[fandistrong]

Hey guys!

After reading almost every post, I've decided to formally introduce myself. My father was in a car accident about 2 months ago and is currently still in the hospital. He has had to have a few surgeries on his spine. As of now, he is paralyzed from part of his chest down. He has full control of his arms and upper body (although he's still sort of weak).

I guess I joined the site to meet people who are going through what I'm going through, or have been through it. This is still so new to me and my family, and I'm just grasping at any information. I think at this stage in my father's injury, we're all angry. Some days my dad is doing great - his engery and spirits are up - while other days he just seems like he wants to give up. I guess from reading all these posts, this is all normal.

Are there others on this site who has a parent with SCI? I'd like to get what you went through (or are going through) - I think having a parent in this situation can at times be very different than a friend or spouse. Am I wrong?

Thanks!

[ParaforGod]

Hi Fandistrong,
My daughter was 18years old when my accident happened. She is the only child I have. Her dad and I divorced. I was remarried and my husband was killed in the accident so she took care of me. I think it can be harder on our loved ones than us at times. I remember she was afraid to touch me when I first came home and now if she is helping me she throws me around like a rag doll. Ha! Things will get better in time. Its all so new right now. My daughter now is getting married in Oct. she is moving on with her life. I am so glad. As your dad gets stronger he will be able to do more for himself. I will be praying for you and your family.

[miss piggy]

Hi fandistrong

[miss piggy]

Hi fandistrong
Welcome I am a carer for my brother-in-law who is a t10-t12 .The only advise i can give you is just take one day at a time .

[Lee]

Hi and welcome. I think most people post accident feel like that and for many years later but life does get easier and he just needs time and most off all support. But dont overkill him with kindness, lol. It may backfire. Good luck and hope hes feeling better soon. You should stay positive too as alot of people in this situation forget about loved ones. Welcome to the site anyway.

[fandistrong]

Thanks for all your responses guys! I'm really glad I found this site!

I was on another site and most of my answers went unanswered or were answered by extremely rude people - this site and everyone I have spoken to is such a huge breath of fresh air.

My dad is having a sore on his back cleaned up and stiched up today.....lets hope it goes well!!

[korrobe]

hey there daughter of a quad, i read your post and thought that what happened to you dad sounded familiar. i am a c5 quad (although injured from diving). in the hospital i didn't move anything for a week. then stuff started coming back. i am now about t7 sensory with full arms and only a little weakness in my right hand. i was in the hospital for one month, rehab for a month and a half, and then the real rehab began. the hospitals are very depressing places and i didn't come to terms with what happened until i was on my own. that was also where i learned most about myself and my injury. life afterwards is 95% the same as before. i am still a third grade teacher (back 5months post injury), i still sing in a competetive barbershop quartet, and i now play quad rugby in dc. you dad will come to realize that he is lucky (from the sound of it) and will have plenty to do to keep him busy.

ps...if he's over 45 he'll get a point reduction for playing quad rugby (a real advantage)

[fandistrong]

Thanks....you know what. I actually think I misdiagnosed my dad...i always forget waht he classified as, although i know he's not a quad. He has full use of his upper body and his stomach is numb, but he can feel sensations. I'll have to ask the doctor again waht his classification is.

I'm taking it day by day - as you all know is the only way to do it. Everyday is different for my dad and one day he's very energetic and seemingly in good spirits and other days he's tired and in a lot of pain. Once he gets out of the hospital - i think in like 1 1/2 months or so - we're going to try and keep him as active as possible doing things he normally did.

Take care everyone! Have a spectacular weekend!


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