Post by Lαrα on Sept 14, 2013 5:18:12 GMT -8
To anyone recently Spinal Cord Injured and my CES fellows .
This is a daunting time...the initial weeks and then months that follow development of CES (or any Spinal Cord Injury) is by far the most confusing and frightening time.
So many thoughts, worries and concerns run through your mind....your body is in shock still, you arent sure about what is happening to you and you have questions that you just arent finding the answers for....
Don't worry..we have all been in the exact same place and position...gone through the same/similar experiences and know just how you feel.
The first thing to remember is that your body now needs to heal..inflammation of the spinal cord needs to settle and healing can take place, nerves can then start to regenerate.
Re-generation is a slow process..my advice is to keep a diary because it is so slow that you may not even notice that you are making improvements and getting stronger because it may be so subtle.
Your consultant/surgeon may be reserved when giving you a clear prognosis of the progress you will make..this will be because they cannot say for certain. So much will depend on what degree the nerves were compressed and for how long...what level of injury you sustained and how your own body reacts. No two people will be the same.
You will have no doubt had the pin prick tests and motor function asessments that will provide information for your initial Asia grading..I am Asia D..just for an example...which for me, interpreted means: i can move my legs but need assistance to walk and i don't have a normal walk.
So once inflammation has settled then physio and rehabilitation can begin...this is ideally facilitated in a specialised Spinal Rehab Unit or depending on severity on the damaged, at a neuro physio centre as an outpatient.
If you are experiencing pain, numbness, altered sensation, loss of muscle power/function and/or loss of function to the bladder and/or bowels....this is normal for any Spinal Cord Injury or Cauda Equina Syndrome.....It will vary according to the person..not everyone will experience all of these but they are typically experienced by many. Some will make complete return to normal function but many won't.
Any of the above/or all will be naturally alarming but do not worry..you will be helped to manage practically and cope with loss of function, the strange numb sensations will become familiar with and you will get used to in some degree.
Important to now say....keep a positive mindset!...as much as you can....find strength, you will and can deal with this...you are not alone....there are many out there going through what you do.....as we all have here at 'Inspired'....and will will help and support you also.
My advice to you is stay in control....ask your consultant questions...question, question and question.....if you do not understand something then ask them to clarify...dont be rushed or 'fobbed off'. Stay in control and do not be ignorant to what decisions are made for you with regards to your rehabilitation and medication.
You will get through this period and you will make improvements and get stronger....dont let this become all you are....you are the same person who happens to have CES./SCI but it does not define you or take over you..your life goes on..maybe a little tweaked but still, it goes on.
But please....share your concerns with us..there will no doubt be someone here who will have gone through what you are going through and understand completely and can offer support :hug:
