8timechamps
9/11/2007, 12:51 PM
Hi all, it’s been a long time since I posted, but I’ve lurked on and off in my absence.
Anyway, I’m sure there have been some posts about Kevin Everett, but I wanted to give my thoughts. (for those of you that don’t know, Kevin was injured on a play in last Sunday’s game, and is in the very early stages of paralysis).
I heard this morning that the neurologist gave him a 5% change of “full recovery”. In neurological speak, that means walking.
I was given a 15% chance after my surgery, and as of today (going on two years later), I am at about 85%. I can walk without assistance, and have 75% muscle use in my right leg. I still have no sensation and there are some muscle functions I cannot perform. At this point in my recovery, I am as far along as I will ever be.
If you saw me on the street, you would think that I sprained my ankle, otherwise, you’d never know about my paralysis.
Kevin’s injury is considered “incomplete”, meaning the spinal cord wasn’t severed. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean much when it comes to recovery. The spinal cord is as sensitive as the brain, and doesn’t take well to being “insulted”.
I ask that you pray for Kevin, and more importantly, his family and care givers. The first 3 months of recovery are the hardest. At this point, he is heavily sedated, and probably doesn’t fully realize the severity of his injury. He will have to re-learn everything most of us take for granted; swallowing, feeding himself, moving his body so that he doesn’t develop lesions (bed sores), etc.
I don’t know Kevin personally, but given that he is a professional athlete, I’m sure he has to have the drive and determination not to give up…so I am sure he will fight to regain any function. The people that will struggle the most are his family (feelings of helplessness, etc.), and the care givers (Doctor’s, Nurses, etc.) that will work 24/7 without much appreciation. Sadly, the caregivers bear the burden of dealing with volatile emotions from Kevin and his family.
Again, I thought I would share a little insight and ask that anyone that cares to, take a minute out of your day and pray for Kevin and his situation.
Keith
Anyway, I’m sure there have been some posts about Kevin Everett, but I wanted to give my thoughts. (for those of you that don’t know, Kevin was injured on a play in last Sunday’s game, and is in the very early stages of paralysis).
I heard this morning that the neurologist gave him a 5% change of “full recovery”. In neurological speak, that means walking.
I was given a 15% chance after my surgery, and as of today (going on two years later), I am at about 85%. I can walk without assistance, and have 75% muscle use in my right leg. I still have no sensation and there are some muscle functions I cannot perform. At this point in my recovery, I am as far along as I will ever be.
If you saw me on the street, you would think that I sprained my ankle, otherwise, you’d never know about my paralysis.
Kevin’s injury is considered “incomplete”, meaning the spinal cord wasn’t severed. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean much when it comes to recovery. The spinal cord is as sensitive as the brain, and doesn’t take well to being “insulted”.
I ask that you pray for Kevin, and more importantly, his family and care givers. The first 3 months of recovery are the hardest. At this point, he is heavily sedated, and probably doesn’t fully realize the severity of his injury. He will have to re-learn everything most of us take for granted; swallowing, feeding himself, moving his body so that he doesn’t develop lesions (bed sores), etc.
I don’t know Kevin personally, but given that he is a professional athlete, I’m sure he has to have the drive and determination not to give up…so I am sure he will fight to regain any function. The people that will struggle the most are his family (feelings of helplessness, etc.), and the care givers (Doctor’s, Nurses, etc.) that will work 24/7 without much appreciation. Sadly, the caregivers bear the burden of dealing with volatile emotions from Kevin and his family.
Again, I thought I would share a little insight and ask that anyone that cares to, take a minute out of your day and pray for Kevin and his situation.
Keith