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became more efficient and precise. Also as the years progressed, I became more content with my disability. I went to school and got a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters in Social Work. I also became employed. The difference between my day-to-day activities pre-injury is I was able to do everything myself. Post injury, I need assistance in most things that I do but I’m okay with that now.
I would tell newly injured people they need to have good and regular medical checkups. Drink plenty of fluids. Expect that things will get harder if you have an illness, an operation, a major life stress, and as you get older. Plan ahead and have help and equipment lined up. Don’t ever feel you can’t ask for help. Don’t obsess on minor changes and fluctuations, but don’t ignore them either. If you feel you might be changing list out specific and concrete examples and present them to doctors or therapists who are experienced in spinal cord injury treatment. Above all be in touch with your body and just take care of yourself.
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-Leonard Smith
29 years old at the time of my injury. My occupation was truck driver/construction. I was married and my wife and I had six children between us. Unfortunately, two years after my injury my wife and I separated. I moved into a studio apartment and started utilizing the services of a caregiver. I developed a routine so that I could get out of bed and into my chair. This consisted of my caregiver coming in at 6 AM, bathing me, dressing me, and transferring me from the bed into my power chair. After I was settled in my chair, my caregiver prepared breakfast for me and put a lunch into the refrigerator so that I could get to it later on that day. In the evenings at 6 PM, my caregiver would come back and assist me with dinner and then assist me by transferring me from my chair to the bed. They would undress me and get me set up for the night. As years progressed, my routine evolved and became more efficient and precise. Also as the years progressed, I became content with my disability. I went to school and got a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters in Social Work. I also became employed. The difference between my day-to-day activities pre-injury is I was able to do everything myself. Post injury, I need assistance in most things that I do but I’m okay with that now.