Just over a year ago I was in Arizona to pick my Dad up from the hospital and to bring him to Minnesota.  Little did I know that I would change my life after going on this trip.  While I was there my platelets drop to a dangerous low and I had a blood clot in my spine.  At this time I am paralyzed from the chest down my injury was at C7 to T3. 

The good news is that through my journey I have accomplished many things.  I want to share this with people so that I can encourage anyone.

April and May were difficult as I was in the hospital and just trying to learn how to bath, and how to sit and transfer from chair to bed.  I thought nothing could get any more difficult.  Then I went to the Courage Center as a inpatient and they shared with me that it was up to me how hard I wanted to work and to set me goals.  From May to July I spent two dedicated months in therapy, first we worked on building my core muscles I was doing approximately 4-5 hours a day of therapy.  Before I knew it they had me standing with huge braces on my legs and balancing.   All off a sudden on a Monday I was told the insurance would not pay for more inpatient care.  I left for home that Wednesday and thought now what happends.

It took my two months to get everything straight and to get back into outpatient therapy.  It was a frustrating time and I tried to do some exercises at home and walk a few steps with a walker.  I had a lot of fear whether I might fall or what would happen.  As time went on I was back to Courage Center for out patient going to PT one day and Pool one day.  I was not driving so I was not doing much other therapy accept at home and going to the gym once and a while.  I used Metro Mobility which meant any appointment or outing took 3 hours minimum.   Once spring was coming I new that I had to get a drivers license.  I got my freedom in April and things are really looking up for me now. 

As of April this year I am going to the gym 4-5 times a week, and doing pilates on my own I am really trying to continue to improve.  I can walk with a walker about 200 to 300 feet.  I am using the wheelchair about 50% in the house and riding bike (hand cycle) most days.  I still realize I need to do more because I want to walk better and eliminate using the wheelchair. 

I would to help others and give back so feel free to contact me with questions?