Today i completed a session on the FES bike, both legs and arms, tomorrow morning i’ll be up early to stand with my bars and hopefully break some new records! only time will tell what i can achieve - just wish it didn’t take so long… but then, you shouldn’t wish your life away..
only YOU can make things happen
During the course of 2009 Spinal Research has been fundraising specifically towards our Translational Initiative – aimed at bridging the gap between the treatments which have repaired spinal cord injury in the lab and ones that are safe to apply to humans.
2010 is starting with good news. One of the recently approved projects is the very definition of a truly ‘Translational’ project - The title of this study is: Use of Schwann cells to repair the chronically damaged spinal tract and it is led by Prof James Guest at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
Today my physio went well, i used my treadmill to do weight bearing (assisted) steps, now i am going to alternate each session - parallel bars with the treadmill… last Saturday i stood (using my bars), when i first tried this, i was in my harness unable to hold myself.. leaning 50% on the harness 25% on Steve (physio) so only 25% me! doing the same thing only a few months later i did it for 8 seconds - completely me!!
the next time (only a week later) i stood alone for 2 1/2 minutes (this is by holding my weight through my arms, along with assistance from my legs!!) the next week (last Saturday) i stood for 4 1/2 minutes! if i can continue at this rate… i WILL WALK! this wont be as i was before and may well be with a frame (to start :P) but i AM going to do this! 3yrs ago i could only move my head..
i’ve also had more work done on my back
i do apologise.. i’ve been unable to edit my website for a while, i will bring you up to date later after my PT session
for now here is the LINK to my radio interview! you’ll find my bit 1hr 17min’s in..
the RTI 300 FES bike is great.. and now having the new pad positions while doing the arm cycle in just 8 weeks my strength has shot up - to the point now where i’m looking at a new goal for the summer to transfer without a sliding board! i am moving up… i am moving forward - i wont give up! had i followed the medical advice given as i left hospital.. i’d still be hoisted everywhere - a text book “tetra/quadrapligic” i’d be reliant on everyone for everything… now im heading towards a real goal of independence!
back to my bike, legs and arms.. my energy is much better - my transfers, i’m always
adapting and adjusting, trying to get my independence back - fighting every day for my freedom - just to be as i once was… but.. to be all i can… i will stand and face each day
Phil - RIP
a friend to many, never forgotten
DO NOT right me off just yet… The human body heals.. my body IS healing! i will BE again… not as i once was, i will be as much as i can be - i have already faced death… what i face now can’t be as bad
we are all here for a reason… i haven’t found mine yet
