Any advice?...

[lcc]

Hi...my relative suffered spinal chord injury just before christmas and has been in HDU ever since.  Having breathing support but can manage couple hours a day independant breathing.  Have been told she will be moved to Rehab Unit but they cannot take her until she is breathing independantly.  We are worried they are leaving it too long for rehab & the longer it's left, the less mobility she is likely to regain.  She has no movement in her legs but movement in her arms but cannot grip/push/pull with hands/fingers.  Never get to see the doctors so don't know how long they plan to leave her as she is but her progress has slowed over last month.  Nurses rushed off their feet & often don't have time to meet her every need.  Anyone had similar experience?

[Andy]

hi lcc

welcome to forums   sorry to hear of injury to your relative, before I can give you a few pointers can you tell me are you in the UK if so what hospital/spinal unit is your relative in?

Andy

[lcc]

thanks for your reply - we are in the UK - relative currently in Leeds General Infirmary.  We have been told she will be transferred to Pinderfields Spinal Rehab Unit.  Staff have been brilliant at LGI but because they are so busy, they don't always have the time to meet her needs.  I've looked at info on Pinderfields & the unit sounds fantastic and just what she needs but we keep being told she can't go until breathing independantly.  Pinderfields website says it can take people needing breathing assistance/support either long term or short term?  Could it be that she is more poorly that we think?  She seems to go up & down & has had about 3 different infections so far.

[Andy]

hi agaihn

infections and other complications are very common in the acute stages of most spinal injuries, yes pinderfields is the ideal place and I believe they will take ventilator dependant patients too.  I would try and get there as soon as you can.  At leeds I'm sure your relative will be cared for appropriately but its essential with spinal cord injuries that pressure relief is regularly doe by changing sleeping positions manually and using pressure relieving mattresses otherwise avoidable pressure or bed sores may occur, unfortunately this can still happen

if you haven't already have a click on the 'spinal injury' link at the main menu [top of page] it will tell you a lot more

ny questions please ask

Andy

[babyfazt09]

Sorry to hear your story. I couldn't help you with that matter for I am not a doctor nor a physical therapist for that to know but I could offer some prayer to the Lord for the fast recovery of your relative.