How Can You Take Charge Of Your Life After A Spinal Cord Injury?

Young man holding his neck in pain. Medical concept.

Life events never cease to surprise you. At one moment, you are celebrating a new job, getting married, or going on a vacation. And the very next second, you might be struggling with a financial crunch, losing a loved one, or experiencing trauma.

This negative turn of events often leaves you devastated, disturbed, and shattered. And, if the event is associated with your physical health and well-being, such as spinal cord injury (SCI), the entire route of life changes.

Things might seem on edge, but it’s not true! You’ll be glad to know that there’s a lot that you can do to improve your quality of life. Read on to know!

  • Improve Your Health

The first step that you must take is to improve your physical health. Typically, SCI is caused by an accident, fall, sports, arthritis, or severe medical condition. Depending on your condition, the doctor will recommend surgery, medications, immobilization, and therapies. You must do as they recommend to prevent potential complications and recover quickly.

Also, understand that it will take time for treatments to show results. In the meantime, you might need consistent help from your family or friends or have to use a wheelchair. However, if you continue to follow the treatment plan, you can regain the sensory and motor functions sooner than expected.

Note: Do not push your limits in order to get better soon. Instead, pay attention to the signs your body is indicating and give it a rest.

  • Get Financial Assistance

Injuries, regardless of their type, cause a financial burden on the patient. Of course, health insurance comes to the rescue to pay medical bills. However, relief is limited to policy coverage. Moreover, insurance companies are here for business; they will try to delay the compensation or reduce the amount.

So, what can you do in such a situation? Consult an attorney!

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you have the right to file for medical and non-medical coverage. According to the experts in rideshare accident litigation, if the coverage is not satisfactory, you can bring a claim against the driver. The attorney can help you avail the following damages:

  • Medical bills
  • Wage loss
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Loss of enjoyment in life

It will help lower your financial burden and seek justice for the negligence on the other person’s part.

  • Find New Hobbies

It is pretty evident that things will not be as they used to be before you get injured. You might have hobbies, such as jogging, playing basketball, or dancing, that keep you entertained. But, now you need to find new hobbies that help keep your mind off the things that trouble you while entertaining you.

Even if the injury is minor, ensuring you can perform all the tasks just like before, you need something new during your recovery phase. It could be mastering chess, learning crafts, painting, reading books, or playing video games.

There are endless options available for you to pick as a hobby. Learning something new will reduce the stress of injury, boost your mental strength, and speed up recovery.

  • Leverage Technology

Technological advancements are revamping the different spheres of life, and recovering from a traumatic experience or injury is no exception. In simple terms, to feel independent and recuperate, you can use technology.

From electric wheelchairs and compression boots to low-impact machines and wearable devices, there are numerous things that you can use. These will help you monitor your progress, feel independent and adjust to the new normal.

In addition to physical health, technology can facilitate your mental and emotional well-being. You can install applications on your smartphone to help you calm down and think about positive affirmations.

  • Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

Last but most importantly, when you are on the path of recovery, you will need the help of others constantly. It might lead to negative thoughts and feelings of pity for yourself. However, you must not let these thoughts break you down and belittle your self-esteem and value.

Instead, when you need help- be it for physical recovery or dealing with mental and emotional trauma- ask for it. With the love and support of your family and friends, you will be able to take charge of your life in no time.

To Sum It All Up

No matter what your plans for the future are, unexpected events, especially accidents, can have a significant impact on them. However, during such tough times, you must hold onto hope and take charge of life. Use the tips discussed in this article and start enjoying the beautiful life journey.

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