Silvano's Story
Spinal Cord Injury
Silvano Sanchez, 50, spent much of his life mastering a wide range of skills as a handyman, including plumbing, landscaping and home repairs around Dallas-Fort Worth. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, he moved to Texas in 2000, enjoying a life filled with work and his passion for exercise.But Silvano’s life changed in an instant.
While at work cutting down a tree, he slipped and a heavy branch came crashing down on top of him. Silvano lost consciousness for a few minutes but remembers not being able to move. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Multiple surgeries followed, including a spinal decompression and fusion and procedures to repair his leg.
Following the surgeries, the once self-reliant handyman found himself unable to walk or perform basic daily tasks. “I didn’t want to go home just to stay in bed,” Silvano said. The medical team Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas recommended Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (BSWIR) - Dallas to help him rebuild his life.
Once Silvano was medically stable, he transferred BSWIR - Dallas for the specialty care it offers to spinal cord injury patients. Initially, he felt apprehensive, but hopeful.
On admission to BSWIR - Dallas, he was assessed thoroughly by his care team. With his current condition, he was unable to perform self-care tasks like dressing, bathing, toileting and grooming. He also relied on a power wheelchair for mobility. Silvano could not exercise, cook or hold tools that were once a meaningful part of his life. The therapy team, led by an SCI board certified physician, however, saw his potential.
Physical therapy sessions incorporated equipment like the recumbent cross trainer to build strength in his arms and legs. Silvano’s therapists also had him walking on a treadmill in a weight-supported harness to help retrain his muscles. At the pool, aquatic therapy helped to strengthen his upper and lower body.
Meanwhile, occupational therapy sessions focused on upper body strength and coordination. Functional electrical muscle stimulation was used to promote functionality in his arms. Electrical stimulation sends mild electrical pulses through the skin to help stimulate injured muscles. By causing repeated contractions, blood flow improves, helping repair and strengthen injured muscles. Silvano also used therapy bands to stretch, strengthen and improve arm mobility.
To increase his reaction time and his reach, his therapist challenged him with a light-based reflex training system. This system included touch sensitive, light-up pods that were programmed for his specific needs. Overall, Silvano found that progress took time, and some days were tougher than others.
During his time in BSWIR - Dallas, Silvano became increasingly independent with activities of daily living (brushing his teeth, bladder and bowel management, using adaptive utensils to eat). He also learned to use his power wheelchair independently with a goal-post joystick. He was ready to go home and for the next phase of his recovery.
After discharging from the inpatient hospital, Silvano began the BSWIR - Dallas SCI Max outpatient program to continue his journey, and his progress continued. SCI Max is a comprehensive day rehabilitation program designed for persons who have experienced a spinal cord injury. This intensive individualized therapy program helped Silvano build on his past success. He started cooking meals, like beef tacos, while standing with minimal assistance. “I felt fantastic, especially thinking about where I was,” he said. He also began walking with supervision — a feat that marked a significant leap from his initial days in rehabilitation.
“Therapy helped me a lot,” Silvano said. “I couldn’t do anything when I first got here, but everything has helped.” He was particular grateful for the motivation and encouragement from the staff and the variety of equipment and activities that helped keep him motivated.
One memorable breakthrough came during the SCI Max program when he was able to put on his shirt unaided. “I tried many times, but I finally did it on my own,” he said. “That felt fantastic.”
Reflecting on his time at BSWIR - Dallas, Silvano described his experience as “beautiful.” He credits his recovery to the skilled team of therapists who guided him and the support of his family and friends.
Today, Silvano is focused on exercising and continuing to heal, with hopes to travel to visit with loved ones in the near future.
“I can do more things on my own now,” he said.