6 replies to this topic

[2ndmom]

My daughter's college roommate and best friend had a diving accident late yesterday afternoon while visiting out of state in Austin TX. Initially could breathe on her own and had some movement of fingers and toes. Went in to surgery last pm for C5 break and compression on spinal cord. Today is using a breathing tube and has movement of shoulders and some in her arms, can squeeze lightly but no finger or toe movement. She can feel light pressure on legs, but can't move them. Doctor says she may be ready to transport to a rehabilitation facility in 7 to 10 days. I have been researching facilities online and know Shepherd and Craig are good. What about Rehabilitaion Hosp of Chicago? It is closest rehab hosp to her parents I think or the doctor mentioned Washington Hospital in St Louis when questioned about a local hospital near them that they could return to with her. Anyone know anything about these? I'm not sure her parents realize the severity of what she is facing. I love her dearly and feel like her 2nd mom. Doctor doesn't know yet if she is complete or incomplete. Is the toes and finger movement initially a sign of any recovery to come? My daughter flew to be with her today and we will both return this weekend. This sweet girl is of course scared to death. She is a strong and independent girl who I believe will do everything she can to improve. She just needs the best chance given to her. Any advice is so appreciated.

[eleanorigby]

As for hospitals, Sheppard and Craig are considered right up there with the best. I'm from the southwest though, so know little about the Chicago hospitals.

As to the fingers and toes bit, I hate to say it, but right now it probably doesn't mean much. Right now her spinal cord is swollen and until that swelling goes down it's hard to tell the extent of someone's injury. Be prepared to hear the doctor's tell you that they can't jump to any conclusions or tell you much about how much function she will regain. Unfortunetly, it can turn into a bit of a guessing game. I'm a C6/7 and can wiggle my toes, but I can't walk or even move my legs. But I did regain most of my arms and a good bit of my trunk back. Then there are some people with higher injuries than me that walk out of the hospital. The main goal should not be for her to walk out of that hospital, but that she recovers as much as she can.

Her parents are probably in shock (I know mine were) and it might even take them awhile to realize the extent of her injury. I thought I would be walking within a few month when I was first injured and my biggest concern was scars! Don't try to force them to understand, it will backfire (I've seen it before), I would say just be as supportive and realistic with your 2nd daughter as possible. Every little bit she gains back should be a celebration, not just if she walks again. If you ever need any advice, please feel free to ask. I was in a diving accident too when I was 13, so I can relate a lot. Hope everything turns out okay and keep us updated!

[clasjohnson]

Terry and Jim really do realize the severity of the issues but they have a crazy way of showing it. Trust us. Sometimes it even gets to us! (ie talking about the drive to Barnes versus a nearby hospital) Mike, her big brother is going to be there soon to really assess the situation. He's more level headed. I can tell you that Barnes (Wash U) in STL has an excellent reputation. All of the IndyCar drivers that have brain and spinal injuries go there so we have many unfortunate examples from Mike's racing. I can assure you its the tippity top in the Mid-West for spinal cord injuries. Anyhow, we are praying and praying for her every second. They are to meet the neurosurgeon tomorrow am where we can have a better idea of prognosis, etc. Please tell Steph to email a story and pictures to us so we can read them to T. CLASJohnson@aol.com. I know you want the best for her and we need that right now and all of your prayers, too. Whatever form Terrill makes it out in- I am just happy she is alive and well. Her body may be broken but her spirit is still very much alive. PS. I did save the stem cells from my son and daughter. Does anyone know if stem cell therapy works?

Edited by clasjohnson, 22 July 2008 - 06:25 AM.

[stevensgirl14]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear of this situation. Chicago is an amazing place to go and are one of the leaders in the US on SCI. When it comes to reproductive issues reguarding SCI research they are top notch. All three would be wonderful places to go. I have several friends that interned at Shepard while in school. (I am a therapist). Good Luck!

Edited by stevensgirl14, 23 July 2008 - 02:32 PM.

[2ndmom]

stevensgirl14, on Jul 23 2008, 12:12 PM, said:

Hi, I'm sorry to hear of this situation. Chicago is an amazing place to go and are on if the leaders in the US in SCI. When it comes to reproductive issues reguarding SCI research they are top notch. All three would be wonderful places to go. I have several friends that interned at Shepard while in school. (I am a therapist). Good Luck!

Thank you so much. My daughter has just heard the same thing, from someone she knows, that had a friend go to RIC (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). It is about 5 hours from her family in St. Louis, so it would be closer than Shepard.
Maurine

[New Dimension]

2ndmom, on Jul 21 2008, 11:09 PM, said:

My daughter's college roommate and best friend had a diving accident late yesterday afternoon while visiting out of state in Austin TX. Initially could breathe on her own and had some movement of fingers and toes. Went in to surgery last pm for C5 break and compression on spinal cord. Today is using a breathing tube and has movement of shoulders and some in her arms, can squeeze lightly but no finger or toe movement. She can feel light pressure on legs, but can't move them. Doctor says she may be ready to transport to a rehabilitation facility in 7 to 10 days. I have been researching facilities online and know Shepherd and Craig are good. What about Rehabilitaion Hosp of Chicago? It is closest rehab hosp to her parents I think or the doctor mentioned Washington Hospital in St Louis when questioned about a local hospital near them that they could return to with her. Anyone know anything about these? I'm not sure her parents realize the severity of what she is facing. I love her dearly and feel like her 2nd mom. Doctor doesn't know yet if she is complete or incomplete. Is the toes and finger movement initially a sign of any recovery to come? My daughter flew to be with her today and we will both return this weekend. This sweet girl is of course scared to death. She is a strong and independent girl who I believe will do everything she can to improve. She just needs the best chance given to her. Any advice is so appreciated.

Mom of 20yr old C5-C6 son injured 6 months ago today. We were at The Shepherd Center in Atlnata for over 4 months and are thankful for their help and support. Although nothing in this world is perfect and having nothing else to compare it to it is one of the best. I would say ICU and inpatient had it's challenges to say the least, stay on top of everything they do make mistakes. After speaking with a number of other patients who went elsewhere first Shepherd and Craig are head over heals above other rehabs. Close to home is helpful too as the journey is very long and lonely.

"RISE ABOVE AND SHINE ON"
Peace be with you!!

[2ndmom]

New Dimension, on Jul 25 2008, 11:38 AM, said:

2ndmom, on Jul 21 2008, 11:09 PM, said:

My daughter's college roommate and best friend had a diving accident late yesterday afternoon while visiting out of state in Austin TX. Initially could breathe on her own and had some movement of fingers and toes. Went in to surgery last pm for C5 break and compression on spinal cord. Today is using a breathing tube and has movement of shoulders and some in her arms, can squeeze lightly but no finger or toe movement. She can feel light pressure on legs, but can't move them. Doctor says she may be ready to transport to a rehabilitation facility in 7 to 10 days. I have been researching facilities online and know Shepherd and Craig are good. What about Rehabilitaion Hosp of Chicago? It is closest rehab hosp to her parents I think or the doctor mentioned Washington Hospital in St Louis when questioned about a local hospital near them that they could return to with her. Anyone know anything about these? I'm not sure her parents realize the severity of what she is facing. I love her dearly and feel like her 2nd mom. Doctor doesn't know yet if she is complete or incomplete. Is the toes and finger movement initially a sign of any recovery to come? My daughter flew to be with her today and we will both return this weekend. This sweet girl is of course scared to death. She is a strong and independent girl who I believe will do everything she can to improve. She just needs the best chance given to her. Any advice is so appreciated.

Mom of 20yr old C5-C6 son injured 6 months ago today. We were at The Shepherd Center in Atlnata for over 4 months and are thankful for their help and support. Although nothing in this world is perfect and having nothing else to compare it to it is one of the best. I would say ICU and inpatient had it's challenges to say the least, stay on top of everything they do make mistakes. After speaking with a number of other patients who went elsewhere first Shepherd and Craig are head over heals above other rehabs. Close to home is helpful too as the journey is very long and lonely.

"RISE ABOVE AND SHINE ON"
Peace be with you!!

ll
Thank you so much. We have just been told today that Shepherd is the best place to take her. She has had some encouraging signs that she is incomplete and she is off the vent and talking up a storm which is great.