John.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch) (06/21/91)
Index Number: 16304
[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]
TM> JOHN, My son Matt broke his neck June 4 1991 and is in UMC in Tucson
Tom, things have come a long way since I was injured in 1972. First of
all, there is a drug that I hope Matt had administered within the first
few hours after his injury. It greatly reduces the nerve damage. Craig
has an excellent reputation in the rehab field. Many here will vouch for
that. He is very early in his injury. As long as the spinal cord was
not severed, he will will regain motor use. How much, from full recovery
to just some will just take time. The doctors can give you their best
guess, but many times, that is just it. an educiated guess. Don't give
up hope. Nerves take up to 1 1/2 years to regenerate.
Assuming the worse case, and he doesn't have a lot of recovery, encourage
him to finish as much schooling as he can get. There are many jobs from
computer programmers, teachers, to working for the goverment, even as a
park ranger.
As far as activities, I fly, with hand controls. Others sky dive, they
land in a lake! Life can be full and rewarding, AND a little interesting
at time, and yes, frustrating. But life goes on, and hopefully so will
Matt. You might want to subscribe to the Paraplegic News, which
ipublished by the Paralized Veterans of America. oIRc/8`oj&me-b-
Their address is 5201 North 19th Ave,, Suite 111, Phoenix, AZ 85015-2994.
Subscription is $12/year with 12 issues. Check to see if Craig doesn't
have a copy laying around.
Good luck, and drop buy to let us know how Matt is making out.
Tell him I said hello.
Regards, John
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