oh great

Go figure I'd find out the hard way that Tom's shoulder blades do not recognize temperature*.

Since Tom's shoulder had been bugging him, he asked for a heating pad to help reduce the muscle pain. No problem. We've used a rice pad before. I felt the temperature before I placed it on his shoulder, and it didn't seem very warm to me. So, I put it on his shoulder, and went on my merry way.

Yeah, uhm, continuous heat on one spot can create burns. I do know this, honest. But, I didn't realize Tom's shoulders do not register temperature. Hence, the spectacular 3 inch by 1.5 inch burn on his shoulder blade. Only about a 1 inch by 1 inch spot blistered... but still...

Geez. I feel so smart.

Yet another learning experience taught the hard way. Now, I have to tend to a burn. Yay me for not thinking things all the way through.

* Any person with an SCI injury can lose or hinder their ability to feel temperature or touch from their injury. Normally the loss of sensation is below the injury level. With Tom being a C-5, he has 'normal' sensation from mid pectorals in his chest upwards, his upper arms, and shoulders. Obviously, this sensation level is up a little higher on his back... Worth knowing when using heat. And, FYI, Tom does have sensation below his injury level. Its just not quite 'normal' sensation.