Springs Brings New Progress And Optimism

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“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.

– Muhammad Ali
That pebble in my shoe has been my struggle with remaining optimistic throughout this process.  Like most people I have my good moments and my bad moments and I am continuing to push myself to have more good moments,

As I mentioned in my last update I had a FES Bike scheduled to be delivered to my house.  Well it showed up and I am very excited.  After an afternoon of training the FES Bike is fully functional and I am using it as often as I can.  Lyndsy was kind enough to convert her guest room into a private gym for me so I have the standing frame, FES Bike and a few other pieces of equipment in there.  It like my own personal 24 Hour Fitness.  The bike is really amazing in that I wheel myself in, someone attaches up to 12 different electrodes to the major muscle groups in my arms and legs and the machine starts sending electrical impulses into my body.  The end result is that I can pedal both arm and leg components of the bike which helps to rebuild muscle strength and retrain my body on how it works.  I am very grateful that the FES Bike became a reality for me and know that it will continue to be a big part of my recovery.

I mentioned the standing frame that my mom got me in my last email.  According to the PT/OT people the standing frame is one of the biggest pieces that I was missing in my recovery.  Essentially I get placed into the frame which allows me to “stand”.  In turn my full body weight is on my bones and I am actually vertical rather than in my chair or flat in my bed.  Since I have started using it I have noticed a reduction in back pain and am enjoying a new perspective/view on life.  I try to get in the frame at least a few hours every day.

I recently got on a new insurance plan which has opened up some new doors for treatment. I actually now have a Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist that are specialists for SCI Injuries rather than generalists.  I am feeling optimistic about how my recovery will progress now that I am able to work with them more frequently.

I am excited that day lights saving time is over and I can now spend Monday afternoons on the golf course with my “boys” from high school and hang out like old times.  While I obviously can’t swing a club yet I enjoy being out in nature and the back and forth that goes on between my friends and I.

I’ve been busy with recovery focused endeavors ranging from American River College’s gym where I am doing a lot of strength building to SCI Fit where I am focusing on walking and standing on my own.  The strength in my arms is continuing to increase and my steps are becoming more like real steps and I am able to use the walker to get around the gym with little assistance.

As April is around the corner I am approaching the one year anniversary of my injury.  I am living proof that the saying, “Your life can change in an instant” is true.  I appreciate everyone’s ongoing support of my recovery and the sacrifices that people have and will continue to make to support me.

Happy Spring.

 

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