My first
Many years ago, I had my first spinal cord injured patient for surgery. The young man had been involved in a road traffic accident and suffered a complete spinal cord injury in the neck. He was immediately paralysed in the arms and legs, and was rushed to the hospital for intervention. We operated to fix his neck and saved him from the many complications (bed sores, deep vein thrombosis, aspiration, chest and urinary tract infections) that befall such cases.
Of course, the most important question was ‘Will I walk again doctor’? My last
The most recent case also had been involved in a road traffic accident and broke his spine in the thoracic area. He was therefore able to move his arms but not his legs. The bones in the chest had shifted completely out of place. The spinal cord which is protected inside the bones, was severely crushed and damaged. He was also unable pass urine or defecate without assistance. We got him into hospital and fixed the spine.
Of course, the most important question was ‘Will I walk again doctor’? Will I, Doc?
When I first started practising in Nigeria, I would tell the absolute truth and try to explain about the spinal cord. That, it was like cheese and cannot be repaired. It cannot be sewed like skin! That it will recover only if not permanently severed or crushed beyond repair. For example, if it was just stunned, in shock or minimally injured, then recovery
was possible, However, if severed (as we may be able to tell on the MRI scan), then recovery or being able to walk again would be impossible.
Great! Thanks Doc! Unacceptable condition
Serious spinal cord injury with paralysis, disability, problems passing urine, passing stool and inability to have sex, ever again, is an unacceptable condition. My patients and any patient with this horrible affliction will do ‘ANYTHING’ to walk again.
So, having seen the desperation in many of my patients, I changed tactics. I tell the truth still but with a caveat. We really do not know how badly damaged the spinal cord is! Only time and efforts with physiotherapy will tell. I encourage them to have faith, remain strong and work hard at the rehabilitation.
My first
My first patient has been to South Africa, India, Israel, United States of America and more recently Germany, for further medical evaluation and assistance to walk again. Okay, good for him. No one felt the need to re-operate on him, as the spinal cord was already decompressed and the bones well healed.
He was given an advert! The hospital and the surgeon was marketed as a ‘World Leader’ in the market place for stem cell therapy. How could I stand in his way? So off he went, to have stem cell therapy in China at huge expense. He went with high hopes and renewed zeal to walk again. He was promised heaven and earth that the procedure done with ‘the very best embryo stem cells’ will make him walk again.
Here lies the exposure! To fake promises and massive exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
My last
He recently lost his wife to a pastor. She grew tired of his reluctance to help himself and remove the shackles of witchcraft placed upon him by his family. You see, he refused to follow her to the various churches where he could be ‘delivered’.
Various pastors apparently had told his wife that he was paralysed by his brother, his parents and whoever else: people who were apparently jealous of their relationship and the fact that he had bought a second-hand car (Toyota Camri) only days before the accident where he became paralysed. One pastor suggested that perhaps he was himself dabbling in witchcraft and did not make sacrifices for which he was being punished!
That he would walk again only if he believed and came to church! He refused to believe that his family who paid for his wedding, lent money to buy his first car, stood by him following the accident and treatment and who continue to support him physically and financially were behind his spinal cord injury. He did not feel he could ostracise his family to please a pastor that never even brought a bunch of bananas when coming to ‘pray’ for him.
Oh, what a great tragedy? My anything
There are hospitals, private hospitals, in India, Germany, China and many other places offering treatment, any treatment, including stem cell therapy for spinal cord injured patients. Many offer the treatment without even considering the severity of the injury and the dismal prognosis in patients with severed spinal cords. They offer hope at huge expense knowing full well that the dawn will not come soon. Exploiting the vulnerability of these unfortunate men and women who would do anything to get their lives back.
These people, doctors and hospitals are just as bad as the many horrible, sad, crazed fake preachers roaming the streets of Nigeria. These ragamuffins are destroying thousands of lives and families daily.
I will do ‘ANYTHING’ to …… Anyway,Join us
For more information, join us on the 5th September as we ramp up the advocacy. We will be having an open day in collaboration with the FLYING DOCTORS and ZITADEL MEDICAL/DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE. Call 08122221616 for more information.