The Patient Manual is written in layman’s terms to help everyone understand the cause of their unique spinal cord problems.

The Patient Manual is written in layman’s terms to help everyone understand the cause of their unique spinal cord problems. 

The Patient Manual is shorter than those created by the spinal Cord Injury Association and the Christopher and Dana Reve Foundation. Every author struggles to find just the right words to describe the various problems forced by spinal cord patients. They all contain good and extensive explanations. There are insurance companies sending patients to skilled nursing facilities who don’t have education programs or expertise to take care of spinal cord patients. The patient manual is to give a short description of the issues as I would describe them. It is to educate and help the patient ask more informed questions.

Table of Contents:

1. Autonomic dysreflexia

2. Neuropathic pain

3. Spasticity

4. Neurogenic bowel and bladder

5. Skin issues

6. Respiratory issues

7. The fever work-up

8. Heterotopic ossification or myositis ossificans

9. “I am getting weaker” 

10. Ordering and reordering wheel chairs and cushions

11. Sexuality

12. Final comments