Initial C4 complete diagnosis - can it change?

Hi Dunly welcome to the forum! I was initially diagnosed as a C5/C6 ASIA A (Complete) quadriplegic about 3 weeks after my car accident back in June 2011. At the time, I could barely move my right arm and was able to just very slightly move my left. I had no sitting balance at all. I also recieved a tracheostomy 3 weeks into being in the ICU. About 8 weeks later when I was an inpatient at my Spinal Cord Injury rehab, I was diagnosed as a C5/C6 ASIA B. My sensation was improving, but very slowly. I'm two years post now and I'm classed C6/C7 ASIA B. The healing process is slow but the body will always be healing itself. Your brother is making really good progress in such an early stage of recovery and that's a great sign! So to answer your question, the initial diagnosis will and in you case has changed but will definitely improve some more as time goes on. I wish the best for your brother and feel free to post up any questions, concerns, etc. I'm sure a few of our members will also speak up and answer your questions.

- DJ

Dear DJ and Lara,

Thanks so much, you are both so inspiring and helpful. i am saddened to read that you have both been affected by SCI but this is all about cooperation, mutual support and help. Its heartening to know there are people out there like you guys!! It is actually my brother who had the accident. Yes the more I read, I realise that his progress has been so good so early on. Like you said, the body continues to heal itself constantly and I truly believe nothing is impossible.
Thanks Lara for nutrition advice. Food can definitely assist the healing process or at least prevent secondary complications.
May i ask what rehab is like, i assume it is really, really tough? You have come so far in two years DJ.  I hope you both continue to heal and i look forward to future discussions with you guys!

Firstly, here is a link to a site that talks about anti inflammatory foods

theconsciouslife.com/top-10-anti-inflammatory-foods.htm

In regards to rehab, I actually went to my rehab unit 9 months after my initial injury. It was great for me because I learnt how to self catheter and was put on a bowel programme, learnt wheelchair skill and had intense physiotherapy. It was hard work but beneficial and I loved it there. 

I met people there who became my friends and I learnt much about how to deal with this SCI business. To be honest I'm a very positive person and rehab helped me hugely along my way with this.

I trust that your brother will find it a positive experience too.

Asia ratings change with how much you recover and recovery is said to take up to 2 years. On some accounts more. If you can move any muscles below your level of injury that classifies you as either Asia C or D or E. From the sound of it, i think he's transitioned into Asia C.

A well balanced diet is required, and if he's in therapy then more protein, and carbs depending on his fatigue levels.

Grade school is to children as rehab is to SCIs. In rehab, you learn about your injury ie- spasticity spasms pain weakness wheelchair maneuvering , you learn about how to make and maintain gains, its physical and emotional support, you can a sense that you're not alone in your struggles. They basically teach you the basics of how to survive in the real world with your newly acquired injury. Rehab can be physically and emotionally demanding but therapists have been thought to not  push people past their limits since the patient is probably at the lowest point in their life at that time. Keep a positive attitude and keep working hard.

Im sorry that I cant offer much in the way of advice but I wish your brother all the best with his recovery. As everyone has said, it is very early days and Im sure there is more progress to come.