Spinal cord injuries may inflict devastating, long-term effects on you. This might mean physical issues, such as paralysis. However, it may also involve mental, emotional and financial hurdles as well.
When it turns out an injury due to negligence leaves you with permanent damage, it may feel easy to despair. These feelings are honest, but it is important to work through them as you adjust. There are options for anyone facing these challenges in order to live a more fulfilling life despite a life after an SCI.
Avoid isolation
It may feel difficult to find a new normal when dealing with paralysis or depression due to an SCI. However, the United Spinal Association recommends connections and communication. There are support groups out there and you may make friends who deal with similar disabilities.
While drugs or alcohol may sound like an easy solution, discussing your feelings with friends, families and trained professionals is helpful. Establishing a routine and sticking to it can help you establish order when things feel overwhelming.
Tackle the costs
Dealing with an SCI demands a lot of patience, determination and money. Whether you cling to normalcy or try new things, it is important to have financial support throughout.
The surgery, recovery and rehabilitation of an SCI may cost you in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. When your SCI is the result of negligence, whether from a motor vehicle accident or a slip-and-fall on a business’s premises, there are resources that may help recoup those costs.