Thursday – 4/12/2012
“It doesn’t matter who you are; it doesn’t matter where you’ve been; it doesn’t matter where you start; it only matters where you end.”
This past week I’ve been battling my fair share of issues, mostly physical, that have worn me down and thrown a wrench into my daily routine. Unfortunately, I had to miss a physical therapy session and a few other appointments this week. The harsh realities of a spinal cord injury are always present. No matter how good you might be feeling one moment, it doesn’t take much for some small incident to rudely remind you how different your body now is.
At the end of the day, there’s only so much control you have over your physical body. Ironically, the discomfort and challenges that seem to constantly bombard you are often the result of the work you put in to rehab yourself. An unfortunate Catch-22 that I continue to battle on a daily basis. I’m hoping that as the warmer weather arrives over the next few weeks it will help to alleviate some of the persistent and nagging discomfort I have been experiencing.
Fortunately, I was still able to celebrate a wonderful Easter with my family. We had our traditional 25 minute mass with Fr. Damian followed by a lot of great food and way too much candy. I even snacked on some chocolate-covered Fritos (thank you, Katie!) which I must say are quite the treat!
I posted two videos about Janne Kouri in my previous journal entry that highlighted the remarkable advancements he has made along his road to recovery. One of the videos featured a woman, Dr. Susan Harkema, who is credited with developing the theory behind locomotor training. It turns out that she will be at Metro Hospital in two weeks. I have been asked to meet with her to discuss my experiences with some of the FES advancements being developed in Cleveland. My friend, Chris, owner of Buckeye Wellness Center, will also be at Metro that day, and I am hoping the three of us will have the chance to discuss locomotor training together.
On another note, I was able to get in touch with Janne after he purchased one of my awareness bracelets (He was made aware of my story through my friend, Nicole). I had some questions for him regarding NextStep Fitness and its affiliation with the Christopher Reeve Foundation. His facility is recognized as an NRN (Neural Recovery Network) center and I am hoping to learn how and if Buckeye Wellness Center might also benefit from this.
Finally, I am looking forward to the Bruce Springsteen concert next Tuesday. Just a friendly reminder, if anyone has any connections that would afford me the opportunity to meet “The Boss” don’t hesitate to contact me!
As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support…it keeps me going! Stand Strong!
Scott
10 Comments
Koon
July 12, 2012I just reinjured my L4L5,L5S1 and have been laid up since July 4. I had been traninig for a half. I like you detest cross traninig. I felt this coming on- but misinterpreted my pain as a tight hamstring I am likely out of commission for a few more weeks, and have been told to forget the half. I had a ESI on Friday and feel much better now but realize the underlying issue remains.
David
April 19, 2012The snow is almost gone except for the snow dump and a few mounds. The midnight sun is closing in extending the evening light and beginning the morning light earlier each day. Soon the sun will overtake the night totally. It is wild living in the land of the midnight sun.
David
April 14, 2012The warm and drizzly weather is melting the snow causing parking lot bogs and culverts of melted snow. The thaw is full progress. Put my face mask in my summer jacket pocket and left my gloves at home. The trees are ready to bloom. The green boom is about two weeks away. Fairbanks goes from blue and white to blue and green. Lots of blue lots of green. The change is dramatic in the land of the midnight sun.
David
April 14, 2012The answer lies in music. Music is the worlds greatest consolation prize. Listening to Santana puts one in a good mood. Music generates a lot of momentum.
David
April 13, 2012I am reminded of the painting of the sled dog by the Yukon Quest musher. The artist conveys many expressions, aggravation, irritation, concentration, reflection, in the expression of the dog. Yet the eyes of the dog remain life saver green with the dominant and prevailing expression of determination.
jean
April 13, 2012Thinking of you Scott. Keep your chin up! Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way today.
mark
April 13, 2012a prayer for scott !! oh dear Father its me mark, i have a very special request for a friend in hope that he can meet Bruce Springsteen at the concert next Tuesday. please make this arrangement for him i’m sure it will lift him up with a smile for a while. i also pray that you allow his spinal cord to recover each day more and more. keep scott and other people with this type of injury close to you Lord. Faith, Courage to keep fighting strong. “Faith is having a confident assurance of the future”. Father i also pray that you use these miracles to show yourself working continuely helping us all threw our trials of this world. scott i will right you sometime and share my medical struggles. the Lord keeps me lifted up !! i hope this wrighting doesn’t offend anyone..
Mary McFeely
April 13, 2012So very sorry to hear about your “issues”, Scott. I am glad you were able to enjoy Easter with your family and friends. Chocolate Fritos sound wonderful!!!
Enjoy the Boss – hope you get to meet him (how AWESOME that would be!!!).
Here’s praying you have way more GREAT days than bad days in the future!
God Bless You,
(Bobbi’s friend)
Pauline Garvey
April 12, 2012Hi Scott,
I read each of your posts and keep you in my prayers daily. I’m hoping it helps you in some way to know that even though I don’t know you personally, I pray someday, I will pick up the news, or hear somewhere that they have found a way to reverse the damage done by spinal cord injuries.
I think I mentioned to you that my nieces little one Sean who is 4 contracted Transverse Mylitis when he was 9 months old. He’s a little fighter too. He has some mobility if they give him botox injections in his legs every three months to reduce the spasms he gets. They have been doing that for 3 years now. He can only stand for short periods of time though and refuses most of the time to be in his wheelchair. They don’t know what caused him to contract Tranverse Mylitis, but think its a virus that attacks the spinal cord.
I guess I’m just mentioning this because you’re both fighting a battle that no one can explain. I just want you to know you are probably never out of your family or friends thoughts and prayers. Also, you’re not forgotten by people who don’t know your personally either.
I hope the next days, weeks and months bring you some relief from the challenges that are making it difficult for you to continue your progress.
Wish I knew someone who was a close friend of Bruce Spingsteen though.
Only positive thoughts……..
Donna Trunko
April 12, 2012Hi Scott,
I am sorry you are having some set backs. I know you will overcome them. Hope you have fun at the Springsteen concert. I bet you get to meet the boss. I hope to see you soon.