Warm Springs Press Releases

HUMAN SPIRIT OF YOUNG MAN HELPS TO OVERCOME TREMENDOUS ADVERSITY
Warm Springs Patient with Spinal Cord Injury Faces New Challenges Head On

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association approximately 250,000-400,000 Americans live with spinal cord injuries and every year some 11,000 people sustain new injuries – that’s thirty injuries per day. Another alarming statistic is that an estimated 60% of individuals who sustain this injury are under the age of 30 and the highest cause for a spinal cord injury is a motor vehicle accident (44%).

On Sunday, August 3, 2003, those numbers became a reality for Andrew Scott. Scott was involved in a car accident that caused his vehicle to roll over several times. Paramedics arrived at the scene but Scott was trapped in the vehicle until rescue workers were able to pry the car open with the Jaws of Life. Even though 22 year-old Scott has no recollection of what caused the accident or what happened after the accident, onlookers said that he walked around looking at his car before he collapsed. Rushed to the emergency room, Scott was diagnosed with a ruptured aneurysm. "Even though I had no broken bones, my doctor said that my aorta was torn and I was bleeding inside," said Scott. Surgery had to be performed immediately in order to save his life. The four hour surgery left Scott unconscious for nearly a week. Once he regained consciousness, Scott felt that his legs were very heavy, "it felt like my shoe laces were on too tight, so I asked the nurse if she could take my shoes off, but I wasn’t wearing shoes."

"Andrew has what is known as an incomplete spinal cord injury resulting in loss of sensation below the injury level, but a good thing he has going for him is his age," said Dr. Kang Lee, Medical Director of the Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital. "The younger the individual who sustains the injury, the better chance for recovery."

Scott said that his doctor put everything into perspective when he mentioned that only between 5 – 15% of people make it through a car accident like the one he was involved in, 96% of those who do survive the accident die before making it to the hospital and only 1% live through the surgery.

Feeling fortunate and grateful to be alive, Scott returned to Texas A & M Corpus Christi to continue his goal of obtaining a bachelors degree in business management and accounting. "I may have lost the use of my legs, but I can still function mentally and I hope to one day run my own business."

Even though he knew he was lucky to be alive, Scott had a difficult time adjusting to this new lifestyle that included the use of a wheelchair for mobility. "I felt like an outcast at first, but people would see me on campus and say hello and smile at me. I soon noticed that not a day goes by when someone does not try to help me out and I appreciate their kindness," said Scott.

Until recently Scott was using public transportation to get to and from school, but a few weeks ago Scott had hand controls installed in his vehicle giving him the opportunity to be even more independent. "I still have bad days, but I am lucky to be alive and I give credit to God for any accomplishments I have had because without Him I would not be here, physically or emotionally."

"Andrew is totally independent and such an inspiration to us" said Cori Pace, physical therapist at the Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital. "Andrew came to us a month after his accident to undergo extensive therapy, including physical, occupational, respiratory, and recreational. His progression was incredible."

Scott has also offered to visit with any Warm Springs spinal cord injury patients to help them deal with a tragic and life altering situation. "Because he has been through the recovery process before, he can offer a unique, empathetic perspective," said Pace.

"Like with any serious and life changing injury, patients have a hard time dealing with the initial shock of what has happened, so we encourage our patients to seek support from families and peers," said Dr. Lee. "Warm Springs recently began a Spinal Cord Injury Support Group through which survivors can help themselves by talking about their situations and at the same time help others through the camaraderie of those facing a similar situation."

The Warm Springs Spinal Cord Injury Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Warm Springs Outpatient Center located at 3833 South Staples, #110.

Today, more than 65 years since its founding, the Warm Springs Rehabilitation System maintains its commitment to give personal, individualized treatment to help patients maximize their recovery. Warm Springs utilizes an interdisciplinary team approach that includes physicians, rehabilitation therapists and rehabilitation nurses who combine their skills to provide comprehensive, personalized services. In meeting the changing rehabilitation needs of Texans, the Warm Springs Rehabilitation System has grown from a single rehabilitation hospital to a not-for-profit system of hospitals and rehabilitation specialty centers, including a long-term acute care hospital. The Warm Springs service network includes hospitals and outpatient centers in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Victoria and Luling. Outpatient rehabilitation centers are also located in Lockhart, Pearsall and Floresville.