Post by Knight on Oct 2, 2014 22:47:02 GMT -8
Here is a list of little bits of info I've picked up during my relatively short journey as a paraplegic so far.
·"There is a big difference between physical dependence and addiction" to painkillers. (Nora Allen, FNP)
·TENS Units are not helpful and can be bad when used near fusions and/or hardware.
·Most people who have Cauda Equina Syndrome don't suffer from *major* spasms.
·There are two kinds of neurogenic bladder & two kinds of neurogenic bowels
·Bone pain is horrible.
·It feels like nails on a chalkboard times 10 when bone grinds against bone.
·Most nurses, doctors, and medical personnel have no idea what paraplegia or spinal cord injury is.
·There are different kinds of nerve pain.
·It's difficult to figure out what non-SCI related pain is caused by.
·98% of doctors will accuse you of being a drug addict or abusing pain meds if you are under 50.
·People are rude, dumb, a-holes, buttheads, nosy, pushy, annoying, etc.
·Avoid bars or other social functions which involve alcohol unless you like rude drunk people who ask you inappropriate questions and think your wheelchair is a toy.
·Children are generally meaner than adults if you use a wheelchair and you're under age 80.
·Distraction is a highly effective way to manage pain.
·Praying won't heal your spinal cord, but it can help you feel better mentally & emotionally.
·Depression can cause physical pain.
·Physical pain can cause depression.
·Ignoring rude people is okay.
·Never trust an emotionally abusive, meth-addict boyfriend to check your bum for pressure sores.
And, I'll stop for now, since I'm getting out of hand here! These are things I've learned from experience. Word of advice- if you suffer from social anxiety, don't go to the bar, or Wal-Mart during the day.
