Denniston Spinal Cord Surgery

Christina Cole — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:25:21 GMT

Dave Denniston, a former NCAA Champion from Auburn University and USA National Swim Team member is still recovering and healing from a tragic snow sledding accident on February 6th, 2005, that left him paralyzed from the waist down after suffering a spinal cord injury.

"Spinal fluid flow has been restored quicker than expected. Other than that, it has been hell having to lay on my side and not sit up for 72 hours," said Dave Denniston from his hospital bed via cell phone. He is currently plagued by intense headaches that are temporary due to the loss of spinal fluid which over time will be replenished.
Scar tissue trapped the flow of spinal fluid which pooled in a cavity called the syrinx. By removing the scar tissue the flow was restored and any buildup of fluid in the syrnix will now drain naturally.

Denniston will remain in the hospital throughout the weekend. He says he can feel more sensation in his lower body and his hips which is the best case scenario to be expected after surgery.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Christina Cole

Suit Settled in Gymnast's Paralyzing Injury

Christina Cole — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 19:26:24 GMT

A settlement has been reached this month in a lawsuit between a 17-year-old gymnast and the gym where she suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury last year. The details of the settlement are sealed. Circuit Judge W. Lowell Bray Jr. signed off on the agreement this month.

The settlement with /suncoast Gymnastics Academy Inc. can could aid funding for the parents of Samantha Slusak to help with new treatments for their daughter. Due to the confidentiality of the settlement, Frank and Cellie Slusak declined to make any comments. Their attorney, Brandon Peters, also declined to comment.

On July 12, 2005, the lawsuit alleged, Slusak attempted a difficult new maneuver "beyond her skill level" at the behest of an academy employee. The suit accused the gym of negligence, but the gym's owners described it as a freak accident during a routine maneuver.
Slusak attempted a front flip off a trampoline into a cushioned pit - but never got out. She not only injured her neck, but bruised her spinal cord. The teen was left paralyzed below the shoulders.
She was flown to a Tampa hospital where she was placed in intensive care. The community rallied to raise money for her, as did gym owners Arnold and Cindy Gwinn. Slusak eventually returned home to continue her schooling and undergo daily therapy. "Some days are good, some are bad," she told the Times last Christmas. "I just take it day by day."

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Christina Cole

Tucson Personal Injury Lawyer - Spinal Cord Injury

Denniston Spinal Cord Surgery

Suit Settled in Gymnast's Paralyzing Injury