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Talk to Your Doctor

For More Information contact: OPVA Hospital Liaison

One of the most important things in dealing with a SCI is to learn to take control of your health care. You need to become aware of what's happening in your body, what medications you need and when, how your emotions are going and other aspects of your life. It is necessary that you tell your doctors and therapists what you feel, how you are doing, what parts of your body hurt, what your concerns are for the long run and anything else that concerns your well-being. In rehab, you will work with a team of specialists and each person has their own personality. Some you may like, some you may not. Regardless of the relationship, it is vital to communicate what's going on from your perspective. It's difficult to fix a problem, if nobody knows about it.

Here are a few things to help you take charge of your care.

Be open and honest. You won't always feel great so don't try to fool people. It's perfectly okay to feel depressed or angry and it's good to talk about those emotions with your therapists. They work with many SCI patients and are ready to help you with the adjustments to your new life. Doctors and therapists know about the various aspects of SCI, like sex or bowel functions, that you may find embarrassing to discuss. Modesty occasionally takes a back seat with SCI patients. Talk freely about what you want and what you need.
If you're not sure, ask. Your health is the most important thing. Your world has just been altered dramatically and your mind can hardly grasp all the potential changes to be made. Ask questions. Pay attention to the details of your life. The therapists and physicians have the knowledge and tools to help you. You just need to ask.
Get your spouse or family involved. If you're married, your spouse needs to become informed on SCI as much as you do. If you're single, your family will benefit from the knowledge in order to assist you. Bring your spouse or family member to your doctors' appointments. This will also help you to remember what was discussed during those visits. You may even want them to visit alone with your health care provider to discuss various issues that may arise.
Set goals for yourself. Little steps mean a lot. Schedule some of your time to work on achieving more range of motion, longer exercise endurance or creating a more independent lifestyle. Once you determine your goals, write them down. When you accomplish a task, check it off. You will find that by making small goals and obtaining them, you will continue to move toward greater and greater achievements. Nothing boosts self-confidence like success.