Times columnist: recovering from spinal cord injury

Last year, Melanie Reid fell from a horse and broke her neck. In her Times Magazine column on 10 September 2011, she gives an account of her recovery process.

“I’m really just playing the slowest game in the world,” says Melanie Reid, a Times Magazine columnist, who suffered spinal cord injury last year.

Peristeen has helped her become independent on the bowel front, she says. 

Last year, Melanie Reid fell from a horse and broke her neck. In her Times Magazine column on 10 September 2011, she gives an account of her recovery process.

“This is a far lengthier and more arduous task than anyone ever dared tell me, because spinal cord, once damaged, will always be damaged.”

Melanie is still totally dependent on her wheelchair even though she has regained some movement and sensation in parts of her body.

Reclaiming independence
Having spinal cord injury brings about many challenges and bowel issues are a common concern. 

But Melanie has found a solution that works.

“In terms of personal care, I am fully independent on the bowel front, which is a miracle actually, given my level of injury, and is entirely down to the support of my district nurse Helen and a clever system called Peristeen. 

“I no longer live in dread of a bowel meltdown,” Melanie says.