An interesting, informative and valued account of both Christopher Reeve, his death, and his injury. I too was greatly saddened at his death. He was doing some great work in an effort to aid people with similiar and/or related conditions.

Thank you for this piece.

Claire

I agree that the WaPo had the best explanation of Reeve's death. I cited their package about him on my thread about his death. I also made a point of saying that pressure wounds do not normally follow the causal path Reeve's did. I think it important to emphasize that before people latch onto to something inaccurate. In an online chat at the WaPo, a physician who treated Reeve during the early years of his paralysis did what he could to dispel some of the nonsense cropping up, such as there is some kind of "winding down" process for people with SCI. But, considering how people are, no telling what claptrap they will end up believing.

Considering your interest in SCI, I think you would enjoy reading Teddy Pendergrass autobiography, Truly Blessed, which I've reviewed. He does an excellent job of describing living as a quadriplegic. BTW, he had a bout of dysreflexia at the famous Live Aid concert. It was hot and there was no air conditioning. His temperature spiraled, sparking autonomic responses. Fortunately, his aides controlled it by packing bags of ice around him.

(For people not exposed to the subject matter, quadriplegics cannot control their body temperature. They are unable to sweat below the point of injury.)

Of course, with my background, I thought about issues of negligence while reading about Reeve. But, I'm going to withhold judgment until I know more. Reeve had a very powerful personality. He made have made the decision about whether to be hospitalized to care for his pressure wound. Reminds me of Pendergrass, again. He traveled to an awards show while requiring an operation on a pressure wound. So, let's wait and see.

Exceptional post Joe, perhaps your best and most important ever - I really appreciate the information beign presented in such a clear and logical manner. Now I'm sadder still about it since it never should have happened

Thank you for writing this detailed and informative description of the medical details and issues surrounding the death of this inspirational person. I have cited your article on my own blog.

Thanks again.

John.

Typo in previous comment: He may have made the decision about whether to be hospitalized to care for his pressure wound.

I've seen a few other pieces online alleging negligent care, but none of them substantiate the claim, either. Such a case turns on why Reeve was being treated when and where he was. It is possible his doctors approved the home treatment and/or that Reeve refused suggestions he be hospitalized. He spoke to scientists working on SCI research within a week of the day he died. Seems that he was very determined to adhere to his work schedule. Again, I think people should wait and see before assuming Reeve's caregivers were at fault for his death.