Something new
January 3rd, 2007
It has been some time since I have posted. After arriving home, I immediately returned to work. There were also several interviews with the media not to mention all that is required for getting ready for Christmas. Unfortunately, this meant that my physio routine has fallen by the wayside. I have noticed, with sadness, that my calf muscles have once again atropied. This is entirely my own fault but a good lesson learned. I have decided to take the month of January off work in order to devote my full time and energy to physio. I have also been really debilited with pain these last few weeks and have logged a lot of bed time.
Now for the good news. The constant pain in my legs resembles muscle stiffness and believe it or not, I have been told that this is a good sign. As sensation begins to return, there is often a lot of pain from the atrophied muscles. It means that the muscles are giving signals. Again, one more reason to persue a heavy physio routine. So I guess this is a good pain, if there is such a thing. It certainly has given me a renewed sense of purpose and goal acheivement.
Something else odd, but new, occured today. As I awoke this morning and began to toss the bedcovers off, I gasped at the coldness in the air. I quickly huddled back under the covers. As I pulled my legs up close to me I discovered that my right leg, the one that had been exposed to the cold air, was covered in goosebumps on the thigh. Later, when I got fully out of bed, I again noticed that both legs in the bare thigh area were covered in goosebumps. How in the world can legs that have no sensation to hot or cold do that? I did some inquiring and learned that this is a very promising sign. Goosebumps are a neurilogical response so the legs are getting some signals. The next step will be for them to give signals.
Although it is late evening now, I think I am going to get on my passive leg trainer right now. 
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized
9 Comments Add your own
1. Ginny Grant | January 9th, 2007 at 1:28 am
Cheryl,
I just wanted to say how much I admire your strength and courage and to wish you a strong recovery.
I feel as if we have plenty in common, about the same age, etc. and I too ride (event). About 1 year ago, I had an awful ski racing accident and blew both knees. I’ve had surgery on one and await the other. Needless to say, it’s been a long haul and I’m just now able to walk short distances. I always felt gettting older that if i was ever to hurt myself, it would be falling off my horse, not skiing. When I saw your news segment, some time ago, I was standing in the kitchen having a ‘poor me’ episode. You reminded me of myself in some ways and I thought, if you can find your way to move on and keep building, then surely I should be able to. Whenever I’m having a diffiuclt time, wondering if I’m ever going to be active again, I think of you and your determination.
I wish you well. Ginny
2. Tasha | January 10th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Hi Cheryl. Your story is kept me at the seat of my chair. My best friend has a spinal cord injury from a four wheeler accident and we are trying to seek treatment for him. Can you please inform me on how you were able to have the stem cell implantation done. It would be very much appreciated. I wish you the best of luck and I will keep you in my prayers. I hope to hear from you soon. thanks
3. dan smith | January 12th, 2007 at 9:33 am
thanks alot for the postings, you seem to be the only one on SCC site that is keeping your blog current. Sort of wonder what happened to all the other SCI patients. Keep pushing kiddo, your conition is bound to get better. Somday, maybe we can meet in Shenzhen or one of the other hospitals there.
The Very best of all good things; Dan Smith
4. Danielle Johnson | January 14th, 2007 at 2:31 am
Hi Cheryl,
I am very interested in your rehab/treatment from China. My husband is a T6/7 complete. He had a burst fracture of T7 & T8 and the bone fragments went into his spinal cord and there was a 50% compression on the spinal cord. He shared a room with another fellow who’s been in contact with you and we would really like to keep in touch with you.
I was particularily interested in your “goose bumps”. My husband’s legs are warm just like mine, on occasion they become cool. However, last week, while I was helping him dress, he had goose bumps on his legs. His accident was Aug 12 2006, and we were told he’d never have feeling sensation or movement again. That’s why your blog caught my interest. That, and the fact we are looking (or were looking) at going to china for similar treatment.
Please let me know… and congrat’s… every little news IS BIG news!
5. Larry Norton | January 18th, 2007 at 4:08 am
I have a few questions about your injury.
What was the level of your injury?
How long ago was your injury?
My injury was in Nov of 2002.
Level T-12
I was listed as complete originally. I have some sensation in my right leg and can barely move my toes on my left foot.
Have you had any more improvement in the last two weeks?
Will you be going back for more treatments?
6. Dusti | January 25th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Hi Cheryl! My name is Dusti and my boyfriend was in a car wreck in 2004 and is now in a wheelchair due to an incomplete c7 injury. We are looking around and researching stem cell surgery. He really wants to have it done. Is there anything you could tell me about yourself that might help us out. If so I would really appreciate it. Thanks
Dusti
7. shawn f | January 30th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
what kind of injury was yours
8. Mikey RIley | February 24th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Okay, so you have gone through the stem cell china treatment. THATS AWESOME! I am going to do the same, I want to learn as much as possible from first hand experience. If you could e-mail me, or even better, call me! I would so love to chat it up with you. I have free nights/weekends/long distance. So, i have no problem calling you……unless it costs extra to call china. anywhoo, ttyl
-Mikey
9. yolyszlo&hellip | November 16th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
yolyszlo…
yolyszlo…
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