A Man, a Plan, Hope I Can

[Schmeky]

Dr. Young,

Today I will have MRI's of my accident that occurred on 4-15-02. I fractured T-4 through 8 and subsequently had some type of electrical conduction test performed after my accident which indicated signals were not able to successfully conduct any further than T-4. I have no rods or reconstructed vertbraes. I have gained voluntary muscle control of my low back, abs, and hip flexors. My quads and hams have strong muscle sensation and sometimes feel almost as though I could move them, but so far have no voluntary control in my legs.

I am currently on 4-AP, am scheduled for gait traning and intensive PT, and hope to get decompressed if the MRI's indicate it is necessary. Is there anything else you can suggest to help me get back on my feet?

Has anyone else started with a similiar injury level and type return I am experiencing and managed to walk?

[Wise Young]

Sounds like you are on track.

[antiquity]

Schmeky, your plan sounds good, you have a lot to work with.

Posted by Dr. Young:
If I have spinal cord injury,

1. I would work daily to improve my muscles and bones by standing an hour a day, do daily FES cycling, and swim as much as possible.

2. If I have not had a recent (within a year or two) MRI, I would get one of my spinal cord. If it is showing a syringomyelic cyst, compressed or tethered, I would try to find a good neurosurgeon to decompress and untether the cord.

3. If I have poor hand function, I would probably consider a tendon transfer to see if I can get back some finger movements.

4. If I am having trouble with bladder spasticity and infections from an indwelling foley, I would consider a suprapubic catheter or a Mitrafanoff procedure to reduce the pressure and infections.

In the meantime, I would consider joining several clinical trial. These include:
• 4-aminopyridine to improve the function of any demyelinated axons in the spinal cord;
• weight-supported ambulatory training

http://carecure.org/forum/showpost.php?p=307731

[Schmeky]

Thanks Seneca & Dr. Young,

Incidentally, my MRI's show definite compression at T-4, that I estimate to be about 15-20%. Dr. Young, do you consider this enough to warrant consultation?

[Tim C.]

as a 10 mos post c4-d quad, i find myself struggling with significant incontinence following my rehab discharge 3 mos ago. i am on a 5x/day ic program an can see no explanation for this except for having more feeling in my bladder in terms of sensation of urge to urinate in between the ic's. however, the urge cannot be controlled. it is not a uti. it does occur often during bowel pressure.
has anyone experienced this too.
if anything, has it destroyed the quality of life with my wife besides the sci.

also if this will become uncorrectable, how can i try 4ap. can i join a clinical trial, hoping i don't get the placebo.
anyone's input is appreciated.