yesterday at work. i admitted a patient with spinal cord injury. it's been a long time, maybe more than 2 years that i have'nt taken care of one. last job i had, we did not accept spinal cord injuries. we most likely had general debility and orthopedics. our rehab place was not skilled for this sort. anyway, this particular patient had sensation just a little above the nipple line, with tracheostomy and on oxygen and needing to be suctioned so many times, peg tube, colostomy bag, foley, contractures to upper extremities and foot drop. he's been in the hospital for so many months and developed a huge ulcer on his butt that they even did a graft. he was such a mess, and needy, so scared to be alone due to the experience of losing his call light and could not find it. with limited movements, only can lift shoulder without fine motor movements of his hands and fingers and can move head slightly. similar to "superman" reeves. if his trach plugs up and without speaking valve, he could'nt even call for help. i feel sorry for him and this kind of injuries. his parents are in the 70's, he should'nt be in this place if he's not going home. just wasting his rehab time, so much effort and money spent for nothing.
what's the point? nothing really!