If you have recently suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be concerned about your future. You may be spending many hours wondering what mobility and independence you will still have and which of your favorite activities you will no longer be able to participate in. It may surprise you to know that this is among the many concerns of your medical team as well.
Your doctors will likely evaluate your situation to estimate the quality of life you can expect following your injury. This is merely an estimate, and it in no way concludes that you should have low expectations about your future. However, it may help you to know the factors that often diminish one's enjoyment and satisfaction and the steps you can take to ensure you maximize your opportunities for happiness despite your spinal cord injury.
Measuring your quality of life
It may be obvious to state that someone who has a spinal cord injury is likely to have a lower quality of life than someone who does not. However, this does not mean you can't find success and fulfillment after your injury. Research and experience have shown doctors that the following factors and others can contribute to a brighter outlook and an increased quality of life among victims of spinal cord injuries:
- Education, especially if you hold a college degree
- Gainful employment
- Mobility without needing assistance
- Fewer complications, including pain or loss of bladder control
- A strong support system among your family and friends
The longer you live after a spinal cord injury, the higher your quality of life may be. However, it is often true that someone who suffers a debilitating spinal injury later in life may have a poor quality of life.
Financial concerns
Even if you have every positive factor in your favor, you may not be able to escape the one hardship that reduces the quality of life for many with spinal cord injuries, and that is the astronomical cost of your care. Your injury may require surgeries, medication, extensive hospitalization, special equipment and a lifetime of therapies.
Some families may spend millions of dollars to provide adequate care for their loved ones following a spinal cord injury, and this may seem unfair if your injury resulted from someone else's negligent, reckless or intentional actions. Consulting with a Texas personal injury attorney may provide you with answers about your options for pursuing compensation that may assist you in obtaining the care you need to reach an acceptable quality of life.