What is it like transitioning home after spinal cord injury? Once Cody from New Zealand got through the first few months after his rugby injury, worked to establish his new normal as a quadriplegic. Get an up close and personal look at Cody’s progress as he establishes his daily routine and the process of getting back to school.
“Some of the biggest struggles you’re going to go through are figuring out what works for you,” says Sholto, Cody’s mentor who is also paralyzed. Being able to learn and get ideas from others in similar situations is invaluable to accelerate the adaptation process.
“I’m pretty much on 24 hour care,” Cody shares. “It’s quite good to have them around to help me out.” However, they don’t do everything for Cody, nor does he want them to. He practices new skills everyday to maximize his independence. “I’ve come a long way,” he says, and he remains optimistic about his future, staying fit and venturing out on his own.
Watch the full video here or check out the promo:
Adaptations are the key to transitioning home after a spinal cord injury
Little by little, he sees his progress as he gets stronger going up hills and ramps and going across carpets.
Jump to 7:20 for a look at how his bathroom was modified, the most significant change that needed to be made to his house.
“It’s not as simple as life back to normal,” Sholto shares. “Look around and check your environment. You got to be aware of your physical abilities and more obstacles there actually are.”
The transition is also an adjustment for Cody’s dad. “I spend a lot more time with Cody, helping him out as much as I possible can,” his father shares. His dad works 50 hours a week in addition to taking care of Cody and his other sons. “It’s bloody hard,” he admits, “I do get frustrated sometimes. I’m taking it all in and putting it on my shoulders and we’re getting it done.”
Being home also allows Cody to spend more time with his friends, who have been by his side the whole journey are also learning more about paralysis and continuing their adjustment. “You don’t want to ask them to come and hang out because you know they’re coming to pick you up, and lift you in the car, all the little things,” Cody admits. “I don’t like to ask, but if you ask in the right manner and you’re trying at home to do it yourself.” This is also important for Cody so that he doesn’t get trapped in his house, advice he got back in rehab. “I try to get out as much as I can, especially on a nice day,” he shares. He wants to get a job, start wheelchair rugby and be independent. “I just take it day by day, and see what happens,” Cody says.
Going back to school after a spinal cord injury
Step one is going back to school, but it involves quite a bit of work figuring out how to be as independent as possible and going through lots of assessments from the school. He has to consider everything from getting his laptop in and out of his back to getting in and out of a classroom, all of which is overwhelming. “I got to be patient I guess,” Cody shares.
Jump to 17:00 to see Cody’s first day of school since being paralyzed, starting with getting dressed in his uniform to coaching his little brother how to tie his tie. “I’m actually excited to get back to school,” Cody shares. He missed almost a year of school, so going back is an adjustment. “I want to be as independent as I can and not have to ask for help every time,” he says, but sometimes “I’ve got to ask for help.” He started by going back for half days to not get too fatigued while he builds up his strength.
“I think he’s a completely different child now,” his dad shares. “Since his accident, he’s matured very fast. He’s accepted his injury…he’s got on with life and it’s made him a better person.”
Don’t miss the first part of Cody’s story in the early days after his spinal cord injury.