45 years but nothing as bad as that. I am so sorry to hear how bad it is for you. But please be patient with your tools. I am also a wood turner and there are many who in your condition find ways to continue. I do wish you the best.

Bruce

[martin54]

Irving, I don't know you either but have read quite a lot of posts by you in the short time I have been here & can echo what has been said about the helpoffered by you to others.
Looks like you have the right attitude & are concentrating on the positive. Easy for me to say not being in your position but please try & maintain that as it will help you a lot especially at times when things aren't going as well or as quickly as you want them to.

[Iwant1]

Wow Irving, that's some serious injuries. I'm glad you're on the way to full/partial recovery and will in time have the ability to still machine. I'm not too far from you so let me know if you need help in anything. Setting up machinery to even help building your workshop. All stuff I enjoy.

I'm sure your typing will improve when a bargain comes along, we all know how quickly you snap up all the goodies. lol

Take care friend.

[Buba b]

Hi Irving sorry to hear of your accident and can only hope your condition improves beyond your docs appraisal ( there not always right ! ). Ive always looked for your posts and read them with intrest even if i didnt completely understand them ! (my fault not yours !) . As said before you always got your message across without treating everyone as stupid which is a skill in its self.
Intresting title " Irving Reborn " ..... while no one would wish this to happen to anyone , its just one of those things that life throws in the way to make sure we are tested. Hopefully your title suggests your looking in a positive way for your future and i hope your be back here as theres always some idiot who cant wire up stepper motors ! ie: Me ! .

All the Best Irving .... Nev

[Lee Roberts]

I’m also very sorry to read we what has happened to you mate, all I can do is also echo what the others have said and offer you both hands, if there is anything I can do for you to make life better please just let me know.

Don’t even think about the moderation, I’ll be in contact shortly.

Kind Regards,
Lee

[WandrinAndy]

Very sorry to hear your news Irving... I had thought you were on holiday or summat.

Ditto to everything that the posts above have said... And many thanks for all your previous advice and posts, a number of which I still have bookmarked for the future!

Here's hoping that time and/or technology gives you sufficient renewed functionality to again become one of the cornerstones of this forum... Your absence in the interim will be sorely missed as it has already.

All The Very Best Mate,
Andy

[Mad Professor]

Oh sh*t, I don't know want to say.

Wish you all the best.

[Jonathan]

I had begun to wonder why you had so suddenly stopped posting. I'm very sorry to hear what has happened and hope you recover as much as possible, soon. I have learnt a lot from your contributions to the forum so if there's anything I can do to help let me know...

[m.marino]

Irving as a fellow biker with a good number os miles and more then a few accidents I wish you the best. As has been said before, Ask and what I can do will be done. Don't sell the tools yet, I know folks who have little to know use of their legs and work on lathes and many other tools. You will be surprised at what you are capable of with the determination that is in you. You are in our prayers and may your healing be greater then anyone expects.

Michael

[mocha]

Hello Irving, really sorry to hear about that and may I add my own best wishes to the other comments wishing you a speedy recovery.

I hope you decide not to sell any of your equipment as regardless of what level of recovery you achieve, if anyone on here can find a way of using them, you'll be the one!

If there's anything I can offer in the way of assistance or help, just ask and it will be done. (Have PM'd you too)

Max

[blackburn mark]

shit bollocks fcuk!!
im with morio here, don’t be making big decisions to sell tools just yet irving!

you still have that mind of yours and im guessing you will get the strength back in your arms... im sure people will rally to make sure your still in a position for world domination regarding home cnc etc or whatever plans you have/had

iv a sprinter/camper i could put up 3 or 4 volunteer workers up in for the odd weekend of labor... it sounds like some of these buggars might be up for some, ill come on my own if i have to but i have to warn you im a shit builder :) im ok at doing what im told though and we can help make sure this accident doesn’t get in the way of the master plan.

[Mad Professor]

I am down on the Isle Of Wight, as most of you know, and I am more then happy and willing to come up and give you a hand with anything that you may need.

And I am sure that most of the members here would also say the same.

[BillTodd]

**** mate - I'm just glad you're alive!




minilathe and maxnc mill though rest will have to be sold,.

Don't get too hasty - It takes time, but the crap you're going through now will ease, and you will be able to do more and more (we will expect progress reports !) - you'll need those tools


will need help with this and setting up

That's not a problem. You have plenty of friends here willing to help you sort out a workshop (and, no doubt, relieve you of any surplus tools :whistle:)

Just shout when you need us.

Bill

[martin54]

Lee I doubt this post will get lost in the pile but any chance of making it a sticky so it stays at the top for a while, sure there will be lots of other people wanting to wish Irving all the best with his recovery.
Lots of offers of help which is great but would be best if coordinated in some way. Maybe someone who knows Irving personally could take the lead on something like that but the first thing Irving will need is a bit of time with family to get use to the changes in his life,sure he would want to be involved if any building work is going ahead & to much to soon will just frustrate him. Took me a few months after my accident to adjust & mine wasn't anywhere near as bad as Irving's.

[irving2008]

thanks all for your kind words. im still in the hi dependency trauma unit so will be some time before i'm anywhere near ready to set anything up. prob at least 9 months. i can only get online once ortwice a day; hospital routine being what it is, hopefully within the next few months i'll be moved somewhere where i can have some permanent IT setup (office are already looking into options). one finger typing with a wrist stylus is frustrating and slow. fingers are offline still and may be so for a while.

[kingcreaky]

My thoughts are with you fine sir. I know little of you so feel a bit wrong posting, but ive read so much of your threads I feel I know you.

Time heals everything. No matter how bad things look at the moment, one day you will look back on this and it will not seem as bad as im sure it does at present.

I dont know your circumstances my friend, but sometimes doctors are wrong. "The mind is the most powerful of medicines."

[Ricardoco]

thanks all for your kind words. im still in the hi dependency trauma unit so will be some time before i'm anywhere near ready to set anything up. prob at least 9 months. i can only get online once ortwice a day; hospital routine being what it is, hopefully within the next few months i'll be moved somewhere where i can have some permanent IT setup (office are already looking into options). one finger typing with a wrist stylus is frustrating and slow. fingers are offline still and may be so for a while. Hey Guys How amazing is that.. Irving Stuffs his bike into the back of a Van, Breaks his back, Intensive care, possible surgery, has to deal with the prospect of a long healing process, and all the family drama that goes along with it, And bright and early just before 9am, he thinks of us and finds the resolve to come on here to let us know what has happened.

You my friend are a star... (or is that stubborn!!) I suspect if it is the latter that will come in very usefull as these difficult day go by.. I know ive posted on this thread before, but i just couldnt stop thinking about it..

How our petty little problems and tantrums all pale into insignificance when something like this happens to someone such as yourself..

It really clarifies this for me.. and see my sig....

Rick

[Fivetide]

Irving I’m really sorry to hear about your accident, I wish you all the best for your recovery and thanks for all your help in the past, think positive even though sometimes it hard to find a positive thought, but they are always there if you look. Get well soon, and put that great mind of yours to use, working out ways to overcome the future challenges you face.

[alex wight]

Irvine speedy recovery to you mucker. I was knocked of my motorbike on the 20th october at slow speed, but wrote my bike off. I,ve only suffered a muscle injury in my left shoulder. Yours is a serious one mate, but glad you are remaining positive. Speedy recovery. alex

[JAZZCNC]

Irving My heart felt sympathy's.!! . . .I write this with sadness and tears in my eyes.!! . . . . I know exactly the emotions and feelings of anxiety, fear and disbelief but yet relief your alive has I too broke my Back many many years ago wrecking a professional motoX career.
Luckly I've recovered fully other than nasty back pain and was no were near your level of injury but I do have some very dear friends that have not been so lucky, infact one my best friends and Ex competitor is a paraplegic and I can tell you there isn't many weeks go by that he doesn't leave me dumb founded by what he does.! . . . And I still can't catch him in the Go-kart that he custom built from scratch.
So PLEASE don't despair and sell the tools has you'll want them before you know it.!! . . . I don't care you live 300miles away you MUST ask when your ready and I will come and help make any mods or special requirement needed to allow this to happen.

Take care friend.

[Hobgoblin]

Irving.

We havent had a lot of contact. But, reading the post this morning my heart sank. I too a fellow biker.

I wish you the best recovery prospects possible friend.

[m_c]

Irving, sorry to hear about your accident.

There's not much to add that others havn't alreay said, just to keep thinking positive thoughts!

[dsc]

This is really tragic news, so sorry to hear about the accident. I've seen many of your post on the boards already, although I've only been here for a short time. I wish you a speedy recovery, hopefully you'll be able to turn your dreams and ideas into reality soon, regardless of what has happened. Stay positive and all the best.

Regards,
dsc.

[jonbabbz]

So sorry to read this news. I hope you have a speedy recovery and wish you well for the future.

[njhussey]

Irving, so so sorry to hear of your accident but glad that you're making plans already for the future. Hoping that your recovery is a speedy one and as full as possible. As many others have said on here when the time comes for your plans to be put into place let us know as I'll be more than happy to lend a hand doing whatever I can.

All the best, Neil

[D.C.]

Bloody hell mate that is harsh.

If it helps, hold onto your tools, it may feel like the end of the world at the moment but you would be surprised at what cripples can actually achieve when they put their mind to it. I've spent three years of my life being unable to walk without using crutches. Sucks but you do adapt and find ways to do the things you enjoy, if the only way to grow some veggies is to crawl around the garden on your arse, you crawl around the garden on your arse and the veggies taste all the better for the extra work you have to put in.

Things will get better, not the same as before but much, much better than you are feeling now.

[Peter.]

Very sorry to hear about your accident Irving. Are you being treated at Stanmore? My friend was there for a good while after breaking his spine in a bike accident.

[JoeHarris]

Irving, your in my prayers buddy.

[HankMcSpank]

Irving, very shocked to hear your terrible news. Prior to being made redundant last year, I regularly travelled into central London not on a bike but on my motorbike. With over 20 years of travelling into the centre you probably won't be surprised to hear I've had a fair few accidents with a few broken bones here & there, but nothing like on the scale you've just experienced...my heart goes out to you - stay strong.

Rob.

[wilfy]

ok i've read this thread for 2 days now... and i still dont know what to say... so the best i can do is get well soon dude... sorry i dont deal with stuff like this very well :S

[Musht]

You`re already recovering if you have managed to log in and type with a wrist stylus

[Shinobiwan]

Crashed your bike into the back of Van? That was a bit daft Irving! I'd recommend not doing that again.

Seriously though mate, that's shit and hope it all mends back together.

[irving2008]

Very sorry to hear about your accident Irving. Are you being treated at Stanmore? My friend was there for a good while after breaking his spine in a bike accident.
Hoping to get into Stanmore as only 5min from home, but waiting list is 'months' apparently.

Crashed your bike into the back of Van? That was a bit daft Irving! I'd recommend not doing that again.

Seriously though mate, that's shit and hope it all mends back together.
well it certainly wasnt intended! sadly i'll never ride my lovely 3 week old Condor Fratello again, though a hand-cranked trike may be possible.

[Lee Roberts]

though a hand-cranked trike may be possible.

Liking the sprit Irving, Max knows a good welder - keep fighting !

.Me

[Shinobiwan]

Hoping to get into Stanmore as only 5min from home, but waiting list is 'months' apparently.

well it certainly wasnt intended! sadly i'll never ride my lovely 3 week old Condor Fratello again, though a hand-cranked trike may be possible.

Don't mind my odd sense of humour mate. Gutted for you but I know you'll be back up and riding again before you know. Doesn't matter how or when, where there's a will there's a way!

[Fivetide]

Don't give up hope Irving, :) please
Nose cell transplant enables paralysed dogs to walk (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20365355)

[BillTodd]

Nose cell transplant enables paralysed dogs to walk (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20365355)

The down side of this is the proximity of the new nose cells to the farting orifice !

[graffian]

Sounds bad mate. If they are slow getting you to Stanmore get your wife
to phone everyday and moan at them, a mate with a head injury sat in a hospital
ward for three months and only got in to a specialist unit as his bird was on the phone
every day wanting to know why they weren't getting him moved.

And if your bikes need exercising let me know, I sorned my land rover in April and get around
on a bike, I love it. But no cheap tat please, I am a surrey mountain biker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feQyJeJgIw8).

Good luck

[irving2008]

hi all, getting online still bit hit n miss but each day brings small improvements and strength. been managing up to 4hr in wheelchair and yesterday went off-ward to coffee shop! physios are working me hard so exhausted much of time but sleeping well now. more soon...

[njhussey]

Hi Irving...glad you're managing small improvements, they all add up in the end!

[blackburn mark]

hi all, getting online still bit hit n miss but each day brings small improvements and strength. been managing up to 4hr in wheelchair and yesterday went off-ward to coffee shop! physios are working me hard so exhausted much of time but sleeping well now. more soon...

you sound like the type of bloke that likes to keep himself in mint condition.... i bet you’ll be having a crack at the London marathon in a couple of years, i love how those cheeky bastards in chairs are quicker than the runners
and those nutters on running blades !... "Cant run standard races because its cheating" lol

anyway, if all else fails I’m sure we could squeeze an RD400 engine under the seat for some rip-roaring trouble making pandemonium.. Keep fighting man and good luck xxxxxxxx

[Fivetide]

No No No Mark ... this will be better .. RIP Chair !!!

Black Ops Brothers | Howe & Howe Tech- Crazy Rip Chair Test - YouTube (http://youtu.be/EF3hbbYP8N4)

[Jonathan]

Whose up for making the wrong trousers?

[blackburn mark]

No No No Mark ... this will be better .. RIP Chair !!!

sweet!... that roll cage is a must!


Whose up for making the wrong trousers?

a change of trousers might come in handy if Fivetide has ouwt to do with it :)

[irving2008]

working on my own ideas re RIP chair. dont fancy tracks, think 6 wheeled arthropod, dual electric/IC drive. also re 'wrong trousers', lol, did anyone see the segement on Richard Hammond's program about exoskeletons? haven't seen it yet but kids thought it interesting. tried a self-propelled wheelchair yesterday, managed 10m down corridor before the engine (me) ran out of power! its a start tho.

[mocha]

10m? that's about the distance from the house to the workshop isn't it? :-) Sorted! Good to hear the progress you're making already.


exoskeleton crossed with segway control electronics? Hmmm, where did I put that Zenoah engine?

[ecat]

So sorry to hear of the accident and its outcome, all I can offer are my best wishes now and for the future. Everything you have brought this community has been invaluable to someone, somewhere, even now you bring hope in face of adversity.

I've always wanted a full Iron Man suit and if anyone can make it happen then you Irving are near the top of that list.

[irving2008]

managed to get outside being pushed for 20min. cold but fresh air! pretty exhausted all the time. police concluded investigation and decided no action to be taken :( got legal team looking at it.

[Chas]

I had 6mths of hospital rehab after my 'big off' but only spent 3wks in a chair. The first time my GF pushed me to the canteen to meet up with a big crowd of my biker mates . . . at first my mates were talking to her, asking her how I was, totally ignoring me as if I were some sort of brain dead cabbage, strapped into a wheelchair & slobbering on their shoes !

That hurt me more than anything that happened during those 6mths.

There is no gain without pain, everyday you must push yourself harder than the last one. They will make you do this, I assure you :-). The pain is not just physical it is mental as well, no one will ever understand the despair you feel when you come across something seemingly simple that you just cannot do. Equally, they will not understand the euphoria you feel when you finally achieve a goal you were working towards.

Probably the happiest day during my 6mths rehab was when I finally managed the toilet on my own :-)

Your medical team will constantly set goals for you to reach, you may find that Physio's can be particularly sadistic B#$t@rD's at times & sometimes they need to be. Everyday, work harder than the last one.

I found this chap an inspiration, he's as mad as a box of frogs but a good example of what can be achieved. His websites are sometimes difficult to navigate but there's a lot of info buried deep within them.

Here's a good starting point : POWER WHEELCHAIRS and ADAPTED MOBILITY VEHICLES (http://www.wheelchairdriver.com)

Good luck for your journey ahead & remember "there is no gain without pain".

[irving2008]

Chas, thanks for that, you know exactly how i'm feeling right now. got shoved out to a general ward for 2 days... they had no idea how to deal with a spinal patient, set me back a week. now back in trauma ward. 2 days later, today was the first day i've felt strong enough to get online even after the physios!

[WandrinAndy]

Who knows what the future may hold Irving... Stem cell man (http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/stem-cell-man-s-amazing-recovery-1.1433488)

[Chas]

Chas, thanks for that, you know exactly how i'm feeling right now. got shoved out to a general ward for 2 days... they had no idea how to deal with a spinal patient, set me back a week. now back in trauma ward. 2 days later, today was the first day i've felt strong enough to get online even after the physios!

When you start feeling down, take a good look around you 'cos there will always be someone worse off than you.

Bikers have an organisation called National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD (http://www.nabd.org.uk)). Folk chuck money in a pot & that money is used to pay for modifications & adaptations to help get motorcyclists back on the road. It's absolutely amazing the amount of ingenuity that goes into some of 'em.

I see no reason why a home workshop couldn't be set up, adapted & modified to enable even the most severe of physical disabilities to be overcome.

Disability, I hate that word. They class me as 25% disabled in locomotion & 35% disabled in manual dexterity. I cannot turn a round door knob, so I changed every door knob in my house to handle type. I call that type of thing an "Ability".

[Chas]

P.S. Keep yourself as mentally active & stimulated as you can. When Jeremy Kyle & Trash in the Attic becomes the highlight of your day . . . it's all over !

[Fivetide]

P.S. Keep yourself as mentally active & stimulated as you can. When Jeremy Kyle & Trash in the Attic becomes the highlight of your day . . . it's all over !

I'm DOOMED then lol :)

[blackburn mark]

P.S. Keep yourself as mentally active & stimulated as you can. When Jeremy Kyle & Trash in the Attic becomes the highlight of your day . . . it's all over !
hahaha! winner :)

I get the impression Irving was born plotting the master plan... if you see him stroking a white furry cat run for your life :)

[Tom]

Irving I've just seen this - so sorry to hear about the accident. I don't think I can add much to what has already been said. It sounds like you're already making progress, so lots more of that please...

Using the brainpower not wasted on Jeremy Kyle for some fiendishly clever stuff sounds like a good plan.
That man makes me want to throw bricks at the telly. In fact, if you can design a contraption to do that automatically for me I'll buy one for every room in the house.

Thinking of you.
Tom

[D.C.]

hahaha! winner :)

I get the impression Irving was born plotting the master plan... if you see him stroking a white furry cat run for your life :)

It's not the white cat I'm worried about but if he changes his name to davros I'm digging a bunker...

[irving2008]

bad few days has left me shattered... blood pressure all over the place, 75 to 195! no sleep last night, old guy in next bed didn't make it at 3am :( plus my web domain expired for no reason on fridayeve so no email till i sort on monday... hey ho...

[dsc]

Things might be looking grim at the moment, but I'm sure it will all come together later on. Keep fighting buddy!

All the best,
dsc.

[Fivetide]

What that’s not normal? Dear god I better book an appointment with my Doctor! Maybe you should stop having a sneaky look when the nurses bend over the bed .. then again.. why not lol ?? When my dad went for his transplant opp they were worried because his blood pressure rocked , when the doctor asked him if he was worried about the operation he said “ I’m not worried about the operation in the slightest, I am worried however that I have reached the age of 72 and so far no other man has touched my balls”, looking over at the gay male nurse unpacking and pack of BIC razors. “I understand said the doctor, I’ll see what I can do. Later the doctor returned and said” bloody pressure’s higher than before!” My Dad answered, “Son I maybe 72 but I can still appreciate the tits on that nurse you sent, and you try stopping your first hard on for 10 years !!”.


Sorry to hear about the old guy Irving, hope he passed peacefully.
Chin up dude .. God’s not finished with you yet !

[irving2008]

lol 5T made me smile... had a better day today, even got down to coffee shop for 30min in wheelchair.

[Web Goblin]

Just got round to reading this, not really been on the forum here for a while. Sorry to hear about this and I hope you make the best recovery possible.
I do some woodturning now and again and once went to demo by a guy in a wheelchair, cant remember his name now unfortunately, but he turned out some beautiful work. He had his lathe height altered to suit him and also some of his tools to allow him to work comfortably.

[irving2008]

Just got round to reading this, not really been on the forum here for a while. Sorry to hear about this and I hope you make the best recovery possible.
I do some woodturning now and again and once went to demo by a guy in a wheelchair, cant remember his name now unfortunately, but he turned out some beautiful work. He had his lathe height altered to suit him and also some of his tools to allow him to work comfortably.Think i've seen his website. he's a T12 so has full hand function.. I have no fingers/grip so need more radical solutions...

[BillTodd]

.. need more radical solutions...

Direct brain-machine interface it is then....

"Nurse, pass me the croc-clips. I'm going in..."


Bill

[Jonathan]

Direct brain-machine interface it is then....

There's an open source EGC (http://openeeg.sourceforge.net/doc/). I started making one a long time ago but didn't get very far.

[D.C.]

Did you do any hand wood turning before the accident? I imagine CNC expertise/hobbying is a big plus for someone needing to adapt to life in your situation, even in the worst case scenario if you don't recover the use of your hands with practice you will still be able to control a computer well enough to program/design/CAD/CAM things, you would just need assitance loading and unloading things on to the machine. Your skillset also means you can design and manufacture your own personal adaptions to a chair/house far more cheaply than most people could ever imagine, after you recover you might even find the new life you have is an asset for starting a business designing and producing disability adaptions for others?

CNC mill/lathe/pick and place, slave to do the carrying and fetching and you are good to go. :)

[irving2008]

Did you do any hand wood turning before the accident? I imagine CNC expertise/hobbying is a big plus for someone needing to adapt to life in your situation, even in the worst case scenario if you don't recover the use of your hands with practice you will still be able to control a computer well enough to program/design/CAD/CAM things, you would just need assitance loading and unloading things on to the machine. Your skillset also means you can design and manufacture your own personal adaptions to a chair/house far more cheaply than most people could ever imagine, after you recover you might even find the new life you have is an asset for starting a business designing and producing disability adaptions for others?

CNC mill/lathe/pick and place, slave to do the carrying and fetching and you are good to go. :)hey DC, way ahead of you there, was already thinking that on day 3 or 4. auto-tool changer, jig-based work-holder with hydraulic lock-down and auto-align using camera... all i need to do is manhandle stock into place and press 'go'. already lookingat building own wheelchair based on ideas from wheelchairdriver.com!

[Chas]

already lookingat building own wheelchair based on ideas from wheelchairdriver.com!

I see that you've introduced yourself & already jumped straight in the deep end :-)

Follow some of the links in his pages & you'll see that almost everything he touches somehow becomes 'interesting'.

This bloke builds pulse jet engines in his bedroom, & I've absolutely no doubt he fires them up in there too.

[D.C.]

lookingat building own wheelchair based on ideas from wheelchairdriver.com!

Meh, those things look wussy and I'm sure Jazz could build it for half the price out of a few twigs and a shopping trolley. You should challenge the guy to a jet powered wheelchair showdown at santa pod. :)

These guys may be of an interest to you aswell if you are not already aware of them.

http://www.remap.org.uk/

They are an engineering charity that custom builds adaptions for people with difficult or unusual needs that can't be satisfied by the omnipotent free-market.

[irving2008]

Meh, those things look wussy and I'm sure Jazz could build it for half the price out of a few twigs and a shopping trolley. You should challenge the guy to a jet powered wheelchair showdown at santa pod. :)

These guys may be of an interest to you aswell if you are not already aware of them.

Welcome to Remap. Remap Custom Made Equipment For People With Disabilities (http://www.remap.org.uk/)

They are an engineering charity that custom builds adaptions for people with difficult or unusual needs that can't be satisfied by the omnipotent free-market.I'm hoping, when the time comes, the MYCNCUK collective will help me source and build my own version. thanks for that link, hadnt seen that one.

[HiltonSteve]

Irving,

Well i thought my life was pretty bad at the moment going through a divorce and sorting all crap out that goes with it but you have just made me realise that actually what I am going through is nothing compared to where you are right now.... After reading through your posts all i can say is that I can not even comprehend what you must be going through and how your life has been turned upside down over the last few months. Never give up though, anything is possible if you put your mind to it and have the right attitude which from what I have read it looks like you have.

Now... There is something i may be able to help you with... I design and build battery powered electric vehicles which means I have a very good understanding of drive and motor control systems. I have a very good range of Curtis motor controllers, motors, gearbox's etc. If you need to go own the road (hopefully not) of building your own wheelchair or some device to help you get a round then I am more than happy to let you have any parts that I have that will be of use to you free of charge. Also if you need any help with the design I would be more than willing to help you and I have a very good friend who does all of our fabrication work who has a very good range of equipment and will be able to manufacture anything that you/we come up with, again this would also be free of charge..

Send me a pm if I can be of help so we can exchange contact details.

Like I said, anything is possible so stay positive and keep your chin up...

[irving2008]

Steve, many thanks, you have PM

[motoxy]

Who'd have thought that you would feel the love from a bunch of metal hackers. Got to say Irving your positive attitude is amazing. Pulse jet powered wheelchair, now your talking.

[Chas]

Welcome to Remap. Remap Custom Made Equipment For People With Disabilities (http://www.remap.org.uk/)

They are an engineering charity that custom builds adaptions for people with difficult or unusual needs that can't be satisfied by the omnipotent free-market.

I often auction the prototypes & first off's of the things I make on eBay with 100% of the proceeds going to NABD. Having had a brief looksy at the Remap site I reckon I'll start splitting the proceeds 2 ways.

[Fivetide]

Irving I have limited skills but if you need some small parts making let me have the plans and I'll try my best to make them.

[D.C.]

I'm hoping, when the time comes, the MYCNCUK collective will help me source and build my own version. thanks for that link, hadnt seen that one.

I have bugger all qualifications or engineering experience and I'm broke. But on the plus side I'm unemployed and my fingers still work so if you need a couple of weeks of unpaid loading machines etc I would be happy to donate time and elbow grease.

[irving2008]

I have bugger all qualifications or engineering experience and I'm broke. But on the plus side I'm unemployed and my fingers still work so if you need a couple of weeks of unpaid loading machines etc I would be happy to donate time and elbow grease.
Sorry to hear that DC, what's your normal line of work. I'm sure an extra pairof hands will be useful one day...

[D.C.]

Sorry to hear that DC, what's your normal line of work. I'm sure an extra pairof hands will be useful one day...

Lowly IT gimp :(

[irving2008]

Looks like I'm off to Stoke Mandeville on Thursday. looking forward to getting into rehab though its going to be tough. SM not great for my family though, a good 40min drive. Was hoping for RNOH Stanmore which is 5min from home but no beds there in next few weeks.

[Chas]

Looks like I'm off to Stoke Mandeville on Thursday. looking forward to getting into rehab though its going to be tough. SM not great for my family though, a good 40min drive. Was hoping for RNOH Stanmore which is 5min from home but no beds there in next few weeks.

I told you before but perhaps you didn't fully understand it then, "there is no gain without pain". It's a phrase you will hear many times in the coming weeks/months/years, & perhaps your friends & family wouldn't want to visit with someone who has given up to curl up in a ball & wishes his world was a better place than this one.

40mins is nothing, I would walk the entire earth over hot coals to see my nearest & dearest.

SM is a good place, a few weeks/months there would be well spent. One day soon you'll be in Stanmore wishing you were back in SM & one day you'll be somewhere else wishing you were back in Stanmore. Everyday you need to work a little bit harder than the last.

[WandrinAndy]

Looks like I'm off to Stoke Mandeville on Thursday. looking forward to getting into rehab though its going to be tough. SM not great for my family though, a good 40min drive. Was hoping for RNOH Stanmore which is 5min from home but no beds there in next few weeks.

Just learned summat new.... Stoke Mandeville and Stoke City are more "geographically dispersed" than I had thought.

Good luck with the rehab Irving... At least you'll be further away from the pollution of the big smoke ;-)

[mocha]

Looks like I'm off to Stoke Mandeville on Thursday. looking forward to getting into rehab though its going to be tough. SM not great for my family though, a good 40min drive. Was hoping for RNOH Stanmore which is 5min from home but no beds there in next few weeks.

I'm just up the road from SM, (some good pubs around there too) anything you need just shout.

PM sent.

[Fivetide]

Lowly IT gimp :(

Me to .. plus x 2 me to as I'm also now unemployed !

[D.C.]

Me to .. plus x 2 me to as I'm also now unemployed !

On the plus side it gives you more time to make stuff like this on your cnc. :)


choe u ram (http://www.uram.net/eng_new/intro_en.html)

I am in total awe, watch a few of the videos in his gallery...

[Fivetide]

On the plus side it gives you more time to make stuff like this on your cnc. :)


choe u ram (http://www.uram.net/eng_new/intro_en.html)

I am in total awe, watch a few of the videos in his gallery...

Awesome D.C !! I'm not that good lol ,

[D.C.]

Awesome D.C !! I'm not that good lol ,

Practice more in that case you northern monkey!

[irving2008]

well i'm in Stoke Mandeville and its just brill here compared to where i was. Plus I've been told I can prob transfer to Stanmore in Jan. :)

[BillTodd]

That's Great news Irving :)


Bill

[irving2008]

Full MOT today - MRI, CT, Ultrasound, X-ray, physio & OT assessments...

[njhussey]

That's good Irving, even better for Jan too!! Hope the recovery is progressing, I'm sure they're pushing you hard...

[irving2008]

just had 2 hours of physio in the gym... knackered! In other news, just been told I can move to Stanmore tomorrow!!! Will make life so much easier all round.

[njhussey]

That's excellent news, will make it easier for your family that's for sure.

I'll bet you are knackered after physio, I'm tired after an hour of gently cardio in the gym :)

[irving2008]

That's excellent news, will make it easier for your family that's for sure.

I'll bet you are knackered after physio, I'm tired after an hour of gently cardio in the gym :)all i did was sit on mat and maintain balance with arms behind me, or hands under knees

[njhussey]

all i did was sit on mat and maintain balance with arms behind me, or hands under knees

Hah with my bad back that would slay me, I can't even sit upright on the floor!!

[irving2008]

well i'm now in Stanmore. The care is just as good as SM but despite being linked centres they do everything differently - go figure!

[Ross77]

Hi Irving, sorry to hear of your accident. Been away for a while and only just seen the thread. All the best mate and wishing you a speedy recovery

[D.C.]

well i'm now in Stanmore. The care is just as good as SM but despite being linked centres they do everything differently - go figure!

That was quick, it's good that SM let you move I guess they think you are make good progress?

[irving2008]

was fortunate a bed came up at short notice. going to be slow over xmas then the real work starts

[D.C.]

When recovering from injuries I have always found it useful to keep records of what I can do physically, that when you are having a down day you can see concrete evidence of improvement, even if it is slow, small and painful...

Just out of interest have you had a play with speech recognition software? It has improved a lot in the last few years. It does need training and it will make mistakes but correcting one word per sentence might work out faster for you.

Have a good chistmas!

[martin54]

Must admit I never found it necessary to keep a written record, physio's work you that hard & that often plus constantly remind you so its difficult to forget lol.
I always find a short time thinking about what life must be like for someone I know who is far worse off than me is the best way to snap myself out of any down days. Works for me but the important thing is to find something that helps with the down days so you don't end up making things far worse for yourself.

Speech recognition software, now that brings back memories lol. One of the most useless programs I ever had was a speech recognition program for my commodore 128 (that's going back a few years). Sure they must have come on leaps & bounds since those days lol.

[BillTodd]

StanMore, Stoke Mandeville ? S&M all sounds a bit kinky to me.


Merry Christmas, Irving ;)

and indeed Merry Christmas everyone :)

Bill

[irving2008]

StanMore, Stoke Mandeville ? S&M all sounds a bit kinky to me.


Merry Christmas, Irving ;)

and indeed Merry Christmas everyone :)

BillThanks Bill, merry Xmas to you and all on MYCNCUK.

[D.C.]

Merry xmas to you too, I hope you are ignoring all medical advice and getting very drunk on christmas day, you deserve it now tuck in to the turkey and sherry! :)

PS Just to add hospitals have lots of funky drugs to fix hangovers and over eating... ;)

[irving2008]

HAppy New Year to all. Looking forward to 2013 as a new beginning...

[BedlamRik]

Looking forward,is a good place to be, Heres to a more than expected Recovery Irving.
Physioterrorists worked me hard after my bike accident and I cursed the lot of em, but I have to say, I'd be buggered without them, they did a fantastic job although I didn't feel like thanking them at the time.
I'm very glad that they where there to kick my arse.
Stay with it, and push on, come whatever, All the best from another perfect stranger on the internet.
Best wishes
Rick.

[njhussey]

Happy New Year to you Irving (and everyone else of course!) here's hoping that you make a better than expected recovery and are in a better place soon.

[martin54]

Looking forward,is a good place to be, Heres to a more than expected Recovery Irving.
Physioterrorists worked me hard after my bike accident and I cursed the lot of em, but I have to say, I'd be buggered without them, they did a fantastic job although I didn't feel like thanking them at the time.
I'm very glad that they where there to kick my arse.
Stay with it, and push on, come whatever, All the best from another perfect stranger on the internet.
Best wishes
Rick.

Couldn't agree more, it's not till latter on you appreciate what they have actually done for you.

All the best for 2013 Irving

[diy-john]

Pleased to hear Irving you are closer to home and family. Also you have got the best people around you helping in physio and re-building new life. Please keep us posted!
Happy New Year to all!

[Chas]

"Physioterrorists", I like that, very apt.

All the best for 2013.


Gosh, is it 2013 already . . . "WHERE'S MY FLYING CAR" ?

[irving2008]

Well today's good news is the neck brace came off, so my neck is officially 'stable'. Posture in wheelchair is crap tho so need to work on it, neck muscles are stiff from lack of movement. Also means the physioterrorists can get more aggressive!

[alex wight]

One step at a time mucker, i know what you mean about the physioterrorists, as i,m attending one just now after i got hit off my motorbike, by a car. Thankfully i never suffered any where near what you did, with a shoulder injury and neck injury being my only things to work on. Hope you have a speedy recovery, all the best.

alex

[BedlamRik]

@Alex, "Snap" apart from mine was 13years ago and I nearly lost my left leg the imortal words " Sorry mate Did'nt see you"...... I'm back with the terrorists now after playing catch with a concrete fence whilst chasing somebody at work.... Ligaments go Twang!

@Irving, Stiff neck will pass, Keep your chin up, (pun intended), It gets better. I can't emphasize that enough, through all the dark crap, there will be a time when you look back on this and see the landscape after you climb that mountain, thats what you keep aiming for. but I'm sure you have been told that a million times.

regards
Rick.

[irving2008]

my physio consists mainly of sitting on a raised plinth and doing various forms of balancing upper body and 'catching' myself when i fall by rapidly moving arms and what passes for hands to a suitable position. on the bed. Also when sitting with legs on bed in front of me,move legs to side of bed. so far i can nudge my right leg 1" - legs are heavy lumps! Finally getting from sitting to lying and back - the former is an ungainly semi-controlled fall, the latter impossible at the mo.

[Lee Roberts]

Irving, you have closed this thread mate?

Thread has been started as to why: http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/general-discussion/5561-irvings-thread.html

I cant find your phone number, i hope your ok, stay postive, no need to explain if you dont want to.

Lee

[irving2008]

Irving, you have closed this thread mate?

Thread has been started as to why: http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/general-discussion/5561-irvings-thread.html

I cant find your phone number, i hope your ok, stay postive, no need to explain if you dont want to.

LeeNot intentionally Lee, have reopened it. Sometimes I get odd issues with the forum during text entry. e.g. 'enter' doesn't give me a new line like it does on other forums.

[Lee Roberts]

No problem mate, i didnt want to reopen in against your wishs (if true).

Humm, not sure why that would be, if you let me know the conditions i can try to reproduce and debug.

.Me x

[martin54]

No problem mate, i didnt want to reopen in against your wishs (if true).

Humm, not sure why that would be, if you let me know the conditions i can try to reproduce and debug.

.Me x

I know Irving is your friend Lee but did you really need to send him a kiss lol

[D.C.]

I know Irving is your friend Lee but did you really need to send him a kiss lol

What I was going to post was this: You are quite fortunate to have the skills you have and belong to a community like this, I've spend about about a third of adult life being unable to walk without crutches and I've found that access to physio kit is either incredibly good and expensive or shocking bad crap. When you have a feel for your needs design a few machines and let us know, collectively we can the easily source the materials from scrap and plenty of time to make anything you need, just let us know.

PS if it involves hugs or handjobs bugger off and ask the missus, we are strictly mechanical. :)

[irving2008]

[QUOTE=Lee Roberts;40591 Humm, not sure why that would be, if you let me know the conditions i can try to reproduce and debug. [/QUOTE] not sure what the conditions are. using Opera mobile browser 12.10-ADR on Android ICS 4.0.3/ASUS Transformer TF201 tablet.

[Lee Roberts]

Ahh its probably somthing to do with the vb mobile style then, unless you view as a desktop using the tablet.

[irving2008]

Ahh its probably somthing to do with the vb mobile style then, unless you view as a desktop using the tablet.
its set to 'desktop' mode. setting to tablet mode makes no difference.

[irving2008]

spent 15min on a hand exercise bike machine this morning... talk about knackering... i was less exhausted cycling up Holme Moss last year.

Brought it home to me how much fitness/lung capacity I've lost and also how much less power you have in arms v legs anyway.

On another note, the 1-armed medical technician does amazing things in his workshop with just DRO equipped tools, no cnc, including custom bits for wheelchairs and custom cutlery and other adaptations.

[martin54]

spent 15min on a hand exercise bike machine this morning... talk about knackering... i was less exhausted cycling up Holme Moss last year.

Brought it home to me how much fitness/lung capacity I've lost and also how much less power you have in arms v legs anyway.

On another note, the 1-armed medical technician does amazing things in his workshop with just DRO equipped tools, no cnc, including custom bits for wheelchairs and custom cutlery and other adaptations.

Made me feel tired just reading about your exercise Irving lol, amazed me just how quickly people lose fitness & how much harder it is to get back, that's why you get worked so hard as soon as they feel you are able.

You have a clever active mind Irving so pretty sure it won't be long before you start to come up with your own adaptions for not just yourself but others who are in need as well.

[irving2008]

Likely to be here 3 - 4months at least

Yesterday tried FES (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_electrical_stimulation_in_spinal_cord_i njured_patients) on my arms to stimulate fingers. All a bit trial and error to find the right location for the electrodes. Very weird watching arms n wrist moving on their own! Didn't find fingers on this attempt. Stimulation is like an electric shock and quite painful. :eek:

[m.marino]

Yes that form of treatment is painful. Are they doing any micro-current to try to stimulate nerve growth or regen? It has been shown to help in some cases (contrary to many wishes medicine is not a one shoe fits all), I know of a few Neuro's who have used it with stroke and spinal injury with some results. Best wishes and good luck.

See you are all ready looking forward, keep it up. I am still rebuilding body strength from after the cancer, it sucks.

Michael

[irving2008]

Well 12weeks in post-accident and its pretty clear I'm not going to recover much hand function, now classified a C4A with C5/C6 tendencies. So considering how to continue using my workshop.

I have a small MAXNC10 CNC mill, good for small alloy and plastic parts. Should still be able to use this once I figure a way to mount and align stock & change tooling.

I have a 7x12 mini-lathe. was planning to CNC this and may yet do so, or just add DRO? again, mounting & aligning stock is an issue & changing tooling.

I have a bigger 800mm table round-column mill c1991 I could CNC but not sure its worth it. Same issues as above.

Not sure how I'm going to solder PCBs either, esp the hand-placed SMD stuff...

[Chas]

Have you seen some of the devices that help paraplegics continue with a healthy sex life yet?

There are engineering genius's out there who are able & capable to think outside of the box.

Stop focusing on what you can't do & focus on what you can. You are a long way off yet to be filling your head with assumed negatives.

[martin54]

I would have to agree with Chas, 12 weeks is nowhere near long enough to start thinking about what may or may not be possible, friend of mines daughter is in a wheelchair & has limited upper body & hand movement she has never given up on being able to walk, lost count of the number of painful operations she must have had. She was 18 before she managed to stand for the first time ever unaided by others. She is 23 now & still not given up on the idea of one day being able to walk.

[mocha]

yea, plus one with Chas. The "problems" you describe are all surmountable, some more easily than others perhaps but surmountable none the less. I'm not familiar with the C4A bit, (A trip to google will follow this) but even if there was only breath control, it's still doable.

The SMD parts question? How about modified vacuum bulb tweezers? bulb, extension tube, suction part; affixed to a variable Pantograph arrangement for the precision moves? ha! that was only my first idea... wait till to hear the ones for the powered attachments to the wrist stylus! :whistle:

[irving2008]

Guys. wasn't being negative was being realistic for near future and seeking ideas. of course i hope and am working on making progress

[Swarfing]

Irving i have been watching this thread and not said much at all. I feel i need to say this so forgive me, over the last year i watched a family member go down hill because of a terminal illness. What amazed me most was they way they gave up. In spite of all your problems the one thing you have shown is your spunk (excuse the term). Moments of negativity are just small hurdles and with your wider attitude you will succeed, with the people here and around you I'm sure you WILL beat this.

Enough of that now....

Maybe you need a new approach? The reason most people are here is because they enjoy building, need cnc on the cheap, enjoy a challenge?

If you had all the money in the world to buy what you needed, what would you do then?

[irving2008]

Progress gets quicker once you get some strength back. Was managing to roll onto side, push legs over edge of plinth and sit up on edge of plinth today. Hard work, but shows arms are responding to bike/weights workouts. Also getting more confident re balance and sitting on edge with less concern about nose-diving to floor! :)

[Treemonkey]

Hi Irving, I am new here and have been doing spots of reading on build logs and other things, I could really do with borrowing some of your brain power..

I've read all this thread, and Im happy for you that you are feeling more confident and stronger and I'd like to wish you all the best :)

I will send you a PM with some things (calculations) that Im struggling with if thats alright?

Sam

[irving2008]

Hi Irving, I am new here and have been doing spots of reading on build logs and other things, I could really do with borrowing some of your brain power..

I've read all this thread, and Im happy for you that you are feeling more confident and stronger and I'd like to wish you all the best :)

I will send you a PM with some things (calculations) that Im struggling with if thats alright?

Sam
@Sam: Brainpower isn't an issue, typing is. So happy to help, but replies might be slow.

@all: trying to get voice recognition working on my Asus TF201 Android tablet. Any ideas? need a good compatible headphone/mic too.

[m.marino]

Plantronics makes good wireless headphones/mic's and while not cheap Dragon naturally speaking has come a very long way in voice recon and being able to run programs off it. They also have worked with folks in your current position before and have helped integrate technologies. You might want to go take a look and give them a bell.

Michael

[irving2008]

First home visit today. going to be weird seeing house after 3 months. only a couple of hours tho.. Need to clear garage into storage in next 2 weeks to start house mods. need 2 or 3 strong guys with van and maybe lifting gear who know how to strip down/move/store mill, lathe & tools. Anyone?

[mocha]

Yuuuuup!

Whats better, weekdays or weekend??

edit;
Will be coming down A41 if anyone wants a lift.

Got a couple of these, strops etc I can bring along too.
http://dropshiptraders.com/images/CST18.jpg

[D.C.]

If any northern types can swing past junction 10 of the M6 on the way down, I'm in. Unemployed layabout at the moment so anytime is good for me.

[kingcreaky]

il zip down the m1 and help.. keep me posted with dates and times.

[GEOFFREY]

Hi Irving, short, fat, decrepid and don't have a van, very willing and would be more than happy to assist. I do have a set of machine skates though and access to
a toe jack. Just shout when ready. G.

[Chas]

I'm up for it Irving, but I'm not going to travel 100+mls down the M1 for a piss up in a brewery where someone forgot to bring the glasses.

What needs moving? what is/might be needed to move it? Where is it being moved to? Does it really have to be moved? Can we not just create some space in the workshop (garage?) simply by moving, packing & stacking?

I've got access to a limited amount of lifting & shifting gear + a 1 ton pick up truck. A 2x burner gas stove & the worlds bestest tasting bacon rashers for bacon butties for up to 30 people (I've done this sort of thing before).

So give us a clue will ya! Help us to help you, so to speak.

[blackburn mark]

I'm with chas here, its a good trek down for me
iv a long wheelbase sprinter but iv laid carpet added bed etc so I'm not for loading it with greasy machinery
it will sleep 4 at a push but has only two legal seats so if I'm picking any folk up passenger three and four will be bending the law a tad
that said I'm happy to come down on a sat morning get stuck in, sleep then get stuck in again sun
it would be nice to have someone split the diesel with me

you have some juggling to do Irving, I think Fivetide has a possible bagsy on one spot in my van and jazz may have a second... chas may be able to buy the last birth with all that bacon:) and he sound like he might make a half decent foreman

so that is where I am up to... if you can make any use feel free

[JAZZCNC]

Ok when is this needed Irving and how many people do you think we'll need.?

No point 20 turning up with 6 vans if it only needs 3 people and one Van.
I have Long wheel base Van and Engine lifting hoist and more than willing to come down with both but what don't want to do is drive hundreds of miles in van if there's one all ready there.
I'll gladly come in car for muscle power and pick folks up on way. Obviously makes more sense for the more local guys to help if possible but I'm available and willing.!!

[irving2008]

Thanks all for offers of help. i'm trying to sort out a local storage facility. the main thing to be moved is the md30 mill @ 300kg approx. Could be moved as is, or head and table removed and unbolted from stand and moved as 4 parts. Then there is the minilathe, 5 other lathes, one mounted with motor on workbench (needs unbolting or could be moved with bench with skates and enough grunt),the MaxNC10 mill, 4 bikes, the contents of 2 4-shelf storage units, air compressor, approx 5 plastic crates of tooling etc, bench grinder and a load of wood/contiboard. Apart from the big mill nothing is more than a one-man lift.

[martin54]

Chas & Jazz have got it about right, someone like Chas could communicate directly with Irving to find out exactly what needs to be done so things like access at both ends can be sorted. Then formulate a plan for the work to be done so it can be project managed to ensure everything gets done.
Realise that there are a lot of people who want to help but don't forget this is just the beginning & there will be plenty more oppertunities for people to lend a hand. I can't lift anything heavy & have 2 cracked ribs just now anyway so as much use as a chocolate firegaurd for something like this but sure I will get a chance to help out with something latter on.

[kingcreaky]

perhaps its worth looking at how many men are needed? (Im guessing two maybe three?...)
How many vans are needed? im guessing one

I live hour and a half from St albans, and have a old transit workhorse that we can drag machinery in and out of all day. Ive also got a double axle plant trailer.

perhaps out of all the offers, work out a date and availability, then work out who's nearest and make use of the nearest offers? to avoid over manning the job and causing our northern brothers too many motorway miles?

but on the opposit side of things... who am I to stop people coming? its just a suggestion. dont want to put anybody off.

if im needed, im game.

[Jonathan]

[QUOTE=kingcreaky;42149if im needed, im game.[/QUOTE]

Same here... but after reading the earlier responses I feel under-qualified, since I don't own a van or lifting equipment, nor would anyone describe me as a 'strong guy'. I can't drive down myself since being only 20 means the insurance would probably cost more than the car, so if I can get a lift that would be good...

[JAZZCNC]

I can't drive down myself since being only 20 means the insurance would probably cost more than the car, so if I can get a lift that would be good...

But not with me because chances are he'll end up road kill.!!. . . . .Only kidding he's welcome and I'll even bring him back alive.!!

[Fivetide]

I'm with chas here, its a good trek down for me
iv a long wheelbase sprinter but iv laid carpet added bed etc so I'm not for loading it with greasy machinery
it will sleep 4 at a push but has only two legal seats so if I'm picking any folk up passenger three and four will be bending the law a tad
that said I'm happy to come down on a sat morning get stuck in, sleep then get stuck in again sun
it would be nice to have someone split the diesel with me

you have some juggling to do Irving, I think Fivetide has a possible bagsy on one spot in my van and jazz may have a second... chas may be able to buy the last birth with all that bacon:) and he sound like he might make a half decent foreman

so that is where I am up to... if you can make any use feel free

Too right mate !! I'm well up for it :) So I bagdsy the seat!! Shot gun !! I'm strong when fuelled by alcohol lol

[Iwant1]

I'm strong when fuelled by alcohol lol

lol, yeah but can you walk in a straight line touching your nose. Then I'd be willing to lift up a 300kg lathe with you on the other end.

Seriously though, bring some for all of us, no really seriously, I'm in London so considered as one of the local guys. I got 2 lutons with tail lifts, if someone wants to drive one and I the other. Only thing I'm worried about is the actual date and time. I'm only available in evenings and all day Sunday. I think it'll be a great opportunity to meet a few folks from this here site. Just let me know guys.

[Fivetide]

lol, yeah but can you walk in a straight line touching your nose.

Well I've passed the test several times lol ! does the Luton have a 300kg tail lift ? thought it would flip the van over backwards lol :) Think serious stuff first then beers after ? and you want us to bring some "real" ale down to the south ? Never ! I refuse lol We will drink that girlie stuff you pass of as beer hehe

[Chas]

Same here... but after reading the earlier responses I feel under-qualified, since I don't own a van or lifting equipment, nor would anyone describe me as a 'strong guy'. I can't drive down myself since being only 20 means the insurance would probably cost more than the car, so if I can get a lift that would be good...

Typical student, using all that yoof & IQ to talk himself out of a bit of manual labour.

I'd be passing both Nottingham & Leicester on the way Darn' Sarth (where the softies live). I'm a slooow driver so I'd need to pick you up around 5am ish :thumsup:

[D.C.]

and you want us to bring some "real" ale down to the south ? Never ! I refuse lol We will drink that girlie stuff you pass of as beer hehe

Careful, I hear that londoners get real ale by by throwing a pint glass on a fishing line into the thames. Might want to see the doctor and get some shots before you go...

[Jonathan]

I'm a slooow driver so I'd need to pick you up around 5am ish :thumsup:

You knowledge of students is clearly somewhat limited :tongue:. If it's on Friday, then from Nottingham is good...

[irving2008]

guys, i'm touched by the offers to help. think i've sorted some storage in a relatives garage but need to check how secure it is. then need to figure dates and arrange with hospital a home visit. will probably have to be weekday and a dry one at that (and i'm not refering to the beer :lol: ) reckon could be done in a day (I hope) with enough hands/transport

[Chas]

I can only half appreciate how important a precious home visit would mean to you, please don't feel the need to waste one on supervising a rag tag bunch of rogue's, vagabonds & Ne'er do well'rs, who've descended from the four corners of the kingdom to ransack & pillage your workshop.

It's not like all your tools will be on eBay before the day has ended :wink:.

Then again, I reckon I'd want to be there if a bunch of semi-tame, experiMENTAList CNC enthusiasts were to descend on my workshop & proceed to rip it apart.

It would be nice to meet you, but not totally necessary. We only need to know what needs moving & where to.

[GEOFFREY]

I agree with Chas. Weekdays no problem for me. G.

[JAZZCNC]

Weekdays are impossible for me to bring van so will have to be weekend if I'm involved with van.!!
Can do Wed's if just for muscle required.!

[BillTodd]

Glad to see Irving's getting plenty of help here :)

I have to rule myself out for the moment because a crisis with my elderly mother is taking most of my time.

Once sorted, I will be available to help dispose of surplus coffee and biscuits etc.;)

Bill

[D.C.]

It's only because Irving lists all the decent stuff he has available for us to nick in his signature.

[D.C.]

I thought this might be of interest to you Irving,

SiriProxy on Raspberry Pi Home Automation Control - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXmCiaRc9XU)

As you start to move back in to a domestic environment there are plenty of people on here with the tools/skills required to do a bit of electronics design/coding/soldering etc to help you with adaptions and I'm sure most people that posted on the arduino thread would find it much more rewarding putting together a couple of circuits that will help improve your quality of life instead of making VU meters or LED cubes.

[Rogue]

...please don't feel the need to waste one on supervising a rag tag bunch of rogue's...

Hey, who's calling me a waste of time!?!

Irving, it's a bit of shocking news to come back and find, I'm very glad that you came through the initial accident alive and it's good to hear that things are progressing steadily for you.

Just remember, when all else fails, ask yourself - WWTSD? What Would Tony Stark Do? If your answer doesn't involve giant robots and a goatee then you're not setting your goals high enough!

[irving2008]

went out for the whole day yesterday. first visited the accessible flat i'm going to be renting til house done. its in Islington. Its ok if a bit clinical, more hotel room than home. Then into the office to say hi to the guys and let my OT advise on changes, mainly auto-door openers on loo doors and a height adjustable desk. finally home for supper before coming back to RNOH about 11pm.

Planning dept have advised that lift shaft would not be approved as it rises above the hipped roof even tho it wont be visible from the road and want the shaft more internal to the building which wastes huge amounts of floor space :confusion:

[irving2008]

Went for a driving assessment yesterday at QEF in Carshalton. Had a full physical assessment of arm mobility and an eye test. then went outside to try an adapted 'drive from wheelchair' Kia Sedora.

Push-pull lever for accelerator/brake took a little getting used to, but after 10min had got the hang of it. initially tried an electronic mini-steering wheel which drives a motor geared to the steering column 2:1 but found that too much spinning and tiring (and at £20k stupidly expensive) so tried using the normal steering wheel with a tetragrip -a 3-pronged thing you put your hand/wrist into. that worked fine and i was driving round the test track easily. great confidence booster!

[WandrinAndy]

It's nice to hear how you're progressing Irving..... I can only imagine how much of a confidence booster it must have been. Here's hoping there are plenty of these positive moments into the future!

Btw, for what it's worth I can only empathise with the issue you seem to be having with the planners.... I really think they have waaaaay too much say in our lives!

Keep Well,
Andy

[GEOFFREY]

Irving, that test drive sounds fantastic. I am so pleased that you are beginning to find solutions to a problem that at one time seemed impossible. I have also noticed that you have resumed your helpline service on the forum. Keep it up. G.

[wilfy]

wow i've obviously missed something here and will go back and do some reading... to think that you can drive when i think back to the first few posts you made is amazing. nice to see things looking up for you fella

[irving2008]

Sometimes we go backwards....

Woke up Wednesday with pressure sores on left heel and right ankle due to leg muscle spasms during night (something you have to live with as a side effect of spinal cord injury). :sour: Meant I couldn't put shoes on and therefore couldn't practice bed to chair transfers so had to settle for 30min on weights machine.

However, after some debate was allowed go swimming and managed 14 lengths in 45 minutes, 3 more than last time.

Now have discharge date of 16 April, will be moving to accessible flat in Islington which I'm having to rent for a few months while house is being adapted, that's if the planning authority ever get to agree with anything remotely sensible - their current obsession with the rear roof line (which is invisible from road) means my lift has to be in the middle of the living room :eek: :mad:

[Swarfing]

Irving many years ago i was working on a job where they had a disappearing floor type lift. It was a circle that covered the base area of wheelchair, a square pole that sat against the wall. if it was up or down the upstairs hole was covered. The chair clipped into the floor, chances are this would not meet todays regs? but was siple lift solution for the home without taking tons of space up.

[irving2008]

Things move apace. Just as you get used to the daily routine its time to move on!

Rehab phase 1 is over, I have a full-time carer and next Thursday I leave Stanmore for a temporary rented wheelchair accessible flat in Islington until my house is ready. Going to be a whole new learning curve moving out of the safety of the institution back into a world I sort of have some control over...

[D.C.]

Things move apace. Just as you get used to the daily routine its time to move on!

Rehab phase 1 is over, I have a full-time carer and next Thursday I leave Stanmore for a temporary rented wheelchair accessible flat in Islington until my house is ready. Going to be a whole new learning curve moving out of the safety of the institution back into a world I sort of have some control over...

Can your personal butler operate a lathe and hand solder smd components?

I hope you got the important questions in at the interview. :)

[irving2008]

Can your personal butler operate a lathe and hand solder smd components?

I hope you got the important questions in at the interview. :)

Apparently these aren't standard capabilities, and you don't get to choose your carer....

[irving2008]

Well, as of last Thursday 18th we're in the flat. We being me and my carer/PA Anett (Hungarian, single, 37, trained masseuse & cute size 10 :) ) nearly didnt get here as hospital transport was booked for 1pm, turned up at 6pm, got lost and drove like a nutter, surprised my head still on my shoulders!

Internet flakey as via tethering on phone an signal not great... but landline & bb arriving next Wednesday.

Been out n about in Islington (Upper Street) a few times now. Quickly learnt that no suspension on power wheelchair and pavements/cobbles/potholes are hard on the neck n shoulders.

[irving2008]

Forgot to add, my friend Suzi, a lovely Yorkshire girl, is competing in her first triathlon (the Driffield Sprint) and is raising money for the spinal charity Aspire. Please consider donating at:

https://www.justgiving.com/Suzi-D/

[irving2008]

Just a quick update as been a bit off colour last few days with yet another infection. Really knocks you back but feeling stronger now.

Having my own wheelchair adapted vehicle makes a huge difference. Got a KIA Sedona conversion that allows my wheelchair to be driven in the back and up to the front passenger location. So much better in terms of comfort and sociability than the van conversions that stick you up the back 'out of sight, out of mind'.

Starting to try and get some elements of normality into my life...

Went to Regents Park last bank holiday weekend for lunch and a pootle round the lake, managed to get out in the sunshine (that was Spring wasn't it?). Ice cream never tasted so good, if somewhat messy :) This weekend had a bbq in garden, again was nice to get out in the sun. The 'lake' is still there lol.

Been to cinema to see the new Startrek movie, enjoyed it but only give it 8/10.

Sacked my architect, planning issues were as much due to conflict of personalities as planning policy, interviewed and selected a new one who seems much more on the ball. Still its going to be at least another 6mo before I move back home.

Finally got the police report on my accident - only taken them 6 months though legally they are required to make it available within 12 weeks. Can't say more at the mo, but was amazed at the level of incompetence and inaccuracy in there (one example of many: report says it was daylight at the time yet sunrise is actually over 45min later) so filing official complaint, not that its going to make any difference.

Need to do arm/shoulder exercises to build upper body strength but only get 1 hour physio a week, so want to get a wheelchair-accessible multigym and hand ergometer (like an exercise bike for arms) but commercially available units are too big for home and stupidly expensive. Working on some ideas around using the weights stack off a cheap (~£390) multigym and getting someone to fabricate a frame for it. Also looking at ideas for modding a cheap bike trainer resistance unit for the ergometer on a custom fabricated stand. All input welcome!

[Philly]

Glad to see you're out and about and things are finally progressing. How is the movement in your fingers now? If you need anything soldering let me know, I'm good with an iron down to 0603 size, after that I use the iR oven or reflow station :)

[irving2008]

Glad to see you're out and about and things are finally progressing. How is the movement in your fingers now? If you need anything soldering let me know, I'm good with an iron down to 0603 size, after that I use the iR oven or reflow station :)

Fingers move after a fashion, but are useless for anything practical. On LH I can 'open' middle, ring and little finger but cant close them and have no control on index or thumb. on RH much the same but have some 'open' control on index and can twitch the thumb. things may improve over the years but have to assume not.

Thanks for your offer. Right now soldering stuff isnt on the agenda, my immediate focus is getting a multigym and a hand bike exerciser setup - the latter I want something that'll give me rpm, time and effort (watts) readouts, probably using an Arduino/touch screen. So looking for input/ideas on how to do it (I have a few) and then help fabricating it.

[irving2008]

Been a while since I posted here. Not much change to be honest, though hopefully will have some movement on planning permission in next couple of weeks.

In the meantime I've drawn up some plans for a hand ergometer (see here (http://www.mycncuk.com/forums/project-showcase/6234-hand-ergometer.html)) as not been able to find anything suitable at a sensible price. Its a slow process, I can manage no more than a couple of hours on the computer a day (on a good day).

[Wobblycogs]

I haven't strayed into the general chat board for ages so I've only just seen this thread. Sorry to hear about your accident Irving and I hope your still improving. I can't believe planning has taken so long and been so difficult, do these people have no heart?

[irving2008]

Thanks...

Nope, they don't and still ongoing... hopefully will have it in next 8 weeks... but whether I can afford the needed changes is still a big issue so might all be moot anyway :(

In myself I'm getting to grips with this new way of life.... but it isn't easy...


I haven't strayed into the general chat board for ages so I've only just seen this thread. Sorry to hear about your accident Irving and I hope your still improving. I can't believe planning has taken so long and been so difficult, do these people have no heart?

[irving2008]

Just a little update, life continues much in same vein, been up n down last couple of months but getting out n about more and making best of the end of summer. Still trying to build upper body strengh but plateau'd a bit on that and struggling a bit to make progress.

Had a little wobbly at 7:05am yesterday - 1 year to the minute....

Still fighting Harrow on getting planning permission for house adaptations, hopefully we'll have won that battle before the end of the year, but will probably be June before work is complete.

Still, keeping positive.... :)

[irving2008]

Woohoo :joyous: :victorious: great news - at the Harrow Planning Committee meeting last night the Members overturned the planning officers refusal recommendation and unanimously voted to approve my plans!

Such a weight off my mind! I was physically shaking with relief. And against official protocol I got to speak, they actually voted to overturn two procedural clauses to allow it. I wasn't expecting that so had to wing it for 3 minutes, but it was good :pride: And the planning officer came over as a Muppet who couldn't even get her facts right! :rolleyes:

Now we can move on! The tenders came back over-budget, but I can work on that!

Still will be another 8 months before I go home tho :grumpy:

[Wobblycogs]

Congratulations, that must be a real weight off your mind.

The builder we use on our place also works in London, he does good work at a fair price, would you like me to PM you his details?

[irving2008]

Yes please, can't hurt & we might re-tender. 2 quotes came back close but 20% over-budget and the third was £150k more!

[Clive S]

Great news Irving:thumsup: over the years I have been through a few planning appeals and they all cost a lot of time and money. Some of the planning officers look as if they are fresh out of college. ..Clive

[njhussey]

That's great news Irving, lets hope you can get a decent on budget quote and get things moving now!

[GEOFFREY]

Well done Irving. It pays to be tenacious and stick to your guns. Keep working on the builders and I am sure you will get the job done for your budget. G.

[irving2008]

So, some further news.

At the planning committee meeting on Nov 20 as reported previously they voted to overturn the refusal - actually because of procedure, now its recommended for grant its open again to objections. So it had to be deferred till this months meeting on Dec 18 for vote for formal grant. Anyway, the Chairman opened the issue and reminded the committee what was previously agreed and without further ado asked for a show of hands; it was unanimously agreed :joyous:. but then the planning officer piped up "we haven't discussed any conditions". At which point the legal officer said "You've voted, so you can't add conditions afterwards". So we have permission to build a generic side and rear extension, rear dormer and general external alterations with nothing to stop us as regard size, materials, etc., since there's no condition that says we have to conform to the approved drawings. Serves them right! :yahoo:Of course we won't be taking too much advantage of this...:whistle:

[GEOFFREY]

Wel done Irving, about time too, but still a nice seasonal happening. G.

[JoeHarris]

Haha that's awesome! What a Christmas present. You should clad it in stainless!

[Jonathan]

That's great news. How long do you expect it to be until you've got everything built and ready?

[irving2008]

Meeting builder this pm to agree pricing (fixed) and timescales (with penalties for late completion) but looking at 7-8 months realistically :(

[EddyCurrent]

Hope it's not like this

Yahoo News UK & Ireland - Latest World News & UK News Headlines (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/mum-wityh-disabled-daughter-campaigns-for-wheelchair-ramp---and-gets-%C2%A340-000--slalom--eyesore-143242677.html#gBGp0Tc)

[longy]

Eddy, Health and Safety gone mad again by the looks of it. Still the Parkour and Skateboarders might just make good use of it even if the disabled person living there doesn't.

Hi Irving, I was sorry to read of your accident and hope your getting better each day. I had to go right to the start and read every post, so please keep us updated with your building / adaption work progress and most importantly your own wellbeing. I have a disability myself and know just how some days can get you down, but keep your pecker up and I just remember there's some great members on here willing to help.

Wishing all the best. Mike

[kingcreaky]

any update irving?

[irving2008]

I've been remiss about posting news...

Well the house adaptations are ongoing - will be completed in October, so far so good. pretty much on time, but burnt most of the contingency already but still got some to play with. House is being pretty much gutted and rebuilt on 1st floor, and has no roof at all but the steelwork for that goes in next week.
.
Won another small battle with Harrow highway's dept, who initially refused our second drop kerb on the grounds it took away too much grass verge and 'policy' is to retain grass verges. But they would allow us a new central drop kerb, which is of course wider. So we pointed out that the new central drop kerb actually reduced the amount of grass more than a second drop kerb adjoining the neighbours one. Eventually common sense dawned and they agreed it. I despair sometimes; just so much petty bureaucracy due to 'policy' that they never question the 'rote' answer.
.
In the meantime we are renting a house in Mill Hill big enough so nothing had to go into storage.

[longy]

Irving, good to hear things are going ok with the conversion. Having spent many years in the building trade I always advise people to at least double any contingency budget they have as you never know what hiding behind the plaster. Hopefully the weather will be good and the builders can get on with the works. Good to hear your LA has seen sense and done the right thing in the end.
All the best. Mike

[irving2008]

Thought it about time I updated this thread...

We we've moved back in, though the builders are still here finishing off. About another month, and a huge snagging list - nothing major so far though. Gone way over budget, about 30%, so new workshop on back burner for now.

Trying to source automatic door openers for double front doors... stupidly expensive even on Aliexpress! After all, its just a motor/gearbox and an arm and some crude position/current sensing for end points and obstacle detection... can't be that hard to make one :whistle:

[GEOFFREY]

Hi Irving, glad to here that you are getting there now with your house mods, and that you have moved back in. Are you at home full time now? I know what you mean about cost overun and snagging lists - I bet you are well on top of the latter, and that the builder will love you for it!!! You are dead right about the cost of door openers, we are looking into something similar for driveway gates, but it will probably be a non starter because of the costs. As you say, not rocket science, but astronomical prices. Anyway good luck with your new life at home - the new workshop will come I am sure. G.

[irving2008]

Designing one as we speak, but trying to get head round force diagrams to figure arm sizes and shaft torques...

[GEOFFREY]

Designing one as we speak, but trying to get head round force diagrams to figure arm sizes and shaft torques...

Much too technical for me, but I know you will make it seem easy!!!G.

[longy]

Designing one as we speak, but trying to get head round force diagrams to figure arm sizes and shaft torques...
Good to hear you've moved back, I know the feeling living out of cardboard boxes after I had to move out because of Death Watch Beetle...
As for the automatic door opener just get yourself a PA (blonde 20's) that will open more doors for you.
Mike :)

[irving2008]

...
As for the automatic door opener just get yourself a PA (blonde 20's) that will open more doors for you.
Mike :)
I've got two, neither are blond tho... :) but I want to be able to go out to shops etc on my own....

[longy]

I know that feeling of wanting to be independent. Irving try your local shop fitters they might be able to give you a good price for supplying and fitting the doors. Or maybe twist there arm for some info on loads etc. worth a try may they can always say no, but if you don't ask you'll never know.

[irving2008]

The doors I have, complete with motorised locks. Its the door openers I need...

[cropwell]

Trying to source automatic door openers for double front doors... stupidly expensive even on Aliexpress! After all, its just a motor/gearbox and an arm and some crude position/current sensing for end points and obstacle detection... can't be that hard to make one :whistle:

Stepper motor, ballscrew, driver, power supply, couple of microswitches, Arduino... can't be that hard to make one :whistle:

[mike os]

hard part is the motion detection (without detecting he door) must ensure that any detection either stops the motors & goes free or smart enough to know which way to move (open or closed as required to release...and limiting the power if someone or something gets trapped behind or between

[irving2008]

actually the obstacle detect is the easy bit... just need to monitor the current draw by the motor over a few open/close cycles to learn the profile... any deviation from that is a 'stop & back off, wait, try again' cycle (exactly how my lift doors do it).

The harder bit is working out the actual mechanism. Standard units don't use ballscrews, just a motor and gearbox turning a shaft and an articulating (low torque/more complex engineering) or sliding (simpler, but higher torque and higher maintenance/wear) arm.

[suesi34e]

Sorry Irving, I had no idea that you had an accident, very sorry to hear of it.

It may be worth a look in the Hafle direction, they have a good range of gear and some good drawings. Best of luck with the project and the workshop once you get to that.

All the best

Suesi



actually the obstacle detect is the easy bit... just need to monitor the current draw by the motor over a few open/close cycles to learn the profile... any deviation from that is a 'stop & back off, wait, try again' cycle (exactly how my lift doors do it).

The harder bit is working out the actual mechanism. Standard units don't use ballscrews, just a motor and gearbox turning a shaft and an articulating (low torque/more complex engineering) or sliding (simpler, but higher torque and higher maintenance/wear) arm.

[FatFreddie]

How about this for a Heath Robinson solution...

Door is closed by a standard door closer.

Door is opened by string wound around a bobbin on an electric motor.

I haven't had time to look at interference between opener and closer but it should be possible to work around it.

Apologies for the dreadful drawings...

http://www.mycncuk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14482&stc=1http://www.mycncuk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14483&stc=1

[irving2008]

lol, don't think my wife would accept a heath-robinson approach! having said that, I did look at a cable pull design, but the door closers don't give a positive closure against the draft proofing for the multipoint locking to engage, so needs to be an active pull closure as well. also needs a clutch/freewheel to allow manual opening of the door.

[Jonathan]

Designing a linear motor, in an arc shape, to embed in the floor would be a fun way to do it ...

The attractive forces between the armature and stator could be problematic (i.e. very rigid hinges required), but perhaps it could be a core-less motor to mitigate that. Line of magnets in the floor and a couple of coils on the door perhaps...

[mekanik]

If it's possible to access directly beneath or above the rotating centre of the door hinge, either from the top or under the floorboards you could install an extension shaft to the top/bottom of the door that is in alignment with the hinge axis with a geared wheel, and drive this with a worm(and suitable motor) the motor housing could be actuated to swing the worm out of engagement for manual operation.
Not had a windscreen wiper motor to bits in a lot years but if memory recalls they might have some usefull bits, if it would produce the required torque.
Regards
Mike

[irving2008]

Designing a linear motor, in an arc shape, to embed in the floor would be a fun way to do it ...

The attractive forces between the armature and stator could be problematic (i.e. very rigid hinges required), but perhaps it could be a core-less motor to mitigate that. Line of magnets in the floor and a couple of coils on the door perhaps...
Fun but not practical with an engineered wood floor.., the hinges are easily up to the job. Equally you could have a curved section of r&p and a motor attached to the door, but aesthetically its crap...

[irving2008]

If it's possible to access directly beneath or above the rotating centre of the door hinge, either from the top or under the floorboards you could install an extension shaft to the top/bottom of the door that is in alignment with the hinge axis with a geared wheel, and drive this with a worm(and suitable motor) the motor housing could be actuated to swing the worm out of engagement for manual operation.
Not had a windscreen wiper motor to bits in a lot years but if memory recalls they might have some usefull bits, if it would produce the required torque.
Regards
Mike neither is possible, but such units do exist. They use a motor plus gear train, often a multistage epicyclic. Manual operation is achieved with a slipping clutch or just driving the motor in freewheel, so no worms..