64.14 A paraplegic’s morale

A severe spinal injury is so horrible that doctors and nurses are often too embarrassed to discuss it with the patient. Nevertheless, he is usually completely conscious and aware, and needs to be treated as a human being. He needs reassuring that his condition has been diagnosed, and is being urgently and carefully treated. He needs to be told that he has a serious injury, and that the people who care for him understand he is paralysed. If he asks whether his injury is going to be permanent, don’t be too dogmatic too early.

During the entire course of treatment, keep his morale uppermost in your mind. Don’t just pass by the foot of his bed say: "Ah, yes, the paraplegic", and then pass on. Talk to him often. Manage him always with encouragement and hope, not necessarily hope that his cord will eventually recover, but hope that he will one day rejoin society, and find there a place for himself. His relatives need encouragement too. It is tragic for him when they stop coming, so make sure that someone explains your plans for him to them. Meanwhile, make his life as comfortable as possible. If he can read, make sure he has a reading board and something to read. If he ever stops eating from the effects of misery and chronic infection, his death is near. So make sure he is adequately fed, and watch for anaemia.