What characterizes the most promising spinal cord injury patients? - Guy W. Fried, MD

The most promising patients figure a way to transcend the injury.  The reality is that we use our bodies for just a selection of activities during the day.  If I see the President on TV, I’m not seeing running or jogging, I’m seeing him talk and interact.  He’s using his brain, his mind, his interaction.  So, I think that the best of the patients that I’ve seen are those that have the ability to transcend their bodies.  Or transcend whatever interruption in their life, while hoping and praying that tomorrow brings the wonderful recovery.  But, today I’m stuck with this stupid wheelchair, and today I’ll deal with it.  Although, I’ll work on getting my muscles stronger, I will work on my flexibility, or work on transcending this, so people just don’t see a wheelchair when they see me.