written by Don Johnston
Brian is married with two children and worked at a plastic factory for 30 years. He began experiencing significant back pain and eventually numbness in his limbs and issues with his balance at 50 years old. After trying various treatments, an MRI revealed a narrow spinal canal compressing his spinal cord. Surgery was the only option. During the surgery, a bone spur had gone unnoticed and was driven into his
spinal cord, paralyzing him and resulting in a diagnosis of T11 Incomplete SCI. Coming out of surgery, he had no movement from his waist down. He spent 6 weeks at MetroHealth learning to live life in a wheelchair as a paraplegic.
The transition to life at home was very challenging. His house was inaccessible, and he could not access a vehicle that could accommodate him. Friends and family did what they could to help, but day-to-day life was a struggle. A friend introduced him to an in-home physical therapist, Cindy, who was instrumental in Brian’s recovery. She recognized that his body was changing, and he was gaining some return of function.
Over the next year, she helped him build strength in his legs and eventually got him standing. When she maxed out all that could be done for him from his home, it was recommended that he go to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Intensive therapy enabled Brian to stand, pivot, and walk short distances with a walker. These improvements to his physical abilities helped give him more options for a vehicle and his ability to function in his home.
Continued efforts over the past six years include working out 3 days per week at a local fitness center, in-home therapy to stretch his legs, and working with physical therapists at a local facility to continue building strength in his legs. The facility has a ceiling harness, which helped him progress from walking with a walker to forearm crutches and, eventually, four-prong canes. He still needs his wheelchair but can do some walking when necessary. He likes to walk/roll through the neighborhood several miles per day with his dog, Harley, and has a part-time job. All of these things keep him quite busy.
Recently, Brian regained his driver’s license after nearly a year of working to learn to drive with hand controls and getting his body in condition to do so. This is a big piece of his independence and a huge step forward. He’s hoping to get a vehicle and be on the road soon! Perseverance pays off.
Brian recognizes how lucky he is to have made so much progress and appreciates the amazing people in his life who have helped him get to this point. From the professionals to his family and friends, all have played a significant role in his support and recovery.
