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Paraplegic Rehabilitation in South Africa

Followup After Discharge

Zamani was admitted for 2 weeks to further his walking rehabilitation. He decided he wanted to continue walking at home. He managed swing through gait in the 2 weeks. He took care of himself very well after discharge. Joint range of movement was full, no pressure sores were present, and he was exercising regularly. His appliances (bilateral cuff-topped dural calipers with knee-locks and KK-straps, boots with backstops, slots and longitudinal arch supports) were ordered. Due to financial restraints Zamani had to wait for them.

8 May 1997

A bladder test (IVP) confirmed that a bladder stone was present.

2 July 1997

Zamani was admitted for the removal of the bladder stone with a cystoscopy. Zamani was re-evaluated by the physiotherapist and walking rehabilitation was continued. His calipers were still not finished due to personal financial shortages and a backlog of work at the orthopedic center.

30 September 1998

The calipers are now ready, but he is still waiting on his boots. He visits the spinal outpatient clinic regularly to pick up medical supplies.

January 1999

All of Zamani's appliances finally arrived and intensive walking rehabilitation was continued.

Lecturers at the university wanted to exclude him from chemistry practicals because he could not stand, but this was sorted out. Socially he is doing well and is enjoying university life.

Two years after discharge, he is doing well academically. He exercises regularly at the university gymnasium. His drive and perseverance to walk still motivates him to continue functional walking rehabilitation. On-going rehabilitation mainly involves retraining gait with calipers, though the process is slow mainly due to Zamani's commitments at the university.