12 replies to this topic

[Vanessamaee]

Im not sure if I posted this in the correct section. Sorry if I didnt!

But has anyone used or heard of Parastep? I've been looking into it. Mostly because I'd think it'd be really cool to walk across the stage at my high school graduation in May... But its a rather large investment unless I can find a rehab center close to here that has one, mine does not. I just wanted to know if anyone has used it or if this even works?

http://www.sigmedics...deos/index2.php

Thank You!

[KayDub]

I've never heard of it so I can't give any input there... I did have a couple friends who graduated in their chairs and felt like it was just as important. One girl had really bad MD and the other two were paras. Mind you the other two were injured in Columbine so I don't know how that affected their feelings about the whole thing. Personally I haven't thought about what I'll do at graduation, I'm just desperately hoping to pass!! But on the other hand, I'm doing wedding planning and I keep going back and forth about how I want to "walk" down to aisle, in my chair or on crutches... If you can get it and feel comfortable using it and it doesn't bankrupt you and it's what you really want to do, go for it! But to be cheesy (but true!), graduation is all about celebrating your accomplishments and I think being in a chair can be part of that, especially with your go get it attitude.

[Charlie-boi]

How's his legs moveing if he's complete??

[Vanessamaee]

The electrodes, its like how I can peddal when I ride the FES bike, the electrodes are hooked up to your legs and send electrical stimulation which causes your muscles to contract. They fire off is a sequence which causes your legs to peddal (bike) or walk (with a walk). Its an awesome workout for your legs, it helps reduce spasms although it does workout your muscles so when you do have a spasm it is stronger. It's addicting though. I love the FES bike, I ride it every Tuesday and Thursday right now for an hour (max amount of time) and as soon as I can drive again Ill probably be riding more often. (:

[edlee]

From watching the video,, it became apparent that this person, while a t3,, must have been an incomplete, as he was able to sustain an upright posture without braces on his knees or hips. I have never been able to do so,, and it doesn't seem reasonable to me that the electrodes were doing that for him,, even tho his moving his legs were obviously being done my that mechanism.

It seems,, as in most of these things we see,, that they are primarily for incompletes or misdiagnosed completes ( closet incompletes). I applaud there continued development and hope that some offshoot of this type of research might someday benefit me, as well.
ed

[KayDub]

I watched the video again and complete, incomplete, tertaparaquadrapalegic, who cares, I know you'll be able to pull off walking/"walking" across the stage at your graduation if you want because you're a badass that way! I had another round of "you won't be able to teach your AB kids again," and I know I will no matter what and I'm not nearly as determined as you. I have faith in you!

[Vanessamaee]

It's not looking promising :/ im pushing for it though! I talked to my PT today... ugh. that right there says it all. I asked about it, and if she had ever used it before. It ends up the Rehab center I go to to ride the FES bike actually has one, but they dont use it anymore just because all of the other people they tried to use it with, it didnt work. The only guy they could get it to work with was a T5 complete para and he walked about 20 feet and then due to muscle fatigue collapsed. So they won't try it on me. Ugh. I'm still pushing for it. I mean chair or walker, Im graduating, lol so I'm not to worried about that part. I actually got asked to speak at the graduation. Haha yayy.... public speaking.... (:

[edlee]

Great attitude, Vannie. If you've read any of my posts ,, on pretty much any thread,, you notice that I'm not the " cheer leader" type. I NEVER tell ANYONE that they can " do anything if they try hard enough",,, because I know that that is a crock. Crip or AB,, you can do certain things,,, and others,, no matter your will power or indurance,, you won't do. Beating yourself up about it,, or wasting precious time on it,, are both counter productive.

If you consider what you saw in the video as "walking",, cool,,, or if hobbling across the stage wearing chest to foot braces would make you feel better,, by all means. Persoally,,, I think rolling across the floor in a well made chair,,,, and ,, maybe a little wheelie action at the end, after getting your diploma,, ,, would be more impressive,,,, and apt.

Whatever you decide,,,, make it fit "who you are",,,, whoever that is,, to YOU.

ed

[Vanessamaee]

I have also thought about that too. I've watched videos of people in the sit tall stand tall program and also with the Parastep, some are smoother than others, but most of them have an awkward, almost painful looking hobble. Its just pros and cons right now, either way, I'm still looking forward to the day. Like you said theres no point in beating yourself up or wasting time over something that can't be done.

[Charlie-boi]

Wellll.... I think even if you walk/hobble like a spaz going as slow as a snale I would respect that so much more than " doing a little wheelie action"! Reasons for this are... 1... I hate wheelchairs n doing a wheelie to show off would make me cringe!! 2...You wouldn't be like most who don't even try let alone think that their may be something more physically possible than pushing a chair round! 3... It shows strength!

If everybody had the mind frame of "yeh I wanna get out of the chair somehow even if things may be tougher I'm pretty sure things realy would have moved on in rewalk programs/mechanical aids! Of corse for manny this could be literally physically impossible but I've seen so many parras who are incomplete with real potential to be up and walking yet they are one track minded on being in a chair! Soo at least give it a go dude! I can think of plenty of worst things to waste your time on!!! good luck miss ;)

[Vanessamaee]

Haha thanks Charlie! I may just give it a go. Who knows. Im gonna talk to my PT about it a little more and also the adult PT there, Im still in the adolescent (sp?) program lol Its like their scared to let me do anything the people in the adult program get to do

[paul1404]

I would like to add my point of view re walking again concerning complete lesions.
There are 3 main elements involved
1) Equipment used.
2) Level of injury.
3) Quality of gait pattern.
I do not have any experience of electrical / robotic / external skeleton suits so I am unable to make any comments but like all things new costs and refinement will take time to develop until it is a practical and viable solution.

I do have some experience of cosmetic full length callipers and crutches, and it is possible to reduce to the level of wheelchair use considerable, my own use of the chair is mainly limited to holidays and sporting events, I do not use it on a day to day bases.

As for what level is suitable this will depend on the individual but I would suggest that above T10 it is impractable, as some core stability is needed, T10 and below do have the possibility of “walking” on nearly a full time bases.

With regard to gait pattern I only know of 3 types, swing to, swing through and four point. I find that for my level, four point is to slow so I use swing through.

[brockit79]

Vanessamaee, on 14 September 2011 - 10:16 PM, said:

The electrodes, its like how I can peddal when I ride the FES bike, the electrodes are hooked up to your legs and send electrical stimulation which causes your muscles to contract. They fire off is a sequence which causes your legs to peddal (bike) or walk (with a walk). Its an awesome workout for your legs, it helps reduce spasms although it does workout your muscles so when you do have a spasm it is stronger. It's addicting though. I love the FES bike, I ride it every Tuesday and Thursday right now for an hour (max amount of time) and as soon as I can drive again Ill probably be riding more often. (:

I cant wait to start FESing! This is the very thing which will keep your leg muscles at a point that they can function if treatments become available in the future which will enable us to walk.

Go Ness )))