11 replies to this topic

[Carl Barnardo]

Hey all,

Damanged my Spine (L1 compression fracture) in a helicopter crash July 2008. I`m just wanting some info as to the time frame in which recovery can be expected - I have read so many different views on this - some saying recovery stops after 18 months others have said recovery can take much longer - your body cant simply stop healing itself.

Am able to walk with crutches- Quads are as strong as they were prior to injury - hamstrings and calves are weak but working - have drop-foot in both feet, although left foot in starting to work. Can stand un-aided and walk but I over-compensate a lot if I walk without crutches. My Glutt meadius and minimus are pretty weak but working hence the duck-like walk.

Anyone with a similar injury who could advise me on exercises would become my best friend instantly.

Hows this - I managed to get my flight medical back and passed my flight test so am flying heli`s again - I cant explain the looks I get when I walk to the chopper crutches and all!!

[Kwag_Myers]

My injury was in August of '07 and I have similar issues with my legs. My neurosurgeon told me one year for recovery, i.e., what ever hasn't returned in a year probably won't. But every injury is unique.

I did a lot of squats, lunges and step exercises in rehab. Also, since my feet are paralyzed, I did some balance exercises, too. If you can do toe raises (I can't), those are good for your calves, hamstrings and glutts.

I've always wanted to fly in a helicopter. Unfortunately, my one and only ride was my life-flight. The only thing I saw was the ceiling of the helicopter.

[sorefm]

Congratulations on getting your medical back. I incurred my injury flying as well (or rather I should say by ceasing to fly...) I also fly professionally and recently found out that I too would be able to return to work with a cane by my side (although they seem willing to let me take my time to effect as much recovery as possible).

I too also have a weak hamstring and strong quads. I have been using a Bioness L300 which is primarily aimed at foot drop even though thats not a huge issue for me. It has allowed me to ditch the molded AFO and maintain decent support in the ankle/calf area. The Bioness units are not cheap, but fortunately I only need one.

[Carl Barnardo]

oops

Edited by Carl Barnardo, 10 December 2009 - 07:36 AM.

[Carl Barnardo]

sorefm, on Dec 9 2009, 02:15 AM, said:

Congratulations on getting your medical back. I incurred my injury flying as well (or rather I should say by ceasing to fly...) I also fly professionally and recently found out that I too would be able to return to work with a cane by my side (although they seem willing to let me take my time to effect as much recovery as possible).

I too also have a weak hamstring and strong quads. I have been using a Bioness L300 which is primarily aimed at foot drop even though thats not a huge issue for me. It has allowed me to ditch the molded AFO and maintain decent support in the ankle/calf area. The Bioness units are not cheap, but fortunately I only need one.

Hey Sorefm,

Well done on YOUR medical my friend. We most probably have the best jobs in the world but they do come with certain risks as we are well aware. Glad you survived and sorry about your injury. What happended if you dont mind me asking? Fixed wing or choppers?

I have heard of that Bioness L300 but have not yet looked into it - hopefully I will never need it. I`m using my AFO`s right now but am so wanting to get ride of these crutches - How long did you recovery take? Meaning - when could you start walking with crutches instead of a walker etc.

Remember - fly it like you stole it!!

[Carl Barnardo]

test

Kwag_Myers, on Dec 8 2009, 03:38 PM, said:

My injury was in August of '07 and I have similar issues with my legs. My neurosurgeon told me one year for recovery, i.e., what ever hasn't returned in a year probably won't. But every injury is unique.

I did a lot of squats, lunges and step exercises in rehab. Also, since my feet are paralyzed, I did some balance exercises, too. If you can do toe raises (I can't), those are good for your calves, hamstrings and glutts.

I've always wanted to fly in a helicopter. Unfortunately, my one and only ride was my life-flight. The only thing I saw was the ceiling of the helicopter.

Thanks for the reply my friend,

So sorry to hear about your accident and the injury that you suffered. Its HECTIC as I well know but one thing I will never accept is being like this - People tell me to accept my condition and in doing so will be able to deal with it in a better way. Listen, the moment I accept it is the moment my mind tells my body to stop healing - my mind tells my body I am ok with it.

Anyways, thanks for the exercises - I have being doing them already but have also noticed improvements. I also swim nowadays which I am sure is helping. I am able to do toe raises so will continue doing them. My calves have been getting stronger over the last 4 months.

When these doctors mention that you should not expect any gains once a year or 18 months is over do they mean that what has not returned wont return but what has returned can get stronger with time?

Listen Sluggar, if youre ever in South Africa let me know, I will take you for a wild flight in the police chopper. HECTIC!!
Stay frosty Carl

Edited by Carl Barnardo, 09 December 2009 - 08:50 PM.

[dom]

Carl Barnardo, on Dec 8 2009, 01:09 PM, said:

Hey all,

Damanged my Spine (L1 compression fracture) in a helicopter crash July 2008. I`m just wanting some info as to the time frame in which recovery can be expected - I have read so many different views on this - some saying recovery stops after 18 months others have said recovery can take much longer - your body cant simply stop healing itself.

Am able to walk with crutches- Quads are as strong as they were prior to injury - hamstrings and calves are weak but working - have drop-foot in both feet, although left foot in starting to work. Can stand un-aided and walk but I over-compensate a lot if I walk without crutches. My Glutt meadius and minimus are pretty weak but working hence the duck-like walk.

Anyone with a similar injury who could advise me on exercises would become my best friend instantly.

Hows this - I managed to get my flight medical back and passed my flight test so am flying heli`s again - I cant explain the looks I get when I walk to the chopper crutches and all!!

Hi and welcome exact same injury as myself, calves will no doubt stay weak as it's neurological damage [not muscle] in actual fact i harmed my calfs by over-exercising them in physio! i heard 2 years is the max when you reach a plateau,although in my case 3 months and i was left with what i have now

Kwag_Myers, on Dec 8 2009, 03:38 PM, said:

My injury was in August of '07 and I have similar issues with my legs. My neurosurgeon told me one year for recovery, i.e., what ever hasn't returned in a year probably won't. But every injury is unique.

I did a lot of squats, lunges and step exercises in rehab. Also, since my feet are paralyzed, I did some balance exercises, too. If you can do toe raises (I can't), those are good for your calves, hamstrings and glutts.

I've always wanted to fly in a helicopter. Unfortunately, my one and only ride was my life-flight. The only thing I saw was the ceiling of the helicopter.

thats weird i can do toe raises on left leg but nothing on right

[sorefm]

Carl Barnardo, on Dec 9 2009, 10:48 AM, said:

Hey Sorefm,

Well done on YOUR medical my friend. We most probably have the best jobs in the world but they do come with certain risks as we are well aware. Glad you survived and sorry about your injury. What happended if you dont mind me asking? Fixed wing or choppers?

Fixed wing. Sailplane to be exact. I have retrograde amnesia of the day. Last thing I remember before the accident was pulling my car into the airport. Don't quite have my medical back yet, but its looking increasingly likely, no guarantees yet. I don't think I've maxed out my recovery quite yet (I'm 7 1/2 months post injury). The captain might be using a cane. That will surely lead to some interesting comments from passengers and crew. Should this really come to be, any passenger showing up in a wheelchair can expect first class treatment from me.

[Kwag_Myers]

Carl Barnardo, on Dec 9 2009, 03:50 PM, said:

When these doctors mention that you should not expect any gains once a year or 18 months is over do they mean that what has not returned wont return but what has returned can get stronger with time?

I'm still trying to figure that out myself. After months of weight training I could only do 60% of the weight than before my SCI.

dom, you're right, that is weird.

[Tetracyclone]

I am convinced the 18 month, 2 yr guidelines are guesses based on mean averages, so few individuals will fit this generality. Treatment, and therefore mean averages keep changing, so entertain as much hope as you like and trust your own body and intuition. We are in a brave , new, unknown world.

[Carl Barnardo]

Pwuff, on Dec 12 2009, 04:56 PM, said:

I am convinced the 18 month, 2 yr guidelines are guesses based on mean averages, so few individuals will fit this generality. Treatment, and therefore mean averages keep changing, so entertain as much hope as you like and trust your own body and intuition. We are in a brave , new, unknown world.

I agree - I cant see how your body simiply says: "STOP HEALING" we south africans say Kak = shit - My neuro doc says that he has had guys 3 years post with awesome recoveries!!

Keep up the hard work - your determination to succeed ensures your success!!

[Carl Barnardo]

Another thing - I have never experienced any pain or spasms - can I expect to have either later on down the line - I have both bladder and bowel function.

Would a Chiropractor help in any way? Anyone been to one or heard of the benefits?