SCI Rehabilitation

[Shawn]

Since my injury (L1 - Incomplete), i've never been to a SCI Rehabilitation Centre. The main reason being, i was never informed about going to one and now (5yrs post)that i've learnt about it through the internet, i'm seriously considering going to one. Through lots of exercises, prayer, determination and a little help from my physio, i've gotten myself to walking with crutches today. I feel strongly that with more help, knowledge and expertise, i can achieve more. Thus, the question on SCI Rehabilitation. I read about the work being done at "Craig Hospital" in Colorado and was wondering, have any of you been there and what's it like? Would it be a must for me? Do any of you know of good Rehabilitation Centre's in South Africa maybe? http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[BJ]

My husband did his initial rehab there 28 years ago, we still go back for yearly re-evals. He has a c5/6 injury. I have found them to be very responsive on staying on top of problems as they arise. They are only a phone call away if I have a concern about something and great about seeing him immediately if a problem arises.

But based on the skills they taught him at his initial rehab he has never had a bladder or kidney infection for 28 years, he has a supertube. And has developed his first pressure sore on the bottom of his foot in the last few years. But due to some agessive action by his pt the posture issues that caused it are being addressed. Looks like this time the changes are going to get it healed.

Here is their web if you don't have it www.craighospital.co (http://www.craighospital.co)

[Shaun]

I have never been back for rehab since i left a year ago.I stop in and say hi once a month and they have always told me that if i ever need anything like an evaluation or a proffesional stretching to just come on in whenever.I think thats pretty cool..
..........\/PEACE
~Shaun~

[KDK513]

Shawn, Craig specializes in SCI Rehab, perhaps the best in the USA; moreover, when my husband was injured that is where I wanted him to go for rehab. Unfortunately the realities of HMO health insurance had just begun to be rear it's ugly head. They would not pay for rehab out of network. Our out of pocket expense for his initial rehab was estimated to be $120,000. This was not an option for us. An annual reevaluation costs approximately $6000. This takes about 5 days. I hope you can go to Craig... I hear it is awesome!!! Kathy

[Shawn]

Thank you all for responding to my post, it's highly appreciated. Guess what, while on my way home from work yesterday, a vehicle stopped next to us at the robot and i noticed a "Rehab 2000" sign on it. The sign also included a wheelchair and a contact number on it. I couldn't believe it...i mean, all this time i've been searching for a SCI Rehab nearby and here's one just within my reach. Seeing this really excited me so, i quickly recorded the contact number on my cellphone and rang them up today. They confirmed themselves to being an SCI Rehab which is situated quite close to home. I'll be in touch with them again on Friday to arrange for an appointment which i'm really looking forward to. Good Luck and GOD Bless! http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[BJ]

If you explain the necessity to them, in my husband's case it is work load. They can get you out of there in 3 days.

The last few years that's what we've done. You don't have alot of free time between appointments but you get out of there faster. It does make for a long day - we start at 8 and go til 4 with just an hour for lunch, but you don't have a lot of wait around time. There are also some options for cheaper places to stay so if you can ever work it out email me privately and we can discuss. Also if you can get some of the blood work etc done locally and sent to them that will cut the cost somewhat.

Although they are now in-network for our insurance, they don't cover the blood work that they want done. So our primary care doc orders the blood work, gets it back and sends copies with us for the first appointment. We have also been able to do that with all the x-rays with the exception of the renogram and cystogram. But since he did have one bout of bladder stones the insurance doesn't quibble about that

[michaelm]

Also.... You might want consider Kessler rehabilitation center here in northern New Jersey. I have been attending this rehabilitation hospital for the last decade and it is also tops in the United States. I believe their neurology department is the best in the country. I might add, that this is the rehabilitation center that Christopher Reeves went to when he was first injured.

Michael

[KDK513]

Tag, thanks for the info. I will look into it again. 28 years? Were you married at the time your husband was injured?

Shawn, how funny life can be... don't ya love it when things like that happen? Keep us posted. Kathy

[Shawn]

I just thought i should let you know that, i've made an appointment for an evaluation on Monday at a Rehab Centre close to home.....will keep you updated on the outcome. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

[etexley]

Hey...I've been trying like HECK to learn crutches without much luck....I'm a "T5 complete" whatever that means.

Have you considered writing a book about what it took you to learn crutches, your techniques? Have you considered teaching?

Eric Texley

[Shawn]

To be quite honest, i haven't thought about writing a book about my injury and recovery status but, it's a very good idea and i plan to give it much more thought. What i have thought about and still want to do, is teaching and helping others with SCI. There's alot i can contribute to this field and i plan to do so ASAP. As for you trying to walk with crutches, i must say, well done. Stay positive, focus on your goals and keep trying. It may difficult to achieve this goal with your injury (T5 Complete) because of all the muscles affected from chest down but, remain determined. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif