14 replies to this topic

[earthgirl]

Hi

My brother was badly injured in a car accident at the end of August and has been in ICU for the past 2 months with a C1/2 complete injury.
The doctors said that it is incredibly rare for anybody to survive this kind of spinal injury (Christopher Reeve being another who did) and that little is know about how to best help somebody with this level of tetraplegia.

Hi wife is about to give birth (they got married 4 months before the accident) and he is now out of his coma and in Rehab. He has a tracheostomy and cannot eat or speak.

Will he ever be able to? What do I need to expect from the rehabilitation process?

Many thanks in advance.

Jo

[Vanessamaee]

I don't know much about that level over injury, but I know that a member here named Aggzy is a C1/brainstem injury. He would be an excellent source to talk to. he also has a website http://www.higherthansuperman.com you may be able to find useful

[earthgirl]

Thank you so much for your reply.

[Tetracyclone]

EG,

I am glad you found us and very sorry that you had to. Certainly there is reason to hope. If your brother is breathing without assistance that is great. Do read Christopher Reeves book.

[goose]

Welcome Earthgirl...glad you found this forum. So sorry to hear about your brother. Everyone is different but Christopher should have some good info on his site.

[earthgirl]

Hi Tetra - unfortunately he can't breathe on his own and it is unlikely that he will. But they may give him a diaphragm-pacemaker which is pretty revolutionary in this country. I will look at the Christopher Reeve info.

Many thanks. It is a horrific time for us all. He is about to become a father and he will never be able to hold his new baby.

[wheeliebear75]

He may never hold his baby but the fact that he will be around to see his baby is a miracle in and of itself. And although he or she may not have daddy's hugs I'm sure daddy's kisses will be just as loved if not more.

[Tetracyclone]

earthgirl, on 11 November 2011 - 05:33 PM, said:

Hi Tetra - unfortunately he can't breathe on his own and it is unlikely that he will. But they may give him a diaphragm-pacemaker which is pretty revolutionary in this country. I will look at the Christopher Reeve info.

Many thanks. It is a horrific time for us all. He is about to become a father and he will never be able to hold his new baby.

Agreed- horrific beyond comprehension. Baby skin is nice. Rub it against his cheek when the time comes. You will be able to place the infant in the crook of his neck and he will be in heaven.

[wheeliebear75]

(I am in NO WAY referring to your brother to a dog)
My Siberian Husky may have use of his legs but when he stands he uses all 4 TO STAND....so essentially NO ARMS. Timber "hugs" (we call them Husky hugs) by pressing his face towards his chest with our arm or shoulder between the chin & chest.....in this way Timber is HOLDING on to us with only his head. This may sound silly but I think if your brother has the ability to move his head he should be able to lean his head towards his shoulder to "hug" while avoiding the breathing tube.

[earthgirl]

Thanks all of you - your comments have made me really emotional!

I showed my brother this forum and he now has Intelligaze and so hopefully will b joining us
x

[mellowgator]

a c1/2 is a tough injury. he's so lucky to be here. i'm glad he will be able to be a dad and experience that joy. welcome to the forum.


mellowgator

[julibugs]

Welcome to the forum, I am so sorry you and your family are going through this. You all have challenging times ahead, but also the joy of new life to look forward to. His baby will soon learn how to hug him, give him the support he needs to be involved, help him shop online for baby things, talk to his wife about making a video of the birth.

Stay strong

Julia

[LeviM]

Welcome to the forums. I hope you guys are hanging in there and I also hope your brother continues to show some improvements. Every little bit will help a lot. I'm sure becoming a father will help inspire and motivate him a lot! I will be keeping him and your family in my thoughts. Keep us updated on his progress!

[earthgirl]

Thank you all so much. C1/2 is a really devastating injury and we are all still very much in shock and feeling helpless. I think he will be going into Southport Spinal Unit once we can arrange a transfer (he came to this country to work - ironically he is a brain-surgeon..!) which may provide him with more support than he is getting now. For some reason this country has little experience of a C2.

Thank you again for making us feel less alone. I am hoping he will join up and will also benefit from your support.

XX

[aedmon8793]

No spinal injury is like the last. It's both a blessing and a curse to know that "You just have to wait and see". Stay posotive, stay hopeful, and do all that you can to help support the emotions of his wife, for a lot will fall on her for his care.

best of luck!