It looks like Dan Russell hasn't posted in 3.5 years and his website is unregistered, so I doubt we will hear from him - but it would be cool if we did.

I found his initial post a bit sad, because he was hoping to get a full recovery, even though he had no movement in his hand after 5 weeks (while most other functions had returned). He did get a good recovery other than his hand.

I had a fracture and spinal cord bruise at T12 in 1978. It is a very different injury than yours, although it was similarly asymmetric and affected my left leg. I tried to keep conservative on my expectations for recovery. I knew I'd at least be able to get around in a wheelchair and walk with crutches if necessary. So my main goal was to be able to pee (fortunately that happened).

For quite awhile I was limited to walking and then eventually toproping. I didn't really expect to ever lead again, but I became solid enough and I try very hard to avoid falls.

My left foot is still weak; I can't lift it quite to 90 degrees. I can walk fairly normally and hike with an ankle brace. Rock climbing is not very high impact, so I can climb reasonably well (long free climbs, walls, etc.). I'm limited on some stuff that is foot intensive, like slab climbing, steep cracks under 2", fist and ow. But of course everyone has their limitations, whatever their source.

I think the key to having fun is to be able to surprise yourself sometimes, and enjoy the level you can achieve.