Life After Spinal Cord Injury

Recreation
Though it might look and feel different than it did before, your child can still do most, if not all, of the activities they did before your injury. It will likely take some time to learn what works best for your child and what adaptations they need. An adaptation might be a physical item, such as a cardholder or a specialized glove, or it could simply be a specific way your child places their feet for extra stability.

Sports
Adaptive sports have multiplied over the years and there are many regional groups available. For example, some of Ranken Jordan’s former patients have thrived by participating in DASA, the Disabled Athlete Sports Association of St. Louis/Columbia, Missouri.

Typically, a person whose impairment impacts their leg(s) will be classified as a “para-athlete,” and a person whose impairment impacts their arm(s) and leg(s) is classified as a “quad-athlete.”

Each sport has its own adaptive equipment, though there are some generalized items such as sport chairs and assistive hand grips that can help your child get started. The most popular adapted sport is wheelchair basketball, but nearly every sport has adapted versions.

Activities and Community Outings
Often, your child will be able to continue to do activities they enjoy but it may take an adaptive tool or some creativity. Depending on your child’s abilities, a card holder for games, larger-sized utensils, and/or grabbers may be useful.

• Do an internet search of where your child wants to go. Look at pictures and keep an eye out for door types, where stairs are and what ramp options are, and parking locations. Some websites have an “accessibility” tab that will have more information to help you make decisions and better navigate your destination.
• Call ahead if you’re not sure if a location is accessible. The desk staff can probably answermost questions, but they might need to find answers and call you back. Don’t hesitate to ask questions that are important for your child’s independence! Most places with a “no bag” policy have exceptions for people with medical needs.
• Make reservations for your destination when possible. Restaurants and recreation centers often appreciate extra time to prepare space for a wheelchair.
• Before you go, work out transportation early (at least 24 hours), especially if you’re using a bus service. Ride shares have some support, though it varies by city and state.

Sexuality and Sexual Health
Spinal cord injury can impact sexual health and sexual function. Following a spinal cord injury, sexual function and sensation depends on the level of injury and if your injury is complete or
incomplete.

As age-appropriate, we will discuss sexual health and function with you and your child while they are at Ranken Jordan. The team has additional information available on sexual health after spinal cord injury based on your child’s age and caregiver preference.

If you have specific questions, please reach out to your physiatry team, primary physician, and/or therapy team. If you are a caregiver of a younger child with a new spinal cord injury, our team can discuss sexual function and reproductive health directly with you. Once your child goes home, youcan ask sexual health-related questions to your primary care physician, physiatrist, and/or therapy team.

Please note: Patients assigned female at birth usually experience a brief pause in their period after they are first injured. They can naturally become pregnant once their period returns. If your child’s period does not return within a few months after their spinal cord injury, contact your child’s doctor.