Suffering a spinal cord injury can be a devastating experience. These injuries are serious and can profoundly alter your daily life.
Understanding how the injuries impact you in the short term and long term will be helpful in planning for necessary adjustments and seeking appropriate support.
What are the daily impacts of a spinal cord injury?
How a spinal cord injury affects you depends on the location of the injury and its severity. The following are common daily impacts:
- Mobility: Difficulty moving or walking may necessitate the use of a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aids. Even if some movement is possible, you might face limitations in performing everyday tasks independently.
- Daily activities: Activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking and personal grooming can become challenging. You may need to modify your living space with adaptive tools or seek assistance from caregivers to manage these tasks effectively.
- Financial burden: The costs associated with spinal cord injuries can be substantial. Medical expenses, ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment and potential changes in employment status can create a significant financial strain.
- Bodily functions: Spinal cord injuries can lead to significant changes in bladder and bowel control, potentially causing incontinence or requiring the use of catheters. Sexual function may also be affected, necessitating medical intervention or specialized therapies to address these changes.
- Sensory perception: You might experience loss of sensation or altered feelings in areas of your body below the injury site. This can impact your ability to detect temperature changes, pain or pressure, making you more susceptible to injuries like burns or sores.
- Emotional and psychological effects: The transition to living with a spinal cord injury can cause emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression or a sense of loss. Coping with these feelings may require support from mental health professionals, support groups or counseling.
It is important to consider seeking legal guidance to help you understand your rights and options for compensation.