In this page we will share personal stories, experiences, advise, points of view and everything of interest about people who have suffered Spinal Cord Injuries.
If you would like to share a personal story with the world, please write to us at:
Mailing Address:
The Amy Alexander Foundation for Spinal Cord Injuries
P.O. Box 566
Pine Bush, New York
12566
or, you can E-mail me at: amy@spinaltimes.org
Thank you,
Amy Alexander
Hello, my name is Shannon, and I too recieved a spinal cord injury(SCI). It happened on April 16, 2001. I was on my way to work that morning on my motorcycle when two on-coming trucks in front of me collided. They were so close to me that it was impossible to miss the accident. I made it through the accident without crashing, but in the process, a spare tire came out of the back of one of the trucks and knocked me off my bike. I was airlifted to the Elvis Presely Trauma Center in Memphis, Tennessee. By way of X-rays, my family was told that I had severe brain damage, broke both collar bones, had crushed C-5,C-6, broke C-7,T-2,T-3,T-4,T-5, and would never "move" or "feel" below my neck again, and stayed in ICU for 1 1/2 months. On June 20, 2001 I was stable enough to go to Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center. Since my insurance would only pay for my therapy if it was "in network", and Hot Springs wasn't, I only got to stay 30 days. When I left, I could only move my bice! p on my right arm. Presently, meaning "as I'm typing this e-mail", I have complete sensation/feeling from head to toes. I can use both arms, (which my triceps are still alot weaker than my biceps). I have "some" wrist motion in my right hand. I still cannot use my hands/fingers unfortuanately, but that, along with many other things, are in my prayers daily. I have considerable trunk control, meaning, when I'm in bed I can situp by myself, raise my arms in front of me or out to the side of me, and have no problem keeping my balance. The last thing/part of my recovery at this time is that I'm able to push away with my legs. It doesn't matter where I'm at, laying down in my bed or sitting in my chair, and I'm getting stronger (a little at a time) each and every day and it's not even been two years into/since my injury. Now that I've had the opportunity to share with you all of my improvements, I would like to share with you who I personally give all my! thanks to, and that's to no one else but the good Lord. My personal encouragement to those that read this is to never give up. Stay strong and determined. I pray that those who read this that have a SCI, or if your reading this because you know someone who has suffered a SCI, to never be satisfied with your present condition, always strive for something more. Thank You for reading this, and I hope that I have spurred some inspiration in those who have. If you would like to e-mail me with any comments or questions, my e-mail address is wompus91@yahoo.com.
My name is Mark Machado, I am a 42 year old white
male. I was the happiest man in the world, beautiful wife and family,
2 dogs,2 horses, atv's, Camper trailer, like the perfect family
you hope you have. I was a professional soccer referee, very active
in outdoor activities, hiking, biking, hunting, canoeing, traveled
quite a bit, Alaska, Europe several times to ski. Until May 9,2001,
when I was involved in an auto accident. Eight months later, I now
live alone, lost my family and everything mentioned
previously. I have returned to school, in order to try to keep busy
and keep my mind off the tragedies of the present, not to mention
disabled offerings at colleges in the area are incredibly generous.
I try to deal with the insurance companies and bills, which is like
a part time job. Fortunately I had disability insurance. It doesn't
compare to the life style I was living but does make it somewhat
easier. I try to be very active in my therapy and care. I have a
degree in radiology thank goodness for the medical background. The
therapy I was involved in at a model spinal cord rehab center has
been difficult to work with. I would like to use the weighted gait
training that has become quite the talk of the research community.
I had a C4 subluxation, and fractures of T8-10. My level of injury
is considered to be T7 complete. I periodicaly have feeling in my
left foot and have qutie a bit of feeling in the sacral area. I
am changing physicians and therepy groups to more agressive care.
So I may take
advantage of the therapy that is available. I don't plan on staying
in a wheelchair forever. I set a goal of one year from the time
of accident, I don't know if that is realistic at this point
but I won't give up. I pray each day and throughout the day that
my miracle is coming today. I have faith and hope in my Lord that
he will send me a miracle. I watch the research very closely, and
see that they are getting closer and closer all the time. Like everyone
I think I have difficulty making my way through the services that
may be available and I am sure I am missing out on a lot of things.
Obtaining a van to drive has been difficult, due to finances.
Ray and I met originally through an
online dating service. On the eve of our first date he broke his
neck while body surfing in the ocean. He was told that he would
be paralyzed from the neck down. We had our first meeting the day
after his accident in Shock Trauma. After being transferred to a
rehabilitation hospital where he stayed for two months, Ray made
amazing recoveries of the use of all his limbs and muscles. He now
walks with one crutch and attends physical therapy. His true strength
lies in his
determination to get as much of his life back as possible and his
positive attitude. He has incredible amounts of burning sensations
and pain in his shoulders, arms, hands and legs which he treats
with a variety of meds. We've approached this as but a speed bump
in our relationship (which is challenging enough because I am 30
and he is 49) and we cherish all of our time together (good and
bad). As you can imagine, there are really bad days, simple bad
days and good days. Together, we believe in his continued recovery
and I personally thank God for the gift of him in my life.