Hello all. My Dad is a complete C3, with partial preservation C4-C6. Compressed spinal cord 2 days after injury, did have surgery within 24 hours. He has been off the ventilator for a month.

Injury was 7 weeks ago. Therapists don’t seem too optimistic that he will get finger function back. He can feel his thumb and first 2 fingers. Has biceps and great wrist movement. I feel like he could still have swelling and more improvement could come in the next 6-9 months. Could he still have spinal shock? I’m disappointed in the lack of hope they offer.

Real Advice from SCI Individuals

 Shoemaker
Stay positive, don’t take the Dr’s comment to heart, sometimes their just talking to hear themselves talk. Can definitely still see improvements a year or more later.

Karen
Don’t let anyone discourage you! I know a man that was totally paralyzed in his 50’s and after 2 years he started walking.
I was told 10 years ago I would probably never walk and I’m walking with a walker after being wheelchair bound for 2 1/2 years. Just be very positive with your dad, it’s not an easy road to go down, but good things can still happen.. Good Luck! I’m C3-C7 incomplete.

Michael
First what therapy facility is he in. He needs specialized, targeted therapy designed for sci, 3hrs a day, at least 5 days a week, not skilled nursing home level 45 minutes a day or he’ll never get back. I am c2-c7, not expected to recover, and because I got the proper care I can walk, drive, bathe, etcetera. Not trying to give false hope but the proper facility is the correct start. If he has sensation that’s a positive sign. Many times with the right care complete has become incomplete. The first 6 months neuroplasticity is in heightened mode and nerves are relearning, rerouting, and reconnecting. If you not in the right inpatient facility you have the right to change. Don’t lose this important time

Calvin
I am an incomplete C1, C2, and C3 and was initially paralyzed from the neck down due to all the swelling. I had C3-C4 fused four months later. I now have use of all my muscles and walking even although I still have a lot of issues. I said all this to say don’t lose hope and stay positive. Prayer is powerful and I’ll be praying for your dad.

Monica
We where told it take 6 months to 1 yr to get what you are going to get the best of. Then by yr 2 it gets refind.

Wesley Salway
Also, how long was he on a ventilator for? And the fact that God restored the use of his lungs is a huge blessing in itself! Don’t lose Hope! Sending love and prayers and hugs your way for you and your dad from me and my amazing pup Molly! Also, that picture is of me and my amazing daughter, I got paralyzed 10 days before her third birthday.

Lavicia
When I was first inured I was diagnosed as a complete. However, I barely began moving my toe after about 2 months. Slowly I regained movement. I’m a T12 incomplete and It’s been 22 years….now I have good movement in my right leg and only partial movement in my left. I still can’t balance but None the less,I regained for years after they said I wouldn’t. Just tell your father to not give up and to keep trying.
Traci McMahon
Keep positive thoughts keep exercising dnt give up because things will change over time

Wesley
I will also be praying for you and for your dad as well.. I pray that your dad gets full function and gets restored miraculously back to full health here on earth, and I pray that God blesses him with many more years of a long, happy, and healthy life in Jesus name above every other name, Amen!

Dwayne
I’m an incomplete spinal cord victim, and it took me up to a year to slowly get from being able to barely move my fingers to just being able to transfer into a wheelchair by myself

Chris
Every incomplete is different. Maybe the medical professionals are just trying to avoid getting your dad’s hopes too high because we can get very depressed when our dreams and hopes crash head on into reality. Worry about just what you can solve today let the future take care of itself.