A WOMAN has been left paralysed from the neck down and will need around-the-clock care for the rest of her life after attempting a new yoga move.
Abbey Weiss, from California, US, loved exercise and was especially passionate about acroyoga, which combines yoga with acrobatics.
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In June, the 32-year-old fell and injured her spinal cord while attempting a challenging acro yoga move.
The horrific incident left her paralysed from the neck down.
Her heartbroken father said Abbey loved being active and the outdoors, which made the accident and her current state even more devastating.
“She said the other day it feels like she’s in a straight jacket,” he told WISTV.
“She can’t move, everything’s got to be done for her.”
Before the life-changing accident, Abbey was a pediatric speech therapist and business owner, according to a GoFundMe set up by friends to help her family deal with growing healthcare costs.
“The medical bills are astronomical,” his dad said, ” and there is no end.”
Her family said she moved from Chicago to San Diego eight years ago to live by the ocean.
Now, Abbey is back in Chicago with her family going through rehab at a medical facility.
While packing up her apartment, which she can no longer live in, Abbey’s aunt Judy Washer told the news show it “didn’t have to be like this”.
Her dad said he was not aware of what acroyoga was before his daughter’s accident.
He said that if he “had known the type of maneuvers she was doing I would have told her not to do it.
“I don’t think she would have listened,” he added.
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The family are hopeful Abbey will regain a small amount of movement once the inflammation goes down – but doctors say there is no guarantee she will ever recover.
In the most recent update to her GoFundMe on July 27, Abbey’s friend Renee Smith said she showed positive signs.
‘”Abby went on to breathe on her own for an entire hour!!” the fundraiser added.
“While this may seem small, this is a step forward and we need to celebrate.”
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What is a spinal cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the back and is protected by the vertebrae.
It carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body, controlling movements and sensations.
Causes:
- Trauma: Car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and violent incidents.
- Diseases: Infections, tumors, and conditions like multiple sclerosis
Symptoms:
- Loss of Movement: Partial or complete paralysis
- Loss of Sensation: Inability to feel heat, cold, or touch
- Breathing Problems: Difficulty breathing if the injury is high up the spinal cord
- Other Issues: Problems with bladder, bowel control, and sexual function
Treatment:
- Immediate Care: Immobilization and medication to reduce swelling
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and adaptive devices
- Surgery: To remove bone fragments, herniated disks, or fractured vertebrae
Prognosis
Recovery depends on the severity and location of the injury. While some people may regain function, others may have permanent disabilities.