[Imight]

Hi I am new here.

I am 26. I am a T6 Incomplete. My car accident happened 5 months ago (May) and so far I am able to stand and use a walker, altho it isn't a natural flow walk (because of spasms) I can stand on my 2 feet with effy balance. I can feel touch- if I pull hair from my legs I can feel it, I can not feel temp yet, but I think in the more sensitive areas (behind my thighs) cold and heat cause a strange ''sensation"

This is all new to me, I went from a very active social life, to being indoors, working out, trying to make a come back. I dont think i'll ever walk the same, but I hope I can atleast be upright.

What do you all think? Do I have a chance?

It is a bit too soon, but I have been also looking into a research center in Mexico (Cali doctors) that have been using shark embryos. If all else fails after the 1 year mark, I am thinking about 'trying' a more drastic measure, if that doesn't work, I will probably cry for weeks, but I will continue to live.

I met a very cool young man while I was in the hosp, who is an incomplete para. He said he knew 4 indiv that went to China. 3 were complete but the worse happened.....they passed away (drs never post fatalities hmmmm) but 1 recovered, is upright, uses a cane, and all bowels have returned. Not sure I like those odds, so I am looking else where, hoping to find something.

Has anyone from this site tried any of these 'break thrus'
Or natural recovery?


I have been lurking around, and let me just say, I am highly impressed by the confidence, determination, and courage some of you display. amazing you all are!

ps. is there a way to view all posts without having to click?

[Elzeen]

Welcome to the site. I'm new here too but have been a T12 para for 31 years. I'll let others with experience respond to your questions re cure as I have never gone that route.

[munoz89]

Hello my name is Juan and I have a t12 injury i dont know if it is complete or incomplete, but I am sure I am goin to walk i dont know how but I am either using leg braces or something. Has anyone with sci recovered fully that he bearly uses the chair? or am I just living a lie.

[wheeliebear75]

All I can say is for me..........I am an incomplete(L2). I was injured in 4/1990. By December I'd made improvements but nothing more after that. Since then I've only gotten worse. I had a private PT group get me up & walking (kinda sorta) with leg braces and forearm crutches. I could at the "high point" of my post injury walking ability walk maybe max 1 or 2 short blocks(vs. 500ft swinging my legs with my crutches........didn't get me as far but it hurt less). Well like I said I was walking a little .......but it was with a "John Wayne" style of walking; I threw my hips forward to help get the legs to move forward. This was THE WORST thing they/I could have done! The smaller peripheral nerves that come out of the spinal tree in the lumbar area took a beating with that way of walking. I was grinding on them with every step. I should have listened to the hospital.............not some one who only wanted to bilk insurance for the cost of braces. Because that PT guy got me able to do that way of walking for a couple of years I'm now SOL when it comes to wheelchairs. I have to buy my own or stay in my bed because I can now only walk a few feet. The insurance says they'll buy me a bedside commode and I can just have sponge baths to bathe. I've had so much pain and neuropathy that I can honestly say in hind sight I wish that I hadn't...........it just wasn't worth it. Now if you can manage to walk with out gaits that will harm you down the road terrific. If walking is more important to you than staying alive........go ahead risk infection from getting stem cells or shark embryos in another country; because they don't properly sanitize their hospital equipment...........have fun. I was so Hell bent on not being "a wheelchair user" I screwed myself out of life. I chose to go against my Dr advice and go with this "new way of walking".........and for what? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! Here I am still sitting in a chair..........just like before, but now I hurt way more and have less sensation and movement in my legs. I wished I'd known more people who were "OK" with living in a chair...........I think if I had I may not have walked but then again I may not have felt the need to cry and vomit from pain either. If only I'd known and believed that I could still have a fulfilling life sitting down I might still be able to do more than I can now(it's the pain that disables me not my needing to use a wheelchair).

[wheeels]

I am a T12 incomplete and have been since 2001 I can walk short distances around my house with a walker or with my fore arm crutches and braces I use a wheelchair basically for all my transportation needs.

I would love to be able to walk and run again mostly to do so with my kids. When I was told I would not walk again I did not believe it I can remember laying in the hospital and willing my toes to move I was able to move my left big toe within a month and thought for sure that I would walk again well that was as close as I got to moving anything below my ankles.

I have read of some people going over seas and even met one person that did but I don't think there are really any great results yet but I still have hope that one day science will advance enough to allow me to walk again.

So since science is not on my side yet I enjoy life as much as I can I ski in the winter I ride my arm-bike and swim in the summer, my kids love me for who I am and what I can do and that is really all that matters to me.

But never give up trying to walk again if that is what you really want to due just realize that being in a chair is not a death sentence, it is whatever you make of it good and bad.

[Texaswheelz]

I'm pretty sure your not the only one. It sounds good so far for you and yes there have been people that have been able to get around on their feet again after spinal injury. look up Dennis Byrd, he was injured in the nfl back in '92. He is able to walk now, there are probably 1000'S of other such stories, but everyones injury is different so there is no way for anyone to say yay or nay.

I'm also sure that every one has denial at first, for some it last for a few weeks or months, some years and for others it last for ever. i did have a experimental surgery in 93, 3 years after my injury, it wasn't in another country it was here in the US. I then spent 12 months in intensive rehab, just like a job, 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. i might have gained some trunk strength and balance back after it was all said and done, but then again after 12 months of 40 hours a week of rehab, i think i would have gotten that anyway. Now i have pain from that experiment that i wouldn't have had otherwise. looking back on it, i wouldn't have had it and there is no way i would go to another country for a surgery of any sort, much less an experimental. hell there are people that go to Mexico for cheap botox injections and don"t ever come back.

[munoz89]

The thing is that I still think that I am in a dream and I am going eake up and walk, I mean the physical therapy is hard, and i have doubts like am I going to find a girl am i gonna have kids , will i ever get to be physical with agirl and i am now going out but I mean I am 18 and I just wonder if I am going to have a girl or does the chair affects them I mean i know they are stupid question but my head is like a tornado full of doubts. And as for the walimg i already do steps with my right leg and it doesnt hurt and i stand up without braces but cantdo any steps so.

[Imight]

wheeliebear75, on Oct 20 2007, 05:26 PM, said:

All I can say is for me..........I am an incomplete(L2). I was injured in 4/1990. By December I'd made improvements but nothing more after that. Since then I've only gotten worse. I had a private PT group get me up & walking (kinda sorta) with leg braces and forearm crutches. I could at the "high point" of my post injury walking ability walk maybe max 1 or 2 short blocks(vs. 500ft swinging my legs with my crutches........didn't get me as far but it hurt less). Well like I said I was walking a little .......but it was with a "John Wayne" style of walking; I threw my hips forward to help get the legs to move forward. This was THE WORST thing they/I could have done! The smaller peripheral nerves that come out of the spinal tree in the lumbar area took a beating with that way of walking. I was grinding on them with every step. I should have listened to the hospital.............not some one who only wanted to bilk insurance for the cost of braces. Because that PT guy got me able to do that way of walking for a couple of years I'm now SOL when it comes to wheelchairs. I have to buy my own or stay in my bed because I can now only walk a few feet. The insurance says they'll buy me a bedside commode and I can just have sponge baths to bathe. I've had so much pain and neuropathy that I can honestly say in hind sight I wish that I hadn't...........it just wasn't worth it. Now if you can manage to walk with out gaits that will harm you down the road terrific. If walking is more important to you than staying alive........go ahead risk infection from getting stem cells or shark embryos in another country; because they don't properly sanitize their hospital equipment...........have fun. I was so Hell bent on not being "a wheelchair user" I screwed myself out of life. I chose to go against my Dr advice and go with this "new way of walking".........and for what? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! Here I am still sitting in a chair..........just like before, but now I hurt way more and have less sensation and movement in my legs. I wished I'd known more people who were "OK" with living in a chair...........I think if I had I may not have walked but then again I may not have felt the need to cry and vomit from pain either. If only I'd known and believed that I could still have a fulfilling life sitting down I might still be able to do more than I can now(it's the pain that disables me not my needing to use a wheelchair).

Im sorry to hear about that. It sounds like your PT really screwd things up. If you were swinging your legs, that means your hip flexors hadnt recovered, and they were relying on you walking with quads only. with that said, some PT's can sort you out to wear you arent throwing your back into the walk. Not sure why they decided to go such long distances with such minimal recovery. It sounds like they were under the impression it would 'fire up' on its own.

However, I wouldnt go as far as to say trying was a mistake. The fact that you tried, shows a lot of heart, you didn't just yield to the cause, you fought and fought. and that is nothing to regret....

also. Ive traveled quite a bit, infact 2 wks before my accident I had just returned from venezuela, and I can tell you, it is a myth to believe that only western countries have quality standard hosptials lol. Ive been to south east asia, south america, africa and east europe, and i can tell you from experience, that there are hosptials outside the western world that are equal to if not in some cases BETTER than some western hospitals. A lot of times you think of China and think filthy. well that depends where you go. are you going to a village or are you going to hong kong/shanghai?

when thinking about an american hospital are you thinking county or quality private? just like here, there are big differences there.

This post has been edited by Imight: 22 October 2007 - 07:20 AM

[Imight]

wheeels, on Oct 20 2007, 08:08 PM, said:

I am a T12 incomplete and have been since 2001 I can walk short distances around my house with a walker or with my fore arm crutches and braces I use a wheelchair basically for all my transportation needs.

I would love to be able to walk and run again mostly to do so with my kids. When I was told I would not walk again I did not believe it I can remember laying in the hospital and willing my toes to move I was able to move my left big toe within a month and thought for sure that I would walk again well that was as close as I got to moving anything below my ankles.

I have read of some people going over seas and even met one person that did but I don't think there are really any great results yet but I still have hope that one day science will advance enough to allow me to walk again.

So since science is not on my side yet I enjoy life as much as I can I ski in the winter I ride my arm-bike and swim in the summer, my kids love me for who I am and what I can do and that is really all that matters to me.

But never give up trying to walk again if that is what you really want to due just realize that being in a chair is not a death sentence, it is whatever you make of it good and bad.

wise words my friend...

you are lucky, you have kids and a family. cheers!!!

[Imight]

Texaswheelz, on Oct 20 2007, 09:38 PM, said:

I'm pretty sure your not the only one. It sounds good so far for you and yes there have been people that have been able to get around on their feet again after spinal injury. look up Dennis Byrd, he was injured in the nfl back in '92. He is able to walk now, there are probably 1000'S of other such stories, but everyones injury is different so there is no way for anyone to say yay or nay.

I know of Deniss Byrd. I wish I were a millionaire with NFL therapist and doctors. He was in the pool working out every day his first month!!!! not too mention he was a professional athlete. He went thru the best therapy in the country. It's sort of like Magic Johnson. He has HIV but you see him on 24 hour fitness comercials and he looks healthier than your average joe.

I guess I wanted to know if anyone from this site actually recovered enough to walk with perhaps a cane, leg braces, or even without support?

I remember being at Rancho Los Amigos Facitliy (top 3 in the U.S) and one man went from a quad to leg brace walking in just 4 months. One thing that stood out about the guy was his attitude. Ill never forget him. He was convinced he would walk. After about a month he started moving his big toe, he told me he'd just sit there in the dark, moving his big toe until he'd fall asleep, when he'd accidentally wake up, he'd do the same until he fell asleep. week later he started firing his quads, did the same thing with his quads every night--He'd be sitting there firing everything he could every few min i saw him. he was a tough cookie.

Wish I could have swapped contacts with him. He was very encouraging.

[Susi]

Imight, on Oct 20 2007, 08:29 AM, said:

What do you all think? Do I have a chance?
It is a bit too soon, but I have been also looking into a research center in Mexico (Cali doctors) that have been using shark embryos. If all else fails after the 1 year mark, I am thinking about 'trying' a more drastic measure, if that doesn't work, I will probably cry for weeks, but I will continue to live.
I have been lurking around, and let me just say, I am highly impressed by the confidence, determination, and courage some of you display. amazing you all are!
ps. is there a way to view all posts without having to click?

If I was you I would wait awhile. Maybe science may never catch up or it will with a breakthrough, but I think you have to calm down first. We all have had our highs and lows, but we have also somehow learnt to cope with them. It is positive you are searching for alternatives, but to play russian roulette with your already injured body IMO is asking for trouble.

We all have a chance but when is the ask always. I did in the beginning but soon learnt patience and working with the little that has come back far more beneficial and rewarding. Listen to the advice of a neuro-surgeon and then from a recommended physiotherapist, is all the answer I can give you.

I was quite disheartened when I heard, @if after 6 months, nothing or something comes back, then that is all...." Well in these last five years little by little is coming back and with the help of a bio-kineticist and a bit of Pilates and swimming I'm sure I will have recovery. BUT I am not manic about it. Hope this helps

munoz89, on Oct 20 2007, 09:19 PM, said:

Hello my name is Juan and I have a t12 injury i dont know if it is complete or incomplete, but I am sure I am goin to walk i dont know how but I am either using leg braces or something. Has anyone with sci recovered fully that he bearly uses the chair? or am I just living a lie.

Hi Juan see my answer to imight. This might help you. Just keep on trying whatever you can and have loads of patience.

[Susi]

To all of you who have so far contributed to this topic, I feel for all of us. Complete or Incomplete.

I am now in my fifth year and all I can add, is that bit by bit, little movements, sensations, small pains, are returning. If I had got stuck on the usual rhetoric, "if after 6 months, then....", which I nearly did, I probably would also sit like wheeliebear and cry and be miserable. However, I had a wonderful physiotherapist, who encouraged every little bit of progress. Gradually I could "walk" with crutches, however I still need help with standing. I cannot do anything without being helped to a standing position. I have regained balance, as well as weight, can do bicycle in gym with help, etc, etc.

I do fervently believe in 90% recovery eventually, but have to keep on working at it, and also I think most important going to a neuro-surgeon every 2 years, just to see what nerves have recovered somewhat. They really are our best guidelines.

I do not, however, get depressed anymore if it is all to slow, or nothing yet... I have learnt patience and in God's time (eeuh I know some of you don't want to hear this, but...) it will happen. But keep positive about everything.

As for a physical relationship, as I reported months ago, I have to get hold of my Occupational Therapist from Cape Town, South Africa, for a copy or name to order, of the tape that was shown to us for "a sexual life after paralysis". She at the moment is on a sabbatical, but as soon as I hear from her, I will let you all know. My husband said at the time that this video AB couples should also look at and learn from, as it is very informative and descriptive, without being "porn-ish", and done utterly tastefully. We have no problems there either. I am with an indwelling catheter as well.

So I hope this helps somewhat. That is what Apparelyzed is for. To air our frustrations, anxiety's down days, you name it. I only wish I had found this site a whole lot sooner.

Ciao

[Texaswheelz]

Imight, on Oct 22 2007, 02:38 AM, said:

I know of Deniss Byrd. I wish I were a millionaire with NFL therapist and doctors. He was in the pool working out every day his first month!!!! not too mention he was a professional athlete. He went thru the best therapy in the country. It's sort of like Magic Johnson. He has HIV but you see him on 24 hour fitness comercials and he looks healthier than your average joe.

I guess I wanted to know if anyone from this site actually recovered enough to walk with perhaps a cane, leg braces, or even without support?

Of course he was loaded and had a lot of money at his disposal, but money can't buy nerves back, or Christopher Reeves would still be around. i was using to point out that yes it can happen, but it is different for everyone. You can do therapy 15 hrs a day, 7 days a week for years and get nothing back if there isn't anything to get back.

This post has been edited by Texaswheelz: 22 October 2007 - 02:43 PM

[AmAZing3]

HI there i am new here to and im not sure how this works but im going to try

I am a L2 incomplete i was in a horrible car crash 6 months ago and i have made wonderful prgress since then. I can walk on my own but the only thing stopping me from walking long distance like the mall or school is my knee is still week and hyperextenes back so it gets harder to walk to more tired i get.
I still see progress everyday even if its just something simple but i have faith in you and dont give up! I wish i could say the same for my friend that was in the accident with me, the doctors are pretty sure she will never walk again! But i will never give up hope on her!

I have hope for all of you!

[nomis]

AmAZing3, welcome.
That's a tough experience for you and your friend.
Sounds like you're progressing well.
Keep in mind that in the end it's the quality of life that counts.

[sfultong]

It's been a while since my last post.

I'm still in outpatient physical therapy, and next week I will see my physiatrist. Hopefully she will tell me that she will allow walking in leg-braces now.

I think I will be able to walk short distances with leg braces, perhaps more.

I am very wary about surgery to improve my condition. I could easily see things getting worse, and I'm fairly satisfied with my situation right now. My bowel is under control, my bladder control is improving (to the point where I wonder what it would be like to stop taking my oxybutynin) so that I hardly wet myself much anymore. I've been doing what I imagine to be Kegel's exercises.

I'm lucky to have some degree of sensation and movement pretty much everywhere in my body. Even if it isn't much, it reminds me that I still have legs.

[essexscipilot]

Quote

I am 26. I am a T6 Incomplete. My car accident happened 5 months ago (May) and so far I am able to stand and use a walker, altho it isn't a natural flow walk (because of spasms) I can stand on my 2 feet with effy balance. I can feel touch- if I pull hair from my legs I can feel it, I can not feel temp yet, but I think in the more sensitive areas (behind my thighs) cold and heat cause a strange ''sensation"

This is all new to me, I went from a very active social life, to being indoors, working out, trying to make a come back. I dont think i'll ever walk the same, but I hope I can atleast be upright.

What do you all think? Do I have a chance?

Hi Imight

Firstly you should keep saying 'you will walk' and believe in yourself not what others tell you such as Doctors etc.

I was in hospital for 11 1/2 months and was told time and time again I would never walk but I never gave up, I fought tooth and nail with the Dr's and phisio’s until they let me stand, from then on I did phisio all day and all night until I dropped and then got up and did it all again. I walked out the hospital at the amazement of the Doctors and using just one crutch and have never been back. I do now use a chair most of the time but I had 30 good years of walking.

The thing is Imight, if you don’t try you will never know and all you will loose is hard graft. I'm not saying you will do it and not saying you wont but you stand a dam better chance of reaching your goal if you believe in yourself and give it your all. If you fail, you can at least say you gave it your best shot.

Good luck.

[hockeydahc]

recovery can happen. work hard, but don't focus so intently you don't enjoy your new life. I was orig diagnosed t3complete, and after 2 months left rehab with leg braces and 2 arm crutches. within several months, dropped the AFO's. Now I use one cane, sometimes two, chair for distance.

[edlee]

And now for the other side.

Three years of busting my ass. Working myself till what I had was screwed up from the strain.

Listening to people tell me how proud they were of me for trying so hard. Hearing all the amazing stories of how you can do it if you "really" try.

Bulls***!!! If it's coming back, it's coming back. If it's not it's not.

Keep working out, cause you'll need all you have to do the things you need or want to do.

Never give up hope. Just decide what it is you hope. Life can be good, standing or sitting.

Don't forget to enjoy it.
ed

[wheeliebear75]

Children's Hospital felt that with my abilities the best way to move was to use shoulders and arms to lift my body a few inches then repeat (a swing but not using any leg muscles aside from standing the few seconds it took for me to move my crutches forward). When I went to a private PT group they used braces to make the knees lock so I could use the hip muscles you were speaking of. The difference (reason why it worth it for the PT to do this too me) before I was listed as "house bound with out the aide of a lightweight manual wheelchair", but since the private PT got me able to walk a block or two it was just enough that I was then able to use para-transit (door to door) and therefor "no longer needed a wheelchair". That's not quite true though; I couldn't go to stores or to the park or loads of other places. We incompletes have this issue. I now can't get out without a chair so my reason for saying it wasn't worth it is for 2 reasons;1 had a gone ahead and stuck with what Children's had set up I'd still be having ALL of my equipment paid for still, 2nd but most important is that I have created additional physical damage to my already injured spine.

PS sorry if my 1st post came across too brazen or anything. I just knew it would have taken someone being point blank with me and not holding back any punches........sorry if I was incorrect, did an "ass-u-me" thing or anything.

[mad]

I have all them sensations. heat - hair pull on my legs, etc. i was at tirr, but i didnt have the right therapies..

[carole338]

I'm new at this so if I seem overly optimistic forgive me. My SCI occurred Feb. 26, 2007. I was originally diagnosed as a T10/11, incomplete, ASIA C. My upper body was fine and I had slight movement in one toe, ankle, and hips. I, too, refused to believe I would never walk again.

During my stay as an inpatient I was able to regain trunk balance and limited daily functions: dressing, transfers, playing ball with grandchildren. I must say I was almost fanatical in my determination to use my legs again.

I am now finished with my outpatient therapy. I did and still do many daily hours of exercises. These are as little as lying down and firing my quads, moving my ankles or trying to lift my legs (can’t do that yet), to using braces and a walker and alternate standing and walking for up to 4 hours and day.

I think it has paid off. In June I was examined and I am now an L2. I have regained movement in my hips and have some very slight movement in my quads. I can use Loftstrand crutches with major assistance. I know this is not a viable means of transportation but it does strengthen my muscles.

What we should address is not only the ability to walk again but the benefits of standing. The act of standing and moving around is beneficial to our circulation, muscle regeneration, skin health, bowel and bladder function, and I personally feel better mentally when I stand and take a good deep breath.

[ryan08/06/88]

In my heart I think I will...well sort of anyway...in my head I'm not so sure...

I've not got my heart set on walking or anyhting though...I'm not seeking soem miracle cure...and I wopuldn't want to walk with braces either...I would rather use a chair than that...

I can live a happy and fulfilled life as I am, I know that much...I have mnore impiortant things to think of than walking to be honest...

I'm 19, T5 complete, and after christmas I will have been out of hospital 2 years...not sure if any of that makes a difference...

It woudl be great if I could walk don't get me wrong...but for a start I know it's not as simple as that...even if I did get any kind of movement or sensation back I wouldn't be able to walk like I used to...or play football or anyhting like I used to...and it woudl be a long hard journey to anyhting near normal function...anyways as it is I'm pretty damn complete...

If I did have one wish...it wouldn't be to walk again lets put it that way...

I wouldn't mind a bit of leg movement to help with bumming up stairs and floor to chair though

This post has been edited by ryan08/06/88: 06 November 2007 - 10:46 AM

[jaredyoung]

I fell off of a building 2 months ago and dislocated my spine at L1 and L2.
Initially I could move one of my legs, but after surgery I was completely paralyzed from the waiste down. I was told right away that I was never going to walk again. I refused to beleive the doctors and kept on trying to fire my muscles. One doc kept coming back daily to shove a finger up my behind to see if I could squeeze my sphincter shut. I guess that is the first sign of whether I was complete or not. Eventually i gained some slight movement in that area, and after that I was determined to walk again. All this took place in a government hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.

After a month I was shipped back to the US for rehab at the UW medical center in Seattle, WA. Supposed to be the number one hospital based rehab program in the USA. They also did not beleive that I would be walking as soon as it turned out I could. Nevertheless, they whipped my butt back into shape with rigorous excercise program and long periods of standing in a standing-frame device.
by the end of my 4 week stay as an inpatient I was walking with AFO leg braces and a walker.

Its been 2 weeks now since I was discharged and I am walking quite well around the house, but I have not yet braved the outdoors. I am confident that I will be fully recovered before 1 year has passed. Im not sure why I have recovered so fast, but I do exercize and stretch daily for about 1 hour sometimes more. I also kept an extremely positive attitude and cut out all doubt of failure from my mind. I chanted Nam Myoho renge Kyo, a buddhist mantra known to inspire miracles, everyday with faith and ferver.

I would like to say never give up to all who still have hope. I would still be happy if I could never walk again, I would soimply have fostered a diferent attitude. I met a guy who broke his neck at C5 and walked again after 3 years, he gets around with a cane or even nothing just fine. Only his limp wrist tells of his prior injury.

I tried dancing today and man it felt great. I still cannot get the full range of motion in all of my leg muscles. My hip flexors ar still one of the most difficult for me at the time. Walking again is very possible, dont give up.

[Tired of hurting]

jaredyoung, on Dec 28 2007, 03:37 PM, said:

I fell off of a building 2 months ago and dislocated my spine at L1 and L2.
Initially I could move one of my legs, but after surgery I was completely paralyzed from the waiste down. I was told right away that I was never going to walk again. I refused to beleive the doctors and kept on trying to fire my muscles. One doc kept coming back daily to shove a finger up my behind to see if I could squeeze my sphincter shut. I guess that is the first sign of whether I was complete or not. Eventually i gained some slight movement in that area, and after that I was determined to walk again. All this took place in a government hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.

After a month I was shipped back to the US for rehab at the UW medical center in Seattle, WA. Supposed to be the number one hospital based rehab program in the USA. They also did not beleive that I would be walking as soon as it turned out I could. Nevertheless, they whipped my butt back into shape with rigorous excercise program and long periods of standing in a standing-frame device.
by the end of my 4 week stay as an inpatient I was walking with AFO leg braces and a walker.

Its been 2 weeks now since I was discharged and I am walking quite well around the house, but I have not yet braved the outdoors. I am confident that I will be fully recovered before 1 year has passed. Im not sure why I have recovered so fast, but I do exercize and stretch daily for about 1 hour sometimes more. I also kept an extremely positive attitude and cut out all doubt of failure from my mind. I chanted Nam Myoho renge Kyo, a buddhist mantra known to inspire miracles, everyday with faith and ferver.

I would like to say never give up to all who still have hope. I would still be happy if I could never walk again, I would soimply have fostered a diferent attitude. I met a guy who broke his neck at C5 and walked again after 3 years, he gets around with a cane or even nothing just fine. Only his limp wrist tells of his prior injury.

I tried dancing today and man it felt great. I still cannot get the full range of motion in all of my leg muscles. My hip flexors ar still one of the most difficult for me at the time. Walking again is very possible, dont give up.

Wow,You go boy! Sounds like God has a path for you. Your making excellent progress. Keep up the hard work Lisa

[Tired of hurting]

Elzeen, on Oct 20 2007, 01:46 PM, said:

Welcome to the site. I'm new here too but have been a T12 para for 31 years. I'll let others with experience respond to your questions re cure as I have never gone that route.

I am T 12 for 3 years,Just got diagnosed,bowel and bladder spasms. Spasms cause my pain. Do you have pain? Your Friend Lisa[quote]

[DAVE23]

Imight, on Oct 20 2007, 01:29 AM, said:

Hi I am new here.

I am 26. I am a T6 Incomplete. My car accident happened 5 months ago (May) and so far I am able to stand and use a walker, altho it isn't a natural flow walk (because of spasms) I can stand on my 2 feet with effy balance. I can feel touch- if I pull hair from my legs I can feel it, I can not feel temp yet, but I think in the more sensitive areas (behind my thighs) cold and heat cause a strange ''sensation"

This is all new to me, I went from a very active social life, to being indoors, working out, trying to make a come back. I dont think i'll ever walk the same, but I hope I can atleast be upright.

What do you all think? Do I have a chance?

It is a bit too soon, but I have been also looking into a research center in Mexico (Cali doctors) that have been using shark embryos. If all else fails after the 1 year mark, I am thinking about 'trying' a more drastic measure, if that doesn't work, I will probably cry for weeks, but I will continue to live.

I met a very cool young man while I was in the hosp, who is an incomplete para. He said he knew 4 indiv that went to China. 3 were complete but the worse happened.....they passed away (drs never post fatalities hmmmm) but 1 recovered, is upright, uses a cane, and all bowels have returned. Not sure I like those odds, so I am looking else where, hoping to find something.

Has anyone from this site tried any of these 'break thrus'
Or natural recovery?


I have been lurking around, and let me just say, I am highly impressed by the confidence, determination, and courage some of you display. amazing you all are!

ps. is there a way to view all posts without having to click?

I am new on this site and this is my first reply to a post ,so here goes.
I was in a car wreck 33 years ago and completely paralyzed from the waist down.I could not feel or move anything at all from the waist down.It was like I did not exist below the waist.I was in a body cast .The MD said I would not walk again.I never even believed that I would not walk again.
Long story short, is they were wrong and I did walk.So my answer is most definitely ,I think you will totally recover based on what you have said.But, if you don't,remember it could always be worse and thank God for what you can do and there is always hope as long as you are alive.

Best wishes,
Dave Tsang