Question
Dear Mr.McKinize;

My father has been in a accident a year ago where he fell from a step latter inujury his spine at C7 T1.He is presently on a ventilator which he is weaning off as the level of his injury should not have affected his breathing.However my concern at this moment is the numerous hot flashes he is having which are relatively new to him. I feel it maybe related to the medication he is presentt on.He is having trouble with supposingly, orthostatic hypotension which is low blood pressure when he is put in a sitting position.He is on midodrine medication for this and I feel this may be what is causing this.He as well is unable to swallow and they have not been able to detect why.I did have him see a ENT specialist who wants to rule out Zenker
Diverticulum where a pouch formed at the back of the throat that can be surgically repaired.I am unfortunatelt still wanting for this to be ruled out.I guess I am abit frustrated as my father is in a ICU setting now for a solid year and making very little progress. As you can well appreciate he is becoming depressed and I get so upset as I feel he could have a good quality of life with his injury if we could just get ahead alittle.We live in a small town and he is in a Health Science Center in St Johns,Newfoundland Canada where information about SCI is limited. I did take him to Toronto and is was a complete failure . The attitude there was terible. He had been off the ventilator up to that point however after developing Congestive Heart Failure and Pneumonia  they placed him back on the ventilator.I don't know if you can direct me in any way. I feel at such a lost and really feel there is more that can be done for my father.Thank you   Sandra Boone

Answer
Hi Sandra,
Thanks so much for your question.

I understand your frustration and feelings of helplessness. With you being in Canada and myself in the states, I can only suggest that you visit www.spine.org for assistance.

The health care system where you live is different from here in the states. You will need to find a nuerologist or nuerosurgeon to review your dad's case. Do not settle for one opinion. Aways seek a second opinion.

I wish I could have been much more help to you. I truly sympathize with your situation. So, PLEASE, feel free to ask me more questions at anytime and I will do my absolute best to help you.

John McKinzie