Recheck after 6 months

[Mom15]

It has been six months already from my sons injury. Incomeplete T5-T6 fractures. He has not made much progress since after the first month. He did do laser therapy, water & physical therapy. His gait is much better however if there is more strength I see him every day so it is hard to see.
It has been suggested by some that we have a recheck done to be sure that there are not any complications in healing. The last time he saw a nureologist was about a month out from injury. Any ideas or thoughts?
His medical Doc here would refer him if needed I am sure for insurance reasons. My son leaves for college this August and I would like to have him all set to move on with his life too.

[smashms]

i am checked every year i was in the beginning checked every 6 months but if he hasn't had any issues i think the norm is every year or so for urologist and as needed for neuro and ortho

[russianrob]

In my personal opinion and experience yearly is fine post-sci unless there are new issues or trauma.

[Millard]

I would seek advice from the physical therapist. They keep records for every therapy session and any changes; good or bad.

Good luck.

[hlh]

Neurologists are less helpful long term. A physiatrist, with an expertise in spinal cord injury, should be following him. They are more experience with recovery/rehab approaches, pain, bowel/bladder issues etc..

This person could be near his home, or maybe near his college?

And if he has any bladder involvement, a good urologist with expertise in neurogenic bladder/spinal cord injury is very helpful.

[Mom15]

Thanks he does not have any bladder issues. The Neurologist that he saw at a month out of his injury stated he did not need to see him again unless changes. We also got the same from his physiatrist in MN. As he did not need surgery and he is an incompete SCI I too was questioning why others would be saying he needs to be seen more often. Thankyou for all your thoughts I guess I just needed some reassureance too that we were doing all that we could for him. He was not too thrilled on seeing someone again and being told there is nothing we can do but wait and see.

[SCI-Nurse]

After a SCI a person can get a return in function/sensation up to one year later.When your son was in inpatient rehab I am sure he had an ASIA exam completed which mapped his muscle strength and sensation. In my clinic if a patient has a decline in those areas from the last baseline test, then we order a MRI to look at the spinal cord and check for changes.

Keep us posted and I wish you the best.

pbr