Patient Profiles - Adult Quadriplegia - Page 1
| Chuck |
Chuck became a C2-C3 quadriplegic in a hunting accident in 1981. He was just 15 years old. He spent the next year of his life at Yale New Haven Hospital under the care of Dr. William Glenn. When Chuck finally returned home on April 1, 1982, he was pacing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He continues to do so today.
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Chuck with Dr. Glenn in 1982 |
Chuck at work in 1990 |
Chuck fishing in 2011 |
With the independence gained from his breathing pacemaker, Chuck completed high school and a data processing course at a local college. He is currently employed as a Programmer/Analyst at a Fortune 500 life insurance company.
Chuck states "I’m very content with my life right now. I have a loving wife, a nice, comfortable home, a great career and a wonderfully supportive family. God has blessed me in many ways."
| Ed |
Ed was injured in a motorcycle accident in June 2008. Although initially off mechanical ventilation, Ed had a number of setbacks including pneumonia and a blood infection. He was finally discharged home in August 2009, but he required 24/7 ventilatory support.
After exploring his options with a number of surgeons, Ed decided to have an Avery breathing pacemaker implanted because he was uncomfortable with the idea of having permanent percutaneous wires. Ed's implant took place in December 2009 and he began pacing in January 2010. He has been pacing for 24 hours per day since May 2010.
According to his wife Johanna, pacing has given Ed the ability to enjoy being outdoors again and socialize without the concerns of his vent. Ed has started an aggressive speech therapy program as well as physical and occupational therapy. Pacing has also allowed him to resume use of his power wheelchair; giving him back the control he so desperately wanted.
| Andrea |
Andrea became a C1-C2 quadriplegic following an automobile accident in September 1990. Soon after, she was transferred to the care of Dr. Edward Carter at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research in Houston, Texas.
She was implanted with her breathing pacemaker by Dr. Laurens Pickard at TIRR in April 1991, and has been pacing 12-14 hours per day ever since.
Through the use of her pacers, Andrea was able to attend college and has received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She is currently working as a mental health counselor.
Andrea states "The breathing pacemaker system has made a dramatic difference in my everyday life and would not hesitate to do it again!"
| Marcos |
Marcos became a quadriplegic following a robbery in late 2006. For the next three months, Marcos was in a coma and spent the next one and a half years in an ICU tethered to a mechanical ventilator.
Following an unprecedented series of court cases which led all the way to the Brazilian Supreme Court, the local state accepted responsibility for Marcos' injuries and he was implanted with a breathing pacemaker in April 2008. Two American specialists, Dr. Abbott Krieger and Dr. Lloyd Krieger, traveled from Los Angeles to Recife to assist the local surgeons.
Marcos had been gradually transitioning to full-time pacing, and in November 2008 went outside for the first time in nearly two years. He will be discharged home to his wife and son in January 2009.
An additional story and video about Marcos can be found at Jornal da Globo.