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Quadriplegia Recovery after 7 years
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Quadriplegia Recovery after 7 years

I care for a quadriplegic (C6/C7 incomplete with supplemental surgeries C3 through C7) since his injury October 24, 2000.  He has been bed bound due to his extreme sympathetic response.  We found beta blockers and nicotine would keep his blood pressure up high enough in a supine position.  He also had extreme sinus tachycardia that would result in a diastolic of 0 sometime when sitting up.  Again beta blockers being his life saver going from a heart rate of 175 to the 80's.  Without beta blockers his pressure is about 80/0 and with beta blockers would be about 100/60.  His EF goes from less than 45 to 60 when he is on beta blockers.  In years 2-5 of quadriplegia he suffered many septic infections which now resolved.

In the past two weeks he has resolved his quadriplegia (movement and autonomic dysfunction) and his hypotension also resolved with him in the borderline hypertensive range.  He has also cut down on his nicrotine intake as well as his beta blockers.  Now with a occasional panic attack occuring on a daily basis.  He now can move his left fingers (previously not able to) and has full wrist flexion (a recent change as well).  His right leg can contract and extend with full ankle flexion as well as toe movement (with minimal spasms).  There is atophy so he cannot sit up yet on his own, however he can now assist me in his sitting up (previously only one time after year one was able to sit up but passed out).  His left leg suffered a sciatic sever due to a decubitis ulcer.  His right hand, ankle flexion have always had normal response which he got back 6 months after his injury which was about July 2001.  

Before the last week or two Sam had only very limited movement of his left arm, wrist and hand.  His right leg was controlled previously by spasms and very little fine movement.  

Currently in reference to his atrophy on is left hand he still have limited movement with his left fingers with a carpal draw in place.

It is great he has had these changes.  After 7 years he already has adjusted and seems to be nervous about these positive changes in his body.  I do not believe a quadriplegic has every has a recovery after 7 years.

What are the psychological aspects in motivating him to start physical therapy (appears very nervous about his future)?  How can Medicare get motivated to agree paying for therapy?  It appears he is the only to have further recovery after 7 years, what physicians out there would spend time with him to maximize his potential or write papers on him.  

Could there be funding available for research and/or a documentary filmed on him since this is such a rare occasion.  For someone who has spent so much time as a quadriplegic and a normal person when he was injured at age 20.  He now has a window as a near normal person.  
Tags: Quadriplegic, recovery after 7 yr, new movement, autonomic dysfunctio, autonomic disorder
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