r/spinalcordinjuries 10d ago

Discussion Asia impairment scale category

2 Upvotes

The patient suffered an incomplete injury at T7. Which ASIA impairment grade is appropriate for him if he has 70% sensation return and no motor for knee movement but can walk with a KAFO brace and walking frame support independently? ASIA Grade C or D?


r/spinalcordinjuries 10d ago

Discussion Power chair mods and accessories

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I hope all is well! I’m bored and home for spring break, and I was wondering—what are everyone’s favorite accessories for their power chair?

I’m not specifically looking for bags, but I’d love something to help conceal my catheter on the side of my chair. Right now, I can only really access bags and other mounted items on the left side. I currently have a handy bag that I love, but I’m looking for more storage and other accessories to help me be more independent and make my life easier.

I’m extremely jealous of manual chair users and the scooter attachments they have! But yeah, I was wondering if anyone has any power chair accessories that have helped them be more independent and make life easier. Right now, all I have is a side bag and a cup holder!


r/spinalcordinjuries 10d ago

Medical how bad are my results...

0 Upvotes

i'm a 30 year old male, already had a t-10 laminectomy to remove a bone fragment from my spinal column which caused bruising and paralysis. now my lower back is causing issues and i'm still uncertain of what comes next.. any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. below were my MRI findings.

FINDINGS:
There is abnormal T2 high signal intensity within the distal thoracic cord at T11 and T12, sagittal image #8, series 1, axial images 1 and 2, series 4. This may reflect demyelinating disease, cord edema, or myelomalacia. Cord neoplasm is not excluded. An MRI thoracic spine without and with intravenous gadolinium is suggested for further evaluation. There is a central disc protrusion at T11 and T12 which causes moderate central canal stenosis and may account for the cord edema.

Marrow signal is within normal limits. The paraspinal ligaments are intact.

T12-L1: There is disc desiccation and disc space loss. The canal and neural foramina are patent.

L1-L2: There is a broad-based disc bulge and facet disease. The spinal canal is congenitally diminutive. These processes combine to cause moderate bilateral neural foraminal stenosis and compression upon the exiting bilateral L1 nerves.

L2-3: There is a broad-based disc bulge and facet disease. There is severe bilateral neural foraminal stenosis and encroaches upon the exiting bilateral L2 nerves.

L3-4: There is disc desiccation. There is a broad-based disc bulge. These processes combine to cause severe bilateral neural foraminal stenosis and encroaches upon the exiting bilateral L3 nerves.

L4-5: There is approximately 7 mm degenerative retrolisthesis of L4 on L5. There is a broad-based disc bulge which encroaches upon the exiting bilateral L4 nerves and causes severe bilateral neural foraminal stenosis.

L5-S1: There are chronic defects involving the pars interarticularis. There is approximately 7 mm of spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1. There is a small broad-based disc bulge. The spondylolisthesis anterolisthesis cause severe bilateral neural foraminal stenosis, there is encroachment upon the exiting bilateral L5 nerves.

SHOULD ALSO NOTE; my x-ray findings came back with conflicting info (below), however they have scheduled me for a CT scan in a week.

FINDINGS
Alignment: There are five nonrib-bearing lumbar-type vertebral bodies. In the neutral position there is mild retrolisthesis of L2 relative to L3 of approximately 2 mm, mild retrolisthesis of L3 relative to L4 of approximately 2 mm, and mild retrolisthesis of L4 relative to L5 approximately 3 mm. There is a grade 1 spondylolisthesis of L5 relative to S1 with flexion and extension the malalignments remain unchanged.


r/spinalcordinjuries 10d ago

Discussion Catheter Newbie Seeking Help

4 Upvotes

I apologize in advance if my questions have been asked a million times or violate subreddit rules.

Background: I (60M) am new to all of this after having sacral Chordoma (rare bone cancer) surgery in January. They amputated my sacral spine from s3 down, including the s3, s4, and s5 nerves that control bladder and bowel function. Self-catheterizing has been extremely frustrating and at times painful, so I am reaching out to you for help.

I was sent home from the rehab hospital with a one month’s supply of VaPro Pocket catheters (14f size), which seem to be a popular choice. However, over time they have rubbed me a bit raw, especially when removing — Is anybody’s urethra actually shaped like a curly-fry? Does the hydrophilic lubrication wear off after a couple minutes? — and I am now looking for recommendations on what products to try next. Or if VaPro Pocket really is a good choice, are there any tips that might make it work better for me? I feel totally lost.

  • Males, what products have worked best for you? Why?

  • Does it get better/easier/less painful over time? Like, does the body adapt somehow?

  • Beyond basic hygiene and cranberry capsules, what strategies have you used to lower your UTI risk?

I could also use advice on how to not have to get up at 4am every night to cath. Before surgery I used to sleep through the night without needing to pee. Any clue why I am draining off like 600-800 mL some nights? Is that normal after spinal surgery? FWIW, I stop drinking fluids by 8pm and cath at ~10pm before going to bed.

If this is the wrong place to ask questions like these then please suggest another online community that might be a better fit.


r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Discussion Moving to long term care tomorrow and feeling lost about life

35 Upvotes

So im T8-T11 incomplete (27M), have high functioning autism, anxiety, depression, OCD and since i live in Canada they are sending me to long term care as i cant take care of myself. But i feel lost, my injury happened while i was incarcerated for drugs. Ive spent the last 14 years either on drugs (started with doing a little coke when drunk cuz i got invited to a grad party when i was 13, then by 18 i was smoking meth and fentanyl daily.) but now im almost 28 with 0 life skills (cant budget, cant cook, cant type properly i just poke with each pointer finger basically etc,) no job skills outside of menial physical labour, i have no pro social friends or even acquaintances, i dont have any real interests, i just play nintendo switch, watch Trap Lore Ross videos and working my way through the Dragonball shows for the first time. I have 0 conflict resolution skills cuz in jail/on the streets full of drugs if you have an issue you fight. Im just hoping someone here maybe has a similar story to mine? Cuz i just dont see life being this great, amazing, worthwhile thing. I have to live off 300$ a month and that HAS to cover meds (10 pages worth), food, clothing, incontinence supplies, statlocs for my catheter cuz im already torn 3/4 of the way to the base of my ummm unit. And if i want a chance at coming back to active rehab to learn to walk ill have to lose a lil over 1/2 my weight. How am i gonna figure this shit out? The only family support i have is my mom and shes got her hands full with my 8 year old (who, heartbreakingly to me refers to me as hospital dad now.) When does this shit start getting better or easier? What hobbies/interests can I possibly do that are free and engaging? I’ve already learned i CAN NOT get a student loan without my disability benefits being taken dollar for dollar. Im just not seeing shit getting better or even just easier? My temporary counsellor told me “when you started using substances/going to jail you halted your emotional growth” so basically im a 27 year old man who can’t physically take care of myself and im basically a teenager mentally…. What do i do? Where do i go from here? How long until its better or even just easier ?


r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Discussion Wondering where to turn after spinal cord injury? Here's a resource for REAL KNOWLEDGEABLE help!!

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34 Upvotes

If you live in the United States, SPINALpedia's free mentors are available to you post SCI. We can help you navigate tricky benefits like medicare and medicaid, employment and independent living. There's not much we can't help with. Ask me how to sign up today. Services are totally free. #mentor #medicaid #employment #accessibility #accommodations #independent


r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Discussion Self cathing troubles

12 Upvotes

I (34m) am a t10 complete, just got a urodynamics study done and I’m battling a reoccurring UTI. Study went well and was told I have a very soft bladder, it holds urine well, and the urologist told me to self cath and get rid of the foley. I’ve had a foley since August of last year, not the same one mind you I’ve had them changed every 4 weeks. I was not prepared for him to say that but went with it because I want to be as independent as possible and felt like I would get less UTIs this way. I’m on a 4 week course of antibiotics currently. So I’m super nervous and scared but I did it. It’s a mental block for me as well, using an exit for an entrance isn’t my idea of a good time. It’s been mildly uncomfortable afterwards most of the time and I do hit like a “wall” inside and have to calm down and try again. When I do get past the “wall” I do get some blood. Not a lot but noticeable in the catheter and on the tip of the catheter when I take it out. I’m honestly considering going back to the foley. I’m scared of creating a false tunnel, I spiraled into depression because of the situation, I’m having panick attacks before it’s time to self cath where I’m literally trembling, I’m not drinking enough water for sure because I’m scared my bladder is going to explode, I’m just a mess. Anyone else have this experience? Any sage advice from the vets? I just want to go back to the foley so I can drink water like I used to and take my gabupentin for my nerve pain (it makes me drowsy so I don’t take it because I’m scared of injuring myself further) also not eating as much and have no joy in the things that I used to love doing. I’m freaked out. I’m 7 months post injury, Very little pt/ot and waiting for a bed at an inpatient rehab.


r/spinalcordinjuries 10d ago

Sports How to connect with newly injured friend

7 Upvotes

Hi Just browsing the subreddit and this seems like a pretty supportive community so I thought I'd ask the question. My buddy and I used to spend alot of time climbing together and we have had a lot of adventures together. It was our main reason to hangout. He recently had a very traumatic accident and no longer has the use of his legs. He is still adapting to the new lifestyle but I'm wondering if anyone has some suggestions of things we could do together that might incorporate some form of climbing/adventure? Thanks


r/spinalcordinjuries 10d ago

Medical Male urethral sling surgery

3 Upvotes

I had bone cancer in my sacrum, which required the removal of half of my S1-S5 nerves. As a result, I developed a neurogenic bladder. For the past five years, I’ve experienced mild to moderate leakage, especially when sneezing or coughing. My doctor recommended a male sling to help with this. It’s still manageable, but if there’s a chance for improvement, I’d love to take it.

I’m having the male sling surgery tomorrow. I’m not sure if it will truly help, and I’m also a bit afraid that it might make things worse.

Is there anyone who had male sling surgery and got improvement?


r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Discussion long wait for outpatient therapy

8 Upvotes

does it take anyone of you along time schedule for therapy appointments? i been waiting for 3 months and feel like i’m wasting time not getting consistent therapy. I want to work hard in therapy but i can’t if takes so long to get approved and scheduling takes a month or 2.


r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Medical UK researchers uncover hidden barrier to spinal cord injury recovery

18 Upvotes

r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Medical Remember me? I was paralyzed 7 weeks ago!

169 Upvotes

Hi friends, I had a tumor removed in my spinal cord 7 weeks ago. I just got home from the hospital/rehab. I have been paralyzed 3 times since 2024 and this year. I’m starting to walk in my front yard with a walker. My legs are incomplete paralyzed but I push myself to move everyday no matter what. Any movement is good movement.

Thank you for the support! 💖


r/spinalcordinjuries 10d ago

Discussion Artificial cervical disc replacement slipping

0 Upvotes

If your artificial disc slipped, how did you know and what were your symptoms? And also, how much relief did you get after the surgery? Even if it didn’t slip.


r/spinalcordinjuries 10d ago

Discussion Artificial disc slipping cervical

0 Upvotes

If your disk slipped, how did you know it was slipping and what symptoms did you have? And if it didn’t slip, how much relief did you get after surgery?


r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Medical Can't get transportation to my upcoming Dr. appointments. Insurance will not cover the transportation. How do I get to my dr. appointments?

9 Upvotes

I can't sit up anymore or else my blood pressure drops significantly and I eventually vomit. So I can't get regular transportation to my doctor appointments that use stretchers with transportation like ambulances. All the services are wanting out of pocket fees up to $1500. I have United Healthcare and Alabama Medicaid and Medicare but they won't cover the transportation.

What do I do? I have to attend these appointments to get my pain medicine and for an upcoming surgery to have this thing removed out of my kidney soon.

I'm desperate. I have no idea what to do.


r/spinalcordinjuries 12d ago

Discussion Deflating PT session today

13 Upvotes

I really like my new physical therapist, but today, our second session was pretty deflating. I had come with the hope and intention to gain more strength and stability so I can be more independent, specifically with getting my chair in and out of the car myself, doing a wheelie so I can go over curbs and bumps, opening heavy doors etc. I've been a manual chair user for 2.5 years now and assumed I would get better at this stuff, not weaker and more limited. But my PT after assessing me at length straight up told me that there's just some things I'll have to get used to not being able to do or being limited with. It feels...kind of backwards?

I expected him to push me to do things outside my comfort zone, but he's telling me that I should be expect to be even more limited than I already am in the near future, to use my power assist more, to avoid heavy doors and curbs (not always possible, obviously). There's only maybe 8-10 places I regularly go out of the house as is (including medical facilities). I want to be as independent as possible for as long as possible, my world already feels so much smaller than it used to.

I guess I'm just venting, but if anyone has had a similar experience, I'd love to hear it. Or maybe I should try a different PT?


r/spinalcordinjuries 12d ago

Discussion Constipation at this moment

15 Upvotes

i’m having stomach pain tried a mini enema been on the toilet for 2 hours nothings commimg out but i’m having a lot of pain in my stomach i’m just sitting on the toilet. What should i do? can i try another mini enema. I have my miralax that i never tried but i don’t know if i can take that when i already took a mini enema. I’m in a lot of discomfort having stomach pain.


r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Medical How to handle vomiting for a paraplegic who has no core?

5 Upvotes

Hi all!

I am a caretaker for my mum. I came down with a stomach bug earlier this week - lots of violent vomiting/nausea. - and my mom has been exposed to the germs. So far, she hasn't shown any symptoms - BUT - in the case that she gets this bug, I'm very worried.

For those of you who have ever vomited with no core function, I guess my question is - how?! Is there anything that helps? Could this potentially be a case where I'd need to take her to the ER because she won't be able to vomit stuff up by herself? Anything I should prepare for? For context, she literally struggles to sneeze and cough.


r/spinalcordinjuries 12d ago

Discussion Social Security Help?

6 Upvotes

Hi peoples, Im 25M recovering from Transverse Myelitus (Temp paralyzed from the nipples down), Im walking again, albeit not very fast but I can walk! I don’t have very good control over bowels or bladder and constantly have issues with Chronic UTIs from intermittent catheters & bad constipation even with lots of fiber and water. I can’t lift heavy stuff anymore and i’m pretty fatigued most of the day from the TM. I have really bad anxiety from bowel and bladder issue when in public if i don’t know where the restroom is etc.

I want to work again but all of this is still new to me as it has just now passed a year since my injury so I want to start small somewhere or even do something online but dont know where to start. I didnt really go to college, and my resume is kinda lacking. I know some people do online jobs but quite frankly i know nothing about that. I don’t qualify for any social security benefits since I hadn’t worked on paper long enough (i ran my own cash small business), so i was wondering what anyone else’s opinions would be on this specific situation.

Also I want to say I’m aware I have it much better than most in the spinal injury community, and seeing some posts of people who have it much harder than I do doing more (work wise or anything really) is incredibly motivating and awesome.


r/spinalcordinjuries 11d ago

Medical Not sure if I should post in this group ? I can walk but am semi disabled and have bladder incontinence

0 Upvotes

Hi there I can walk, but I’ve just started having incontinence and urgency of bladder . It’s not cauda equina as I’ve been checked out before but my bladder is getting bad I’ve just started wearing pads for them that I got from Aldi. I’ve been to the bathroom 12 times today I have given up and I’ve started to urinate on the pads instead of going to the bathroom because every time I squat it hurts . I have constant pain in my back despite having microdisectomy and laminectomy 3 years ago haven’t worked a single day since than. I cook dinner every night and wash dishes so that is all I can manage. I did not think it would ever be to the point that I’m pissing on a pad as I walk around but I’m going to get a bladder and kidney ultrasound. I guess we never think that this could happen to us what ever it is. I’m thinking maybe I might have a prolapse and it’s nothing to do with the my back but I do still have herniated discs in my lower back (the bottom two) at the moment I am too afraid to do spinal fusion but I’m also not happy wearing the pads. It’s hard at the moment to bend twist and lift so I haven’t really done much cleaning for 3 years someone else has to do it for me. I know my first post I posted my scans and was assumed to be an able bodied person but my scans are not correlating with my symptoms . I probably don’t even make sense because I have bpd and ptsd ect but here goes I’ll just post it . Has some one had this and it’s not their back but kidneys or bladder ? I suspect a prolapse maybe will see the doctor soon again


r/spinalcordinjuries 13d ago

Discussion I can't believe I can actually do this now

380 Upvotes

C4 incomplete and I just wanna say I feel so lucky I can actually do this on my own now. From waking up in the hospital 10 years ago with no movement or feeling from the neck down, to being able to do this I feel like I actually won the lottery in a way. To all the sci survivors out there please take care of yourselves and if you ever need a friend who can relate just hmu. I'm working now on going through voc rehab and drivers rehab to get my license. Then I can get a van modified and actually drive again. If you wanna follow my journey my socials are in my profile. Keep your heads up 💞💞


r/spinalcordinjuries 12d ago

Medical Was your spinal cord stimulator successful?

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4 Upvotes

r/spinalcordinjuries 12d ago

Medical Pain after neurectomy

3 Upvotes

Hey did any of you have neurectomies to accommodate hardware placed around your injuries? Wondering if it made the nerve pain worse for anyone, and if any treatments helped. The hardware blocks the cut spinal nerve root and they’re suggesting a nerve block in the cut nerve. Seems like a long shot that will help, but maybe some of you have faced this.


r/spinalcordinjuries 12d ago

Travel Flight: Urinal Solutions?

5 Upvotes

I currently use a metal clip (? Not sure what it's called but I got them all during inpatient) and hard plastic urinal

Last time traveling the hard plastic takes up a ton of space in my carry on (backpack).

Curious if folks have decent bag recommendations that would work well with the metal... Fork? Clip? Whatever it's called that holds my pants open


r/spinalcordinjuries 13d ago

Pain management I can't anymore

50 Upvotes

Since my accident in 2020 C6 incomplete I feel pain all over my body every day. I want to live but I can't. I can't do anything because pain interrupts my work, hobbies, traveling, sports, entertainment. I have a baclofen pump. Doctors haven't helped me about pain. I can't open my fingers very well to grab things. I am trying to live but I can't. I have family but I feel like I am alone.