{"id":244320,"date":"2022-05-06T20:25:54","date_gmt":"2022-05-06T20:25:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facingdisability.com\/?p=244320"},"modified":"2022-05-06T20:50:55","modified_gmt":"2022-05-06T20:50:55","slug":"a-primary-care-providers-guide-to-preventive-health-after-spinal-cord-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/facingdisability.com\/blog\/a-primary-care-providers-guide-to-preventive-health-after-spinal-cord-injury","title":{"rendered":"A Primary Care Provider\u2019s Guide to Preventive Health After Spinal Cord Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"
Countless studies have shown that individuals with spinal cord injury face challenges accessing the same level of primary care as able-bodied individuals, which can result in unmet health needs.<\/p>\n
In response to this growing concern, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) has created a comprehensive 19-part guide<\/a> specifically created for physicians unfamiliar with healthcare needs associated with SCI. Topics range from the specifics of autonomic dysreflexia, pressure sores, cancer screenings and immunizations, to hypertension and even pediatric spinal cord injury specific health issues. Each topic is presented with a scholarly article, with helpful patient talking points.<\/p>\n The numerous medical conditions related to spinal cord injury can be overwhelming because there is so much to look out for. The challenges are numerous too – from finding doctors\u2019 offices that are wheelchair accessible, scheduling appointments as needed, arranging transportation, taking time off work – all are more difficult with SCI.\u00a0<\/p>\n To illustrate these specific challenges, we interviewed Vicki Kowaleski, who was injured in a diving accident that left her with quadriplegia and at the age of 22, still faces issues after \u00a030 plus years of living with paralysis. <\/em>\u201cOne problem I had from the beginning was taking my health seriously and following through with various appointments with various doctors,\u201d she says. \u201cAt this point in my life, I have a primary care doctor, cardiologist, physiatrist, urologist, gastroenterologist, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, optometrist, wound care doctor and a gynecologist.\u201d<\/p>\n