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Approximately ten years have passed since submitted this article. Since that time, I have had time to reflect on my adjustments in regards to my medical and physical condition as a T6 paraplegic. When I first became injured, I felt anger, alone and rejected. Since time has passed, I no longer feel as I did years ago, and as for all new individuals that haven’t read my former articles, I will start from the very beginning.My spinal cord injury happened approximately five years ago when I had a three level back fusion. During the surgery a hematoma, and a dural leak were encountered. After I recovered from the surgery, I felt very little movement in the lower half of my body. After leaving the recovery room, I was confined to my bed and had to lie flat to give my body time for the spinal fluid to replace itself. I had to eat, sleep, and bath, while in this position. Urine catheters, and various tubing were attached to down drain bags. all my medications were administered a Pump. Shortly after my surgery, I was being helped with some physical therapy, an Iatrogenic Injury occurred in which I suffered a compound fracture of the lumbar L4 disk – right at the surgery site. This incident caused more spinal damage and I was told that re-doing the surgery could not be done. It was too risky, and the outcome would be worst than it was , at the present time. After several weeks, I would was transfer ed to another section of the hospital for intense rehabilitation. My diagnosis at this time was severe paraplegia from midline of my waist down, and severe spinal shock. The doctors were hoping that the spinal shock, which involves tendons as well as autonomic reflexes, and can last for weeks to months, would correct itself, and that I could possible recover some movement in the lower part of my body,but on the other hand, they were very doubtful that this would happen, which in my case did not materialize. Once the period for the spinal shock had passed, I was left a T6 paraplegic, confined to a wheelchair.This news was especially hard on my lovely wife, and family of three children and four grand-children. I tried to explain to them that Grandpa and Dad would probably be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Emotions were very high at the time. This adjustment period was the worst time of my life. The feeling of the ups and downs are not uncommon – I felt that a cloud was hanging over my head, and I didn’t know if it was going to rain or storm. I prayed, and hoped for the best. Every day, something new appeared in my physical condition, I had severe muscle spasms, and had a hard time getting used to the brace and wheelchair. I spent approximately four months in that rehabilitation facility, and had I developed other medical problems associated with my paraplegia. First, I was diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder, bowel problems, clonus of the hands and feet, muscle spasms, atrophy, and autonomic dysreflexia, a condition which requires immediate medical attention, and hospitalization, even death. During this time period, I suddenly developed severe edema (swelling) of the legs, and the contractures, aphasia and had overcome five transient ischemic attacks or “mini-strokes” which effected my speech, and short term memory. The effects of the TIA’s increased my blood pressure, and the list goes on. I developed breathing problems – which necessitated the use of a CPAP machine for a condition called Central Sleep Apnea which is a spinal cord electrical conduction breathing problem. This condition affects your breathing and passage way to the lungs, and causes your body to lose oxygen.Since movement of the body was Nil, I developed Decubitus ulcers (Pressure Sores). This condition required me to use an alternating pressure pad on my hospital bed at all times to relieve the sores and keep them from developing into severe ulcers that can enter the body and penetrate into the skin and sink into the bony areas of the legs, buttocks, feet, back, and other areas of the body. (These sores resemble “little pizzas”)I never realized the pain I had to endure and the man-hours of rehabilitation I had to go through to get to where I am today. I was fitted with a TLSOBIB body brace that supported my broken back, and I was to wear this brace for the next eleven months day and night. I had to be trained in how to use my wheelchair, how to transfer to the toilet using a sliding board, I had to be taught the basic skills that I would be using on a daily basis for the rest of my life, in order for me to be discharged to home and not to be completely dependent on others for my care. Trying to get from point A to point B in a manual wheelchair is very difficult, especially when you are learning to use one. A T11 condition usually does not effect the upper limbs, so use of a manual chair is usually what patients are trained on. In my case, the paraplegia effected some movement of the hands and because of the broken back, effected my balance. The plan of action for my recovery, was to try everything and anything that could be used to see just what I could do with what was left afterwards. My sliding board became my friend, the steel bars on the walls of the bathroom became my support, and my Canadian crutches became my legs when I tried to walk without using my wheelchair for very short distances. I tried to use the crutches as much as I could to keep my upper body strength, but I also relied on my wheelchair. I discovered that not all paraplegics are 100% confined to their wheelchairs, many drag their feet and use their crutches and their arms and upper body to ambulate from one place to another. In most cases the paraplegic individual eventually returns to their wheelchair, because it is easier to get around in large areas. Manual chairs are harder to roll on carpeted areas, such as grass,gravel, etc. and are beneficial during winter. Using a manual creates sores, calluses and other problems. The constant movement of the wheels are not very conducive for the manual chair user.During the next few years – and with the help of the physical rehabilitation, I was trained on the “do’s and don’ts” of resistive technology equipment. I was a “Newie” as they called me in the rehabilitation centers. Finally the day came – I was going to learn to drive a car that was equipped with special hand controlled equipment. Freedom at last! or so I thought.Yes, time erases all, and since time has passed, I have excepted my condition. Today, I still use my racing wheelchair. I also use the power chair when I go to school, church, and long distance travels. I work on a multi-level-campus, as a teacher, and I use my power chair to get to my classes. ( Remember, I am the teacher, and must not be late to my classes, after all this would be a bad example to my students).Before my spinal cord injury, I was a teacher who could walk. Now I was a teacher who was strapped into a wheelchair with little chance of ever walking again. AT the same time, I was trying to put my life back together, both emotionally, as well as physically. I began to regain my inner strength, and was getting used my medical condition, as a paraplegic.I realized that I was still a excellent father, grand-father, teacher, and a loving husband. Nothing changed my life, except my paraplegia. I realized that I had a very special support system at home, and without this support I would not be where I am today. If ever there was an “Angel’ it was my lovely wife of 34 years. As an update to my lovely wife, in December of 2001, she was diagnosed with Colon Cancer, it was corrected with surgery, and she is doing fine now. She also, had many emotional ups and downs to overcome, but this time, I was there for her. I helped her, bathed her, and took care of her until she became better. Life going on. She is still my rock, and rocks don’t fall. My goal, for the next coming months, was to return to my teaching profession and be a productive teacher as I was before my injury. It was at this time, that I decided to become a paraplegic motivational speaker, along with my teaching position. I did not know what the road would be like as a paraplegic teacher because I was traveling in uncharted waters. I was concerned as to what “people” would think of me now that I was disabled and in a wheelchair. During my years of teaching, I never knew anyone that was in a wheelchair, so therefore I was not familiar or educated in how to handle my particular situation. First, I had to be relocated to a school that had ramps for the disabled, and an elevator for the various levels, and a way to get to the rooms that were located on the multi-level campus. I also had to address my paralyzation, and deal with the possibility that my teaching career could be over if I could not perform my regular duties that were assigned to me.I was very surprised at the outpouring of love and support that my school affiliates gave me when I finally returned to school. I was up-front with all my students and explained my condition to them, and asked that they bear with me and asked for their help through this transition period of adjustment. I was surprised that it took approximately two weeks, and I was back into the swing of things again, wheelchair and all. So life as a paraplegic teacher began for me. I was so thrilled and happy to be excepted back in the normal world again. Teaching was my life, and I was more than happy to return.During my off hours, I had read several books on the disabled and I had became acquainted with a young man, Mr. Art Berg who became a Quadriplegic at the age of twenty-one. Through his inspirational books, I have developed a new way of thinking, and I have become friends with Art. We communicate via the Internet, and e-mail, or phone. It was a miracle that I stumbled upon his books, but I am glad I did, and I feel comfort in the fact that a man in his condition has overcome a severe disability, and can speak to others regarding his injury. He also works, is married to a lovely wife Dallas and they have a child. Art is considered a “Normal Person”. I give a special thanks to Art Berg for his inspiration and helping me recover to the extent that I am now. Art’s books are entitled, “Finding Peace in Troubled Waters” , and “Some Miracles Take”. I know once you meet Art, you will see what courage is all about. I hope you will take the time to read both of his books. I am sorry to inform you of the passing of Art in February. We will all miss him.
Also, while shopping at a local bookstore, I had the honor to meet a newly author that was having a signing of his first book entitled, “One For All”, by Paul Prows. Paul takes a different approach to spiritual discovery with an unexpected, yet welcome, divine Source as his partner in overcoming obstacles and inspiring others. He is truly a gifted artist, and I hope you all get the chance to read his book. Since my injury, I have become a member of the Speakers Platform and Learning Resource Network, I am a member of the State Rehabilitation Committee, and also a member of the The Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities. When I am asked to speak, I try to relate a positive attitude, and deliver informative talks, sprinkled with a bit of humor. I may travel in my wheelchair, but It can only go so far, and with your help and inspiration, I know that I can reach that star!
December 1, 2007 at 9:18 am |
On Being a Paraplegic
A Paraplegic Web Site
Just Wheeling Along With The Wind!
Approximately ten years have passed since submitted this article. Since that time, I have had time to reflect on my adjustments in regards to my medical and physical condition as a T6 paraplegic. When I first became injured, I felt anger, alone and rejected. Since time has passed, I no longer feel as I did years ago, and as for all new individuals that haven’t read my former articles, I will start from the very beginning.My spinal cord injury happened approximately five years ago when I had a three level back fusion. During the surgery a hematoma, and a dural leak were encountered. After I recovered from the surgery, I felt very little movement in the lower half of my body. After leaving the recovery room, I was confined to my bed and had to lie flat to give my body time for the spinal fluid to replace itself. I had to eat, sleep, and bath, while in this position. Urine catheters, and various tubing were attached to down drain bags. all my medications were administered a Pump. Shortly after my surgery, I was being helped with some physical therapy, an Iatrogenic Injury occurred in which I suffered a compound fracture of the lumbar L4 disk – right at the surgery site. This incident caused more spinal damage and I was told that re-doing the surgery could not be done. It was too risky, and the outcome would be worst than it was , at the present time. After several weeks, I would was transfer ed to another section of the hospital for intense rehabilitation. My diagnosis at this time was severe paraplegia from midline of my waist down, and severe spinal shock. The doctors were hoping that the spinal shock, which involves tendons as well as autonomic reflexes, and can last for weeks to months, would correct itself, and that I could possible recover some movement in the lower part of my body,but on the other hand, they were very doubtful that this would happen, which in my case did not materialize. Once the period for the spinal shock had passed, I was left a T6 paraplegic, confined to a wheelchair.This news was especially hard on my lovely wife, and family of three children and four grand-children. I tried to explain to them that Grandpa and Dad would probably be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Emotions were very high at the time. This adjustment period was the worst time of my life. The feeling of the ups and downs are not uncommon – I felt that a cloud was hanging over my head, and I didn’t know if it was going to rain or storm. I prayed, and hoped for the best. Every day, something new appeared in my physical condition, I had severe muscle spasms, and had a hard time getting used to the brace and wheelchair. I spent approximately four months in that rehabilitation facility, and had I developed other medical problems associated with my paraplegia. First, I was diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder, bowel problems, clonus of the hands and feet, muscle spasms, atrophy, and autonomic dysreflexia, a condition which requires immediate medical attention, and hospitalization, even death. During this time period, I suddenly developed severe edema (swelling) of the legs, and the contractures, aphasia and had overcome five transient ischemic attacks or “mini-strokes” which effected my speech, and short term memory. The effects of the TIA’s increased my blood pressure, and the list goes on. I developed breathing problems – which necessitated the use of a CPAP machine for a condition called Central Sleep Apnea which is a spinal cord electrical conduction breathing problem. This condition affects your breathing and passage way to the lungs, and causes your body to lose oxygen.Since movement of the body was Nil, I developed Decubitus ulcers (Pressure Sores). This condition required me to use an alternating pressure pad on my hospital bed at all times to relieve the sores and keep them from developing into severe ulcers that can enter the body and penetrate into the skin and sink into the bony areas of the legs, buttocks, feet, back, and other areas of the body. (These sores resemble “little pizzas”)I never realized the pain I had to endure and the man-hours of rehabilitation I had to go through to get to where I am today. I was fitted with a TLSOBIB body brace that supported my broken back, and I was to wear this brace for the next eleven months day and night. I had to be trained in how to use my wheelchair, how to transfer to the toilet using a sliding board, I had to be taught the basic skills that I would be using on a daily basis for the rest of my life, in order for me to be discharged to home and not to be completely dependent on others for my care. Trying to get from point A to point B in a manual wheelchair is very difficult, especially when you are learning to use one. A T11 condition usually does not effect the upper limbs, so use of a manual chair is usually what patients are trained on. In my case, the paraplegia effected some movement of the hands and because of the broken back, effected my balance. The plan of action for my recovery, was to try everything and anything that could be used to see just what I could do with what was left afterwards. My sliding board became my friend, the steel bars on the walls of the bathroom became my support, and my Canadian crutches became my legs when I tried to walk without using my wheelchair for very short distances. I tried to use the crutches as much as I could to keep my upper body strength, but I also relied on my wheelchair. I discovered that not all paraplegics are 100% confined to their wheelchairs, many drag their feet and use their crutches and their arms and upper body to ambulate from one place to another. In most cases the paraplegic individual eventually returns to their wheelchair, because it is easier to get around in large areas. Manual chairs are harder to roll on carpeted areas, such as grass,gravel, etc. and are beneficial during winter. Using a manual creates sores, calluses and other problems. The constant movement of the wheels are not very conducive for the manual chair user.During the next few years – and with the help of the physical rehabilitation, I was trained on the “do’s and don’ts” of resistive technology equipment. I was a “Newie” as they called me in the rehabilitation centers. Finally the day came – I was going to learn to drive a car that was equipped with special hand controlled equipment. Freedom at last! or so I thought.Yes, time erases all, and since time has passed, I have excepted my condition. Today, I still use my racing wheelchair. I also use the power chair when I go to school, church, and long distance travels. I work on a multi-level-campus, as a teacher, and I use my power chair to get to my classes. ( Remember, I am the teacher, and must not be late to my classes, after all this would be a bad example to my students).Before my spinal cord injury, I was a teacher who could walk. Now I was a teacher who was strapped into a wheelchair with little chance of ever walking again. AT the same time, I was trying to put my life back together, both emotionally, as well as physically. I began to regain my inner strength, and was getting used my medical condition, as a paraplegic.I realized that I was still a excellent father, grand-father, teacher, and a loving husband. Nothing changed my life, except my paraplegia. I realized that I had a very special support system at home, and without this support I would not be where I am today. If ever there was an “Angel’ it was my lovely wife of 34 years. As an update to my lovely wife, in December of 2001, she was diagnosed with Colon Cancer, it was corrected with surgery, and she is doing fine now. She also, had many emotional ups and downs to overcome, but this time, I was there for her. I helped her, bathed her, and took care of her until she became better. Life going on. She is still my rock, and rocks don’t fall. My goal, for the next coming months, was to return to my teaching profession and be a productive teacher as I was before my injury. It was at this time, that I decided to become a paraplegic motivational speaker, along with my teaching position. I did not know what the road would be like as a paraplegic teacher because I was traveling in uncharted waters. I was concerned as to what “people” would think of me now that I was disabled and in a wheelchair. During my years of teaching, I never knew anyone that was in a wheelchair, so therefore I was not familiar or educated in how to handle my particular situation. First, I had to be relocated to a school that had ramps for the disabled, and an elevator for the various levels, and a way to get to the rooms that were located on the multi-level campus. I also had to address my paralyzation, and deal with the possibility that my teaching career could be over if I could not perform my regular duties that were assigned to me.I was very surprised at the outpouring of love and support that my school affiliates gave me when I finally returned to school. I was up-front with all my students and explained my condition to them, and asked that they bear with me and asked for their help through this transition period of adjustment. I was surprised that it took approximately two weeks, and I was back into the swing of things again, wheelchair and all. So life as a paraplegic teacher began for me. I was so thrilled and happy to be excepted back in the normal world again. Teaching was my life, and I was more than happy to return.During my off hours, I had read several books on the disabled and I had became acquainted with a young man, Mr. Art Berg who became a Quadriplegic at the age of twenty-one. Through his inspirational books, I have developed a new way of thinking, and I have become friends with Art. We communicate via the Internet, and e-mail, or phone. It was a miracle that I stumbled upon his books, but I am glad I did, and I feel comfort in the fact that a man in his condition has overcome a severe disability, and can speak to others regarding his injury. He also works, is married to a lovely wife Dallas and they have a child. Art is considered a “Normal Person”. I give a special thanks to Art Berg for his inspiration and helping me recover to the extent that I am now. Art’s books are entitled, “Finding Peace in Troubled Waters” , and “Some Miracles Take”. I know once you meet Art, you will see what courage is all about. I hope you will take the time to read both of his books. I am sorry to inform you of the passing of Art in February. We will all miss him.
Also, while shopping at a local bookstore, I had the honor to meet a newly author that was having a signing of his first book entitled, “One For All”, by Paul Prows. Paul takes a different approach to spiritual discovery with an unexpected, yet welcome, divine Source as his partner in overcoming obstacles and inspiring others. He is truly a gifted artist, and I hope you all get the chance to read his book. Since my injury, I have become a member of the Speakers Platform and Learning Resource Network, I am a member of the State Rehabilitation Committee, and also a member of the The Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities. When I am asked to speak, I try to relate a positive attitude, and deliver informative talks, sprinkled with a bit of humor. I may travel in my wheelchair, but It can only go so far, and with your help and inspiration, I know that I can reach that star!
Copyright © 1997 (Aai)Rick(wolfgangf) William Fuchs.
All rights reserved.
aaiwilliamfuchs@msn.com
http://maxpages.com/paraplegic