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Hi, I am looking for help/advice. My friend (single mum with 3 kids) had RTA in Spain 10 days ago in which her 9 yr old son suffered severe spinal lesion (spinal cord practically severed) at T10. Has no feeling/movement below injury. Now in hospital at Bristol and had stablilisation op yesterday. Still losing spinal fluid. Advice needed on: Suitable rehab centre; how to tell him; any hope of partial recovery; how can I best support them both?????
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New Injury Child
9 yr old boy severe spinal lesion at T10
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- Group: Members
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- Country:US of eh/Indiana
- Spinal Injury Level / Relationship:Incomplete para
Posted 17 August 2005 - 08:53 PM
First, I'm so sorry about this tragic accident...it's always harder to hear of these things happening to a young child. 
I will speak to the 'how to tell him' question. It's always important to not give false hopes, yet it's equally important to not exclude any hope. Kids are usually much more resilient than we believe them to be, and I think the truth is the best approach. Perhaps something like, "There's a very likely chance that you won't get a full function return to your legs, but we're going to try everything that's available to give you the best chance to see how far you can go with this." Be sure and educate him about all the advances in research that are now taking place...this gives hope to all of us.
I've had my spinal disability from birth, and as a child, I was told of all the possible outcomes that could result from my spinal surgeries. It was scary to hear, but I fully understood what I was being told at age eight.
My heart goes out to this little boy, his family and you. I'll keep you all in prayer.
I will speak to the 'how to tell him' question. It's always important to not give false hopes, yet it's equally important to not exclude any hope. Kids are usually much more resilient than we believe them to be, and I think the truth is the best approach. Perhaps something like, "There's a very likely chance that you won't get a full function return to your legs, but we're going to try everything that's available to give you the best chance to see how far you can go with this." Be sure and educate him about all the advances in research that are now taking place...this gives hope to all of us.
I've had my spinal disability from birth, and as a child, I was told of all the possible outcomes that could result from my spinal surgeries. It was scary to hear, but I fully understood what I was being told at age eight.
My heart goes out to this little boy, his family and you. I'll keep you all in prayer.
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Female. Incomplete para following a cord stroke in '03. Spina-bifida, severe scoliosis. 18 surgeries total...five spine-related: Three fusions w/hardware, two tethered cord releases.
Female. Incomplete para following a cord stroke in '03. Spina-bifida, severe scoliosis. 18 surgeries total...five spine-related: Three fusions w/hardware, two tethered cord releases.
#3 *Mich*
Posted 18 August 2005 - 04:35 PM
Thank you for replying. I agree it is best to be honest. We will do our best to break it gently.
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