http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/2 ... rd-injury/
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March 26, 2009, 1:06 pm
Voices of Spinal Cord Injury
The faces of spinal cord injury
Earlier this month, the decision by President Obama to allow federal funding for stem cell research reminded us of Christopher Reeve, an advocate of the research who had suffered a spinal cord injury in a horse riding accident.
Today’s Patient Voices by my colleague Karen Barrow tells more stories about people who have suffered spinal cord injury in the prime of their lives. There’s Ashley Lauren Fisher, 34, an actress and restaurant owner who was paralyzed after diving into a wave at the New Jersey shore. The impact of the water broke the bones in her neck.
Caren Sydnor, 27, of Bear, Del., developed an epidural abscess that left her paralyzed after childbirth. And you’ll meet Michael Glen, 34, of Tucson, who was paralyzed after a car accident. He’s now a hot air balloonist who works as a motivational speaker and lectures children about seatbelt safety.
While their stories are tragic, they are also inspiring, and a reminder of the strength of the human spirit during times of adversity. Click here to listen to all the voices of spinal cord injury.
Voices of Spinal Cord Injury
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Christopher
- Posts: 845
- Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:09 pm
- Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Date of Injury: 12/15/02
Level of Injury:
-dominant side C5, C6, & C7 avulsed. C8 & T1 stretched & crushed
BPI Related Surgeries:
-2 Intercostal nerves grafted to Biceps muscle,
-Free-Gracilis muscle transfer to Biceps Region innervated with 2 Intercostal nerves grafts.
-2 Sural nerves harvested from both Calves for nerve grafting.
-Partial Ulnar nerve grafted to Long Triceps.
-Uninjured C7 Hemi-Contralateral cross-over to Deltoid muscle.
-Wrist flexor tendon transfer to middle, ring, & pinky finger extensors.
Surgical medical facility:
Brachial Plexus Clinic at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
(all surgeries successful)
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
~Theodore Roosevelt - Location: Los Angeles, California USA