When I had my accident, my doctors all told me that things will get better over time, but I am finding the opposite to be true. I had my accident 31 years ago & I always had health problems, pressure sores, & trouble breathing, but in the last 9 years I seem to have more & more problems. And as I get older I am finding it harder to handle. I was wondering if any of you long term SCIs are also finding it harder.

I don't think they meant it that way. Post-sci up until about 2 years there's a lot of gain in what you get back. From then on its less that you get back if any at all. 31 years is a long time, so I'd have to say that its probably just age getting to you, not the SCI directly. The benefits of getting old as I've seen them friend.

There are things to help you out probably.

Hi Rudy

For me things have got better and better...tho there were times when I thought the opposiste was happening.

Just what is your situation? You say you are 3-4 but is that lumber, thoracic or cervical. I'll guess T3-4. If so, then you have similar expectations to me.

Whatever events impact on your life, if you've lived 30-plus years with or without SCI then much has happened and you've had endless opportunities to learn more about yourself, others and life. It's all gain no matter what happens.

I'm left wondering what your expectations are. Are you accepting and embracing the facts of the situation you are in? Are you fully aware of what is happening around you?

I'm now beginning to find some things harder as a 60-plus-yr-old but they're things I'd expect to find harder like shorter on energy (but more clever in planning) and feeling the cold more and worrying when I foget what I was about to say might mean I've got alzheimers etc, etc. And I'm nearer the day I'm gonna die than I was yesterday. But there's still lots of appreciate and learn.

Now, if you are C3-4 then your challenge is much bigger but doesn't it offer mostly the same opportunities?

If you have a problem could you be a bit more specific?

Hi Rudy,

I'm C4/5 and been a SCI for over 50 years. I'm lucky as I've never had a pressure sore or very much ill health; just the occasional UTI.

I would say my health is good, but as I'm getting very close to 70, the ageing process is taking its toll; but that also happens to AB people.

Being a SCI adds to the ageing process and probably magnifies it, but there's nothing we can do to stop us getting older. I'm just thankful that I've lived this long and done so much in my life; I've tried not to let my SCI get in the way.

The one thing I have problems with getting older is coping with stress; I cant cope with stressful situations, where as 15 years ago, I thrived on stress. I also hate change, but all elderly people feel the same. It has nothing to do with your being a SCI, its an ageing thing. Since my wife died 2 years ago this month I find things hard to handle, but its a psychological and ageing related issue rather than my general health, or the fact I'm SCI.

I've not been much help to you Rudy, but you now know there are many other long term SCI's on this site; each has their own story to tell.

Good luck

Mike

Im a c-3,4 complete, and in the last few years Ive had my bladder removed due to constant infection, acid reflux, shortness of breath, due to sleep apnea, and limited time sitting up due to presure sores. I have had other health concerns that I never had deal with when I was younger.
If it is all just a case of aging, then I cant help wonder whats next.

Whatever it is, it'll be better than the alternative to being alive!

Having said that, I too sometimes wonder what's going to go wrong next. Seems like constant visits to the doc's surgery are now a necessity. That has to be an ageing thing.