I'm curious about the wheelchair.

[boss.king]

Hey Jerry. I'm not sure if this is something you've answered already (I had a look and can't find anything) or if it's even something you're open to talking about, but here goes.

I'm a massive fan of the site and yours in particular (you're the reason I keep coming back to the podcast every week), but it wasn't until a couple of months back that you mentioned you were in a wheelchair. I notice you've mentioned it a couple of times since and it's made me curious as to the story behind it and whether it's been something that's driven you towards tech as an interest and profession.

Again, if this isn't something you're open to talking about, by all means delete this thread. Either way, keep doing what you're doing, I love hearing what you have to say about just about anything.

 

[robertlwalters]

I am also very curious should this be a topic you are open to talking about. I think you are able to give a different perspective on some of the gear talked about and how it possible helps you or perhaps what could be done to adapt products to help others in a similar situation. I also think it is important that you share your experiences from various trade shows or say Google I/O as I think companies need to be more aware of providing everyone a similar and fair experience.

 

[hallux]

Listen to the most recent AC podcast, Jerry actually speaks a little about his experience at last year's I/O and how it wasn't very chair-friendly. I think it was near the end. He doesn't speak about why he has to use the chair but I don't expect him to, he's awesome no matter what.

 

[boss.king]

I posted this after listening to that episode. Because he spoke about it pretty openly I thought asking about the story behind it might be fair game. As he hasn't answered it yet I assume it's not something he wants to discuss (which is perfectly fine).

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

It's cool. I use it as a learning experience kind of thing.

When I was young and really stupid (as opposed to mostly stupid like I am now) I wrecked my motorcycle while tripping on LSD and riding with the headlamp out. Broke my back, shattered my pelvis, and broke all three bones in both legs. I healed up surprisingly well, but walking meant a cane on a good day and two canes on a bad day.

Fast forwards a good bit and I ended up catching viral pneumonia (the Legionnaires disease kind) from working on some equipment that used an old style heat condenser to keep cool. Spent three months working in front of a big fan that spewed out that wet air and was sucking in all that stuff. Lungs are completely shot and can't do the cane(s) thing without oxygen attached.

Finally, the medicine I took forever for the pain in my back and legs screwed up my liver and kidneys. I stopped taking it because pain > life hooked up to a pump that filters my blood.

I can walk. About 50 steps or so I can't breathe and it hurts so bad I can't stand it. I can't go up or down stairs or lift anything above my head for more than a few minutes.

I'm not old enough to just stay in bed, so wheelchair it is. I use a vaporizer and weed to manage the pain (under Doctor's advice in a state where MMJ is not a thing but good doctors are) and now have hands and arms that can rip phone books

 

[boss.king]

Hey man, I appreciate the reply. It sounds like you've had a hell of a life. It's also really nice to see that despite all the obstacles you've mentioned, you're still such a positive, objective guy. Looking forward to the next podcast, keep doing what you're doing.

 

[Deke218]

Thanks for sharing your story. I as well as all here am glad and fortunate to have you still around and teaching us lesser beings things we didn't know. Just don't decided to be Evil Knievel in the wheelchair unless you're in VR land.