Hanz's regional support story

Most spinal cord injuries occur as a result of accidents but there are cases where they develop over many years. Minor injuries that haven’t been properly treated can contribute to further damage of the spine.

What would you do if one day a doctor told you that in a few years you would no longer be able to walk?  Read Hanz's story about finding SCIA's regional support team and how he received a NEW mogo wheelchair.

 

 

Hanz Kilian had to face this diagnosis in his twenties after childhood accidents and teenage ambition led to serious health problems. At the age of 14, Hanz carelessly dived into a shallow pool and struck his head on the floor. Seeing no obvious damage at the time he didn’t seek a medical examination.

Three years later, Hanz began a career in the army and, after passing his basic training, he was accepted into the School of Military Engineering in Sydney. At the age of 18, as his engineering course came to close, the only exercise left was a 10 day manoeuvring session to put theory into practice. One of the tasks was to build a bridge over a small culvert, using accessible materials. Everything was going well until Hanz lost his balance while carrying a log. He fell about four metres and landed on the small of his back.

“The mistake I made at this time was not to report the injury. My only concern was to finish the course and get posted. Pressing on I put up with the pain, completed the course and was posted to Holsworthy Gallipoli Barracks”.

Just as Hanz didn’t give up on his career, the back pain didn’t give up on him. Only a few months later he had to report to the medical centre where X-rays were taken. It revealed nothing and Hanz had to be taken to another hospital for further examination. “I found out that I had a cervical stenosis and cervical damage from a previous injury. “

Because of his medical condition, Hanz was discharged from the army. Unfortunately, his pain was only getting worse until one day he collapsed, unable to walk. From that moment onwards, Hanz was going from one hospital to another, undergoing all of the necessary examinations and surgical procedures. 

In his mid-twenties he was placed on a disability pension, but he felt he wasn’t ready for that and opened his own trucking business.  His condition was quite stable until the age of 36, when the pain became intolerable again and he had to have a spinal cord stimulator implanted.

“I was told that my condition would not get better and to expect to be in a wheelchair by the age of 40”.  He managed to carry on for 14 years more than the doctors estimated but, at 54 years old, Hanz is now adapting to life with a spinal cord injury and ongoing pain management.

SCIA Regional Support Services

Hanz is a client of the Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) Regional Services which offer assistance and support to people with physical disabilities and their families.

“My first contact with the organisation was with Craig Lees, who simply knocked on my door 18 months ago. He said he heard of me and decided to call. Craig has visited me on many occasions and always keeps me informed”.

As a member of SCIA, Hanz also receives regular notifications of upcoming events and programs and has access to all the services offered by the organisation. Recently he was approved to participate in the flexible respite programme and will be sponsored to take a three day trip to Sydney and fulfil his wish of watching a live rugby league game.

Hanz was also a lucky winner of a new Mogo wheelchair which was donated to SCIA. He wanted a new one as he only had a simple and heavy fold up model. On the day the winner was announced he was visiting his surgeon in Sydney.

“For some reason I felt I would win. When my wife was packing the car to leave, I asked her to leave enough room to fit another wheelchair in. She just laughed. On the very day I sat with my mobile phone alongside all morning.  And it rang!”

Hanz’s story can act as a wake-up call for people who are convinced of their invincibility. Our health and safety have to be put first in every life situation as even minor damages to our body can result in a lifelong disability. Nevertheless, as Hanz explains, he is still grateful for what he has.

“While the future is not looking all that great, I guess I can consider myself fortunate that I can still stand despite the pain for a short period and along with the medication, lead a reasonably normal life, even though a wheelchair is required”.