Never, Never Give Up!

Good morning!

I am a T-12 incomplete . . . I went to my doctor of physical medicne on Monday . . . 3 years after my spinal cord infarction at T-12 . . . and he was amazed . . . he said I was now an L-1 incomplete on both sides. He urged me to keep working my butt off.

I must be totally honest . . . after one year with no return that I could detect . . . I shifted my energy from return . . . to pain management. I first tried pain drugs but all they did was make me sleep. So I then tried accupuncture. Since March of this year I have been getting accupuncture two times per week . . . and the pain (from my perspective . . . a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10) is almost completely gone!

As a result, I have been standing with my leg braces three times a week for about 20 minutes . . . and swimming in a warm water therapy pool for about an hour three times a week. I can now walk . . . almost normally in water up to my arm pits, using a ten pound ankle weight on each ankle to hold my legs down.

I look pretty goofy . . . but I can step . . . and holding on to the side wall, walk the entire lenght of the pool forwards and sideways. I can't walk backward, but what the heck . . . this is real progress!

My Doctor of Physical Medicne wrote a script for me to get physical therapy twice a week for the next ten weeks to see what happens. He said that there is new research out there that suggests returns are possible for those who want it . . . and work for it . . . for up to seven years!

Yesterday was my first day of Physical Therapy in almost one year . . . and with the help of my therapist . . . I stood without leg braces for about 5 minutes. Don't get me wrong, I still can't feel my knee-caps . . . but I can move them on demand!

This is too cool. Never, never give up . . . if you don't use it, you will lose it!

Jim

By FireFly01230
Posted August 7, 2009 at 1:02 pm
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Jim,
EXCELLENT!! WHAT A BLESSING!! LQQK at you!!! Did it feel surreal to you at first? (C5-T1 bone fusions with metal plate at C5-6 here)

After reading your post, you inspired me to write this. For appx. a month, I've had PT. I've tried so hard to do the exercises the way the PT wants me to do--it is such a struggle. However, yesterday, I walked with my ole trusty walker about 10 feet. I couldn't believe it. I use a brace on one of my legs, too. The entire session seemed surreal to me. As for me, I believe it's a miracle.

My PT says I need to learn how to walk again. It's true--I've forgotten. It is difficult not to cry just writing this post to you. Do I dare get my hopes up about walking on a treadmill just 5 minutes a day? For the past 6 years the only point-of-view I've had is from my wheelchair. Yes, I dare to hope--to dream. You are so right, Jim... Never... Never Give Up! I may never hike again, but I do hope to continue standing and walking.

Thank you for sharing your victories with us. Will you please say a prayer for me regarding OT for my arms.

Please keep us updated. I love this community.

-Barb

By carole338
Posted August 10, 2009 at 11:36 am
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I had my spinal cord infarction at T-10/11, incomplete, 2 ½ years ago. I worked my butt of during therapy and actually got my injury level to around an L2. It took 8 months of very hard work and excellent therapists.

Since my release I’ve seen very little improvement, but I have not been working hard. I seem to have given up. Depression sets in and it is hard to keep it away.
Jim, your post has given me renewed hope.

I have often thought of getting acupuncture but have trouble getting someone to drive me. I do have a pool and today I WILL WALK with the use of my walker.

Thanks for your inspiring post.

Carole

By angelbrd67
Posted August 11, 2009 at 2:28 am
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Way to Go~~~!!!!! It is stories like this that give us so much Hope. Matt can stand on his right leg in the pool for several seconds I love the ideal of leg weights going to try that tomorrow and see how it goes. Congrats on the wonderful progress your making!

By janders199
Posted August 11, 2009 at 8:14 am
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Thank you all . . . your kind words me a great deal to me personally . . . I'll keep you all posted with my frequent successes . . . which I plan on having!
As always,
Jim

By greensmile
Posted August 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm
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we're with you.never ever give up hope,keep the faith,and keep smiling.soooo here are encouraging smiles,prayers and hope for all :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
love you guys :)

By janders199
Posted August 12, 2009 at 8:30 am
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After I had my spinal cord infarction at T-12 they thought that leg braces would do the trick for me and help me keep "weight bearing" on my bones so they remained strong by standing. I was fitted for a pair by a firm that specializes in leg braces for a paraplegic. They keep my leg stiff so I can walk around with my walker "peg-legged." Yes, I look goofy so sometimes I just stand with the walker for balance and watch TV. My doctor of Physical Medicne told me to do that (stand) 3 times/week for 20 minutes each time. That's pretty easy. If someone tries to also selly you a KFO . . . from my experience that is over kill. I never use the KFO aspect and the KFO is the expensive part. Good luck and God Bless you and your nephew!

Jim

By Nina372
Posted August 12, 2009 at 2:19 pm
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WWHHOOOHOOO!!! Lean to the left! lean to the right! stand up, sit down! fight fight fight! GGOOOOO JIM!!!
Just some cheer leading to help encourage you.
I am so happy to hear about your progress!
Since I read your other post ''T-12 Incomplete'' I have been praying for you every day in my devotional time.
continue with the hard work and stay encouraged :)
Nina

By MILDREDP322
Posted August 12, 2009 at 8:42 pm
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION THE DOCTOR TOLD MY NEPHEW THAT WHEN HE GETS THE BRACES HE WILL BE ABLE TO STAND AND THEN WALK A LITTLE WHICH GAVE HIM SOME HOPE SO AFTER 4 MONTHS IN THE HOSPITAL HE GOING HOME. GOD BLESS YOU

By SaraKudela
Posted August 13, 2009 at 8:18 am
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Congrats Jim!!! Very inspiring and great to hear! My dad is a C4 incomplete quad going on 2 years now. He's been going to therapy 3 times a week for the entire 2 years thanks to an equally inspiring PT that is willing to work with him physically and financially. My dad has just now begun walking with a walker-for short periods of time and I have to say that I don't think he wouldve gotten this far had it not been for his dedication and unwavering belief that he will walk again.

It's amazing! I'm so happy for you and I can't wait to hear more of the progress to come!!!

By janders199
Posted August 13, 2009 at 9:29 am
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OMG Sara!

I go to the same PT . . . the guy helping your dad is named Eric . . . I use Phil Cadman and Andy someone and they are GREAT! I'm going for more PT with Andy today! I will look out for your dad. And I just realized that you live in Cincinnati! Obviously, so do I!

God bless you!

Jim

By SaraKudela
Posted August 14, 2009 at 11:22 am
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That is great! How long have you been going to Phil's. Phil, Andy & Eric are all great therapists! My dad usually goes Mon Wed and Fri 3pm, I just told him about your post yesterday, if you see him you should say hello!

By janders199
Posted August 14, 2009 at 11:30 am
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I started going to Phil's one year after my SCI, the summer of 2007. Phil was recommended by a fellow para. He's the best. I stopped going when the return didn't seem to progress . . . then I went back to Dr. Nobunga two weeks ago and he told me to get my lazy butt back into therapy!

I work with Andy now. He's the best and we both clicked on a personal level. He's given me homework assignments . . . which I cheerfully do.

I go on Monday's and Thursday's at 11am. I will switch one appointment in the not too distant future to 3pm so I can meet your dad.

If you are ever in Anderson Township . . . stop by and say hello . . . give me a call first so I know you are coming . . . 513-550-1200.

Jim

By graybeard
Posted August 15, 2009 at 10:16 pm
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Dang it!!!! I was jus in Cincy for the boys' State Wars roller hockey tournament. Wish I had known this earlier, I would have liked to have met up with ya'll. Still, its great fun to read of people being able to gain some recovery...keep working guys!

Welcome to Inspire!

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