2 replies to this topic

[speedG]

I only attend this Unit yearly as an out-patient. Sorry to put a downer on all these new breaks but, if you're an 'old' para, then you'll find you're of little interest to them. You become a name and number to be checked-off once a year.

I've had ongoing problems since I reached 60 (had my break 40 years ago - spasm, constant scoliotic pain, sweating. I'm now 66 and the problems get worse. Little attempt is made to rectify or alleviate these.

Perhaps I'm wrong but there seems to me to be some animosity between SU and GPs ie the SU look on older paras as an ageing problem ergo it's the GPs concern rather than a spinal one. On more than one occasion I've been asked 'Have you seen your GP about this?' meaning 'what are you doing annoying us with your difficulties. See your GP.' All ageing problems are amplified if they happen to a spinal break.

It's about time they did some re-training regarding empathy and then followed through with some action.

[catmint]

Hi speedG

Hope you don't mind me answering your post. I don't have any experience of Glasgow SU as my husband goes to Stoke Mandeville.

However I would agree with what you say. My husband has been SCI for 42 years and is now 62. It seems to me that the stock answer to most problems he encounters is that it's to be expected...given the number of years he's been in a chair or well it's your age...yadda..yadda..

In a conversation he had with the GP concerning something recently he asked if he had mentioned it when he had his check up at Stoke. So does that mean he is supposed to wait until he goes down for his yearly check up next summer...!

Getting older with a Spinal Cord Injury is totally different to ordinary ageing.

L

[Tetracyclone]

I put this in a larger category wherein medical people in general do not want to deal with older people. Doctors are forever repeating to my Dad "You are quite healthy for your age," to which he replies "Well, I cannot pee or poop or walk, but maybe YOU can call that healthy."