Question
My ex is a quad.  Accident happened Oct 1st.  He has some shoulder control, one stronger than the left.  He is in a rehab center and already starting to have UTI's ... Is this just something that he is now going to have to face and what other issues can this cause him.  We are not on good terms but do have a daughter together.  I am assuming with the level of his SCI (c4/c5) and it was not severed.. just damaged badly.. Just wondering what kind of issues he faces....Will he ever be able to get out of rehab?

Answer
Dear Amy,  Sorry to hear about your ex, I'd never wish that on anyone. He has a long road ahead of him. And yes he'll get out of rehab. UTI's are way of life with Quad's because the bladder never totally drains. Drinking cranberry juice is very helpful and plenty of water to keep the bladder flushed. I have been a c4-c5 Quad for 35 years so things have changed since I was originally in rehabs, but the one thing a good rehab should do is to push your ex as far as possible. All injuries are so different, even though I am a c4-c5 Quad I was able to regain the use of my arms; but my fingers, wrists, forearms and triceps are paralyzed. It took me along time to regain the mobility I have. As for issues he faces, they can be numerous depending on each individuals ability to follow through with everything the rehabs tell the person. Skin care is a big issue, because of the paralysis the person no longer is able to tell when his or her skin needs some re-positioning. Think about yourself, if your sitting in one position too long your body sends a signal to your brain letting you know it is time to move. Quads don't have that ability any longer and ignoring how long one sits in one position too long can result in pressure sores/skin breakdown. Medications that Quad's usually are put on can greatly affect their motivation and psychological well being. Amy, there can be many things he'll possibly have to deal with. Bladder and bowel function or lack there of. Once he gets through rehab he'll have to adjust to the barriers he will face as he navigates his way back into the mainstream of society. There are still restaurants that are difficult for me to get into, friends and families houses can provide challenges, steps/stairs are obstacles wheelchairs need to maneuver. I hope this helps, if you have more specific questions I'd be happy to answer you. Sincerely, Ken