Dimitri’s Spinal Cord Update
April 11th, 2025My recovery journey as a C4 ASIA – D Tetraplegic (Quadriplegic) continues. It will be almost four years since my mountain bike accident this coming July.
In December I reached a major milestone in that I no longer need Gabapentin, but the neurogenic (nerve) pain remains in my hands, left leg, abdomen, and both feet. A strict low inflammation diet, exercise, physio yoga, sleep and physiotherapy are the best pain management. I now take 15 mg of Baclofen daily before bed to stop the twitching in my legs so that I can fall asleep.
I learned quickly that every SCI is as unique as your fingerprint. The key to the best possible quality of life is neuroplasticity (creating and repairing new nerve connections) and that starts with early, intensive physiotherapy. Over the past 3 ½ years I have received physiotherapy that started with daily, to twice a week treatment and is now down to 2-3 visits a month at Sunshine Physiotherapy.
My physiotherapy treatments at Sunshine by the team consists of mobilization, Intramuscular Therapy (IMS) along with Acupuncture on my abdomen, chest, legs, hands and feet combined with other treatments such as weekly physio yoga classes over the past forty months has made it possible for me to ride a bike, dance, swim, weight lift, hike and most importantly it has improved neuroplasticity resulting in significant reduction in nerve pain with an increase in mobility and quality of life. The most significant change as of late is acupuncture “wind points” in my hands and feet. This has enhanced my hand dexterity, prevented my left toes from curling and reduced clonus in my left hand.
Despite the improvements I must be careful as I still have some sensory deficiencies such as my inability to feel patches of my body. For example, we had to get an induction stove to avoid getting burned. I also must ensure that I always wear slippers as one time I broke a glass and missed a few pieces while cleaning up. I had to go to the hospital as I had stepped on the glass and did not notice for hours and only had noticed because of the bleeding.
I continue to face challenges; however, I adapt. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my quality of life, I walk my buddy Sunny and most importantly I am completely independent.
-Dimitri