The possibilities for life after a spinal cord injury (SCI) are countless, even though each day may require the strength and perseverance of climbing a mountain. This was the message as survivors, families, specialists, staff at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, and supporters, held an event to mark World Spinal Cord Injury Day (5 September).
“This year a spinal cord injury workshop was held with the theme: SCI in conflicts and disasters: prepare and prevent. Our keynote speakers, attorney Jerry Nkeli and recent previous patient Shaun Swiegers, shared their personal experiences,” says Gugulethu Setati, general manager of Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital.
“Nkeli encouraged all at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital to remain advocates of the rights of SCI patients, while Swiegers urged patients to participate fully in their rehabilitation therapy as the 10 days invested in this recovery process can improve their quality of life for the next 10 years. This year we focused on challenging misconceptions around SCI. Patients shared their personal experiences, coping strategies and techniques to help keep others with SCI who face similar adjustments motivated to conquer their own ‘everyday mountains’,” she adds.
Setati continues: “Through the various perspectives shared by patients, specialists and therapists, the event highlighted the value of a coordinated rehabilitation programme and the difference that this can make to individuals with spinal cord injury in achieving their goals, ambitions, and a better quality of life.”
Professor Andre Mochan, a neurologist who practices at the hospital, gave an informative talk on the use of Botox and the baclofen pump to manage spasticity. There was a brief on bladder management, and Dr Palesa Mahlangu, a psychologist also practising at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, led a discussion regarding sexual and reproductive health to dispel myths about this aspect of life for people with spinal cord injuries.
“At Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital we try our best to assist our patients to achieve their highest level of independence so that they may actively participate in a meaningful and joyful life,” Setati concludes.
