Just giving everybody an update. I was hurt in October 2012 and classified as a c5 incomplete quad. I was also on a vent and had a traque in. I breath and talk on my own now. I was told I only had a 10% chance to regain any movement in my head, neck, or arms. Through busting my ass, I have regained full movement in my head and neck. I also have full range in my right arm and my left arm is almost there. My hands are still contracted, but its a work in progress. I had an ingrown toe nail on both my big toes, which wouldn't heal and caused lots of pain. Finally after telling the doctor off, I had her take the nails off and guess what they're finally starting to heal. I have also been working on wheeling myself around in a manual chair. And now the great news. They are talking about me WALKING with braces on my legs in the next week or two. I can't Thank everybody enough for all of the support. If you see me this summer, be sure to stop by and say Hi and have a beer with me.
Thanks Again.
Clinker 2.0
glad to her your going to get or a$$ up an try walking. haha. hope to see you rolling or walking around Scott's. an get working on the truck in the barn. ==suxnopics ==bud
Keep up the good work.
Keep it up !!
That is awesome! Very glad to hear. Keep up the hard work! a=f
Quote from: Air Force Fireman on April 04, 2014, 07:53:15 AM
That is awesome! Very glad to hear. Keep up the hard work! a=f
x2
How'd u get hurt if u don't mind me asking?
It's great to hear someone with so much to overcome get through it. Sounds like you have a great attitude and work ethic! Congrats!
Quote from: ProGrade on April 05, 2014, 06:49:23 PM
It's great to hear someone with so much to overcome get through it. Sounds like you have a great attitude and work ethic! Congrats!
This hits home will post more later and good luck to you.newS10
Thanks guys. To answer how I got hurt, well... I went to do a belly flop in the mud and ended up doing more of a dive. Dive was good, the landing not so much, lol. There was a "SMIDGE" of alcohol involved.
Man that sucks hope your recovery goes well.
Out at Perkins? I was standing right there. Scary p00.
Yeah, it was at Perkins. The craziest part is I've done some pretty dumb crap over the years, I think we all have, but never thought this would be how I would get hurt. When I actually came to in the hospital, I couldn't believe that's how I got hurt. But p00 happens, I keep saying it could always be worse. I'm going to recover just gonna take time.
And just think how far you have come so far. It won't be to long before you back on your feet. Keep up the hard work.
I stood Thursday and again Friday for the first time on my own feet. It felt great to be standing on my own feet again. Not only did I stand, I stood for an hour and never had any problems. Felt great to stand on my own feet again. Here's a couple pics for ya. Thanks again for the support.
Way to go man. Never give up never surrender. You got this p00 and WGM is here to support you on your way to a full recovery.
Quote from: D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. on April 12, 2014, 04:35:55 PM
Way to go man. Never give up never surrender. You got this p00 and WGM is here to support you on your way to a full recovery.
YES We are.
Thanks for the support guys. Can't wait to do some mud bogging this summer. I'm a good co pilot, if you guys need one, lol. I know your thinkn how the hell does he get in the truck. Well luckily for me I'm a skinny little p00, so its not hard to throw my ass in a truck. Soon I'll be able to transfer myself. GotMud?
Hell yea man!
UPDATE:
Therapy this week was a painful one. Since the muscle's in my shoulder's are starting to come back and we are using them, while we build them, it creates knots and tightness in my shoulders. We have spent the last two days, trying to massage them out. Talk about painful, I know its for my own good, but damn does it hurt. Other then that, it was a good week. The core, shoulders and sitting balance, are all still showing signs of improvement. I was able to wheel myself up the wheelchair ramp at therapy today and my sit up's and rolling are getting better and better. Thank You again for all of the support.
Clinker 2.0
Hell yeah no pain no gain. Just keep it up and soon you'll be trying kick all us in the ass and yelling at us to keep up.
It awesome to see your recovery. Keep up the good attitude!
Thanks for the support guys.
:) glad to see you are getting better bud
Moving along. We worked the core really good this week and we bumped up the weight for my shoulder exercise's. I stood for an hour again, with no trouble. We started working on me transferring myself. From mat to mat for now and did it once to my chair today. For being the first time trying it, I did exceptionally well with it. Got a ways to go, but its a great start. My therapist filmed the transfer so her staff, students and myself could study it. The left wrist is still fighting us a lot, but we are slowly getting some flexion out of it. Thank you for all of the support.
Clinker 2.0
Hell yeah! And it sounds like to me that your positive attitude it what is. Helping you
Recover so quickly so keep it up man.
Keep pushing. Look forward to hearing about your full recovery soon.
never say you cant say ill try good luck been their done that
I've had better. This week has been a rough one. I have been spazing all week and all through the night. We can't figure out why, our best guess is the change in weather. We worked the shoulders and the core again this week. I stood for an hour with no problems in the parallel bars and we usually have to have a brace on my left wrist, but we didn't need it, due to the wrist staying straight on its own and me being able to push weight through it. I can sit on my own and hold my balance while resisting being pushed left, right, front and back. I need some more work when being pushed forward, but all great improvements considering everything going on. Thank you, for all of your support.
Clinker 2.0
This is good news. Keep up the great progress.
Keeping on. I still had lots of trouble with spasms again this week. Still unsure why. Lower back is a little sore, from having them. But a little shaking and tightness isn't going to stop me. We did some core, pecs and shoulder exercises. We also worked the triceps really good. I practiced wheeling myself up the ramp today and did really well with it, still needs a little more work. I had a progress report this week and in the past month or so, my left wrist has gone from -15 degrees to +20 degrees, finally!! I also transferred myself from table mat to table mat with little to no asstiance. For the first time, I was able to transfer back to the table mat using my left arm. Thank You, for all of your support.
Clinker 2.0
:)
Updates?
GotMud?
Doing excellent! sounds like the positive attitude really helps the healing process. Good luck and keep being positive.
Yeah Buddy!! Had a great week. We worked my lower back, core, shoulders, traps, triceps and my oblique's. I did a new exercise that worked almost all the muscles I just listed and did very well with it. My core and trunk control, have gotten to the point where I'm being able to control it better during exercises. Today we worked on going from a wedge to sitting my self up, still needs work, but it went very well. I also stood for an hour, after doing shoulders, they were a bit tired, but after a quick break I was good to go. We did push ups with some asstiance. I'm still doing my sit ups at home, along with arm exercises. Thank You, everybody for your amazing support. Truly honored, to have so much support.
Clinker 2.0
applaudd
Doing good. We did core, shoulders, back and obliques. We really stuck it to my shoulders and pecs this week. I have been really working my triceps and biceps at home. I'm also stretching my fingers several times a day, for several minutes at a time and also stretching the wrist more. I'm slowly gaining more strength on my obliques. I'm getting pretty good about catching myself, when sitting on the mat. If I fall side to side and forward. I also found I'm starting to be able to push myself up, off my knees. Thank you for all of your support.
Clinker 2.0
applaudd :P applaudd :P applaudd ;D ;D
==wgm
This is a good picture.
Cool pic. GotMud?
Not bad. We did shoulder's, triceps, back and pecs. We worked on transferring myself from my chair to the mat and trying to move my hips forward in the chair, to make the transfer much easier. I'm doing good with it, but we have a ways to go and I have to figure out, how to move my feet. Its a work in progress. I also worked on trying to sit myself up, while leaning on my side. The left arm is stretching out pretty good, as well as the fingers.
Thank you, for all of the support.
Clinker 2.0
Keep posting your updates. believe it or not we also get positive results from your posts and replies. :)
Thanks, that's good to hear. GotMud?
Well, today is 2 years since my injury, feels like its been 5 years.I would like to be a little further in my recovery, but I'm doing remarkable, for being so early in my recovery and their are great things coming in the future. I can't Thank everybody enough for all of the thought's, prayer's, words of encouragement and on going support. I would also like to Thank Level Eleven Physical Therapy for doing a great job and pushing me to my limits. Thank You everybody.
Clinker 2.0 GotMud?
Looking good. We did shoulder's, core, back, sitting myself up and standing. I stood for an hour and for the first time, I stood on my own for a few seconds, while being able to support myself in the parallel bars, with no assistance. I also am doing better at sitting myself up, but still working at it. Thank you for the support.
Clinker 2.0
Going good. We worked shoulder's, chest, core, back and tricep's. We did push up's and bench press. We added more weight to the bench press. I did arm fly's and we added more weight also, I did really well with both. I also was able to lean forward and put my chest on my knee's, while sitting on the mat, with no assistance. I was able to control myself, as I went down, nice and slow and controlled. Then for the first time, I pushed myself up from my knees, to a sitting position, only did it 3 times on my own, then did it with minimal assistance. I'm super sore and love it. Thank You for all of your continued support.
Clinker 2.0
A little better. We worked core, shoulder's and back. We added more weight and reps to the shoulder exercise, I can for surely feel it. My core and trunk control are getting better. My upper back muscles are improving, but still need attention. We worked out a couple of
knots in my shoulder. I stood for an hour, but my hips were all over the place, other than that it went well. Thanks for the continued support.
Clinker 2.0
GotMud?
Well said. This week we worked back, lats, shoulder's and worked on rolling. The back exercises are going well, still a work in progress. My rolling has improved to the right. The left we are still working on, but I can do a couple reps on my own and the rest with minimal assistance. I was asked to talk to the OT students at MOTT college this week. I talked about my injury and my recovery and what struggles I have with my fingers and wrists. I enjoyed it and was surprised how involved the students got when it came to feeling the tightness in my fingers. The OT professor has asked me to come back in the spring and again next year, to talk to her students.
I am very thankful for all of your continued support. Thank You
Clinker 2.0
Glad your doin a lil better bud, Keep it up!
Doing good. We worked the core, shoulder's and back. We added more weight to a couple exercises, along with a few more reps. I lowered myself down, with my chest on my knees and pushed myself back up 4 times, to a sitting position, with no assistance. I also transferred myself from my chair to the bed 3 times this week, by myself. I've gotten better at pushing myself up, from leaning on my elbow, to a sitting position. The left wrist isn't as tight and were getting more extension out of it. Thank You, everybody for the continued support. I could not do any of this, with out your continued support. Thank you.
Clinker 2.0
very kewl ==cl
I'll take it. We worked the core, shoulders,rolling, back and LEGS!! We added more weight to a couple different shoulder exercises and my arms were jello. The core is getting stronger and stronger. My rolling, has come along way, still need assistance, but less and less and I'm able to do alot of it. The back is still a work in progress. We used E Stem, which sends electric pulses to activate the muscles, on my legs. This was the first time we tried this, on my legs. To our surprise, the muscles responded rather quickly and with little assistance from my therapist, my legs went from bent to extended, in a controlled motion. So we did a couple sets and had no issues. Thank you everybody, for your on going support.
Clinker 2.0 GotMud?
Updates? How ya doin?
Well my New Yr didn't exactly start as planned. I ended up in the hospital, due to a badly infected UTI, which caused me to have a fever of 105.5. I was in from the 1st to 10th. They pumped me full of antibiotics, still on a couple. Then my blood pressure was through the roof, so now it goes from extremely low to extremely high. To top it all off, my phone got a virus and won't turn on past the start up screen. So to all that, I say fukc you beginning of January. Bring on the rest of the month. I'm doing better now, still fighting it a little. I'm going back to therapy Tuesday, time to get back to work.
Quote from: Clinker on September 28, 2014, 01:24:06 PM
Cool pic. GotMud?
Thank you, Clinker and Big D. 4 a very COOL PIC. ==kp ==wgm ++peace ++peace ++peace applaudd
Rough start. After a hospital trip and a 9 day stay. My new yr didn't start exactly as planned. BUT!! two days after being out of the hospital, I started my therapy back up and was able to go all week. I was very sore and lost some strength, but it felt great to be back at it. Thank You EVERYBODY for all the thoughts, prayers and concern.
Clinker 2.0
you got this ==censor
I'm back!! This week went very well in therapy. I had my strength and energy back. My core strength improved greatly, since last week. We worked my shoulder's, back and triceps. I did really well with sitting balance, with resistance. My legs usually have bad spasm's in the morning and through out the day or when ever we move my legs and today is day two, I haven't hardly had any spasm's. Thank You, for your continued support.
Clinker 2.0 GotMud?
cool story bro applaudd
Clinker, Keep up the good work in Therapy. We all wish you well at ==wgm applaudd applaudd ++peace. PS. Keep up the post.
I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE!! to let any set backs, my body throws at me, get me down. And I PROMISE!! I will triumph, once I get them resolved.
Clinker 2.0
cool,when my Truck is back in the mud I will need a good co-pilot.Getting in the Truck ==np we will get you in! ==wgm a=f a=f a=f applaudd applaudd
Twist my arm, ok ya talked me into it. ==wgm
Moving along. This week we worked on shoulder's, core and standing. Added a little more weight to the shoulder exercise's. I pulled my therapist around in an office chair, while wheeling myself. We did a few laps around the gym. We worked on my core with sit ups and resistance. I stood for an hour and was able to control my hips very well. Thanks, for all of the support.
Clinker 2.0 GotMud?
That's good news. Its always good to hear that you are working hard and that its paying off.
Great News. Had my neurologist re-evaluate my level of injury. When I first got hurt, I was classified as Asia A C5. I'm now classified as a low end Asia B almost an Asia C. I'm a C7 on my right side and a C6 on my left. Roughly, This all means my sensation, strength and range of motion have greatly increased, below my initial level of injury. We worked my shoulder's and core a lot this week, I'm pretty sore. I'm very thankful for your continued support. Thank You.
Clinker 2.0 GotMud?
Slice and Dice. On Monday, I had to have surgery on my groin, since I was still having issues from when I had the UTI. The surgery went very well and I was home the same day. I took a couple days off from therapy and went back Thursday. I was sore, but had all my energy. While at therapy, I started having more pain and we were taking it easy. Once I got back home, I was in a lot of pain and it was from two stitches, that had tore out. The doctor told me, I could of went back, the day after surgery. I'm tough, but not that tough. Still sore, but doing good. Now I just got to let it heal, that way I can go back to kicking ass. Thanks for the support.
Clinker 2.0
Back at it. After taking two weeks off of therapy, to heal. I did surprisingly well at therapy this week. I stood, with out getting dizzy and was able to control my hips almost a 100% in the parallel bars. I also was able to pretty much stand on my own, with little assistance. I worked my arms and really worked my core. Thanks for your support.
Clinker 2.0 GotMud?
Up and down. This week we worked, shoulder's, rolling and standing. I also had a progress note on my wrists and fingers, The measurements on my fingers on both hands, have greatly improved. With numbers going from -40 & -50's to 0 & 15 degree's positive, proving that constant stretching is working. The standing however, I struggled with this week. I had no dizziness, but my right leg kept having muscle spasms, causing my hips and body to shift uncontrollably side to side. We also tried a new exercise and it went pretty well. Thank You, for your on going support.
Clinker 2.0 GotMud?
you got this ;)
Glad to hear its going good !! Keep it up
Keeping on. We worked on rolling, sitting balance and some shoulder's. Due to a knot in the left shoulder and extreme pain, we weren't able to do a lot. We did work the knot out, but its still pretty sore. I also worked the core a little. Thank You, to my caregivers for taking great care of me and Thanks for the support.
Clinker 2.0
Slow go. We worked on stretching my left arm, core and some standing. I'm still having trouble with my left shoulder and they worked some knots out, which is very painful, but worth it. The sore is finally starting to heal, now I just have to be careful not to rush it, getting back in the grove. This is hard for me, because I'm very impatient. The core exercises went well, along with the standing. I also had a lot of trouble with dizziness, this week. The fingers on the left hand, did start twitching and moving with e stem. As I say "It Could Always Be Worse" thanks for all of the support.
Clinker 2.0
get your crap together
Just getn it out of my system now. I'll be showing ya how to really drive that jeep, before ya know it.
Looking Up. We worked the knot out of my left shoulder and focused on working the shoulder's and back. I had a little trouble with dizziness, but only a couple of times. We also worked on rolling and I was able to roll to the right 6 times completely on my own. I stood for 45 minutes with no issues and was able to control my hips. The index finger and thumb on the right hand are starting to stay stretched out on their own. The sore is almost healed. Thank you, for the on going support.
Clinker 2.0
Keeping on. We worked the back and shoulder's this week. For the first time, I was able to lie on my stomach and was able to walk my elbows in, until I was in the prone position. I did this with no assistance and did several reps. I also stood for an hour, with no dizziness and was able to control my hip's very well. The sore is getting better by the day. Thanks for the continued support.
Clinker 2.0
you be the pimp in n time
Getting there. This week we worked the triceps, back, rolling and standing. I did pretty well, with all of it. I was able to roll from my back to my side with no assistance, still a work in progress. I stood for a half hour, it was all we had time for. I did well with it, but my hips didn't want to work with me. Thanks for your support.
Clinker 2 .0
Paying off. This week was probably the best week, I've had at therapy. I was able to roll from my back to my side 10 times and on the the tenth time, I rolled onto my stomach and was able to prop myself up on my elbows. All with no assistance. Now for the BIG NEWS!! We worked on me taking my FIRST STEP!! Felt great. I could not, have done it with out all of your continued support. Thank You for believing in me. Thank You to my caregivers Laura Zavala Stone Adeline Jane Choate Cynthia Torrey-Kinne for the great care you do and for putting up with me.
Thank You Level Eleven Physical Therapy, for the great work you do.
Clinker 2.0
walking tall in no time
Been better. This week, we worked a lot on shoulders and a little on my core. We upped the weight a little on a couple exercises and I was able to sit on the side of the mat table and play catch with a bigger ball, with little assistance. I have been struggling with the cool damp weather and lack of sleep. Which has me feeling weak and out of it. Next week, is a different week. Thanks for the support.
Clinker 2.0
keep your spirits up you can do it
Moving along. This week went very well. We worked on shoulder's, core, back, sitting balance and standing. I was able to do the shoulder exercise's, with the increased weight from last week. My sitting balance is improving greatly and I'm able to do it with weights on my arms now. I stood twice this week, for an hour each time. I did very well, minus the fact that my hips were all over the place. I also was able to zip my hoodie, by myself this morning. We also worked on ways for me to be able to self cath. I'm very grateful, for your continued support. Thank You.
Clinker 2.0 GotMud?
Sounds like you're getting there!
applaudd applaudd applaudd ++peace ++peace
I love to read these updated thanks Man ==wgm
Thanks guys, I appreciate it. I'm just doing my job.
Great news!
Keeping On. This week had it's up's and downs. Therapy went very well. We worked the shoulder's, core and standing. We also worked on sitting balance. I showed improvement on the exercises and stood for an hour, with me being able to control my hips. I had a rough time earlier this week. The sore was starting to get the best of me, after reopening last weekend. But an hour sitting by water and I was able to clear my head and have a different look on things. Laura Zavala Stone did some research and found a home remedy and it seems to be working, the sore is looking pretty good. Thanks to all my caregivers, for taking great care of me. Thank you everybody for your support.
Clinker 2.0
==beavis
Still Going. We worked my shoulders, core, back and triceps.
I was able to wheel myself across the parking lot at therapy and across the parking lot at Wal-Mart and all around the store, all with no gloves on my hands. We also talked more about self cathing. Thanks for your on going support.
Clinker 2.0
Hard Times. This week has been a very hard struggle for me. I have had everything going for me, blow up in my face and bring me to a very dark place. For the first time in my life, I didn't care about anything. I didn't go to therapy all week and really didn't care if I ever went back. I did force myself to go to therapy today, I honestly couldn't tell you what made me go. Was it to byTch to a different ear or hear a different voice, no idea. Thank you, to my parents, caregivers and therapist's for staying so positive and optimistic.
Still Going. Last week, I was in the hospital for a UTI. They have moved me to Medi Lodge of Grand Blanc. Yes, its a nursing home, but a nice one and so far the care has been great. I did have some acid reflex yesterday, first time since I was at U of M, damn orange juice, we think it was from the antibiotic I'm on. The sore is looking really good, with some med changes, an air mattress and diet. It is healing pretty fast now. I'm also able to receive more OT. One hour a day 5 days a week. I'm truly grateful, for all the amazing family and friends I have. Thank You, for all of your support.
Clinker 2.0
:) thank u for updates
Still digging. We worked my left and right wrist and fingers. Also did a little core work. My hands have been very tight due to the rain, this week. I also wheeled myself up and down the hall a little bit. Slowly building myself back up. Thanks for the support.
Clinker 2.0
Moving Forward. The last couple of weeks have gone pretty well. My sore is officially healed, minus what looks like a scratch. My core strength and trunk control, are showing great progress and signs of strength. My left wrist and fingers are showing, the most progress I've seen. I've been slowly wheeling myself around again with no gloves, got blisters to prove it. I also am starting to get my energy back. I'm very thankful, to have such amazing family and friends, who continue to support me. Thank you for your support.
Clinker 2.0
Keeping On. This week was another good week. I did struggle with dizziness a little in the beginning of the week, but made up for it the rest of the week. We added a stronger resistant band, for working my core and trunk. I also did some more work on wheeling myself around with no gloves. I also worked on stretching my hands with some more resistance. I did some up right standing today, with no issues. Thank you for your continued support.
Clinker 2.0
Pic says it all - keep after it :)
Moving Along. We worked on standing and I pushed myself a little hard and almost passed out, but didn't. Sat for a second and then went back at it. The left fingers and wrist are still stretching out nicely. We have been working on my core and trunk control. I have also been doing core exercises on my own and its showing signs of great improvement. Thanks for the support.
Clinker 2.0
Moving On. This week we worked the hands, core and trunk control. I did really well, with the heavier resistance bands, all week. Worked on standing a little more too, had a little dizziness, a couple of times, but was able to go back at it. I got a new brace for my left hand, but were still working on it, so I can wear it longer. Thank you, for your continued supports .
Clinker 2.0
Proof hard work pays off. GotMud?
Its Going. We did some standing, worked on my new brace for my left hand. Standing went alright, but got dizzy and had trouble getting my composure back. I'm able to wear the brace a little longer, but its leaving marks on my hands, so were still tweaking it. I had 3 teeth pulled on Thursday and one was pretty infected and it took the dentist a solid half hour or more to get it out. They were having issues with the tooth and the bone, they had to drill it out. Not to mention, I was having an extreme headache and was very dizzy , so we had to keep stopping. They told me not to do therapy today and like a dumb ass, I went anyways and struggled with dizziness and feeling like crap. You'd think I know better by now. Thanks for all your support.
Clinker 2.0
Striving On. Well this week was a long and painful one, but still bared through it and went to therapy. The teeth I had pulled last week, were causing lots of pain and were healing, but the one tooth wouldn't form a blood clot, leaving the nerve exposed and causing tremendous pain. I'm on an antibiotic now and its helping a lot. The dentist said they all are healing great, but because the one was to the bone, its going to take longer to heal. Surprisingly my hands weren't to tight and I was able to still do some of my exercises. That's okay, next week is a different week. Thanks for all of your support.
Clinker 2.0
Moving Along. We worked core, trunk, standing, hands, shoulders and legs this week. We added a stronger resistance band (black) to my core exercise, putting me at the strongest color, with the most resistance, they have. I had a little dizziness, when standing at first. After a short brake, I did great with no dizziness. The hands were tight on some days and were very lose on other days, but for the most part, are stretching out nicely. We tried some new shoulder exercises and I did very well with it. The legs stretched out nicely, with hardly any tension and no muscle spasms. Very grateful and thankful for all of your continued support.
Thank You.
Clinker 2.0
applaudd ==cl
Keeping On. We changed it up a little this week. We had a different therapist put my hand brace on, with me explaining how to do it. I stood and got dizzy right away. Took a little break and went back at it and did great. I also transfered myself, from my chair to the mat. Still needs work, it went very well. I was able to sit on the mat unsupported with little to no assistance and was able to give resistance, when being pushed against. Thanks for your ongoing support.
Clinker 2.0
Well as of today, it has been 3 years since my injury. I've had lots of ups and downs so far, but am very greatful for what I've accomplished. This year started out rough with UTI's and a bed sore, but on the flip side of that, I've conquerored more this year than I could of ever dreamed and the year is far from over. Yesterday I was able to pop a wheelie and balance it for a brief time, don't worry I was guarded by my therapist. This is a great workout for my core, balance and shoulders. I also had a dream last night of me walking without braces on and woke up to my legs being sore. Might be a dream and just in my head, but I'll take it. I'm truly blessed to have such a great support group of family and friends, your all amazing. Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement.
Kicking Ass. Well.. those who don't know, I have moved back to the U.P. feels great to be home. I am still in a nursing facility, but this one is great. I compare, the level of care to U of M. All staff are great and do an excellent job taking care of me. My therapist, are very anxious to work with me and our goal is to make me as independent as possible, so I can hopefully live on my own or with little care. I am doing therapy 6 days a week and love it. We worked on trying to sit myself up in bed and on an air mattress it isn't easy. I have been wheeling all over the halls and can get on and off the elevator myself. I also have exercise bands in my room now. Today, my therapist sat in a wheelchair facing me and held on while I wheeled myself backwards, pulling him around. Very blessed and grateful, for what I have and for all of you and your ongoing support. Thank You!
Clinker 2.0.
Doing Well. Been working on my trunk, triceps, shoulders and back. My left fingers are stretching out nicely, along with my wrist too. I'm able to wheel around with no gloves now. While sitting in my chair, I can also lean forward and touch my feet and push myself back up into a sitting position, a handful of times. I pulled my therapist, on a small stool with little wheels, while wheeling myself backwards. This was very hard and a hell of a work out, can't wait to do it again. I am also using my left arm, to feed myself now. Thank you for all of your support.
Clinker 2.0
Doin Work. We mixed it up alot this week and had some great results. They had me leaning forward, stretching while sitting in my chair and my legs straight in front of me. We also worked on me leaning forward and touching my feet and pushing myself back up to a sitting position. I stood and only lasted about 15 min the first time, till getting dizzy. Today, I stood for over an hour while dong trunk control exercises. We also adjusted my wheelie bars, so I can tip a little further back. I love, watching everybody, freak out when I just randomly do a wheelie, lol. Getting pretty good at them too. The week started out rough, my body was super tight and pissed from the rain. Thank you for your support.
Clinker 2.0
Moving Along. Well.. This week started out a little on the rough side. My hands and body were very tight and I had some random issuses with dizzyness, but my vitals were all normal. As the week went on, I was able to get back in my normal grove. Did some standing and had a little trouble with my hips wondering, over all not bad. We did some trunk and core exercises too. My trunk is showing huge signs of gain. I sat on the mat yesterday, with me holding onto the edge of the mat. I was able to lean back till my arms were straight and then pull myself forward and to an up right sitting postion and was able to straighten out my back and sit with, what would be called perfect posture, for someone without a spinal injury. I did all this with no assistance. My therapist was very impressed and said somebody with my level of injury, shouldn't be able to do that. Today, I have muscles that are sore, torwards the end of my spine and I can feel their soreness. This is surprising, for someone with my level of injury. My therapist said, the muscles I was using, are the same muscles someone who walks with walking sticks use. Thank you all, for your ongoing support. Truly blessed.
Clinker 2.0
Awesome updates Clinker keep moving forward.
Doin Work. This week, had its ups n downs. We did some standing and had some issuses with dizziness, but also was able to stand for a while with no issuses. I did have alot of spasams this week, but was able to get them under control, with my breathing, for the most part. We have started, working on different methods of me self cathing. Pretty much a trial and error process. I'm practicing with my fingers and hands, just trying different ways to grip the kits. I also, discovered that by thinking about peeing and the whole "Ah sensation" of relief, that I am able to pee on my own and able to stop going, when I think about stopping and start going again when I think about going. I did this a few different times, were still working on it. Truly blessed and grateful for all of your on going support. Thank you, for the support.
Clinker 2.0
==gj
Double Time. This week started out rough, had alot of trouble with dizzyness when standing and got very close to passing out. After all that, the rest of the week went very well. We have bumped me, to therapy twice a day for five days a week. I'm super sore and love it. I'm also able to do a wheelie, in one spot for a couple minuets now. I'm practicing doing a rolling wheelie, this is alot harder. I'm still practicing my self cath. We also worked my trunk, core and back. Thank you, for all of your support. Truly blessed and very thankful for everything, I have.
Clinker 2.0
Keeping On. This week, we picked up the pace a little. We added more resistance to some of the exercises and tried some new stuff. I also stood every day this week and worked on trunk control. I can roll from my back, to my stomach, with no assistance and get up on my elbows. We worked on me trying to go in a down word dog, its a yoga stretch. Needed help getting in to it, but once there, I was able to hold it on my own. Very hard to do for me. We also, worked on me laying on my back and walking my elbows behind me to prop myself up. Still needs some work, but went well. I was and am very sore. Thats alright, no pain no gain. Thanks for the support.
Clinker 2.0
keep up the good work!
Game Face. This week went really well. We kicked, everything up a notch this week. We added, quite a bit more resistance to a couple exercises. I stood all week with out getting dizzy. We are working, on me standing in parallel bars more. I'm doing more stretches with my left arm and both hands too. I was able, to get up my hands and knees with some assistance, but did hold myself up for a little bit, on all fours with no assistance, for a short time. My rolling wheelies are improving, but I'm still working on it. I was super super sore this week. As one of my therapist said. "Pain is weakness leaving the body" I'm very grateful, to have such amazing family and friends, that support me. Thanks for your on going support!
Clinker 2.0
Moving along.
After a set back, of a touch of a stomach bug. Were back on track. I've been working, on trying to hook my legs, while sitting and bring them to the mat. Long way to go yet, but going well so far. We have been working on stretching my left arm and wrist. They're stretching out nice and the wrist is finally showing great signs of strength. I am also starting to have noticeable muscles in my arms, along with good strength. We have been, using a machiene to work my legs and arms at the same time. Thanks for your support.
Clinker 2.0
Easy Going. This week, I kind of took it easy. My left shoulder, was really tight and causing pain. I still stood all week, without getting dizzy and we worked on transfering into the bed and me trying to get out of bed on my own. Was quite the workout, but went really well. We've also been working on me swinging my legs into bed/mat while using a stiff band that I hold to help swing my legs in. We've also been stretching my left arm and wrist more. Thanks for the on going support.
Clinker 2.0
Glad to hear you were able to stand without getting dizzy. Recovery is a long road, but you seem to be doing very well! Happy for that. a=f
Crunch Time. This week, we have done alot. The cargivers, were trained how to gaurd me, when transfering. So, I've been transfering myself from my chair to the bed, with little to no assistance and from the bed, to my chair using a slide board and its going very well. I'm also wearing a brace at night, on my left arm to try to straighten it all the way. I also worked on self cathing a little more too. I'm going to start, focusing on my recovery more and kick it up a notch. Thanks for the on going support!!
Getn It. This week, went really well. My transfers are going great and I've done a few 100% on my own. I was able, to go from laying on my stomach, to my hands and knees with little assistance and then was able to do a couple push ups, with no assistance. I also pushed myself up, to sitting up right postion, with no help and did it several times, after tranfering. Was also able to sit, on an uneven surface and did pretty well holding my balance, against resistance. We also adjusted my wheelchair. So now, I sit almost the same, as a paraplegic would sit in their chair or close to how you would sit in a kitchen chair. My left arm is stretching out well too. Thank you all, for your ongoing thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement.
Chugging Along. This week, I worked on my left arm alot. Its stretching out really well. Also worked, on my back muscles and core. I can now army crawl, forward and backward, the full length of the mat, were working on trying to pull my hips, from side to side while crawling. I was able, to go on all fours and do a push up with no assitance or a Scooby snack, tried for two, but didn't make it. Therapist, told me I was sinking, towards the mat, cause I was getting tired. Told her, I wasn't sinking, the mat was just getting lower, lol. Thanks, for your support
Quite the inspiration.. keep pushin" !
Right Path. What ever I'm doing, is working. We worked on me sitting on the mat, with my legs stretched out in front of me, leaning side to side, to shift my weight and scooting one leg at a time forward, till their off the mat and I'm sitting on the side of the mat. I'm also able to sit on the mat, unsupported with my legs stretched out and lean forward and touch my shoes and sit back up, all unsupported and can do it several times. I'm doing a bunch of my own workouts, several times through out the day. I'm wheeling my wheelchair up and down the hall with 1lb weights on my wrists. Just focusing on form for now. My PT did an eval and we were both very impressed. I went from having muscle contractions in T12 to now, having muscle contractions in L5 this is a great sign. Its only a weak contraction for now, but could have great potential, time will tell. This picture of the spine explains, why its exciting. Thank you, for your words of encouragement and on going support.
Sounds like you're doing good, keep it up!
Trutle Speed. This week, my allergies kicked my ass. I was sneezing all week and have no energy or strength. Still went to therapy and did what I could. Worked alot, on stretching my fingers and arm out. I also, have been having alot more sensation in my butt and legs. Been trying to focous on relaxing my bladder and trying to pee on my own, just experimenting with this. Thanks, for your support.
Little Bumpy. Its been hit and miss this week. Had some trouble with an antibiotic, at the beginning of the week, but were good now. My energy is still hit and miss. Been working my back alot, along with the wrist and fingers too. Been practicing with a cath kit, not on myself, but pushing it through a resistance puddy. I began schooling this week for Medical Coding and Billing. I'm going to, have to dust the cob webs off, that little shriveled prune I call a brain, lol. Thank You, for all of your on going support.
Moving Along. This week, has been a busy one. Between school and therapy. I'm starting to get my energy back and kind of changed my approach on how, I'm doing my exercises. Going to focous on my cardio a little more, to help get better control of my breathing. We worked my core, back and trunk alot this week. We are watching my feet, really close. They have always wiggled up and down a little with spasams, but they moved left and right this week, which they haven't done yet at all, without spasams and with me looking at them and the toes seem to wiggle a little more too. We are doing little tests to see if its actually me, sending the signal. Time will tell. Thank you, for keeping me in your thoughs and prayers.
Light Duty. This week has been a sketchy one. Very little PT due to very low blood pressure. Still did some every day, but watched me very close and been taking it easy. After a visit to ER Monday, from just about passing out at therapy and in my room, later that day. They couldn't find anything wrong and tried saying it was dehydration. I drink tons of water and labs all came back good. I'm still having low (bp) and dizziness every day, so that rules that out. We are waiting to see, what the neurologist wants to do. He wanted to see me right away, but didn't realize how far away I was. There may be a trip to Ann Arbor in my very near future, but trying to get a referal to one closer. I should find out today or Monday, what the plan is. Maybe, I should feed my hamster, thats spinning the hamster wheel in my brain, lol. Thank you, for your thoughts, prayers and support.
Tweety Birds. This week, was the second week in a row, I couldn't do therapy, due to very low blood pressure and dizziness. I did try every day, but was a no go. I feel like a nerd, for all the homework I've done. I have an appointment on the 8th with the Cardiologist. Going to have a stress test and wear a heart monitor for a couple days. I think its just cause, I'm so cool, calm and shy, is why my blood pressure is so low and if you believe that, I'll sell ya some ocean front property in Arizona, lol.
Thanks for all of the support.
"Could Always Be Worse"
Still Going. Well.. This week started out rough, with low blood pressure and dizziness. As the week went on it got better. Actually, got to do some therapy and I picked up right where I left off. Seen the cardiologist this morning. He wants to do a heart monitor for two days, with a very percise log book, of everything I do or don't do, sleep study, heart ultra sound and a variety of other tests. Very pleased, with the doctor and his determination to try and fix my bp issue. Thank you, to all those who helped and for all of your ongoing words of encouragement.
Killn Time. Well.. my therapy got cut due to my low bp, until I can maintain a steady and safe level. I've been still, doing an arm bike and stuff on my own and have been working on self cathing and have cathed myself, a couple times 100% on my own. The cardiologist, said the heart looks great, which is great news. He had, several viles of blood drawn and had me take my bp every 15 min after eating for 2 hours. Their thinking, I may have some damaged brain cells, that are weak. Always knew, I had a couple screws lose, lol!! If I do, I'll be on a med to balance everything out and hopefully it will maintain my bp and I can get back to kicking ass!
Thank you, for all of your on going support and words of encouragement. It's greatly appreciated!
Still Workn. I was able to get my legs in bed and out of bed, on my own. Going in, didn't look pretty and I fell over a couple of times, but a good start and was able to get them in. Worked some more on putting the board under me, then transferring and pulling the board out. We had some, great responses on my legs, when checking the reflexes. I stretch every morning, touching my toes and trying to get my head as low as possible. We measured it yesterday and I'm able to put my head between my knees, while grabbing my toes and I'm about 3-4" from my head touching the mat. Never thought I could stretch like that again. As of now the bp, has been pretty good and actually gone up during exercise. Feels great to be back kicking ass!! Thank you, for all your on going support.
Clinker 2.0
Just Workn. This week, we did an evaluation on me, to see where I'm at and what we want to work on. Were going to work on trunk strengthing and me trying to move my hips, side to side in the chair and forwards. I can move backwards fine, but not in any other direction yet. We worked on transferring, in and out of bed and me getting my legs in and out of bed. My stretching, is paying off and helping me more and more. I'm working, on doing more and more myself and its forcing and helping me, become more and more independent. Can't thank my amazing, family and friends enough for your ongoing encouragement and support.
Thanks again for being there.
Clinker 2.0