Hi
Found this site a few weeks ago shortly after my husband's accident, thinking about registering for a while and have finally done it.
On 11 January 2008, just over 7 weeks ago, my husband, Lindsay - 44 years old, very fit and healthy had a freak accident resulting in a dislocated vertebrae, a broken vertebrae and spinal cord damage. We cried a lot, me especially, he was reasonably positive, only once said to me that he didn't want to be a burden, I assured him he would not, he was going to be the best he could be with love and support from our families.
He was in a halo traction for a week before a spinal fusion op, weights would be added to aid in realigning the dislocation - got up to 20kg! The op went according to plan, and after 2 days in ICU with a breathing tube which was not great, Lindsay had a tracheostomy, then had an infection, things seemed to be going OK but slow, when 1 week after the tracheostomy, 27 Jan, I received a call from the hosp telling me that I needed to come in, he was off to emergency surgery, the infection had erroded an artery and he had a major arterial bleed, was in theatre for almost 8 hours, they were unable to repair so had to tie off the artery.
That had to be the longest day of my life, things did not look good and I thought that I was going to lose my husband of 22 years and our children, Rachel 16yrs, Ryan 13 yrs would lose their dad. After he came back from surgery we were able to see him and he looked dreadful (that has to be an understatement).
The next couple of days were critical, but he seemed to stabilize, then a day or so later had episodes of bradycardia - his heart rate would slow and drop to nothing, I was present on 2 occasions and our children on 1, these were some of the most scariest moments I witnessed.
5 weeks on from the emergency surgery, Lindsay has made improvements, they are trying to wean him from the Bipap ventillator and is making good progress, has not had an episode of low heart rate for a week now, and are trying him on a drug to help this - don't want to give him a pacemaker unless absolutely necessary. He has been in ICU for 6 weeks now.
Today with the support from his physio - Paul, a guy from the UK (he's magic), Lindsay spent time in a tilt wheelchair, so he can finally get out of bed and get used to being upright. He is also starting to get a bit grumpy, I am going to take this as a positive sign of his recovery, that he is more aware of things around him.
As for his mobility, before the arterial surgery he could move both arms, with elbow and wrist movement, since surgery, he can move his right arm but has more difficulty with the left, hopefully with physio this will strengthen. He also has sensation over the rest of his body. When he finally gets out of hospital he will be going to the South Auckland Spinal Unit for rehabilitation.
I feel much more in control, but do have my moments when all I can do is cry. At the beginning because of him being paralysed and in the middle because he nearly wasn't here, and now because of what is. I know we have a long road ahead of us and things won't be easy but Lindsay is a positive and determined sort of guy and that must help.
I'm sorry that this is so long but was hard to shorten. I am amazed by some of the positive stories and feedback on this site, they are an inspiration.
Love to you all.
Steph
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Hi - New To This
Started by
stephnz
, Mar 03 2008 09:47 AM
7 replies to this topic
Top#2
kewlcatkez
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Posted 03 March 2008 - 11:16 AM
Hi Steph,
Welcome, so sorry that it has to be under these circumstances, but welcome all the same:)
I am in a different situation to your husband, in that although I am paralysed, its at a lower level.
Just for introduction purposes, I am paralysed (chair user for around about 3 years) and have severe dislocating EDS ( means I dislocated multiple joints, multiple times daily - which although were present before, were not every day..now they are as a result of hormonal influence, an accident and the fact that it usually progresses due to the trauma of the proceeding dislocations etc etc.- has gotten worse over last few years). I also have the other stuff which goes with all of this ( pain, POTS, Autonomic dysfunction etc). I am a Mother to 2 beautiful children (5 and under) and wife to some bloke, lol...I am also a qualified RN who is no longer working in a clinical setting. I hope that it is ok for me to reply with a few thoughts on your post. I hope they are of some use,
With regards to your rollercoaster of feelings and emotions. What I would say is that he and especially you at the moment, are grieving and mourning a loss. This is normal and you have the artery situation and the ups and downs and turmoil of that to contend with also. It isn't fair nor is it right. I know the thoughts of losing him and then the paralysis and the future is daunting, all of us go through that feeling and your husband and you will/are too.. Like I have said before, I always would think about not being able to play football or climb trees together or show them the dances I used to do saddens me, yet at the same time we have such a fab relationship now - we do quality things together , I DO get on the floor and play and even though I look like a stuck worm, its fun for the kids and they see me as their mum playing with them, not a disabled person on the floor looking silly.. well maybe they see the silly bit!
Bradycardia- ?OH
I worked in CCU (specialised in CCU nursing) so have a little insight, and I would say that their decision to not do the pacemaker surgery at the moment, is a good one - at this time. You see, The drop in Heart rate, Saturation and grey colouring are due to something which drs call orthostatic hypotension (OH) as a decrease in systolic Blood pressure. Systolic BP is the blood pressure when the heart is contracting. It is specifically the maximum pressure of the Left ventricle (the biggest heart chamber).
OH is defined as when the systolic BP has a decrease of 20mmHg or more, or a reduction in diastolic blood pressure of 10mmHg or more, when the person's body position is changed from a supine (laying) position to an upright posture. In actuality, it is irrelevant if the person has any symptoms.
Quite a few studies have documented the presence of OH In people who have had a SCI, regardless of their level of injury. it can be so severe, that merely moving the person's head ( or the person moving their head) slightly can cause the Blood pressure and heart rate to drop. As time goes on, his body will very likely compensate so that OH is less troublesome especially to the heart rate and blood pressure. Is he taking any Beta Blockers? or ace inhibitors as these can also affect his heart rate, as can the use of Amiodarone®. Although these drugs may be required at present.
When a person has a SCI, their body's ability to have the Vasoconstriction reflex (narrowing of blood vessels to keep blood in head and upper body) can be lost. This can be a major reason why OH happens. Also, having a SCI appears to be related to excessive pooling of blood in the abdominal viscera (internal organs) and lower extremities ( legs). Also due to lower limb inactivity, the pooling etc, there can be a lower stroke volume ( out put of the heart) so its more difficult for the person's body to compensate when they are first sat up. Even the 3rd, or 10th time. It actually can take a little while before the person can tolerate sitting. Even when their vital signs ( BP etc) are normal, they can still have the symptoms ( ie dizziness, syncope ( fainting) etc).
Medications can be used to manage and lessen the symptoms of OH. However, the approach which is more successful is to allow the person's body to slowly adjust and compensate to the changes from laying to sitting. This means gradual degrees of sitting, so raising the bed a little at a time over several days or sometimes weeks. Abdominal 'binders' ( like a big band or corset) can sometimes be used when the person is attempting to sit up as it forces blood back up into the head etc. The body does OH in an attempt to preserve the Brain etc etc, so it is actually expected and very normal.
Breathing/ventilator
With regards to weaning from the ventilator and building strength, there are special considerations in sci - they need to be aware that the Diaphragm may be/ probably be paralysed to some extent. This can mean that the breaths taken are not as strong as someone who has a strong, non paralysed Diaphragm. However, Nursing and anaesthesia care is undertaken whilst looking for feedback on how the person is doing. Also Anaesthetists are very well adjusted to looking after the paralysed person since they induce paralysis all the time in the unconscious ( to stop them pulling tubes and injuring themselves for instance).
It will be essential to have a PT ( physiotherapist) for 'chest pt' this will be more of an issue in the early days whilst the Trach etc is in situ as the body will make more secretions to try and get rid of what is to it, a foreign body. Chest PT is also very useful to assist with "coughing' up mucous. The RNs will also 'suction' the trach and or Lindsay's mouth etc to assist in this.
Many Protocols exist for weaning people from a vent. They all differ a little, but they have one thing in common. They all are dependent upon the feedback from the person who is being weaned. You will also find that the Ventilator is set a little differently than it once was, so that the person can take a few breaths on their own, instead of being forced into them. There is nothing to worry about as if the person does not attempt to breath within a time frame, the vent will do so for them etc.
Initially the weaning takes place for a very short period of time. This is nothing to worry about, It is normal as the intercostal muscles of the chest etc will fatigue. Obviously, this is even more f an issue in a person with a SCI which affects their Diaphragm etc. Over a period of time, depending upon how quickly strength is built up etc, these periods will increase.
Sometimes Spontaneous Breathing trials are performed either after the above stage or independent of it. If it is the only method used it is usually because the person being ventilated is showing signs of being more than ready to wean, such as 'fighting' the vent and 'panicking' when they are artificially ventilated.
Although this will be a difficult step, it is important to remember that most forst attempts to wean fail due to the person's body being used to the vent and so the first attempt is usually seen as a test or trial run. Also, remember that spontaneous breathing is most successful when the person is positioned so that their chest is free to breathe, when they are upright as far as possible and when they are not tired from Therapy, being bathed or attempting to speak via a speaking valve etc.
With regards to the ruptured Artery, you know how fortunate your husband is, so I will not go into that. Now there is going to be scar tissue as well as the paralysis affecting his arm movement. However, it sounds like you have a very good PT and together with you, Lindsay and the drs and therapists at Rehab, I am sure that he will improve significantly. Also be aware ( as you may already) that at this early stage there is chance and hope that Spinal shock (where the gates to the nerves below injury get flooded and reflexes are lost etc, which returns when inflammation subsides -) brings a little more function ( varying degrees dependent on incomplete or complete status and injury type) Being incomplete it is reassuring that he may regain more function in the next few months, even up to 2 years or more afterwards.
Ultimately, I hope that this helps. This is a trying and distressing time to say the least. The frustrations and down times are part of grief and its always better to express grief than bottle it up.
It must be very difficult to see your husband so unwell and also to think of the future and mourn the loss of some things, Iknow my husband feels helpless with my situation and the paralysis/dislocations.
we have been together 12 years,
I am sure that others of similar levels and situations will have better advice and experiences, but 'til then, I hope this helps,
Take care,
K
Welcome, so sorry that it has to be under these circumstances, but welcome all the same:)
I am in a different situation to your husband, in that although I am paralysed, its at a lower level.
Just for introduction purposes, I am paralysed (chair user for around about 3 years) and have severe dislocating EDS ( means I dislocated multiple joints, multiple times daily - which although were present before, were not every day..now they are as a result of hormonal influence, an accident and the fact that it usually progresses due to the trauma of the proceeding dislocations etc etc.- has gotten worse over last few years). I also have the other stuff which goes with all of this ( pain, POTS, Autonomic dysfunction etc). I am a Mother to 2 beautiful children (5 and under) and wife to some bloke, lol...I am also a qualified RN who is no longer working in a clinical setting. I hope that it is ok for me to reply with a few thoughts on your post. I hope they are of some use,
With regards to your rollercoaster of feelings and emotions. What I would say is that he and especially you at the moment, are grieving and mourning a loss. This is normal and you have the artery situation and the ups and downs and turmoil of that to contend with also. It isn't fair nor is it right. I know the thoughts of losing him and then the paralysis and the future is daunting, all of us go through that feeling and your husband and you will/are too.. Like I have said before, I always would think about not being able to play football or climb trees together or show them the dances I used to do saddens me, yet at the same time we have such a fab relationship now - we do quality things together , I DO get on the floor and play and even though I look like a stuck worm, its fun for the kids and they see me as their mum playing with them, not a disabled person on the floor looking silly.. well maybe they see the silly bit!
Quote
has not had an episode of low heart rate for a week now, and are trying him on a drug to help this - don't want to give him a pacemaker unless absolutely necessary. He has been in ICU for 6 weeks now.
Bradycardia- ?OH
I worked in CCU (specialised in CCU nursing) so have a little insight, and I would say that their decision to not do the pacemaker surgery at the moment, is a good one - at this time. You see, The drop in Heart rate, Saturation and grey colouring are due to something which drs call orthostatic hypotension (OH) as a decrease in systolic Blood pressure. Systolic BP is the blood pressure when the heart is contracting. It is specifically the maximum pressure of the Left ventricle (the biggest heart chamber).
OH is defined as when the systolic BP has a decrease of 20mmHg or more, or a reduction in diastolic blood pressure of 10mmHg or more, when the person's body position is changed from a supine (laying) position to an upright posture. In actuality, it is irrelevant if the person has any symptoms.
Quite a few studies have documented the presence of OH In people who have had a SCI, regardless of their level of injury. it can be so severe, that merely moving the person's head ( or the person moving their head) slightly can cause the Blood pressure and heart rate to drop. As time goes on, his body will very likely compensate so that OH is less troublesome especially to the heart rate and blood pressure. Is he taking any Beta Blockers? or ace inhibitors as these can also affect his heart rate, as can the use of Amiodarone®. Although these drugs may be required at present.
When a person has a SCI, their body's ability to have the Vasoconstriction reflex (narrowing of blood vessels to keep blood in head and upper body) can be lost. This can be a major reason why OH happens. Also, having a SCI appears to be related to excessive pooling of blood in the abdominal viscera (internal organs) and lower extremities ( legs). Also due to lower limb inactivity, the pooling etc, there can be a lower stroke volume ( out put of the heart) so its more difficult for the person's body to compensate when they are first sat up. Even the 3rd, or 10th time. It actually can take a little while before the person can tolerate sitting. Even when their vital signs ( BP etc) are normal, they can still have the symptoms ( ie dizziness, syncope ( fainting) etc).
Medications can be used to manage and lessen the symptoms of OH. However, the approach which is more successful is to allow the person's body to slowly adjust and compensate to the changes from laying to sitting. This means gradual degrees of sitting, so raising the bed a little at a time over several days or sometimes weeks. Abdominal 'binders' ( like a big band or corset) can sometimes be used when the person is attempting to sit up as it forces blood back up into the head etc. The body does OH in an attempt to preserve the Brain etc etc, so it is actually expected and very normal.
Quote
5 weeks on from the emergency surgery, Lindsay has made improvements, they are trying to wean him from the Bipap ventillator and is making good progress,
Breathing/ventilator
With regards to weaning from the ventilator and building strength, there are special considerations in sci - they need to be aware that the Diaphragm may be/ probably be paralysed to some extent. This can mean that the breaths taken are not as strong as someone who has a strong, non paralysed Diaphragm. However, Nursing and anaesthesia care is undertaken whilst looking for feedback on how the person is doing. Also Anaesthetists are very well adjusted to looking after the paralysed person since they induce paralysis all the time in the unconscious ( to stop them pulling tubes and injuring themselves for instance).
It will be essential to have a PT ( physiotherapist) for 'chest pt' this will be more of an issue in the early days whilst the Trach etc is in situ as the body will make more secretions to try and get rid of what is to it, a foreign body. Chest PT is also very useful to assist with "coughing' up mucous. The RNs will also 'suction' the trach and or Lindsay's mouth etc to assist in this.
Many Protocols exist for weaning people from a vent. They all differ a little, but they have one thing in common. They all are dependent upon the feedback from the person who is being weaned. You will also find that the Ventilator is set a little differently than it once was, so that the person can take a few breaths on their own, instead of being forced into them. There is nothing to worry about as if the person does not attempt to breath within a time frame, the vent will do so for them etc.
Initially the weaning takes place for a very short period of time. This is nothing to worry about, It is normal as the intercostal muscles of the chest etc will fatigue. Obviously, this is even more f an issue in a person with a SCI which affects their Diaphragm etc. Over a period of time, depending upon how quickly strength is built up etc, these periods will increase.
Sometimes Spontaneous Breathing trials are performed either after the above stage or independent of it. If it is the only method used it is usually because the person being ventilated is showing signs of being more than ready to wean, such as 'fighting' the vent and 'panicking' when they are artificially ventilated.
Although this will be a difficult step, it is important to remember that most forst attempts to wean fail due to the person's body being used to the vent and so the first attempt is usually seen as a test or trial run. Also, remember that spontaneous breathing is most successful when the person is positioned so that their chest is free to breathe, when they are upright as far as possible and when they are not tired from Therapy, being bathed or attempting to speak via a speaking valve etc.
With regards to the ruptured Artery, you know how fortunate your husband is, so I will not go into that. Now there is going to be scar tissue as well as the paralysis affecting his arm movement. However, it sounds like you have a very good PT and together with you, Lindsay and the drs and therapists at Rehab, I am sure that he will improve significantly. Also be aware ( as you may already) that at this early stage there is chance and hope that Spinal shock (where the gates to the nerves below injury get flooded and reflexes are lost etc, which returns when inflammation subsides -) brings a little more function ( varying degrees dependent on incomplete or complete status and injury type) Being incomplete it is reassuring that he may regain more function in the next few months, even up to 2 years or more afterwards.
Ultimately, I hope that this helps. This is a trying and distressing time to say the least. The frustrations and down times are part of grief and its always better to express grief than bottle it up.
It must be very difficult to see your husband so unwell and also to think of the future and mourn the loss of some things, Iknow my husband feels helpless with my situation and the paralysis/dislocations.
we have been together 12 years,
I am sure that others of similar levels and situations will have better advice and experiences, but 'til then, I hope this helps,
Take care,
K
Ex Nurse (med retired)
Connective tissue disorder & associated paralysis.
Connective tissue disorder & associated paralysis.
#3
wheeliebear75
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Posted 03 March 2008 - 04:25 PM
Hello and welcome. 
I too am sorry for the circumstances, but am glad that you did find us.
I don't have any degrees in anything........well maybe a certificate from The School of Hard Knocks.
I am 32 now and had my accident when I was 14. My injury is way lower; I'm a L-2 incomplete, I have decreased sensation and movement, I'm a 24/7manual chair user. I've been disabled now longer than not. 
The feelings you're having are "normal". And being "an upbeat person" I'm sure will help him. Spinal Cord Injuries take not only weeks but months and months to "recover from". This doesn't mean recovery of what he HAD but recovery of as much independence as possible.
He may be on the vent now.........but this doesn't mean he'll stay on it. Most people with C-3 and lower are able to breath on their own after a while. It actually requires a different way of breathing.......a technique all it's own. Having Physical Therapist get him in to a wheelchair reclined is one of the 1st steps towards that. As he strengthens what muscles he does still have use of, they'll teach him to breath on his own ,it just takes a while to get the hang of and master.
Our bodies are definitely different from those of our Able-Bodied counterparts, and not just in the obvious lack of movement and sensation. As was said by kewlcatkez; blood pressure changes, trouble keeping body temperature regulated.........there is a TON to learn. There are a number of great articles here and elsewhere on the web or in medical journals.
Your insistence that he was not a burden is a wonderful start, and your love will help pave the road; it's still going to be a bumpy one, but you're never alone.
I too am sorry for the circumstances, but am glad that you did find us.I don't have any degrees in anything........well maybe a certificate from The School of Hard Knocks.
I am 32 now and had my accident when I was 14. My injury is way lower; I'm a L-2 incomplete, I have decreased sensation and movement, I'm a 24/7manual chair user. I've been disabled now longer than not. The feelings you're having are "normal". And being "an upbeat person" I'm sure will help him. Spinal Cord Injuries take not only weeks but months and months to "recover from". This doesn't mean recovery of what he HAD but recovery of as much independence as possible.
He may be on the vent now.........but this doesn't mean he'll stay on it. Most people with C-3 and lower are able to breath on their own after a while. It actually requires a different way of breathing.......a technique all it's own. Having Physical Therapist get him in to a wheelchair reclined is one of the 1st steps towards that. As he strengthens what muscles he does still have use of, they'll teach him to breath on his own ,it just takes a while to get the hang of and master.
Our bodies are definitely different from those of our Able-Bodied counterparts, and not just in the obvious lack of movement and sensation. As was said by kewlcatkez; blood pressure changes, trouble keeping body temperature regulated.........there is a TON to learn. There are a number of great articles here and elsewhere on the web or in medical journals.
Your insistence that he was not a burden is a wonderful start, and your love will help pave the road; it's still going to be a bumpy one, but you're never alone.
*Enjoy every sunset, but be grateful for every dawn.*
*Wheelchairs are made of a special ocular magnetic alloy......they're "eyeball magnets".*
*I USE a wheelchair, that does NOT make ME a wheelchair!*
*Wheelchairs are made of a special ocular magnetic alloy......they're "eyeball magnets".*
*I USE a wheelchair, that does NOT make ME a wheelchair!*
#4
brooksbdb
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Posted 03 March 2008 - 08:58 PM
hi Steph, and welcome. let me start by telling you that in my case i am the man in the situation. i can tell you as the others have that unfortunatlly you have a long road ahead. with alot to learn.
It is VERY important to continue to assure him that he is not a burden!!!. this was hard for me to overcome.
the ups and downs are very natural, some days i was a basket case. it does get better.
what helped me the most was the wonderful support that i recieved from my family and friends.
Once again WELCOME, and remember, you have alot of friends to talk to here.
Take care.
Bill
It is VERY important to continue to assure him that he is not a burden!!!. this was hard for me to overcome.
the ups and downs are very natural, some days i was a basket case. it does get better.
what helped me the most was the wonderful support that i recieved from my family and friends.
Once again WELCOME, and remember, you have alot of friends to talk to here.
Take care.
Bill
#5
Motor
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Posted 04 March 2008 - 06:52 AM
brooksbdb, on Mar 3 2008, 03:58 PM, said:
hi Steph, and welcome. let me start by telling you that in my case i am the man in the situation. i can tell you as the others have that unfortunatlly you have a long road ahead. with alot to learn.
It is VERY important to continue to assure him that he is not a burden!!!. this was hard for me to overcome.
the ups and downs are very natural, some days i was a basket case. it does get better.
what helped me the most was the wonderful support that i recieved from my family and friends.
Once again WELCOME, and remember, you have alot of friends to talk to here.
Take care.
Bill
It is VERY important to continue to assure him that he is not a burden!!!. this was hard for me to overcome.
the ups and downs are very natural, some days i was a basket case. it does get better.
what helped me the most was the wonderful support that i recieved from my family and friends.
Once again WELCOME, and remember, you have alot of friends to talk to here.
Take care.
Bill
Hey Steph..welcome to the forum. There is a ton of ino here for both the injured and his family. Don't hesitate to ask anything. It usually gets worse before it gets better, but hang in there. The alternative was to not be here at all. Just remind him of that. Time will tell. No matter what if he walks again or not, many of us on here are proof that one can live a productive life in a chair. I work, ride a motorcycle and still can be intimate with my wife. Things get done a little different but can be done non the less. Hang in there and God Bless!
.gif)
"CHEAP WOMAN AREN'T GOOD AND GOOD WOMAN AREN'T CHEAP"
"NEVER 4GET 9/11/01 THEY ARE GONE BUT NOT 4GOTTEN"
"I MUST CRAWL BEFORE I WALK (AGAIN)"
"LIVE EACH DAY LIKE ITS YOUR LAST"
"RIDE IT LIKE U STOLE IT"
Richie aka MOTOR :-)
"NEVER 4GET 9/11/01 THEY ARE GONE BUT NOT 4GOTTEN"
"I MUST CRAWL BEFORE I WALK (AGAIN)"
"LIVE EACH DAY LIKE ITS YOUR LAST"
"RIDE IT LIKE U STOLE IT"
Richie aka MOTOR :-)
#6
stephnz
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Posted 05 March 2008 - 05:16 AM
Thanks for the welcome.
It's wonderful to receive such helpful support, and word of encouragement.
Today was not such a great day, for either of us, but I guess you get that sometimes. I feel so helpless and guilty seeing my husband every day and then leaving him to come home, but I have to try and regain some sense of normality, I still have to go to work, and look after our kids (they're great!), in fact I'm probably feeling more angry and tired than anything else. Maybe I should try and be Superwoman another day!
Sorry for being so negative, but just writing this has helped. Tomorrow's another day so roll on tomorrow.
Thanks again.
Steph
It's wonderful to receive such helpful support, and word of encouragement.
Today was not such a great day, for either of us, but I guess you get that sometimes. I feel so helpless and guilty seeing my husband every day and then leaving him to come home, but I have to try and regain some sense of normality, I still have to go to work, and look after our kids (they're great!), in fact I'm probably feeling more angry and tired than anything else. Maybe I should try and be Superwoman another day!
Sorry for being so negative, but just writing this has helped. Tomorrow's another day so roll on tomorrow.
Thanks again.
Steph
#7
logansmom
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Posted 07 March 2008 - 12:00 AM
Hi Steph!
Im very new to this site as well and as a parent of a 7 yr old w/ a T3 incomplete injury, I can certainly understand to days of crying.
We were in an auto accident 2 yrs ago. It happened on a Tuesday and I don't remember much until Thursday. But the one thing I do remember is constantly asking about both of my children every time I would come to. The response was always, "Anna is fine, shes with your mom." I would of course ask about Logan and they would say, "Hes doing good. Hes at Scottish Rite Childrens Hospital." Im not a stupid person so I knew something wasn't just right. Finally on Friday morning my brother came to see me in ICU and told me the news. I was completely devastated. I felt so alone (my husband was still on a morphine drip, throwing his C collar across the room, and flashing everybody...MEN!!).
4 weeks after our accident, I got to see Logan for the first time...i cried all the way to the hopital and all the way home. But ya know, as many times as I've broken down (and cried in the shower or cried myself to sleep so that he didn't know), Logan has only had one time in 2 yrs that he has complained about it. He see's this as a job he has been given by God and is on a mission (yes even at 7) to educate as many people as possible about his injury.
Just thought that might be an encouragement to you today!
Kristy
Im very new to this site as well and as a parent of a 7 yr old w/ a T3 incomplete injury, I can certainly understand to days of crying.
We were in an auto accident 2 yrs ago. It happened on a Tuesday and I don't remember much until Thursday. But the one thing I do remember is constantly asking about both of my children every time I would come to. The response was always, "Anna is fine, shes with your mom." I would of course ask about Logan and they would say, "Hes doing good. Hes at Scottish Rite Childrens Hospital." Im not a stupid person so I knew something wasn't just right. Finally on Friday morning my brother came to see me in ICU and told me the news. I was completely devastated. I felt so alone (my husband was still on a morphine drip, throwing his C collar across the room, and flashing everybody...MEN!!).
4 weeks after our accident, I got to see Logan for the first time...i cried all the way to the hopital and all the way home. But ya know, as many times as I've broken down (and cried in the shower or cried myself to sleep so that he didn't know), Logan has only had one time in 2 yrs that he has complained about it. He see's this as a job he has been given by God and is on a mission (yes even at 7) to educate as many people as possible about his injury.
Just thought that might be an encouragement to you today!
Kristy
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