[Eric]

Hello, newbie here!

I just started my second round of PT at The Rehab Institute of Michigan. I did all that I could in my first round at the University of Michigan MedRehab PT and OT. RIM is by far a lot more of what I was looking for since I regained consciousness in the hospital. As soon as I was aware of my new condition of course I wanted my old life back, and when it sank in that I am in fact in a very perminent situation I focused on recovery.

As it turned out RIM is all about RECOVERY and not REHAB. Their objective is to use all the new and cutting edge of everything to help a SCI regain as much as possible and then some.

I was curious if anyone here as had any experience with RIM and/or heard of anyone having been there? Eric

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

I can't comment on RIM as a facility, but as far as equipment goes, it looks as though they have all the right stuff, especially for preventing "Learned Non Use" of limbs.

If I was a new injury, I think this would be a good starting point, at least then if there was no further recovery, you would know that you did everything you could to maximise your potential.

Regards

Simon

[Ches]

Eric, I havent been there but I have heard of it. Quite familiar with it actually. I looked into it, emailed the chairman Brian Sheridan(?) and have decided I want to attend. Like Simon said it looks pretty benefcal for the newly injuried. I noticed most of the patients there have undergone Stem Cell implants, and are directed there for their recovery process. I personally dont believe in the surgery, but I do want to attend.

They are crazy expensive. I warn ya!

[Eric]

Ches, on Dec 20 2007, 12:28 PM, said:

Eric, I havent been there but I have heard of it. Quite familiar with it actually. I looked into it, emailed the chairman Brian Sheridan(?) and have decided I want to attend. Like Simon said it looks pretty benefcal for the newly injuried. I noticed most of the patients there have undergone Stem Cell implants, and are directed there for their recovery process. I personally dont believe in the surgery, but I do want to attend.

They are crazy expensive. I warn ya!

Thanks Simon and Ches!
I completed my second day yesterday, and so far I am encouraged with what we have done. They are definitely focused on recovery rather than just working on the muscles I can already use. I probably should have started RIM in the beginning, but live and learn!! I haven't spoken with many of the other recoverers other that a few "Hey, nice to meet ya's". But, I'm looking foreward to a lot of chit-chat when I'm spinning around the track in my power-assist. And three hours a day, three days a week of pretty intense workouts will be fun and worth it. Brian Sheridan seems to be OK, pretty knowledgable guy.If I remember correctly from my walk through orientation according to Brian, RIM used to help those wishing to have Stem Cell implants, but are moving way from that.

Hopefully you will be able to attent Ches, and perhaps I'll see you there! Eric

[RacingAxe]

Hey Eric, I was just visiting RIM on Wednesday. I stopped in to go to a 'Round Table' discussion which is set up by the inpatient recreational therapist. Some of the Center for Spinal Cord Recovery people such as yourself sometimes go to the discussions. I went to meet some new people and see some of my inpatient therapists. I live about 25 minutes away so if you want to meet up sometime let me know.

[Eric]

RacingAxe, on Dec 22 2007, 12:24 AM, said:

Hey Eric, I was just visiting RIM on Wednesday. I stopped in to go to a 'Round Table' discussion which is set up by the inpatient recreational therapist. Some of the Center for Spinal Cord Recovery people such as yourself sometimes go to the discussions. I went to meet some new people and see some of my inpatient therapists. I live about 25 minutes away so if you want to meet up sometime let me know.

Hey Axe, I'm at RIM usually Mon, Tues, & Thurs 1-4pm. I may check out the 'Round Table' after I get into the swing of things. Perhaps we'll run into each other sometime there.

[RacingAxe]

Eric, on Dec 21 2007, 08:58 PM, said:

Hey Axe, I'm at RIM usually Mon, Tues, & Thurs 1-4pm. I may check out the 'Round Table' after I get into the swing of things. Perhaps we'll run into each other sometime there.

I'm guessing you are commuting to RIM? I probably won't be back there for a while but would make the trip if you were inclined to meet. I have a regular day job but could sneak out early one day. Just let me know.

Did you have any surgery? I had mine at U of M. They have a good reputation but I couldn't wait to get out of there.

[EmHope]

Hey Eric,

My Doctor is Dr. Hinderer at RIM and I have done the rehab there off and on as I am able and do my own home therapy with many of the same equipment at home when I am not going regularly. I however go to the West Michigan branch in Rockford MI because it's much closer to me! I gained a ton from RIM strength and muscle wise....especially in my trunk, arms, balance, exercise, and endurance ability!!! They are very innovative yet realistic. As a C6 complete I was told I would never be independent initially in rehab. I worked really really hard to gain everything I could at RIM & the Recovery Project I also attended in Livonia and with their positive attitude and innovative therapies was successful in gaining almost all of my independence! I still have a couple hours of help in the morning so I don't loose a lot of time and energy before class or clinical. Takes a long time and lots of commitment though. (now I am 6 years post injury) So don't expect big things immediatly. I moved into my own apartment and attend graduate school now so I don't go daily but do my own stuff fit into my schedule and frequently go back during school breaks every few months and get reassessed.

Stay positive and you will gain so much! It's tricky to find a balance of therapy, taking care of your body, and yet still living your life and pursuing your dreams and making meaning of your life. There are many great people at RIM!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Em

[Kwag_Myers]

I was inpatient back in August '07. Now I see Dr. Nieshoff (outpatient) every three months or so. I like him 'cause he's a quad, so he knows what he's talking about. Plus, he's a nice guy.

This post has been edited by Kwag_Myers: 30 January 2008 - 06:42 PM

[jared talaga]

I go to the west michigan branch and love it so far. I have been going for roughly 3 months after 2 months of out patient therapy at Mary Freebed. I like CSCIR much better.