can someone please help us

[alexjs2913]

my brother in law was in a wreck that damaged the section c6 and c7 of his spine. he has been through so much. for some reason he has developed a fever of infection. not only can they not find where this infection is starting or coming from but they also can't keep his blood pressure up. 2 days ago he started having mini seizures. they are saying it is because his blood pressure is too low. i had some info that i read on this happening to patient with his c6 and c7 spinal injury. does anyone know anything about this to help me. please. the hospital here won't release him for craigs hospital in denver colorado til they can fix the back of his spine. and all this is in the way.

shana d alexander

[betheny]

Shana-

First read and print this article by Dr. Young. It should answer some of your questions.

http://carecure.rutgers.edu/spinewire/Articles/AcuteSCI/AcuteSCI.htm

"Spinal cord injury disables vascular responses that maintain blood pressure when a person sits or stands up. Blood vessels in the guts and legs normally constrict when a person stands up, to keep blood from pooling. When people with spinal cord injury sit up for the first time after injury, their blood pressure may drop sharply. Such postural hypotension may prevent a person from sitting or standing during the first weeks after spinal cord injury. The vascular responses recover over time but people must be be tilted gradually into the vertical position over the several weeks after spinal cord injury. Loss of vascular responses in the legs leads to a tendency for fluid to accumulate in the legs when people sit for long times. Such dependent edema can be prevented to some extent with stockings."...from the article linked above which also has a lot of other info you need.

I don't know about seizures from low blood pressure. I'm going to copy this post to the Care forum, look over there also, maybe you'll get more responses.

Good luck, let us know what else you need. Beth

Can't stop the spirits when they need you/This life is more than just a read thru.-
red Hot Chili Peppers

[alexjs2913]

thank you so much. they are saying now that they took test and there are no seizures but convulsions of some sort and have no idea what they are.

shana d alexander

[SCI-Nurse]

Seizures = convulsions. Lack of oxygen to the brain (due to too low blood pressure) is a common cause of seizures in critically ill people. Long term this can cause brain damage. Get him moved ASAP.

(KLD)

[Hashem]

G'day Shana!

C6-C7 is quite similar to mine. Whilst in an Australian rehab hospital and paralysed, I was told to move my toes and fingers, if possible, in order to promote blood circulation. Paralysed people are prone to infection due to poor circulation. If your brother-in-law is able to walk, guide him to walk slowly that will also prevent dizziness. Poor oxygenation or circulation results to dizziness or slow breathing. Also, whilst at the rehab, there were volunteer remedial massage therapists who visited my room regularly and did good massage in my feet (podiatry) and fingers, thighs and forearms including my forehead. These massage therapists volunteers explained that by massaging these important points, circulation is being promoted, hence, oxygenation is encouraged, and yes, infection is also controlled. Apply this remedial massage if walking hurts him.

All the best to him.

[SCI-Nurse]

Hashem, it appears that your injury was quite incomplete if you are walking. Massage for new injuries can be quite dangerous if done to the legs and should not be attempted without consultation with a SCI physician and knowledge that the person does not have any clots in their legs. There is no evidence that massage provides any benefit for causing return, but it can provide comfort and assist in pain management.

(KLD)

G'day Ms. SCI-Nurse !

I was completely paralysed for nearly two months. My nuerologist reckons I may not walk again but miraculously I commenced walking at the rehab hospital. The physiotherapists were amazed by my sudden development which they thought maybe prolonged. You see, I was confined at a christian rehab hospital in Australia where authorities promote spiritual healing. Priests and sisters come by weekly into my room to say a holy devotional 'healing prayers' and I've noticed most of us confined at the time left the hospital doorways either with crutches or walking. Bizarre?

I was paralysed when volunteer massage therapists donate their time for this cause. All Australian hospitals have volunteers. Many of them are aged or middle-aged pensioner. Indeed, I was so fortunate to meet an Aussie massage therapist who is also a spiritual healer for free (only in Australia). Her hands made me walk? I donno. I can not explain. I am no expert in your so-called 'modern medicine' but of what I've experienced .... "yes, there is a miracle".

Thank you for your message and let me congratulate you for this incomparable website.

Hashem

[Hashem]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Hashem:

G'day Ms. SCI-Nurse !

By the way, I missed to mention that the type of massage applied by these volunteers is different to the common massage applied to normal people. What they applied to me was 'touch massage' to pressure points such as gently rubbing and nibbling my toes and fingers. It was soothing and motivating particularly the scent of the oil they used. I could feel the essence of interpersonal touch. It was a beautiful feeling - a healing touch.

[CurlieQCarrie]

Shana,
How exactly is your brother in law doing now? It's been close to 2 months since you originally posted this, and I am curious. Craig Hospital would be a safe way to go since they see spinal cord patients everyday. I was a patient there for my 4 months of initial rehab, and I cannot imagine doing it anywhere else. Let us know!

http://curlieqcarrie.friendpages.com/
When life has handed you lemons, remember to ask for tequila and salt!

[SCI-Nurse]

Hashem, I am glad you were lucky that your injury was incomplete. For many people return does not start for many months, if at all.

I am sure you are not implying that those who do not get return do so due to lack of Christain faith or because God is punishing them for not having enough faith by not curing them, correct?

(KLD)

[maryonwheels46]

Hashem,
If a person is a complete SCI they are not going to walk out of a hospital. They must be incomplete.
Shana,
I also layed in bed in the hospital for four months so when I started sitting up my blood pressure would bottom out and I almost passed out many times and could not breath. I thought my heart was going to stop. So, we had to take it a few inches at a time.
That was harder than being taken off the ventilator to learn to breath on my own.

But I know I had Angles on each corner of my bed helping me because it was not my time to die. God wanted me hear for a purpose. Since I had only 5% chance to survive. I am a complete para. I believe in miracles but I am a realist and knew I would never walk again. I never felt sorry for myself or ask why me. Better me than anyone I know because they could never have been able to handle it.
People that know me said that it was my attitude that made it easier for them to handle what happened. I don't mean to brag on myself but I was proud when I was told this.

I didn't mean to get off the subject but I guess I just needed to express my feelings.
But, if massages, oil and physical therapist could help complete sci people in America walk they would all be doing it.
Massage is good for circulation and swelling feet and legs.
It took me several years to understand why some paralyzed people could do more than others until I learned that there was complete and incomplete and a difference in the level of injury.
I noticed you are my age and have not been injured very long. It takes a long time to understand SCI.
Welcome to CareCure. I hope you enjoy the knowledge and interaction I have since I have been here.Hope you make friends here.

The Sci nurses are the best so trust what they share with you.

Take care. Mary

[Hashem]

Hello Ms. SCI Nurse !

No, definitely not. I do not wish to judge my fellow human beings that way. I am not judgmental or critical at all. Like everyone else, I am also weak - a sinner. Well, cast a stone who is perfect. We all get sick and we all die. Every life has to end. The power of prayer works and faith in the Almighty is even more powerful. Let us not conclude that when we get sick, we are being punished. God is not like that. God is love and He loves everyone. Getting sick is just a reminder. He reminds us all to return - to remember Him. Being paralysed is not a punishment - it is NOT a curse. Be patient dear friends and don't be hopeless, we are just being reminded. There is miracle if you only believe (NIV James 5:13-20).

Regards,

Hashem