stopped using me pimp cane

zodiac272 · May 4, 2011

so, a year and 7 months after surgery to remove spinal cord tumors from my neck (C2 to T1) I just started walking well enough to stop using my cane to assist walking. I still have a fair amount of trouble walking, but I progressed to a point where the cane actually makes it harder. I don't have such a pronounced "drop foot" anymore which i would trip on and almost fall down, constantly. My balance is much better, I'm standing straighter, feeling stronger. I actually went rock climbing last sunday... i climbed 20 feet, ascended the rope 20 feet and my buddy hauled me 20 feet. that was the best exercise if had since the day before surgery. my arms were itching like crazy within 30 minutes after climbing, and that means my nerves are regrowing and healing. after 8 months of physical therapy with a trainer, I never had that so dramatic. I'm feeling my strength start to return, and I'm seeing more movement in my right shoulder, arm, hand, and wrist and fingers, though my right arm is still almost useless. I was also able to jog slowly on the beach, and my ankle and knee felt secure. I still have a long way to go, probably another year and half to get a lot better, and I don't normally celebrate small victories like this but I'm starting to see that I can do it.

scott

Don · May 4, 2011

That's awesome news!

JOEY B. · May 4, 2011

Your glass is now "half full". Your positive outlook will help to "top it off". 8) Stay strong, and keep that pimp cane as a reminder of how far you've came in your recovery.

lesterpaul · May 4, 2011

wow..I mean this...I would rather go through the F-5 tornado again (without kids and wife, of course...)than go thru what you have-you are living proof-bless you bro
-mc

zodiac272 · May 5, 2011

Hey thanks guys... mc, I hope you never have to do that again! And yes the pimp cane will be a reminder and motivation tool. The way I see it, we all have a gauntlet to run, and this is mine. I have great family and friends, without their support, I wouldn't be where I am now. This board has kept me occupied for many hours as well. so thanks for putting up with my posts.

I had an mri monday, everything looks stable, and I'm getting psyched about getting my strength back. I really feel like in 2 months I'll be walking almost normal, and in 6 months I'll start to have a right hand again... I'm tired of going "lefty", though it's like a stranger doing it... :lol: :lol:

Here is a pic of the "mangina" on the back of my neck a couple hours after surgery, and what I was doing christmas time in upstate ny before surgery... soon I'll be back

Thanks!
scott

Gtr_Pkr · May 9, 2011

Props to you dude!!! Glad to hear you are on the upswing and keeping a positive attitude will only help you get to the top that much quicker! ROCK CLIMBING!......AWESOME!!