Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries: Alan/gary Update - Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries

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#1 *Gary*

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Posted 31 January 2006 - 08:41 AM

:helpme: UPDATE ON ALAN

The docs managed to get him into a wheelchair on Saturday 29/1/06, however, not for very long. He's recently had a setback in that he has developed an infection. So we dont know when rehab will start. The latest is he will be in hospital until AT LEAST August.

He is unable to do ANYTHING and so far the docs have told us that there is not really much rehab can do. It looks like he will never be able to use his hands.

:hug: GARY UPDATE

I am doing not too badly. Although, will be glad to get rid of these plasters. They come off on 5/2/06, however, latest is the docs are not "too sure" how my arm will heal. Great! That's all I need a useless arm on top of everything else.

Have not been doing much posting although read Coach's latest chapter the other day. If you dont hear from me for a while, it could be that I have just decided to disappear!!
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Posted 31 January 2006 - 09:17 AM

Hi Gary,

Do you know what Alans neurological level is yet, this would give us a bit more information on his potential and maybe spur a few sugestions in adaptive equipment etc.

I don't have the use of my hands, fingers, I just have my wrist extensors, but I can still push my chair, hoover, water plants, feed myself, shave, cook food and BBQ, make drinks etc!

Good luck on getting those casts removed, you can at least get to that itch!

Regards

Simon
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#3 *Gary*

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Posted 31 January 2006 - 10:07 AM

Simon, not been able to get to see him myself, so am dependant on family for info. However, reckon he is C3 or 4 and the injury is complete. I know it is hard to tell at this stage, however, his folks have been told he will require 24 hour care due to the fact that his arms/hands are going to be completely paralysed as well. We have been told he may have shoulder movement but until the therapy starts they dont know. His parents have told me that the docs painted the blackest picture they have ever heard - and they (docs) dont think that it will change.

Sorry cant be of more assistance.
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Posted 31 January 2006 - 10:23 AM

Hi Gary,

Wow, unfortunatly the doctors are right, a C3/4 Quadriplegic would be dependant on carers for pretty much everything. :helpme:

When you said Alan didn't have the use of his hands, I took it he may have some use of his arms, ie, C5. Alot of people don't realise the potential of a C5/6, even without finger function.

Alan will be able to control his electric wheelchair though, and adaptive technology such as a computer through "sip and puff" controls, speech recognition software and iris tracking software.

This technology is expensive though, which is why compensation is very important.

Regards

Simon.

p.s. I've removed the duplicate posts as requested. :hug:
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#5 *Gary*

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Posted 31 January 2006 - 10:39 AM

Thanks for that Simon. One question. Alan is determined to get back to his education and wants to learn to use a laptop. I guess this will be able to be done by using a mouthstick is that correct?

Here's a thought. A friend of mine is a US solider and was crippled in Iraq. He is a C5/6 and has no hand/finger movement but has an assistance animal to help him, a cappucin monkey!! THis little fellow does everything Jake requires including working the washing machine, etc. The bond between them is great and, with the help of occasional carers, Jake can live alone in his own house. The monkey even goes to work with him and lifts the phone, etc, takes money out the ATM or whatever.

Reckon this is something the UK should think about.
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Posted 31 January 2006 - 11:04 AM

Gary,

Alan should be able to use a mouthstick, or speech recognition software.

Simon, the one in Portugal, may be able to give you some pointers on this area, as he's a C4 complete.

Simon, are you there?

Simon (Admin)
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#7 User is offline   Ironside 

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Posted 31 January 2006 - 12:23 PM

Sorry to hear about your predicament.

Speech recognition software will help a lot when it comes to using computers. I am more than willing to send you a copy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7 to help you until you get yourselves sorted out with all the proper equipment. Let me know if you want a copy to be going along with
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Posted 31 January 2006 - 05:00 PM

Hi Gary,

That Dragon software is what my son David was using in Rehab. He also had some sort of sticker on his forehead which he told me is equivalent to a computer mouse so that when he moved his head the cursor moved too. As I said before I think when they are young they are very determined. David told me not long after his accident that it was not going to stop him that he still had his brains. Since he went into this other place he has done nothing so far and he is getting very down.

I wish Alan all the best - and yourself with your recovery.

Lynne
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Posted 31 January 2006 - 06:05 PM

Thanks for the update, Gary. I'm disheartened to know of the prognosis for Alan. :helpme: and I hope he can keep his spirits up as much as possible, under the circumstances, as that will help to push him onward in reaching his full potential.

Quote

Simon wrote: Good luck on getting those casts removed, you can at least get to that itch!


Knitting needles are great scratching tools for casts....just don't ever try a butter knife....don't ask why, just trust me on that. :hug:
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Female. Incomplete para following a cord stroke in '03. Spina-bifida, severe scoliosis. 18 surgeries total...five spine-related: Three fusions w/hardware, two tethered cord releases.
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Posted 31 January 2006 - 06:32 PM

Oh come on, WHY? :P

Simon :D
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