quadraplegia, c1-c4 incomplete

@mar70 Hello. I wanted to welcome you to Connect. Would you be able to share a bit more about your situation and what you are looking for? Then I can look for some discussions that may be of interest to you. I'm not sure what you mean when you say "C1-C4 incomplete." Was this something that happened from an injury or somethings else? Is this a recent change for you?

Jennifer

Good morning
7/25 my 28 yr. Son became a victim DWI/ motorcycle crash. My son sustained multiple injuries. Cervical fusion C3-7 fractured clavicle and scapula which appears to be more fractured now than 2 months ago. He has some sensation in both shoulders, elbows and some fingers. No feeling from umbilical area down to toes.
Horrific situation including depression

@reneewny Welcome to Connect. I feel for your son and your family. An injury like this changes everything overnight and affects the family who become caregivers. I don’t know what is possible, but there is research into recovery after spinal cord injury. There have been some devices that can bridge over a damaged area of the spinal cord to transmit the signal. Some patients have been able to learn to walk again with a lot of therapy. Mayo has had some research in regenerative medicine for spine injuries and a surgeon involved with that has moved to the University of Chicago.

Do you have pets? Dogs and cats can be a big comfort and help with emotional issues. If your son is able to recover enough to have some use of his arms, he may be able to get a service dog. I had a disabled friend who headed a chapter of Canine Companions for Independence and I was amazed at what her dog could do for her. She was in wheelchair after a diving accident and breaking her neck as a teenager. She also adapted and taught everyone else how to be positive. She described herself as “handi-capable “ not handicapped.

I know you have a lot on your plate and that can be quite overwhelming. I hope that Connect will be a source of comfort to you.

@jenniferhunter
Thank you so much for your response yes I do have some kind of a connection with dog therapist because I'm a painter at a old folks home where they do that kind of service I will have to really put my footwork into it to get that doggie to come over to visit Peter.
I've done so much research and so much praying so many appointments so much reading so much praying so many appointments so much reading so much praying so many appointments I'll repeat it that's all I do

@reneewny
i'm sorry to hear of your son quadriplegia.
My dad had a fracture caused by a hit-and-run drunk driver. He fractured C6, 7 but after surgery was C5 complete which I still don't understand since he had a little use of his arms. I would think that would make his injury C5 incomplete. I wish I knew why my dad's injury was considered complete.
What sensory/motor function does your son have.below his injury?
All the best for him & the family,
Jake

@reneewny Are you able to adopt a small dog? Chihuahuas can be sweet lapdogs. You may be able to contact a shelter or people who foster for a rescue to find one who would suitable. They would know the temperament of the dogs they are working with. My mom has had a pair of small dogs for emotional support since loosing my dad.

I am an artist myself. I bet the seniors you are doing art therapy with must be loving it! Can your son do any of that? It may get him to try to get hand use that may help. It doesn’t matter what you do with art, even coloring helps and a lot of adults like to do that.