The information below is from what appears to be a quality website on this topic, and it provides an informed look at what kind of prognosis one might expect in Mel's situation:
www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries You might also take a look at another page on that site::
"Latest Medical Breakthroughs For Spinal Cord Injuries":
www.spinalcord.com/blog/the-latest-medical-breakthroughs-for-spinal-cord-injuriesHighlights from this second page: about
276,000 in U.S. affected by this injury. Cost of treatment: about
$ 1 million first year, $ 185,000 annually in subsequent years. Studying how babies learn to walk may offer new rehab approaches. Injection of stem cells into damaged areas has shown "encouraging results." Mention of use of a drug (one used in cancer treatment, interestingly) that looks "promising."
Toward the end, the page states:
"With so many ongoing studies in the works, chances are that a breakthrough is imminent, and individuals affected by such an incident have good reason to be optimistic about their potential for recovery."In sum, Mel's situation is certainly very serious, but there is indeed reason for hope.