Brandon's Story
Spinal Cord Injury
Brandon Chase McClain, a 37-year-old journeyman electrician, was living an active life with his wife and two sons. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, disc golf and pickleball in his spare time.
But an accident changed everything. Brandon was in his yard playing with the family’s new puppy, when the dog snuck under the fence. “I thought I’d hop the fence to catch her on the other side, and my foot got caught on the fence,” he recalled.
Joy quickly turned to tragedy. Brandon fell face-first into the ground with his legs and back bending like a scorpion over his head. He was immediately paralyzed.
“All I could do was turn my head, blink and yell for help,” Brandon said. “It took my wife about 15 minutes to find me, and by then, I had already passed out.”
Paramedics rushed him to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for a cervical (neck) spinal cord injury. Surgeons performed a laminectomy, which removes some of the bony arch that protects the spinal cord, to relieve pressure. They also placed eight metal screws to stabilize his spine. Brandon recovered from the temporary paralysis, but the injury left him extremely weak, unable to walk, use his hands functionally or perform basic self-care tasks.
After spending weeks in the hospital ICU and receiving inpatient rehabilitation care, Brandon no longer needed around the clock medical and nursing care. However, it was clear that a specialized program to continue his recovery and reach his potential was required. Based on recommendations from his therapists, he chose Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (BSWIR) - Fort Worth Day Neuro Program.
The Day Neuro Program offers the advantages of living at home while receiving the benefits of a full-day rehabilitation program with a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to recovery. The program is geared to patients who will benefit from high-intensity rehabilitation services, but do not require 24-hour nursing care in a hospital setting.
When Brandon entered the program, he used a power wheelchair for mobility, had minimal function in his hands, struggled with balance and was unable to perform daily tasks independently. His goals were to regain all of those abilities and eventually return to work. Through a comprehensive, physician-led rehabilitation approach, Brandon made steady progress toward these goals with grit and determination.
Physical therapy focused on standing balance exercises, gait training and aerobic conditioning to improve mobility. Brandon’s progress was balanced and steady. He went from using his power wheelchair to a manual wheelchair, then to a walker followed by forearm crutches and, finally, walking on his own.
Brandon said that the physical therapy tests to monitor his progress helped him to set goals. For example, trying to get more steps in the six-minute walk test motivated Brandon to beat his last step count. Whether he was stretching or weight lifting or walking, Brandon embraced his therapists’ new ideas and challenges to help him advance every day.
Concurrently, occupational therapists helped Brandon regain fine motor skills using electrical stimulation to help engage the nerves and muscles in his hands and braces and splints to regain dexterity. Therapeutic activities, such as picking up small objects from the floor and clipping clothespins to a grid also honed fine motor skills. In time, Brandon’s grip strength improved significantly, allowing him to return to everyday activities.
“When I could get on a baseball glove and play with my son again, I was on top of the world.”
Recreational therapy incorporated community outings, boxing sessions and yoga classes to build strength and confidence. Group activities also provided mindfulness and emotional support. Brandon especially enjoyed sessions when facility dog Grayson could join in.
“There were so many things that helped me along the way,” Brandon said. “Therapists constantly came up with new exercises and challenges.”
As Brandon met his goals, he set more. Personal mobility wasn’t the only thing that Brandon relearned at the Day Neuro Program – he also returned to driving.
“Driving wasn’t even in my head at first,” admitted Brandon, but when he was told about the Adaptive Driving Program, he was eager to add it to his list of accomplishments.
Support from his family, friends and church community played a crucial role in his recovery. His wife, Mallory, was by his side every step of the way, and his extended network – from his job to friends from high school – provided encouragement and financial assistance.
“The circle I had was beyond amazing,” Brandon said. “Everyone coming together really showed me how much people care about me. I’d like to shout out my amazing and beautiful wife Mallory for being there for me from day one,” he said.
As Brandon navigated the road to recovery and understanding his new way of life, he found a great deal of comfort and strength through his faith in God.
He described his time at BSWIR’s Day Neuro Program as, “The best experience I’ve ever had when it comes to care and support, not to mention the amazing creativity from the whole staff to come up with exercises and tasks specific for each patient.”
Brandon is now back at home, walking without assistance, doing activities of daily living independently, driving and hoping he will be able to return to work with some accommodations in the future. He is especially excited to be back at home with Mallory and his sons.
Brandon was so inspired by his progress that he created his own therapy gym at home. It includes a weighted vest, pneumonic gloves and a Tens Unit for electrical stimulation so he can continue to set and achieve new goals.
