Home: Specialty Centres: Rehabilitation Centre: Patient Stories: Peter Sheahan

Peter Sheahan

Peter Sheahan was in his first year of Engineering at the Royal Military College in 1983, when he over-rotated on a gymnastic exercise during a team practice, breaking the fourth and fifth vertebrae in his neck, leaving him paralyzed. He spent the following six weeks in an acute care hospital. After being stabilized, he was transferred to The Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) where he spent the next year.

Peter faced the difficult adjustment of going from his busy, active student life, to being completely immobile. The morning after he arrived at the Centre, he got dressed in his own clothes for the first time since his accident. This made him fell alive again.

Peter found that TRC staff members were there to support him in every way; they had such a positive view and a “we’re going to maximize what you can do” attitude. He was able to develop a rapport with his primary nurse and rehabilitation team, who encouraged and worked with him towards his rehabilitation goals.

As part of his physiotherapy treatment, he did range of motion exercises in the pool and strength training that helped him to slowly regain movement in his arms. The Occupational Therapist helped Peter increase his independence by outfitting him with adaptive aids in order to enable him to perform many everyday tasks by himself.

During his stay at TRC, Peter was exposed to many activities that he was unaware were possible for him to do. He learned the art of woodworking and oil painting which not only helped him to improve his arm movements but also allowed him to express himself. He still enjoys these activities to this day.

Through Recreational Therapy, Peter participated in various social outings. These activities helped to build his confidence and self-esteem about being in a wheelchair in public. “It’s a huge mental adjustment. You want people to see you for who you really are and not just the wheelchair.”

The Social Worker met with Peter and his family regularly to answer their questions about the changes that Peter faced with his disability. “It’s reassuring to know that life goes on when you can talk to someone and have your questions answered” notes Peter.

Peter started going home on weekends, and occasionally stayed in the Independent Living Unit at TRC to test his ability to manage on his own. His determination and hard work paid off. In 1984, only 18 months after his accident, Peter went back to school to complete a degree in Commerce at Carleton University. He even lived in a residence on-campus, where he met his future wife.

Today, Peter leads a successful career in Commerce and enjoys spending time with his two children. Along with his wife, he has driven across Canada and traveled to many countries, including a six month trip to Australia, New Zealand and across North America. Through his workplace and personal accomplishments, Peter is affirming his determination to live his life to the fullest.