writing the book

This is one of the most meaningful SCI topics for me because those of us born in the 40's, 50's, and 60's, are writing this book.  Before antibiotics were developed we used to die due to chronic UTI's and kidney damage or infections related to decubiti.  Now the greatest killer of people with SCI is heart disease due to a sedentary lifestyle.  Now that I am in my 60's and 42 yrs. post, I find myself dealing with these issues on a daily basis.  The biggest conflict for me is balancing cardiac health with overuse of the upper extremities.  I played w/c basketball for 38 yrs. until I was 60.  This covered me for cardio.  However, once I realized that competitive sports put too much pressure on my uppers, I had to quit.  I still haven't found a satisfactory means of exercise that gives me the cardio I need.  Even swimming puts great pressure on the shoulders.  Here are my suggestions:

Do everything vigorously; push your chair, stretch, move your arms (if you can), and do lots of reps with light weights.
Preserve your hands, elbows, and shoulders while doing the above.  This is life for those with UE function.
Keep all your annual appt.'s with your urologist, physiatrist or whoever is managing your overall health and well-being, dentist, and primary care physician.
Get annual urodynamics to measure bladder pressures and to check for stones.
Check with your doc about participating in aspirin therapy.  The 81 mg. dose is fine.
Maybe this only applies to me: I cannot tolerate statins as they cause digestive issue.  However, I can tolerate Zetia which promotes elevated HDL's for control of cholesterol.
Develop hobbies or other activities to keep your mind sharp.
If you are doing vehicle transfers and loading your w/c, consider purchase of a lift-equipped van.  Finances play a part in this, but vehicle transfers were killing my shoulders.
If you need carpal tunnel surgery, make sure your doc is trained in micro-surgery.  The old-fashioned method makes deep cuts in wrists and hands-intolerable for independence.
Prepare for changes in bowel habits.  We discussed diet, probiotics, and medications like colace (stool softener).  Trial and error may be necessary to determine what works for you.
Males: prepare for ED issues in that you may need ED meds.  Males and females: prepare for reduced libido.
Participate fully in websites like this one and others that are dedicated to SCI.  Ignorance means potential prolonged illness and premature death.
Treasure your network of family and friends.  I know more people who are dead than alive.  Friends and distant relations become your family as you lose your loved ones.

I guess I just wrote the first chapter of the book.  God bless.