Inspired Spinal Cord Injury Support Forum

pam1614
New Member

Posts: 1
Post Likes Received: 2
Date Joined: November 2020

Member is: Offline
Send PM

New Member Nov 30, 2020 10:17:26 GMT -8

Quote

Post by pam1614 on Nov 30, 2020 10:17:26 GMT -8

Hi all!

just found this website and so happy I came across it.

I had an astrocytoma removed from my spinal cord in 1988. T10-T12. My left foot was numb as a result and so had to wear a brace on my left leg. I continued to work and was happy to be doing it. My doctor at the time told me basically I was terminal. Well, I showed him wrong! After that, I noticed my right foot started getting tingly toes and now the numbness/burning has affected my entire right foot. It’s just gotten worse and worse over the years. I have to drive with a hand control but, I’m still driving.

My great fear, of course, is that this is leading up to using a wheelchair. I have no balance whatsoever. I don’t have to tell this group about pain and depression. I experience both but I’m lucky to have a good pain doctor here in Houston.

Sorry if this is disjointed. There’s so much more to my story. I just don’t want to bore people!

Thanks for reading this.

wavewolf and r0hbart like this

airohs Member Posts: 152 Post Likes Received: 136 Date Joined: August 2013 Injury: C4 / 5 Incomplete Tetraplegic Date Injured: May 23 1999 Member is: Offline Send PM	New Member Nov 30, 2020 11:48:12 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by airohs on Nov 30, 2020 11:48:12 GMT -8 Welcome you will find many good people here
	r0hbart likes this

vintage Advanced Member Posts: 2,576 Post Likes Received: 1,757 Date Joined: November 2016 Injury: T9 incomplete Date Injured: March 15, 2014 Member is: Offline Send PM	New Member Nov 30, 2020 19:26:32 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by vintage on Nov 30, 2020 19:26:32 GMT -8 No. It makes perfect sense. Say, they gave me gabepentin. I wish I'd never taken it. I think it did me nerve damage and gave me neuropathy. Are you on gabepentine? I didn't have tingling until after days of the gabepentin.
	r0hbart likes this

tetra
Advanced Member

Posts: 815

Post Likes Received: 942
Date Joined: November 2016
Injury: C5-7 Incomplete
Date Injured: 5/28/2008

Member is: Offline
Send PM

New Member Dec 3, 2020 16:12:49 GMT -8

Quote

Post by tetra on Dec 3, 2020 16:12:49 GMT -8

pam1614 ,
welcome aboard. Always good to have those with EXPERIENCE! I second the suggestion to use hand controls, and wheelchairs are the best option for staying safe when you lack balance. They can be fun, and having people underestimate you is an advantage. I am C-5,6 and have used one for 12 years. I go where I want, when I want.

wavewolf and r0hbart like this

I step in the water, but the water has moved on...

wavewolf
Advanced Member

Posts: 1,407

Post Likes Received: 1,159
Date Joined: July 2013
Injury: T9 incomplete + other neurological
Date Injured: 10 February 2009

Member is: Offline
Send PM

New Member Dec 7, 2020 2:45:55 GMT -8

Quote

Post by wavewolf on Dec 7, 2020 2:45:55 GMT -8

Pam1614, I second what Tetra wrote! Safety is a major concern, as a fall can complicate matters in a major way. Use whatever assistance will keep you safe and give you function. On my smooth floors at home, I use my wheelchair most of the time for speed and safety. I can walk very short distances with forearm canes and braces, so I wear braces, from wakening to going to sleep,for safe wc transfers and brief walking. Using canes on smooth floors one must be vigilant about slippery spots. Using a custom manual wheelchair can be freeing, although you have to have a plan for getting into/out of your car and a step-free access path unless you are young, athletic, and adventuresome! If not covered by insurance, because they are fiercely expensive, there are some available for resale. But getting it fitted to you is essential for proper use and not overly stressing your shoulders.

Hoea ra!

Site Map	Site Policies	Helpful Links
Home	Terms of Service	Forum Features
About Us	Privacy Policy	Site Discussion
Account	Rules	Server Status
New Posts	Report Abuse	Mobile App

New Member

Post by pam1614 on Nov 30, 2020 10:17:26 GMT -8

Post by airohs on Nov 30, 2020 11:48:12 GMT -8

Post by vintage on Nov 30, 2020 19:26:32 GMT -8

Post by tetra on Dec 3, 2020 16:12:49 GMT -8

Post by wavewolf on Dec 7, 2020 2:45:55 GMT -8

Like Us On Facebook

Help Support The Forum