Living with Spinal Cord Injury Paraplegia day-by-day is profoundly challenging. I hope help other SCI paraplegics by sharing my 36 years of experience. Perhaps my stories and advice can help someone else.
During this time I’ve had 14 surgeries, a couple of bouts with septecemia, acquired a colostomy and a urostomy. During the early 1980s, traveled to Duke University Hosptial in Durham, North Carolina (from my home in North Carolina) for major surgery called a DREZ procedure. It was performed by Dr. Blaine Nashold. The DREZ stopped intractable pain which had began about two years after the initial injury.. (Will soon post an entire chapter on this.)
Spinal cord injury at any level is the most serious injury one can sustain and live. It is a catastrophic disability which presents problems in every area of your life — not just mobility. Health, energy level, relationships, finances, career, community activities and not least, the way others perceive you.
In spite of the obstacles, many SCIs live happy productive lives.
You can’t solve every problem, We, the disabled, learn the wisdom of living one day at a time. There is an answer to most every problem. First you must accept the disability and that many of the solutions you will choose will often be less than optimal. When I feel a bit disheartened … I focus on the simple fact that life itself is very precious. If I can’t do everything I want to do, go everywhere I want to go, then — I will enjoy what I have.
Joy comes from loving my family and friends. Joy comes into my life when I help another. My limitations are only physical. When community events call for it, I can write a letter to the editor of the local paper in support of a progressive idea or enjoy calling on an ailing neighbor to see if he or she is okay or listen when a loved one needs to talk.
Reading widely to stay informed on events here and abroad was my habit before I was injured and even more enjoyable now that my mobility is more restricted. There is always a stack of books by my bed. Netflix is a heaven-sent gift for the home-bound.
I don’t have all the answers. Many of you may know better ways to solve the small and large problems found in daily life. Perhaps you will share with me.
Look for updates several times a week — I’m looking forward to sharing with those of you struggling with spinal cord injury, and those who are newly injured. Each of us has a different experience with this condition.
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