I've been fortunate to have attended a couple of National Conferences for SCI and that question is always asked by several people, with different injuries. The reply I've been told and continue to hear is that most SCI can expect a normal life compared to someone without a SCI. The odds of every element to that question was considered before the experts answered. Those with SCI usually take better care of their bodies than those without a SCI. So we all could be back to square one. For the latest in Longevity, go to: _www.deathwatch.com_ (http://www.deathwatch.com) and enter your information. You will then receive the date and time of your demise. How kewl, eh? Takes all the guest work out of life. (lol) W In a message dated 1/4/2007 1:34:21 P.M. Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I will be 19 years post injury in May and share your goal of living to at least 80, however, as you pointed out, statistically, a C4 quad's average life span is roughly 10-15 years less than someone without a SCI. I am 45 now, so I hope I can reasonably count on another 15-20 years, hopefully more. Chronic pain, UTIs, periodic skin trouble, and working full time in spite of it has taken its toll over the past 18 years. I have never really felt good since being injured, but I have really felt lousy for the last year. I am seriously considering a disability retirement. I hate to think I may be squandering future years just for the sake of working, but I don't want to stop working prematurely. It's a tough call. Steve - C4, 18 years
