June 29, 2009

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, and I know folks like updates so here's one for ya. My exercise routine can now easily cover 2 hours a day. I don't always do that much because frankly, after a day's work, I'm a bit spent. But a typical night will include:

Standing Frame: 30 minutes
Stretching and PT exercises: 30 minutes - 1 hour. The physical therapy work includes a lot of what is called "core" exercises, utilizing movements that work my glutes, hamstrings and abdominal muscles. I still see my PT once a week for about an hour
Exercycle: 30-45 minutes (currently on level 4 out of 8).
EMS: 30 minutes (Electrical Muscle Stimulator).

Results: Walking without falling has been my most impressive result so far. It was not uncommon for me to fall 1-2 times a week simply walking along - even while wearing my AFO's.
I suppose the ability to workout at all has also been a vast improvement. For 8 years prior to stem cell treatment, I never exercised, thinking 'why bother, the muscle is dead so what's the use'? Now I feel that my work is actually beginning to payoff. I am still careful not to over-work the muscles, however, and don't allow myself to reach exhaustion when exercising.

I'll keep you posted.

Russ