My father has had SCI since 1975, he is now 53 yrs old, C5/6 incomplete quad who regained capacity to walk, as well as use of wheelchairs over the yrs, including electric one as his mobilty has decreased as he has gotten older. He was until recently still able to walk with use of 2 canes, and for very short distances and mostly in the home, and had what he would say was a somewhat 'acceptable' capacity of movement, despite significant and increasing pain levels in back due in part to crushed discs, and wide range of other pain and problems of the bladder, stomach, neck etc etc.
However, he had a bad fall a couple days ago and he broke his femur which required surgery for rods to be put in place. We are really concerned about the long term implications of this injury for him, including additional pain that he may experience in long term and what rehab services, techniques etc may be available to him in order to have the best poss opportunity for him to regain his mobility. Unfort he is in a general hospital (in Scotland) and the medical staff have very poor understanding of the nature of his SCI and the physical effects of his disabilty - they are unable to offer an opinion on the liklihood of full recovery, and indeed do not seem partic aware of the severe impact of this for him - i.e. doctors and physio assuming he can use crutches, self propell etc.
I am obviously trying to elicit an approp medical (inc physio) assessment and opinion, but its a slow slow process apparently.

Hoping that people could share their views and /or experiences regarding any associated issues, and indeed if you have any ideas on best ways forward, your help would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Nad

Hi nad21
Sorry to hear about your dad. I cant really help on the subject of the broken femur, but with regard to physios it may well take some time. I was out of hospital for about a month and a half before i saw my physio. She's really good, and encouraging, but because they are so busy i can only see her once a month. She was especially busy recently with people falling over on all the snow and ice we had. Just need to keep at them. And dont ever upset them by missing an appointment! It could be weeks to get another one.
Mike.

I broke my femur at the hip joint and had a metal plate and screws fitted, and was back in my wheelchair within 5 days. I was told that a rod would have been better but as I wasn't walking, there was no real point in fitting a rod.

Never had any problems and can't see why your Dad should either. It's a broken leg, like any one else would have, and it'll heal like anyone else - may take a bit longer due to reduced circulation and other related issues from being SCI. The bone will be much stronger than before, so he doesn't need to worry that it'll be weaker. I imagine they'll want him to start weight-bearing soon as that strenghts the site.

As he's a walker, I think he should probably exercise even while sat or in bed to keep the muscle tone etc and the leg stays strong. You don't need a physio for that - he can try to raise and lower leg himself, bend, straighten, etc... maybe get one of those cycle/pedal machines that fit in a bed...