At the age of 22, Ben Jones had already achieved a successful career as a scaffolder. It was a job he enjoyed, as he was always a lover of the outdoors and sports, though he did admit it was “heavy” at the best of times.
However, on the 12th of June 2021, he sustained a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury following a road traffic accident. It was an emotional and physical challenge for Ben, especially as his injury took him away from his friends and family during the Covid Pandemic.
This case study, written in August 2024, shares Ben’s journey from before his accident, at STEPS Rehabilitation, and his plans for the future.
Before STEPS Rehabilitation
Immediately following the accident, Ben was taken by road ambulance to the Birmingham Queen Elizabeth (QE) Hospital for surgery. “My very first thought was, will I walk again. I didn’t know what to expect. I woke up in intensive care, obviously, I woke up in the bed, didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t move anything, at the time I was paralysed”, Ben recalled.
At the time, visits from family were prohibited due to Covid-19 restrictions, leaving him alone with his thoughts for two weeks. Ben said, “the first two weeks were quite rough for me. Just because, obviously, I'm not being able to use my hands. Couldn’t go on my phone, couldn’t really text anyone. So, I was just quiet for the first two weeks, I was just in my own head pretty much. You have a lot of thoughts running through your mind of what’s going to happen to me.”
After four weeks at QE, Ben was transferred to Oswestry Hospital’s spinal unit, and while visitors were still limited, he was finally able to see his loved ones. This was a major boost for him, but he was still only at the beginning of his road to recovery. After spending ten weeks on bedrest at Oswestry, Ben was discharged and was determined to reclaim his independence. Over the next year and a half, he explored various physiotherapists and rehabilitation methods. Despite his efforts, his confidence remained low, restricting his ability to enjoy the outdoor activities he loves.
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Ben was admitted to STEPS Rehabilitation on 16th October 2023, nearly two and a half years post injury, for intensive spinal cord rehabilitation.
His goals at the time of his admission were:
- Improve lower limb strength
- Enhance standing and walking balance
- Improve gait and, if possible, reduce reliance on his crutch
- Trial Functional Electrical Stimulation, if appropriate
- Access hydrotherapy
- Improve upper limb function, specifically hand function and triceps strength
- Reduce spasms
- Explore access to wheelchair sports
- Improved bladder management
Looking back at his time at STEPS, Ben has a lot of fond memories, especially “how nice everyone is, they make you feel really welcome, even though they don’t really know you, they’re just offering you, would you like this and what can I do for you, for example. Ben has benefited greatly from the wide range of therapies available at STEPS. He has tried everything offered and enjoyed each treatment. Among the therapies, he particularly enjoyed hydrotherapy, finding immense relief and joy in knowing he could still swim, a favourite activity of his. This reassurance that he could swim in the sea again was really important to him.
In the RehabHub, Ben utilised the rehabilitation technology on offer, including the MindPod and the Ankle Motus. The Ankle Motus has been particularly effective for his dropped foot in his right ankle, improving his ability to move it up and down. Additionally, the MindPod has significantly enhanced his balance.
Speech and Language therapy (SLT) was also a major part of Ben’s rehabilitation journey. When he first arrived, he lacked a lot of the confidence he needed to gain independence. One thing he pointed out was the desire to still spend time with his friends as he did before his accident, being able to order a drink at the pub, for example. Ben made rapid progress thanks to his optimistic outlook and clear goals to achieve.
Another obstacle Ben was keen to overcome was his bladder management, which represented a roadblock on the path to his independence. Working closely with Clinical Nurse Educator, Darren Bracken, and Consultant in spinal injuries and rehabilitation medicine, Dr Rohit Bhide, Ben improved quickly over the course of his stay, with his improved independence due to his bladder management being significant in enabling him to engage so well with all remaining forms of rehabilitation at STEPS.
The STEPS community has provided a supportive environment, where Ben is surrounded by individuals with similar injuries and experiences. “There is no embarrassment, and it is inspiring to see everyone’s progress.”
Furthermore, with the support of the STEPS team, Ben has been able to explore the local outdoors, which has given him the confidence to take his dog out on his own when he returns home.
Transition Home
Ben has returned home now after his stay at STEPS but left with a newfound sense of confidence in his ability. He feels well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to live an inclusive life and is particularly looking forward to enjoying a holiday.
“The team at STEPS makes you feel really welcome. It’s been really good. The thing I’m most proud of is the nature walks. I really struggled with uneven ground and walking outdoors. Now, going outside and knowing I can walk on grass or uphill is no longer such a challenge. The advice I’d give to anyone coming to STEPS is: as long as you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything you want. Just keep on going.”
The community setting at STEPS has supported Ben in making lasting friendships with a variety of individuals, but it was the dogs he loved most. Ben said: “It’s good they have dogs at STEPS; if you’re a dog lover yourself, it’s nice to have them around for the companionship. If you’re learning to walk again, you can have a nice therapy dog and get outdoors, it’s really positive. They’re nice to have there with you in the gym.”
As much as Ben loved Nala and the rest of the STEPS dog team, he is most looking forward to returning home and finally being able to take his own dog, Archie, for walks again. He is eager to regain his independence and enjoy watching football matches with his friends.
Ben's journey showcases the potential achieved with access to dedicated rehabilitation and multidisciplinary care. His future is now filled with possibilities, and he is ready to take on his next chapter with the support of his family and friends.
His video case study can be viewed here.