Lower back, which left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Following two weeks in intensive care, he underwent acute Physical Therapy from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day for two months.
“That’s the time things start to come back, if they come back,” he said. “The physical therapists are doing everything they can—stretches, showing me how to transfer from my seat to my wheelchair.”
Shortsleeve regained some sensation in his lower body. “But nobody would really tell me, ‘You know, you’re going to be in it a while.’”
He understands why.
After the accident, his sister moved from Virginia and bought a house in Vermont, which she outfitted to accommodate Shortsleeve in his wheelchair. A nurse, she scouted physical therapy options beyond the hospital. The two lived together until he bought his own condo.
He’s fortunate among those with spinal cord injuries, he said, because with full movement of his upper body he can take care of himself. He even plans to enter the Vermont City Marathon next year.
Since beginning physical therapy with the Rehab Gym in 2005, he’s increased the strength of his working muscles to the degree that with the aid of leg braces and crutches, he has started to walk.
If a flight is cancelled, call your travel agent or airline rather than going to the counter for a new reservation.
Newer, larger cruise ships are likely to have more accessibility features, but don’t rule out older, smaller cruise ships. Planning in advance can save money.
When packing for a cruise, consider extra hangers, removable wall hooks, and child-size shoe bags to hang on a closet door. This will free up storage space in the small cabin. The shoe bag is useful for storing such items as shampoo, soap, etc.
Regardless of the month you are traveling, near the ocean is cold. Bring layers of clothing in all seasons.
Some countries have restrictions on service animals. Check with your travel agent to be sure there are no problems in this regard.
Investigate where the closest animal hospital/vet is at your destination in the event your service animal becomes ill.
Check with your travel provider (bus, train, etc.) for their toll free assistance number for people with disabilities.
FOR SALE***
WC Lift; $7,000 new; only used 2 months; asking $3,000. Invacare Storm TDX 3 Power WC; full reclining; less that 1 year old; $12,000 new; asking $2,000. Quickie II manual chair; good cond.; $800. Call David 589-6620.
*Cookbooks for Sale: Recipes compiled by Chapter members; $10:00. Call David @ 589-6620.
*Video tapes for sale. Various topics related to spinal cord injuries. Call David Allgood or Buddy Lawson.
***If assistance is needed to pay for any of the above items, contact Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation at 1-800-327-5287 for information on loans at 5% interest to qualified candidates.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR SHIRTS!!
Frazier Rehab Institute Presents:
The Community Fitness and Wellness Facility
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR MEMBERSHIP!
Specialized activity based services for individuals with physical disabilities within the community.
Opportunity to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle
Accessible exercise equipment and programs to meet your physical needs and fitness goals
Knowledgeable and trained staff to provide the necessary support to create successful outcomes
Multiple membership packages available*
Services may include: strength training, cardiovascular/aerobic
fitness, and locomotor/FES training
For more information or to request a membership application please contact:
Karey Kleinhenz or Jill Farmer
at Frazier Rehab Institute
(502) 582-7411 / (502) 582-7618
