Adapting to a new lifestyle after sustaining a spinal cord injury can be challenging. The Alan T. Foundation (ATFB) gathered advice from different community members about living life post-injury
.“Most people who sustain spinal cord injury achieve successful adjustment and ultimately rate their quality of life as high,” says Dr. Adam Stein who is on ATFB’s medical advisory board. He states that family and friends support is critical for a successful adjustment to spinal cord injury. Make sure to seek medical and rehabilitative care from professionals with experience in spinal cord injury.
Emma Verrill, a paraplegic, says flexibility, positivity, and evolution are key aspects of adapting to having a spinal cord injury. She says, “I would say flexibility, positivity and “evolution” – meaning things will change – sometimes for the better sometimes for the worse. Being flexible is important because maintaining a positive attitude is hard, and will be harder if you don’t learn how to roll with the punches. I’m not saying don’t let things slide, being an advocate for yourself and others is critical, but learn to pick your battles! Frustration for the injured and the family/friends/caretakers goes both ways – allow there to be room and a healthy outlet for you to express your frustration. Don’t forget to communicate with each other!”
Alex Elegudin has been living with a spinal cord injury since 2003. He recommends meeting people in similar situations because it can be helpful to learn from each other’s experiences. He also suggests doing research and to remember that you need to adapt your whole spectrum not just one or two things in your life.
Maria Uribe’s father has a spinal cord injury. She reminds readers that the entire family is affected by spinal cord injury. It is important to be patient and work as a team. “Everyone’s life is affected when one has a spinal cord injury, from the injured to the spouse to the children. We all have to remember that each one of us is affected differently but with patience and teamwork (plus a lot of understanding) you can all get through it together.”
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