Want to Stand

[Linda H.]

I am a T10-12 complete, 12 yrs post injury, and haven't stood for at least 11 yrs. I keep hearing and reading about how important it is to be able to stand, bone densetity, circulation, etc. What I want to know is this, at 12yrs post injury is it to late to start? I know it would take a bit of time to adjust,providing I had a good report on my bone density scan, and if my doctor approved. I don't know why it wasn't an issue when I was in rehab, but it did seem as if the patients who had a decent prospect of walking where the ones I always saw in the standing frames. I was told that since I don't have any reflexes at the hip level that walking was out of the question for me.

I just want to know now before I put the full court press on my doctor if I'm going to be wasting her time as well as my own.

Linda H.

[Jeff Sirko]

It wouldn't seem to be a problem to start now, as long as bone density is ok.

Jeff Sirko
Live Well Medical Supplies
www.livewellmedical.com (http://www.livewellmedical.com)

[SCI-Nurse]

Yes, I would agree that, especially after 12+ years, a bone density test would be critical.
You want to assure you don't have evidence of bone disease.

If the dexascan(bone density) is clear, beginning a standing program should be OK.
There will definitely be an adjustment period and if in a clinical setting, they may first try on a tilt table to gradually get you to full upright. Blood pressure should be monitored as well.

While not validated by scientific studies, people who stand say it has possible benefits with bowel/bladder, circulation, bone strength and also mental well being.

AAD

[sanadams]

Is it ok to stand if you have ostepenia in lumbar vertebra, 14 mos post injury?
thank you.
Originally posted by SCI-Nurse:

Yes, I would agree that, especially after 12+ years, a bone density test would be critical.
You want to assure you don't have evidence of bone disease.

If the dexascan(bone density) is clear, beginning a standing program should be OK.
There will definitely be an adjustment period and if in a clinical setting, they may first try on a tilt table to gradually get you to full upright. Blood pressure should be monitored as well.

While not validated by scientific studies, people who stand say it has possible benefits with bowel/bladder, circulation, bone strength and also mental well being.

AAD

[SCI-Nurse]

This should not be a problem as long as you are not bouncing up and down when you stand, and you avoid extreme postures that cause a lot of lordosis in your low back. You should follow the guidance of your SCI physician on this though.

(KLD)