Today’s SCI Awareness post is written by my friend Roberta Noack Palmer and shared with her permission…
There’s so much more to a SCI than just not being able to walk. Until I joined this club I had no idea of what life would be like living with a spinal cord injury (SCI).
*I had no idea I’d be using catheters and have a bowel program.
*That I’d have to check my skin constantly. I had no idea that I would not be able to regulate my temperature or that my blood pressure would take dips so low that I have to have my legs raised.
*That I’d always have pain.
*That I’d have to take medication for spasms for probably the rest of my life.
*That I’d be dealing with the never ending maintenance of my body just to stay healthy and alive.
*I had no idea of the frustrations I’d feel because I couldn’t do something but also the patience I had to learn because of this.
*I had no idea I’d have to preplan everything…from booking a flight or hotel room to tickets for an event. Then crossing my fingers the preplanning was successful.
*No more being spontaneous. Always having to have a plan B or C or D.
*I had no idea it would be so hard to find a parking spot to let my ramp down just to get in and out of my van.
*I had no idea people would stare at me like I have 2 heads or pray over me while in a Costco.
*I had no idea there was a rehab hospital that would teach me how to live with my paralyzed body.
*I had no idea that I had the strength and will to figure out my different way of life.
*I had no idea that my family and friends could support me the way that they have and do.
This is what it’s like living with a Spinal Cord Injury.
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