new on here,a 35 year old with an in-complete sci

[pendinesands]

hi
looking on net and found this site!
Been feeling alone lately and just wanted to speak to some people who know how i feel!
in 2006 i had an accident which led to a discetomy and fusion at c5-c6,which i was left with spinal cord damage,
was left with arm pain and leg burning and sensation loss ect,
in 2009 feb i had c6-c7 done same as above,
i can walk ok just get tired easily(fatique) have muscle weakness (right hand side)and constant costipation,and not being able to carry much in my bladder ect,
i have lots of pain though which some days makes me feel like GOD IS THIS LIFE NOW! and being only 35 i could have many years left!
sorry to sound downhearted   
people often say to me it could of been much worse,i know but it does not make things any easier,
i used to be very very active i.e liked the gym,cycling,ect since my accident i have lost 4 stone in muscle mass and feel very sad seeing photos of me before and to what iam now,and i dont reconise the person who stares back at me in the mirror!
i can not get any real answers from docs about what will happen in the future or what i can expect at least.
i have a family with 4 children ,1 of which is disabled (recovering from brain cancer),
i feel sad i cannot do as much with them as i used to and struggle with staying motivated!

sorry for sounding downhearted

[Amy]

good morning and welcome!

First of all, don't ever apologize for being down...we all feel that way from time to time...this has been a big change for you.  Secondly, you've found a good site.  While not as active a site as I would like, the people here really do care about each other and will try to help however they can.

I am a t6 incomplete, have arthritis at c5,6 and have herniated and torn a disc at l4,5.  I have the same problems that you do...I also walk, with the use of a cane when I have to.  I fatigue very easily, either am constipated or have explosive diarrhea, have lost muscle mass, especially my abdominal muscles, and feel like I'm being electrocuted from my ribcage down almost constantly.  I have headaches every day.  I don't like to see the person I've become physically. At 48, I considered myself to be in really great shape.  I loved outdoor activities and was always into something!  I just kind of learned to change the things that I enjoy and except my physical shape for what it is (although I sitll work out at least 3 times a week, just to keep what I have.

The pain and weakness can be very frustrating, especially when you have a family to care for.  Please continue to be strong and always stay hopeful.  Allow yourself to have "bad days"...but don't make them everyday!!!!


I wish you the best,
Amy

[Andy]

welcome to the forum

as Amy says you have nothing to apologise for, your feelings are perfectly natural and sadly a quite hidden part of most spinal injuries

Andy

[cate]

Hi Welcome You are having a tough time, we are  happy to be able to listen but  maybe  offer some support.  If you read on the old posts you may find some help .  My daughter has the similar as you, also has BSS. and the whole r/h side of her body is  effected, but she is able to  leave a fu ll life, I know somedays  are difficult, but  she  works and drives and lives on her own,  and I am very proud of what she has achieved, so  be supportive of yourself and enjoy your family, you will be able to  do other things with them,

[rooty2758]

Are you still visiting this site

[chrisarnold]

Welcome to the forum. I can only say what has been said in the replies. So true!