Question
Hi Leslie, thanks for responding to my questions earlier. I've spoken to the Doctors regarding my nephew's injury and so far they haven't taken any X-rays or MRI of his spine; only when he first was admitted to the trauma unit. They were waiting for his swelling to go down. As for the meds and him coming out of the spinal shock, you were right on time! They've lessen the meds and he came out of the spinal shock the same day I received your email. My question is, he asked me his Mother to rub his back becaus his back and shoulders were hurting. Then he asked the nurse to turn him because he was uncomfortable lying that way because that position was hurting his back as well. The nurse was shocked to hear this. Does this mean that sensation and feeling is taking place?

Answer
Hi Rosie-

very glad to hear that he's out of shock and making sense again! I'm a bit amazed that they haven't done an MRI since admitting him- it could be that the one they did in trauma told them all they needed to know..

anyway- as for his discomfort- this can mean a couple of things. Best case scenario is that he has sensation- certainly possible, especially if the injury is "incomplete" (means there is some feeling or movement below injury level). Worst case scenario would be if he had nerve pain- it's very hard to treat.  You can tell though which it is- if the rubbing his shoulders helps, it's not nerve pain!

Feeling is very weird after injury- I can feel my stomach, if I'm sick or full or hungry, but I can't feel the skin at my waist... why I can feel the inside of me but not the outside is a mystery to me.  So you may have to wait and see how things progress with him- its a bit like a science experiment being done!  (That's what I always think anyway)

Hopefully he continues to improve as the swelling leaves him-

good luck, write in anytime!
leslie