Dealing with Paralysis – Coping Strategies

Dealing with Paralysis

Spinal cord injury results from damage to the spinal cord nerves. This damage impairs its ability to send and receive messages from the brain, resulting in paralysis.   

Imagine being perfectly healthy one day and being paralyzed the next. Nothing can be more devastating than this. The physical, emotional and psychological toll that it can take can be humongous.

Living with paralysis will be very difficult. From your career and relationships to your overall wellbeing, it will affect all areas of your life.

However, it is important to remember that many paralyzed people have led happy and fulfilling lives.

Here are some useful coping strategies:

Grieving

In the beginning, it is very normal to mourn and grieve. After all, you have lost your ability to move.

The grieving process is different for different people. Generally, you might experience denial, followed by sadness and anger, and then finally, you reach the stage of acceptance.

The grieving process is not just normal, it is healthy too. However, once you have gone through it, it is now time for you to set new goals in life and start working towards them.

Getting Some Control

paralysisAfter you’ve gotten over your grief, it is time to take control of your situation.

The best way to do this would be to learn more about your injury and ways to lead an independent life despite of paralysis.

The first step you can take is to have some driving machine with you. This will give you an ability to move around.

Also, if you think that the costs are unmanageable, you can find assistance from the Federal Government.

Being Comfortable Talking About Your Disability

It is important that you talk to your friends and family members about your disability. They sometimes do not know how to react.

However, when you comfortably talk about your paralysis, it answers their questions and allows them to support you in a better way.

Handling Intimacy and Sexuality

Your spinal cord injury can affect how your body responds to sexual stimuli. However, contrary to what people might believe, sexual desires do not diminish.

The good news is that it is possible to have a sexually fulfilling relationship with your partner. It will require effective communication and patience. You and your partner might need to consult a psychologist.

We at The Fitzgerald Law Firm understand the life-altering effects that paralysis can lead to. If you believe that your paralysis was the fault of the doctor or health care facility, you can contact our medical malpractice attorney in New York.

Our medical malpractice law firm will fight your case and ensure that you receive your medical expenses, compensation for loss due to emotional trauma and suffering, loss of earnings and other damages due to medical negligence.

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