Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Overview | Cincinnati Children's

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Animated patient education video about Spinal Cord Injury Rehab
Emma: Hi, I’m Emma. Welcome to the Cincinnati Children’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Program.
Maria: Hello, Emma. My name is Maria. And, this is my husband Scott and our son Michael. Michael’s recent spinal cord injury is why we’re here today, so we can learn all about his treatment and what to expect during his inpatient rehabilitation program.
Emma: I’m so glad to meet you. I’ll be showing you what to expect as Michael begins his treatment-and how both of you will be involved. It’s really a journey that will help your son become as independent as possible at home and in the community.
Scott: That’s great to hear. We want to help-and understand everything that’s going to happen. I’m sure there’s a lot to learn.
Emma: Yes, there is. That’s why one of the first things we’ll give you is this Spinal Cord Education booklet. It’s full of information-definitions you’ll need to know, the different types and areas of treatment, resources available after Michael’s treatment here is done---I think you’ll find that it’s very helpful.
Maria & Scott: Thanks very much. (not in unison-sort of at the same time, like a couple would)
Michael: Hey Emma-is the booklet just for my Mom and Dad? Or can I read it, too?
Emma: Of course, you can read it-it’s for all of you. Your treatment here at Cincinnati Children’s includes a team of experts that specialize in the rehabilitation of children and teenagers with spinal cord injuries. You and your family are an important part of this team.
Spinal cord injuries are complicated. They effect both your physical health-how you move your arms and legs, how you go to the bathroom-as well as your mental health. With all of these changes, you may feel angry or sad or frustrated-this is common.
Scott: That’s one of our biggest concerns-how he feels and deals with fact that improvement takes time.
Michael: Yeah, being hurt like this-and being in a wheelchair makes me feel different-people look at me and I wonder what they think.
Emma: That’s really a difficult thing. Each member of our rehabilitation team understands that too. We will help you work through your feelings and give you tools to help you talk with friends and family about your injury. The team will also do an evaluation and look very closely at each aspect of your rehabilitation and the best course of treatment to take, so that you can get be as active and independent as possible.
Maria: Will we get to meet with the team once the evaluations are completed?
Emma: Of course. During Michael’s evaluation and planning meeting, the rehabilitation team will share a personalized treatment program for him that includes everyone’s input, including yours. We understand that his needs are unique-just like he is-and that’s why his treatment program will focus on those areas that will benefit him most.
Our team understands how important you and Scott are to Michael’s rehabilitation-you know him best and we will want to know your thoughts and opinions about his treatment plan as it moves forward.
Scott: We really appreciate that. I’m really impressed with how many specialists will be part of the team-all the doctors, nurses, the different therapists. Hey Michael, I heard there’s even a music therapist.
Michael: Cool-I play-played drums in the school band. I really miss that.
Emma: Well, Michael, the music therapist might focus on other things, but they can also work with your therapy team to help you find new or different ways to enjoy some of the things you like-even the drums.
Your spinal cord injury means you will be learning how to do some of those things all over again. And some you may have to do differently than you remember.
Maria: What will Michael’s days be like as an inpatient here at Cincinnati Children’s?
Emma: It will be a lot like being in school. His day will be divided into different periods, each one focusing on the therapies prescribed by Michael’s rehabilitation team. He’ll work on the everyday activities that prepare him for returning home, going back to school, and getting out into the community. The goal is for Michael to be as independent as possible.
Plus, you’ll see what his days are like because you can stay here with him in the rehabilitation unit.
We look forward to working with you together on this journey. We would encourage you and Scott to be a part of the process during nursing and therapy sessions and learn about Michael’s care.
Scott: We don’t know how long Michael will be an inpatient here. But when he’s ready to go home, how will we continue what was started here?
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