Recovery after SCI

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Recovery After SCI
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The first few hours after the spinal cord injury are critical. During that time, swelling and inflammation occur around the site of the injury. This biological response to the trauma can actually cause further spinal cord damage. Nerve cells at the point of injury are misfiring and overloaded as well.

Quick assessment and treatment are crucial to preventing additional damage to the spinal cord. Trauma teams and neurosurgeons realize that controlling the body's reaction to SCI is vital to the patient's future health. Methylprednisone, a steroidal drug, is given within eight hours of the injury to reduce the amount of damage to the spinal cord. The National Institutes of Health (www.nih.org) fund nationwide studies of methylprednisone to follow its success rate over time.

The next treatment for the SCI will be to stabilize the injured area of the spinal cord through surgery. Depending on the level and severity of injury, wires, screws, rods and even bone fragments from your hip may be used to fix the vertebra into a safe and solid position. The job at this point is to take care of the injury and try to prevent any further damage to the spinal cord. The length of hospital time for a SCI patient can be anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the injuries.

During Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the adjustment of your physical and mental needs. Once your initial injury is under control and you are stabilized, it's time to start the rehabilitation process. Try to take time to research the various rehabilitation centers that may be available to you. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association has a listing of over 100 rehabilitation centers with SCI programs. Check into issues such as staff expertise, rehab routines, indoor/outdoor facilities, pool therapies, adequate room size, etc.

Regardless of what facility or what program you enter, the goal will always be to help you adapt to your new lifestyle. Taking care of your physical, mental and social needs will be part of the overall effort. Your rehabilitation will be done as a team effort with you as a major team member.

The other people involved in your rehabilitation team will include:

Physiatrist - a physician specializing in Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine. Their chief task is to develop and oversee your rehabilitation program with the assistance of the therapists and other team members. They will resolve any medical problems that arise, control and adjust your medications and maintain your overall health.
SCI Rehab Nurse - a nurse who has focus on caring for spinal cord injury patients. They will discuss such things as preventing pressure sores by moving your body during the night and/or teaching you how to drain your bladder by self-catheterization. They will explain the day-to-day routine care that will keep you healthy after you are home on your own. Listen to them carefully and follow your health care regimen. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.
Physical Therapist - a trained professional in the field of muscles, strength and motion. Their job is to help you learn to move your body. They will work with you on ‘transfers', such as getting up from bed into your chair or from your chair to the bathtub. They will help you learn daily exercises to strengthen your muscle tone and develop control. They will also teach you how to use various equipment including your wheelchair.
Occupational Therapist - a licensed therapist whose job is to help convert your old habits and environment to fit your new lifestyle. They will review your household and your job site to determine what modifications might be needed. They will also be instructing you on how to do your everyday activities of living such as dressing, bathing, preparing meals and other tasks.
Recreational Therapist - a therapist whose skills help you adapt your leisure time activities. They will teach you the importance of your recreational life and help you learn new avenues to have fun. Going to movies, eating at restaurants, shopping at the mall, playing board games with friends -- all these are therapies used to bring your leisure time to life.
Social Worker - a master at solving the problems regarding insurance, Medicare and other financial issues. This person will be of great help from the beginning because a SCI usually results in a loss of work time and a paycheck. They are wonderful resource people to help get through the red tape as well.
Rehab Psychologist - a doctor in the area of assisting people overcome the difficulties that come with a drastic life change. You will probably be seeing your psychologist on a regular schedule during rehab. It's a good idea to include your family in the counseling too. Support groups are also available to help with advice and friendship. Check your rehab center for a list of local peer support groups and for independent living centers near you.

The most important member of the rehabilitation team is YOU. Your desire, your drive and your determination are what truly makes a difference in your overall outcome.