Car crashes and other accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries that impact everything from your ability to move about freely to your capacity to control your bodily functions. When you suffer from a spinal cord injury, you might have to learn a new way of living.
There are many different things that you will have to figure out after the injury. The modifications to your life depend on what the effects of the injury are and what you hope your new life is going to include.
Effects of the injury
The effects of a spinal cord injury are greater when you suffer a higher level injury. With lower level injuries, you might have to deal with leg paralysis. Higher level injuries in the neck would likely include arm and leg paralysis. Other effects depend on the level of the injury. These might include being dependent on a ventilator to breathe and trouble controlling your fecal and urinary habits.
You might also be unable to have intimate relations and could be dependent upon a feeding tube for nutrition. Another effect of a spinal cord injury is that you could be at risk for pressure sores and ulcers, as well as infections.
Navigating life despite the injury
While your life is likely to change after a spinal cord injury, there are some ways that you may be able to keep some semblance of normalcy. If you are wheelchair-bound, your ability to remain mobile will depend on you getting a vehicle that is wheelchair-friendly.
On top of the transportation needs, you also have to think about getting around in your home. If you are in a wheelchair, your home will likely need modifications to widen the entryways, doors and halls. You may also need to have the counters lowered so you can reach them. Your bathroom might need modifications, such as a roll-in shower so that you can easily access these facilities. You might also need special equipment to help you get in and out of bed.
It is imperative that you find ways to remain social after the devastating accident, even if this means having to invite friends to your home. It is difficult for some people with spinal cord injuries to get out often just because of the medical equipment and other assistive devices you need.
Finding options to defray the costs
All of these added expenses come when money might already be tight because of you not being able to work or having to cut back on how much you can work. Seeking financial assistance through compensation for the injury or through grants and other options is essential to defray some of these costs.