My 1 year old newphew was in a car accident 10 weeks ago

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created by Lyn

Hi all

My name is Linda and I am new to this list. My 1 year old newphew was in a car accident 10 weeks ago. He was in a child recommended child restraint but did not have his arms in the loops. He went from 70ks to zero instantly. This caused his spine to stretch and rupture between c5 and c7. The doctors have said it will be a miracle if he walks again. (He had only just started walking 2 weeks before the accident). Because Izak is so young we are unable to communicate with him.

We are all extremely devasted by this situation and have nevr had any experience with this condition in the past. I am hoping that anyone may be able to give us some information about what izak is experienceing. He is very unsettled most nights. He constantly trys to grab at the back of his neck. He does seem to be in pain or discomfort (we are not sure).

I am reading all the info coming my way and trying to learn quickly what we need to know to care for him properly. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Also has anyone tried or looked into stem cell treatment.

Thank you in advance Lyn

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created by Dutch

Hello Lyn,

Sorry to hear about Izak’s injury and I wish the best for Izak and your family !

Your family and Izak are in the very early stages of dealing with and learning about (Spinal Cord Injuries) SCI. The worst part about Izak’s SCI is that you all were very far from being eased into this situation this makes it very shocking and scary.

With me when I had my SCI it felt like everything (Doctors, specialist, rehab) where moving slow and I couldn’t get the answers I was looking for.

I said that because I was at the start of a major life stile change and no Doctor or any answers would change the fact that I had a SCI. But with great support from family, friends and all the great individuals that helped me to rehab I have moved on.

Izak and his family need to take it easy and learn about SCI to minimise the stress, it’s only been 10 weeks. Listen to the advice of your specialist and educate yourselves regarding SCI.

Any SCI will take time to settle. The time it takes depends on the severity of the trauma on the spinal cord.

I noticed that you felt that Isak may feel discomfort in his neck.

Izak's body is going through the problems that happen when your spinal cord is damaged. This will differ from person to person but basically you can sometimes feel discomfort when you're trying to sleep because your body is getting mixed messages.
When the spinal cord is damage it breaks or limits the sensation you normally feel in your body. Your nerves can get scrambled trying to get messages to the brain and you can feel uncomfortable.

For me it was a discomfort, not bad pain and I felt it most when I was trying to sleep. This lasted for about 5-6 month.

The first 6-12months are the worst because families can feel helpless.

What you guys need to do is let time go and settle, Izak's body is in repair mode he first needs settle and to get well, then start the rehab proses.

I'm going to jump very ahead now.

IF it is a case that Izak injury is permanent don't ever think for one moment that Izak's life is going to be bad, he will have challenges but everyone does.

Australia is a good country to live in when you have a disability your opportunity are endless.

I have met many fantastic and successful people with SCI, but that’s not what it is all about when you have a SCI.

It’s about coming to terms with your disability and moving on, family included. After that the limit is up to individual and usually that’s pretty high because us SCI people are very tuff, wise and go after the challenges in life!

I’m a C 4/5 complete Quadriplegic who will never walk, I’m bound to a electric wheelchair for mobility, I have a beautiful partner and we are the proud parents of a great 6 year old boy and I have a good job that supports my family.

Life goes on

Regards

Dutch

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created by Grant

Hi i am sorry to hear about Izak, i hope the following may be of help to you.

If your family is dealing with the new SCI of a family member, you may want to consider setting up a free webpage to keep friends and family updated and decrease your need to make or take multiple phone calls answering the same questions all the time. The Caring Bridge Foundation has created a place to do this for free that is easy to use, accessible, yet still private.

quote:

CaringBridge is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization offering free personalized Web sites to those wishing to stay in touch with family and friends during significant life events. Our mission is to bring together a global community of care powered by the love of family and friends in an easy, accessible and private way.

CaringBridge authors quickly and easily create personalized Web sites that display journal entries and photographs. Well-wishers visit the page to read updates and leave messages in the Guestbook.

The CaringBridge experience is unique for both authors and visitors in its immediacy, intimacy and wide-reaching impact. We make profound human connections, using technology to serve a higher purpose in a powerful way.

As of August 1, 2005, we have hosted more than 28,000 CaringBridge sites. Those sites have received more than 162 million visits and over 4 million guestbook entries.



http://www.caringbridge.org/

i hope this proves usefull, let us know how it goes.

Grant Walker
www.grantsgallery.com.au (http://www.grantsgallery.com.au/)