Alex will walk again

i tried the FES arm bike but just couldn’t take it… my shoulders were aching way to much, it does show how much work goes into standing - i need to give my body time to recover in-between sessions

Today i found a few interesting things out while on the bars.. as i push up taking my weight through my upper body, then lowering back down “sharing” my weight through my legs, then pushing back up.. my legs then go into extension, making me do a little jump! this then makes my right leg step back.. using my hips and upper body i can then step forward again (this is all done in my harness) i can repeat this a few times, while doing this there is a lot of weight going through my wrists, as you can imagine this restricts things.. but by using my FES arm bike, i can build up my wrists and forearms, allowing me to push further! walking for me CAN be achieved but will require good upper body strength - watch this space…

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

LINK 1 HOUR 17 MINUTES into the show i get interviewed live on air, you can listen by clicking the LINK

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