Jeanne Musgrove

I am proud of my efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle even with an SCI. I was diagnosed about 27 years ago with syringomyelia with a syrinx at T-12. The treatment was to insert a shunt into the syrinx, emptying excess spinal fluid into my abdominal cavity. Fortunately, that has kept my condition stable.

Unfortunately, because of my leg weakness, I am prone to falls. I have suffered three patella fractures, one pelvic ring fracture, and minor arm and hip injuries. People often ask why I don’t use canes or other assistive devices. The answer lies in the types of falls I have. A cane would not break the falls I have and, in fact, may cause my falls. When I have used a cane, it has caused me to trip and fall. I have dealt with my challenges for a long time and feel confident I know what works best for me. I know I may have occasional injuries but for now, I am satisfied with my lifestyle. As I age, I expect to reconsider and adjust some of my choices.

After one of my serious injuries years ago, I was fortunate to be referred to physical therapy at Carolinas Rehabilitation, where they started teaching me Pilates. It has been life-altering! They gave me hope! When I was about to be discharged from their services, one of their physical therapists introduced me to a private Pilates instructor in Charlotte who was willing to take me on as a client. That was a little over three years ago. I have been going to her twice a week and feel it has changed my life. Thanks to her guidance and hands-on assistance, my pain has virtually vanished, and I’ve been able to remain ambulatory. I still am not able to climb or run, but I can walk, albeit with an abnormal gait. I am also prone to falls. But I maintain a complete exercise schedule, including taking walks and cycling on a stationary bike, and a Pilates session twice a week. I cannot maintain balance on a freestanding bike, but at least I can cycle. Since I was a little girl, I’ve been a passionate cyclist, so I may not be able to cycle through the countryside like I used to, but I can still cycle (usually for 45 minutes). And I love listening to podcasts while doing so. I also walk 3-4 miles most days of the week.

I also work to maintain my upper body strength since I rely on my arm strength to push myself up out of a seated position or to pull myself up steps using a railing.

I also focus on diet to maintain my weight, so I don’t overload my legs. Increasing my body weight could overload my legs, making it impossible to stand. I eat a high-protein organic diet (target=60 grams of protein per day) and keep a food log. I was vegetarian but found it difficult as a vegetarian to get the 60 grams of protein without also gaining weight. So, I looked for a less calorie-dense way of getting protein. I compromised on vegetarianism by adding a minimal quantity (no more than 2-3 oz) of chicken, salmon, or tuna on most days. This diet has seemed to work extremely well for me. But I continue searching for vegetarian alternatives to the protein-dense/calorie-light chicken and fish.

I am retired, and so am involved in several volunteer opportunities. I am passionate about the environment and wildlife conservation, so I am always looking for opportunities related to those two passions. I also love to travel. I have been fortunate to participate in two types of projects that may surprise you. I have volunteered in Africa (Southern Kenya) on a project to protect big cats and teach local communities how to coexist with them. And I have done 2 Global Village Habitat for Humanity builds in Malawi! Who would have guessed that someone with a T-12 SCI could also be a brick mason in such a remote part of the world? But never give up! Where there’s a will, there’s a way!