The impact of a spinal injury can be monumental and it may feel like your life will never be the same.
Whilst the road to recovery can be long, getting the right support can ensure you maintain the same quality of life.
We have outlined some tips below to navigate through this difficult time:
Get informed
It can be daunting to think about how your life will change following an injury, but knowing what to expect can you help to get the correct support in place.
Some of the issues you may encounter include:
- Bladder and bowel control – spinal injuries can impact the control over the bladder and bowel muscles.
- Mobility issues – depending on the severity of the injury, you may not be able to walk or move as you could before.
- Autonomic dysreflexia – this makes your blood pressure high, as well as reduces the speed of heartbeats which can increase the risk of a stroke, seizure or cardiac arrest.
Get the right support
Once you have an idea of the challenges you will face, you can ensure you get the correct support to thrive. The level of support that you need will depend on the severity of the above complications.
At Synergy Complex Care, our team has specialist training in supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Our support includes providing bowel and bladder care, moving people safely, pain management, managing autonomic dysreflexia, and supporting speech or language therapy.
However, our care goes beyond physical care, as we aim to maximise clients’ quality of life by assisting with tasks such as wheelchair rugby and social activities.
Know that you’re not alone
Aside from the physical impact of a spinal injury, the toll on your mental health can be huge.
It is important to remember that you aren’t alone and to discuss any worries that you may have with your friends and family.
You can also get support from the Spinal Injuries Association.
Have you or a loved one been affected by a spinal injury? For care and support, get in touch with our team today.