This text is designed to help people with spinal cord injury - and their family members and friends - during the rehabilitation process and the journey that follows. It reviews the challenges that may be encountered and addresses all aspects of injury - psychological, sexual, and social - and other issues including transportation, housing and employment. The authors explain how spinal cord injury affects physical functioning and how those changes may lead to lowered self-esteem, depression, family conflicts and social isolation - all problems which can derail the adaptation process. They also remind readers that, as with any major life crisis, spinal cord injury can be a catalyst for positive change, challenging a person to find creative channels for self-expression, personal strength and new ways of being in the world. Illustrating each chapter with patient histories ranging from the relatively mild to moderate and severe disability, the authors begin by demystifying what takes place during emergency treatment and hospitalization and explaining the consequences of different kinds of spinal cord injury. Later chapters describe rehabilitation, returning home and learning to live independently.
"This book has the potential for significantly improving the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury." -- Elana FaracePhD, Journal of Neurosurgery
"Written in a compelling manner that is easy to read, the book begins from a medical perspective, with an informative description of what to expect immediately following injury. An excellent resource, both for survivors and also for those providing support and assistance." -- SCI access
"A comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by both the newly injured and those who have longer experience in coping with the multitude of changes that occur following a spinal cord injury." -- Maureen DavisMSN CRRN, Rehabilitation Nursing
"This book does a very good job of taking someone from the moment of injury, to hospital and rehabilitation, and into adjusting to life and relationships with a disability. It is easy to read and does not use a great deal of jargon in describing the physical and medical aspects of spinal cord injury. Anyone who has a friend, colleague, or family member confronted by this trauma might find this a useful gift in difficult circumstances." -- Disability Studies Quarterly
"This book is a careful and thorough treatment of the journey of individuals with spinal cord injuries from the emergency room to home. In the language of laymen, it explores various pathways to adjustment, recovery, and successful living. It provides important insights to those willing to learn from the experiences of others and should be helpful to rehabilitation personnel as well." -- John F. Ditunno, Jr., M.D., Project Director, Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of Delaware Valley, Thomas Jefferson University
"Spinal Cord Injury is well written and easy to read. Even the medical terminology is presented in an easy to understand format. The book provides useful information to persons with spinal cord injuries and their families about the rehabilitation process and the development of the self after a spinal cord injury." -- Martha H. Chapin, Ph.D., LPC, CRC, Department of Rehabilitation Studies, East Carolina University
