Question
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Followup To
Question -
My son has been a c-5 quad for 20 years now. He still seems very healthy. But after today I am concerned about his heart.
He used to play basketball once a week and at first he was into wheel racing. Lately, with 2 kids and 2 jobs, I am concerned about him getting some exercise.
What are your thoughts? How long have you been a quad?
Answer -
Hi Sue,
Thanks so much for your questions.

I have been a Quadriplegic since May 1977. My 3rd, 5th and 6th vertebrea were fractured and the 4th vertebra was crushed. It's been a long, tough battle but I won't let it get me down.

I understand your concern after hearing about Christopher Reeve. I, too, became a bit concerned about my heart health. But you have to know that his death was caused by an infection from a pressure sore. He became septic which caused him to go into cardiac arrest.

My advice for you and your son is to be in close contact with his doctor. In case of a fever and/or anything out the ordinary, such as a sore, a possible UTI, prolonged constipation, etc., notify the doctor right away.

Nutrition is also very important. A balanced diet is necessary to keep the immune system working properly. You might also talk with the doctor about taking supplements to help boost the immune system and his overall health.

I take supplements, such as Vitamin C and Chromium. The C helps with fighting infections and the Chromium helps regulate my blood sugar naturally. I'm also looking into taking Garlic and Cayenne supplements which help in various ways including circulation and strengthening the immune system.

Also, just in case your son smokes, I would strongly suggest that he quit immediately. Besides the obvious health problems caused by smoking, it also causes the depletion of at least half of the body's Vitamin C.

I have included a link to a very informative site run by the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Click on 'Information and Statistics about SCI'.

www.spinalcord.uab.edu

When you read the various statistics, remember that they include people that died immediately or within hours after suffering a SCI. The site's index is also very helpful in finding much more information in other areas of SCI.

I'm sorry for rambling on so much but when it comes to SCIs, I just want to give as much information as possible.

I sincerely hope this helps and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie

Thanks so much, nice to hear from another in the same postion (sitting)
I e-mailed this to him in CA. Told him he could maybe voluteer, but I know he is very busy like I said with 2 jobs. He did find a quad rugby team that he can get together with once a week. So that is a start
I really appreciate your time here. It helped me understand more. Keep up the good work! Sue

Answer
Thanks Sue,

I am so happy to be of some help to you and your son. I am so glad that your son does not allow his disability to hold him back. So many people feel their lives are over after suffering an SCI.

I know my faith in God and my love of the life he gave me as well as the love for and from my fiance, family and friends keeps me going everyday.

I sincerely hope for the best for you and your son.

Take care,
John McKinzie