A year ago my dad (58 years old) suffered a c3-5 incomplete spinal cord injury, central cord syndrome. He was vented for two months and slowly was weaned off that. He had a baclofen pump implanted recently and that has helped with his spasticity in his legs. He also gets Botox in his arms. He leg movement is better than arms, he can lift both feet about 5 inches off the floor when seated, has good core strength, enough to come forward in his chair and can stand with one person assisting. We basically rock him and support him with balance. His left arm is more mobile. He can press the button his his iPhone to access Siri and can unlock the left side of his wheel chair. He can't bring his left arm up past his chest due to spasticity which prevents him from feeding himself. He can use a mobile arm support but still need pretty hands on assistance positioning the bowl. He can drive a power chair pretty well using his left hand. He is in therapy five days a week and we haven't seen much improvement lately. He really wants to walk again and get more movement in his arm, even if it's just his left arm.
Any one out there regain movement like that after a year? I've read the first year is the most important and that is when you see what will come back. I really hope there is hope for more recovery but it is hard not knowing. What kind of things came back after a year for other people living with a SCI? Any advice for how we can support him physically or emotionally?
hi kp, I have a similar injury and I am 2 yrs post injury. its difficult to say what may or may not come back, a lot to do in healing depends on your dads resolve to get back to life as he is allowed by his abilities. Its a long healing process, ive heard that some don't get back to walking for ten years after an sci, but if the resolve is there and the ability is there than it is very possible he will walk again. most of the work is muscle building. my pt told me last week that I am really close to walking, I just need to build more muscle in my glutes(butt), so expect much PT & OT in your dads recovery and fight to walk again. in my experience walking is more than just putting one foot in front of the other, your whole body works in unison when walking and your nervous system plays a big part in it. with me standing is easy now but it is the art of walking that is difficult and my nervous system is not allowing me confidence to walk at this time, with more muscle confidence will eventually return.
keep your dad fighting for it and assist him, he needs most help now and with support it will make his resolve stronger. wishing and hoping for success with your dad.