Shepherd Center

[reifers]

Has anyone been to rehab at Shepherd Center in Atlanta? If so, I'd like to hear your opinion of the facility and staff. We are looking at the day program for our 21 yr old son. Thanks.

[MissDee30344]

I was in the day program at Shephered in 4/2001. The program was very exhausting but rewarding. The staff is terrific. It included 8 hours of physical therapy, occupational therapy and therapeutic recreation. On the first day I met with the team of therapist and discussed my individual goals. My only goals at that time was to continue working on my upper body strenth and to resolve some bladder issues I was having. The therapists were also honest and realistic about what to expect. Since I had in-patient therapy at Shepherd, I was able to just pick up where I left off. The staff worked with me to the fullest. By the end of the program I was standing with braces. Something I had no idea I would be able to do at that time. They were caring and concerned but at the same time would push you to the limit.

[SCI-Nurse]

I am going to close this hear and move it to the Doctors and Clinics forum, which is a more appropriate location.

(KLD)

[reifers]

Miss Dee - how long was your stay at the center? What is your level and did they resolve your bladder issues? My son is alomost 5 months post and needs to develop a better bowel and bladder program. He is C7-8 and was dx complete in Aug 02, but has recently began having feelings to know when he needs to urinate even though he can't control it. Don't know if this means incomplete sensory or not. Thanks for your help.

[Jim]

reifers,

I was at Shepherd for about 4 months. It is an incredible place. They will train him to do his bowel and bladder programs.

It's a great sign he now has feeling. I began having feeling I needed to urinate at about 8 months post, and am now able to go on my own.

Let me know if you have any questions.

... http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif...

[MissDee30344]

reifers,

I am a T9/T10 complete injury. As an in-patient I was only taught to cath either in bed or from my chair. I was having a lot of trouble cathing from my chair. I just couldn't get the hang of it. The day program nurse taught me how to transfer to the toilet and cath there which has worked very well for me. I was also suffering from a very bad UTI that was really bring me down because I hated wetting on myself. I was able to see the doctor and get that resolved also. I hope your son's experience is a rewarding as mine. I still go to Shepherd's out-patient clinic for checkups and any other problem I may have.

[-scott-]

I was @ Shepherd from January to May '99. I have a c6/7 injury, which required a bit more time b/c of initial trauma, but the therapists there are incredible & very creative folks... i.e. not just "let's repeat all we learned in school" -- but more so problem solvers. They know their stuff & the SCI program is comprehensive. I still keep in touch with a few, 4 years later... I highly recommend it.