How a lupus diagnosis led to paraplegia: Georgina’s story [Video]

After a lupus-induced spinal cord injury, Georgina Fiorentino found hope and independence through the support of the Spinal Research Institute.

Georgina Fiorentino had experienced blood clots as a complication of lupus disease before, but when one formed in her spine in 2003, she never imagined the lifelong consequences.

“(It) caused a complete paraplegia, so I have no movement or feeling from the waist down,” Georgina, 51, says.

“You wouldn’t ever suspect that could happen, but that’s what happened to me.”

Georgina is one of almost 21,000 Australians living with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Depending on the severity and where it is located, a spinal cord injury can present significant life challenges, such as paralysis and loss of sensation, and can impact bodily functions including bowel, bladder and sexual function, breathing and sleep, as well as emotional health.

Quality of life

Researchers around the world continue to work on finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

Meanwhile, …