Son broke his back. He just wants to lie in bed. Advice please.

[ErnesttheBavarian]

Ds, 16, broke his back last Saturday mountain biking. He was released from hospital on Wednesday, with a back brace, which he's been told to wear all day, so from getting up in the morning to going to bed. He's been told not to remain in the same position, so stand for a bit, sit for a bit, lie for a bit etc. Shouldn't sit on low (normal) chair, only lean against a highish stool.

So, he finds sitting uncomfortable, feels like an idiot standing, and basically just wants to lie in bed. He is a very stubborn teenager.

He is supposed to be going to school on Monday. They have organised a high desk for him. But I don't know how that's going to work out, or even taking his bag to and from school.

I'm also concerned that lying about is going to be bad for his back. He is way taller and heavier and more stubborn than me. How do I get him off his bed, other than explaining, which I have done, and how do I best support him? He has 1 more week of school before 2 weeks holiday.

Feeling very frustrated.

oh how horrendous. wishing a speedy recovery.
with regards to appointments- ask the health insurance. you might be able to get a 'taxischein' so that you can get reimbursed for travelling to and from.

Thanks for the kind words and the tools, some of them I'd never have thought of. I'll compile a list and get on the phone 1st thing Monday morning. I'm confident I'll be able to sort out all the appointments.

He's quite a shy person, so he feels especially uncomfortable with people who openly stare at him. He saw a couple of girls there that he knows from judo, so went and spoke to them. Aw he was cringing. We didn't stay long but I'm glad we went.

I'm wondering if it's possible to apply for a temporary disabled parking badge. He can't walk that far and we definitely need the extra space around the car to help him in and out. I managed to get a P & C space yesterday when we had to go and buy him some new shoes. Felt weird. Not been in one of those for years! At the lake had to park miles away to get a wide space, was looking longingly at the disabled bays. Glad I didn't screen consider doing it though, as the police were there ticketing the people who had parked there when we went to leave

Does he love mountain biking? If he wants to do that again, or anything active really,, he better follow exactly the recovery instructions that doctors told him.

(this is what I would tell my stubborn DS).

Keep food only downstairs so he has to come to it.
LIkewise keep nicking his phone.

Annoy him with chatter that only stops when he gets out of bed for a walk around the house.

How is he getting on? Hope his recovery is going well.