Question
Dear John:

    My brother is a quadraplegic since 08/02.  I am deeply concered about him.  He lives in Chicago and I live in Houston,  I wish I could help him more but, because of the distance I can't.  He can move his arms and legs a little but, he does not want to go to therapy away from home because he says it hurts him to go long distances, the insurance will only pay for him to get a few visit at home.  He is very depressed at this time and will not get up from bed.  When I ask him if he is trying to get up and at least sit in the will chair he tells me that he is, his care takers tells me that he does not.  My questions are how can I help him?  Is there some inexpensive exercise equipment that may help?  What did you do to boost your sprits?  My other brother that lives in Chicago with him tells me that his toes are starting to curl up, what does this mean? He has injury to his C5 spinal cord do you think he can walk again if he has therapy?

Thank You,

Renee Nealy

Answer
Hi Renee,
Thanks so much for your questions.

One of the biggest problems with disabilities and more specifically, Spinal Cord Injuries, is depression. Those with an SCI feel their life is over or they begin to feel sorry for themselves. Some give up and some make excuses to do nothing and just exist.

I'm not sure what is going on with your brother. All I can say is to keep encouraging him and have those around him to do the same.

He needs to continue with therapy but also, and just as important, he needs to have someone work with him on range-of-motion exercises.

I wasn't told how important these exercises were and now, both of my hips are dislocated. My father had some health problems in the early '90s and unable to work with me. We tried getting a Physical therapist to come help but Medicare wouldn't authorize it because it was only for range-of-motion exercises and because it wasn't going to help me to get stronger or be more "independant", they said no.

Now I'm unable to get out of bed and into a wheelchair because the pain is too severe. And surgery is too risky because there is a chance of blood clots forming which could dislodge and move to the brain and/or the lungs, possibly causing a stroke and/or death.

My accident was on May 22, 1977 and since then I've never really been depressed about it. Oh sure, I've gotten discouraged and angry because I'm not able to do simple task like brushing my teeth, feeding myself, etc. Things that I had [and I'm sure many others have] taken for granted.

After the accident, I decided to make the best of my situation. If I let myself get depressed or get bitter, it would only make a bad situation worse and people would not want to be around me or do things for me.

As I write this, I have a beautiful girlfriend who lives here with my parents and helps take care of me. I would tell you our story if you would like to hear it. It's long, so let me know.

As far as your brother walking, I can't say but if has movement in his arms and legs, I encourage greatly to do whatever he can to get to therapy and don't let anyone tell him he won't walk. Renee, I have seen many people with an SCI prove doctors wrong. Whatever you do, don't let anyone discourage him. His limits are his own.

And, I'm not sure what exercise equipement is out there that he needs that would be inexpensive. Most is rather pricey. But any exercise and/or equipement needs to begin with his will and desire to do what needs to be done.

Sorry this is so long. I tend to ramble on. I sincerely hope this has helped and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie