'I turned my shower from hot water to cold - when I woke up I was paralysed'
A former soldier broke his neck after a sudden change in water temperature caused him to black out in the shower.
Adrian Scott, 33, woke up to find himself on the floor and unable to move his head after the freak accident on July 8. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors told him it was likely that switching the water from hot to cold sent his body into shock.
Despite being touted by wellbeing enthusiasts, the sudden immersion can cause a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure. These reactions can then trigger a blackout or even a heart attack.
The ex-Scots Guard squaddie, who now works as a fibre engineer, was due to start self-employed work just two days after the accident. However, he is now in a neck brace and has been told he won't be able to work for 12 weeks.
Doctors told him he likely suffered cold water shock (UGC)Adrian, from Edinburgh, told the Daily Record: "I remember changing the water to cold and the next thing I woke up on the floor. At first I just thought I'd knocked myself out. I put my foot through the wall and my back was in a lot of pain but then I realised I couldn't move my head.
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"The doctors told me pretty quickly I'd broken my neck. All my tests ruled out any medical conditions. They said the only thing that could have caused the collapse was my body going into shock from the sudden change in water temperature. I've had many cold showers over the years to invigorate myself but after speaking with doctors I realise they can be quite dangerous."
Adrian, who served in Afghanistan, handed in his notice for his previous job just days before the accident. He has now been forced to sell his car so he can try and pay his bills.
Adrian with his girlfriend Honor Jenkinson (UGC)
Adrian pictured before the freak accident (UGC)His girlfriend, 25-year-old Honor Jenkinson, has launched a fundraiser to financially support him while he recovers. Adrian added: "I normally go to the gym five days a week and lead a very active lifestyle. Being stuck like this has come with a set of mental challenges.
"I've been told I won't be able to work for at least 12 weeks but the doctors still don't know what the long term damage will be. I sold my car to try and cover my mortgage payments and direct debits after my savings ran out. I'm not entitled to many benefits at the moment so my partner has started a fundraiser.
"I'm really grateful for the support I've received so far. It has been devastating but I keep telling myself there are other people out there dealing with worse circumstances."
A note on the GoFundMe, which has raised over £3,600 at the time of writing, says: "We have contacted many charities and also universal credit to see what help or support can be given but unfortunately, we have found ourselves no further forward.
Adrian, a former ex-Scots Guard soldier, served in Afghanistan (UGC)"We are looking for friends to donate anything you can afford to help contribute to Adrian's costs over the next 12 weeks. All donations will go towards covering essential bills, such as mortgage, council tax, gas and electricity.
"Adrian is not one for asking anyone for help so I have set up this page on his behalf and as all of you will know he is always more than willing to help others. I know that he will appreciate any help that anyone can give. Thank you all so much."
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
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