7 replies to this topic

[junebug]

My husband is a c5 c6 incomplete quad injury in 1984 everyone is amazed that he is still here with us! Me not so much! I have a question related to the old quad and the aging process> Does the longterm meds cause memory loss? The injury itself? I dont know anyone that has lived with quadriplegia for this long and we r kinda isolated

[Millard]

 junebug, on 05 April 2011 - 08:27 PM, said:

My husband is a c5 c6 incomplete quad injury in 1984 everyone is amazed that he is still here with us! Me not so much! I have a question related to the old quad and the aging process> Does the longterm meds cause memory loss? The injury itself? I dont know anyone that has lived with quadriplegia for this long and we r kinda isolated

Hello JuneBug,

I was injured in 1967 (C5-C6) when I was 20 years old. That's all I remember!!!

Ask away and I'll try to answer.

Regards.

Edited by Millard, 05 April 2011 - 09:41 PM.

[Ctango]

Quads can absolutely have a normal life expectancy if they take care of themselves.

[mellowgator]

there are tons of old quads. it all comes down to how healthy you are as to how long you can live with sci.

[Simba]

Quad's life expectancy usually isn't affected by the actually quadraplegia at all. As what other people have said as long as they exercise in ways which they are able to and keep fit (eat healthy) and look after themselves to prevent health complications, their life expectancy shouldn't be reduced. My husband was originally injured in 79 and is still going despite not really being able to look after himself properly at all.

Forgetfulness can be part of the normal aging process but could also be due to cognitive difficulties - I don't think medications affect memory directly although long term they may have some effect on cognitive function (concentration & focus mainly). It depends what type of injuries he sustained as to whether his thinking/rationalising abilities will be affected. My husband has a brain injury which he sustained in the original accident and that does have some effect on cognitive function too.

Keeping the brain active as aging is an important thing for everywhere to be aware of so maybe try to find activities - if he's not already doing them that he enjoys and that exercise his brain in the right way.

There are certainly loads of quads on here that testify to the fact that longevity is not directly affected by SCI.

As to the isolation - often an unfortunate complication to disability socially - friends slowly dissapearing or suddenly becoming too busy to know you.

What I think takes the cake is when they say that "It is too hard for them"

[Illinois Boy]

Who am I, and why am I typing??

Anyone know my name?

Edited by Illinois Boy, 06 April 2011 - 05:11 PM.

[evilmac64]

i always right my name on the first bottle of the day and it seems to work out fine

Edited by evilmac64, 06 April 2011 - 05:22 PM.

[demfabbones]

I am pretty new to all this, but I just wanted to chip in another success story. My great uncle had SCI almost 40 years ago is/was a quad with very limited arm usage, and has always had excellent health. He's now in his mid 70s.

Edited by demfabbones, 29 April 2011 - 02:21 AM.