[davelatte]

My stepson lives six hours away with his mother and his two kids. He is 36 and has been a paraplegic since a car accident almost 10 years ago. He barely leaves his house and spends a lot of time in bed and playing video games. We know he needs to get some therapy to deal with his feelings about his situation. His dad and I feel very helpless about what to do to help him get his life back. He was never very ambitious. What advice can you give us?

[LadyPilot]

Hi and welcome......

Each person deals with SCI (spinal cord injury) in their own way. Some just get on with life, others excel in a quest to live an active fulfilled life (read my profile) and a few just give up, can't be bothered, act the victim etc.

What level is his injury? Living with his mother probably doesn't help, if she is happy to do everything for him! How old are his children, surely he must want to get out and do things with them whatever age they are. It's a shame you live so far from your stepson. You can't be 'in his face', pushing and encouraging him to be more active.

What hobbies did he have prior to his injury? There are now many paraplegic sports available, perhaps you could enquire and send him details. If he doesn't drive perhaps that's a place to start.
But to take part and get the most benefit, your stepson has got to have the will to do it!

I'm sorry I have not been able to help much, maybe someone else has some better or more constructive ideas?

Good luck.

[qbounce]

Maybe invite him to come over and visit with you for a week? Then you can see what it is that's really bothering him.

Does he have pain? I've heard some SCI's can't get past the pain to even begin trying to do other things outside the house.

Good luck