2/24/13–post by Shane

The things of this world aren’t going to matter when we pass.  What kind of car we drove or what job we had none of these things are going with us when we leave earth.  All that really matters is our character.  Through this accident I’ve learned this.  It has helped open my eyes to a lot of things.  Through this journey and the physical things I’ve lost has helped me focus on what is more important.  I feel God has taken away certain blessings to redirect my focus on greater endeavors.  I’ve started working on the Ekso more frequently.  I have taken more than 320 steps the last time I used the suit.  It is getting easier the more I use it.  I have also started swimming more.  At first it was a lot harder than I anticipated.  Swimming freestyle was a challenge but just like anything the more I do it the better I become.  I really enjoy being in the pool.  It gives me an opportunity to be buoyant and walk a bit.  They have me doing therapy four days a week; which I enjoy and helps to keep me busy.  I love working on my recovery any chance I get.  I’m determined and focused.  One day at a time I’m getting closer to my goal of walking again.  I have looked into possibly getting stem cell injections.  I’m still doing research and asking around.  It excites me knowing that this could help my recovery process tremendously.  This week I have a full schedule of therapy.  Including the Ekso machine, muscle stimulating bike, the pool, and walking with long legged braces.  Bring it on!  I’m doing what ever it takes to reach my goal.  Looking into this world of paraplegia and seeing just how many Americans are in wheel chairs and are handicap makes me realize that I want to help in anyway I can.  By giving hope and reaching out to disabled people letting them know that we are ABLE and can achieve anything by putting our mind to it.  We just do it differently.  I ask for continued prayers for strength and sensation.  God Bless!!

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Love, Shane

2/14/13 –post by Shane

            I’ve been doing terrific in therapy!  Although this week was a slow start due to the snow storm that hit this past weekend.  My new bed came in Tuesday it’s such a blessing to have received that.  It’s like sleeping on a cloud.  Today I started the Ekso skeleton suit.  It’s amazing how this mechanical suit works.  I was actually walking! Took 102 steps today.  They have me in the pool twice a week and also walking with the Ekso twice a week.  I’m excited to see were I’ll be in the next few months with all this new therapy.  Lets hope and pray I’ll start to get some more sensation back.  Patience patience patience I keep reminding myself this is a long road to recovery but every day is a day to help my body recover.  I thank the Lord everyday for the blessings I have.  Just being here telling my story.  God is so good! 

 

            I ask for prayers for a full recovery.  That God will show me his good and perfect will.  I also ask for pray that I will get some more sensation back and able to move my legs against gravity.  Thank you every one for reading and all the prayers.  I can’t tell you how much the encouragement helps me.  I’m going to walk again one day!

                                                                                    Love Shane,

2/7/13 –post by shane

The weekend went by way to fast it felt like Tyler, Brittany, and the baby were only here a day.  It was so great to see by brother and hold my niece.  She is adorable.  Can’t wait for them to come back up here again.  This week I’ve made great progress.  I started in the pool, doing laps and walking with ankle weights.  The walking isn’t full fledged but its getting better and easier the more I practice.  I’m also able to stand upright in the pool and help weight go through my legs.  I love being in the water its amazing to finally be buoyant.  I’m able to move and stretch out my back like I haven’t before since my accident.  I also got fitted for the esko skeleton.  It’s this suit that assists you in walking.  Gaylord Hospital where my outpatient therapy is held is the only rehabilitation center in Connecticut that has one.  I am so anxious to finally stand up in this suit and walk.  I also have an appointment to get fitted for a standing frame.  A standing frame is a seat that you sit in and you jack up the seat into a standing position.  Its great to have because it helps with circulation, digestion, and blood flow.  What is even better is my insurance company is going to cover the standing frame.  I played in my first full court basketball game at the YMCA yesterday.  I was pretty close to scoring a basket too!  It was a lot harder than I expected.  But nonetheless it was a good time.   We are suppose to be getting a bad snowstorm up here I’m kinda bummed cause I can’t sled in my back yard.  My Dad and I are trying to figure out a pulley system to pull me back up our hill.  As I move forward in this journey which for me is the only direction to go.  I look forward to my recovery getting stronger spiritually and physically.  Being still and knowing I’m in the Lord’s hands.  He will provide and make my path straight.  I ask for continued prayers up sensation and strength back in my legs.  God Bless.

 

 

                                                                        Love Shane,