Testimonial

Spinal Cord Injury: Paraplegia - 'Complete' L1/2

'My name is Jason Sleep, I am 31 years old and my wife, Samantha and I have 2 daughters. I have my own panel shop business located in Melbourne.

On the 9th June 2001 I injured my back during a motor bike accident when I hit a tree. I was diagnosed as 'complete paraplegia' due to a compression fracture and dislocation of my L1 vertebra which is located in my lower back region. I was told I would never walk again.

In addition, I also injured my right forearm with a compound and 'non-healing' fracture which had also not been responding until starting treatment at Spinal Rehab. I was told that I had 'delayed union' of the bone causing significant swelling of the arm and elbow, resulting in me being unable to place any weight on my arm because of the major pain.

Since starting Hyperbaric Therapy my arm has improved dramatically, both the swelling and pain has virtually disappeared.

I had my accident in country Victoria and was taken to a local country hospital where I was told that my spine had been severely damaged. I was told that I would have to be transferred to a larger spinal facility in Melbourne (Austin Hospital). At the Austin Hospital, I was examined and the grim news confirmed to both me and my family - I would "never walk again!"

I was immediately scheduled for spinal surgery on my back, with rods and screws to stabilise my spine. The doctors told me that they were very happy with the surgery however, my spinal cord had been significantly damaged and again told that I would never be able to walk again.

I was paralysed from the waist down - no feeling or movement, no bladder or bowel control. The next day after my back operation, I had a haemorrhage and needed a blood transfusion, the doctors also found that I had 2 large blood clots in my stomach. The following several days I needed more surgery on my forearm, eventually I was told that the arm was not healing correctly. I was told that I had 'delayed non-union' of the bone. This was a very difficult time for me and my family. The following day my lungs collapsed requiring more medical attention. I felt that this was the last straw!

Up until this stage I had been unable to see my kids because of all of the tubes and wires hanging from me. I know they were very upset about their dad being busted-up in the accident, but they would have become even more upset to have seen their dad in this initial state. Eventually under a lot of persuasion from my wife and my parents the hospital staff removed the tubes from my nose and stomach and finally, one week after my accident I was able to embrace my kids.

Eventually after 5-weeks, I was transferred to the Royal Talbot hospital where I commenced supervised rehab. Whilst at rehab I was able to visit my business which gave me the opportunity to try some acupuncture which was suggested might benefit. In fact I began to get some feeling back into my stomach and into the middle and inside aspect of my thigh. I was told by my rehab doctors that this sensation was 'coming from my abdominal muscles and not at or below my injury level'.

Whilst at work I read about Hyperbaric Medicine and the Spinal Rehabilitation Group and their work with other complicated orthopedic and neurological conditions including spinal cord injury. In fact I read about one of their quadriplegic patients who after 6 years of no sensation or movement began to get a return after starting Hyperbaric. I didn't know what to expect but I needed a miracle!

I was reviewed initially by Dr Hooper who recommend a complete reassessment of my spine including new MRIs of my full spine and brain (I hit my head during the injury and suffered memory loss). This was the first time my brain and the rest of my spine had been MRI'ed. Also they ordered blood tests to rule in or rule out the possibility of underlying infections that may affect my recovery process.

Blood tests included Chlamydia, Epstein Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, Mycoplasmas, Rickettsia and others. I tested positive for several which I am now receiving appropriate treatments.

Perhaps the most shocking news was the fact that the new MRIs revealed that the surgery performed had 'fixed' my T11, T12 and L2 and L3 vertebra but not the collapsed L1 vertebra which now had 2 fragments that had apparently fused but were visibly compressing into my spinal canal!  In addition the MRIs showed that I had also developed a large 'hydromyelia' often called a syrinx, which means spinal fluid accumulation into my spinal cord which was extending from the T11 level down. Apparently the syrinx can further deteriorate and cause more spinal cord deterioration and problems. They are mostly surgically drained but apparently they usually reappear.

I must admit that I was very upset by this news given the fact that I was told by the surgeons that they had 'stabilised my L1 vertebra' and were 'very happy' with the outcome of the surgery. Obviously I am not!

Dr Hooper explained in detail the possible mechanisms of how the Hyperbaric Therapy coupled with medication and physical therapy could influence my spinal condition. He stated that I was still in the early stages of my injury and classified me as a 'fresh injury'. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain!

At the time of writing this report, I have now had about 20-hours of chamber sessions. I can now move the muscles in my thighs and calves. I have good feeling down to my knees but below my knees the feeling remains numb.

I can now lift my knees to my chest whilst I am sitting in the spa. Initially after starting HBOT I was able to manage about 6- knee lifts but then I would be exhausted, now I can lift them over 70-80 times each!

My toes are also now moving slightly but are definitely moving. I can also now move my legs when I am lying down and the best thing is that I can now slowly ride my exercise bike with my feet strapped to the pedals. The exercise bike is one that is driven by my arms to turn the pedals but I am now able to push with my legs. My legs feel very strong and I know that I will continue to improve.

I believe that this treatment is giving me hope. I am convinced that this treatment would benefit not only me but many other spinal cord victims. My family and I are convinced that I will continue to improve and obviously to walk, is the ultimate goal of treatment.

After each chamber session I also receive acupuncture needling with electrical stimulation. I also receive B6/12 injections and I am taking a high potency amino acid antioxidant preparation.

My legs are becoming stronger each day, my muscles in my thighs and calves have become more defined and finally I see hope of a better future.

Jason Sleep