[sugarpenny-10]

Hi everyone, I am a UK based step-parent to a young guy of 22 injured in a fall on 4th December 2009. He was working as a tree surgeon and fell 50 feet (hitting branches on the way down). He has an injury half way down his back, with a 'complete' break.

We are still in the 1st stages of coping - he's still in hospital undergoing rehabilitation.

A few queries you might help with please....?

He has lost a round patch of hair about 4 inches diameter on the back of his head due to pressure sore. Will this grow back? He is worried it won't.

He has reported vague tingling sensations in his feet. Does this auger well or is it normal? Does it suggest he may regain the use of his legs?

What are the true chances of him fathering kids? Or is it much more difficult than we may have been led to believe?

We have lots more questions but these are a good start. Any comments would be great thanks very much.

[Apparelyzed]

With regards to hair loss, this can be caused by stress following a spinal cord injury. If there is no history of male pattern baldness, then yes, it can grow back.

A lot of the time, the bald patches are temporary, but if it is due to a pressure sore, the regrowth of hair will vary depending on the severity of the sore.

As far as fatherhood is concerned, if there are no underlying fertility problems, then he should be able to father children, even if it means he might need help from a fertility organisation.

Regards

Simon.

[Bob C]

Regarding the tingling in his feet, that is not unusual. More often than not, these are what are called "phantom" sensations or they my be autonomic nervous system based. Thus, they are not a significant indicator of recovery. The doctors pin-prick and other sensory test are more reliable. It is very early in his recovery course. It takes a year or two before one can start to draw conclusions about the extent of recovery unless the doctors are certain that his spinal cord has been completely severed at the injury site. If he has no other injuries from his fall that will hamper him, he can lead a full, active, and long life. I had my neck injury more than 55 years ago, am married, now retired after a long career, and age 72. These are tough injuries but they are manageable.

[Nia]

Well of course, the 1st thing u need to be concerned is pressure sores. But the thing i concerned about while i'm in rehad is my mobility. I think the thing that u need to standby at the moment is a decent wheelchair (not necessarily a superior one) and a cushion. You can get his OT to spec it out.

For me, based from my experience, i think it's better to start going out when he finished doing his rehab. the longer he stays indoor, the more inferiority complex he might face. being parents, i know its hard. there are sometimes that my parents fed up of taking care of me. (it's noticeable even when u dont say).maybe he need encouragement like that, or maybe u need to play the role to take him out getting rid of the inferiority (being shy or whatsoever).I for myself, shy of being lifted by friends and family, needing someone to hold my wheelchair while going down steeps, thats when i learn to do it myseld.different people may need different approach.u know your son better.

basic principle, get him out of bed faster!get him to do something! (better if he meet up with other sci's...)

[sugarpenny-10]

Thx Simon,

Thanks for your response. Are you a father yourself?

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

Yes, you can read my story here: Parenting Following A Spinal Cord Injury

I recommend it, kids drive you nuts, but you'd do anything for them!

Simon

[sugarpenny-10]

Thx - that is very helpful. He is struggling to get to grips with his new situation and whilst he is inspired by stories like yours he is still so new to his situation he still has bad days when he can't accept what has happened to him. He was in a coma for about 3 weeks so has only really had a few weeks of awareness. We were all very relieved when he finally surfaced (we were not sure that he would) and for us it was the happiest day of our lives but for him - the worst day of his life. He woke up with no memory of the accident to discover his predicament and of course be jettisoned into a completely different life than the one he had before. I will get him onto this site once he's feeling better. He's in Salisbury spinal care unit by the way just in case there's anyone here who is there.

[sugarpenny-10]

Thx Nia - one of the hardest things he is facing is not being allowed out of bed. He was (and no doubt will be) an incredibly active guy participating in several sports including boxing, skiing, running and gym work. He ran for his couonty when younger. Last year he ran with the bulls in Pamplona for goodness sake! And as a tree surgeon he had a very physical job. So to be confined to bed is pure torture! But they reckon he should be out of bed in a few weeks, so hopefully he can survive until then.

[Apparelyzed]

You'd be suprised how much more dangerous being a tree surgeon is than running with the Bulls!

He's going to get very frustrated, that's for sure, he's going to have to learn to slow down before he can gather his speed again, and he'll probably do quite a lot of shouting at the one's he loves.

In the long run, if he's determined, he'll get "it" together, and he'll find new ways of compensating, to get the most out of his new life, regardless of what he thinks he has lost, he'll realise what he still has retained.

Best regards

Simon.

[Dave Bishopstone]

sugarpenny-10, on Jan 14 2010, 09:10 PM, said:

Thx - that is very helpful. He is struggling to get to grips with his new situation and whilst he is inspired by stories like yours he is still so new to his situation he still has bad days when he can't accept what has happened to him. He was in a coma for about 3 weeks so has only really had a few weeks of awareness. We were all very relieved when he finally surfaced (we were not sure that he would) and for us it was the happiest day of our lives but for him - the worst day of his life. He woke up with no memory of the accident to discover his predicament and of course be jettisoned into a completely different life than the one he had before. I will get him onto this site once he's feeling better. He's in Salisbury spinal care unit by the way just in case there's anyone here who is there.

Hi Sugarpenny-10

Your son is in a good spinal treatment centre at The Duke of Cornwall in Salisbury, our son was in rehab there following his SCI in 2004/05, he will I am sure get all the support possible there.

I recall in the early stages post the accident asking all sorts of questions concerning prognosis, as mentioned elsewhere on this topic it is doubtful that an accurate picture can be painted for you. I was given for the most part the worst case scenario, rather than offer me, or our son false hope, equally we were told that only time will reveal the full effect of the SCI - that turned out to be the case. Like your son, ours had 'dark' days and so did we.

If I could offer you anything, it would be that neither you nor your son should see SCI as life ending, it is though life changing and as with any life change you do learn to adapt as individuals and as a family, but easy it isn't - worthwhile - undoubtedly!.

Some five years on after his SCI our son has returned to the workplace, learnt to drive, met and married a wonderful young woman - as for children - well that really has to be a matter for him and his wife to decide upon, as will be the mechanics of achieving parenthood - for our part as parents we are just proud of what he has achieved thus far - as I am sure you will be with your son as time progresses.

With all good wishes

David

[Nia]

Apparelyzed, on Jan 15 2010, 04:51 AM, said:

You'd be suprised how much more dangerous being a tree surgeon is than running with the Bulls!

He's going to get very frustrated, that's for sure, he's going to have to learn to slow down before he can gather his speed again, and he'll probably do quite a lot of shouting at the one's he loves.

In the long run, if he's determined, he'll get "it" together, and he'll find new ways of compensating, to get the most out of his new life, regardless of what he thinks he has lost, he'll realise what he still has retained.

Best regards

Simon.

true...true...

have patience...he'll be a better guy than the walking one...