Walking Paras

[angel7]

How many T's and L paras in our community have regained some walking function?

[Wise Young]

bump up for more votes.

I hope that every body is has a thoracic or lumbar injury will respond to this poll. It might help reverse the general notion that people who are initially paraplegic never recover walking.

Wise.

[Curt Leatherbee]

From my experience, walking Para's are quite rare, walking quads are more common, however still rare.

"Life is about how you
respond to not only the
challenges you're dealt but
the challenges you seek...If
you have no goals, no
mountains to climb, your
soul dies".~Liz Fordred

[cpaul]

Thanks Deb,

For posting this Para poll with your Quad poll, you'll have to show me how you did this sometime.

Chris

[Mum]

My son was injured in Sept 2001, T12 incomplete, and walked out of the spinal unit (using two sticks) to come home in the following May. It would have taken less time but the serious head injury/operation he'd had meant he wasn't moved to the spinal unit until Nov 2001, plus he had some bad pressure sores which held him up for months. He only started the really serious physio stuff in the Jan/Feb of 2002. His initial hospital had told us he would never walk again. But then they also said he wasn't going to come out of the vegetative state he was in, and he's back to normal now apart from the remaining SCI damage (ie he has minimal feeling below the left knee and problems with bladder, bowel, sexual function etc).

A re-opened sore on his heel has partially held him up since about July last year - he uses a mix of chair & sticks, & sometimes just one stick. (It's been a trade-off between being in the chair the entire time and having the heel mend quicker, or having a slower healing time but being able to walk at least some of the time, and he chose the latter). Now that the heel is finally mended he's going to start doing some more intensive exercise again. He did actually take a few steps the other day without using anything but it was very difficult and his hips were all over the place! (As were my heartbeats!)

I didn't vote on this post because it's me, not him but thought I ought to add my fourpenneth somehow.

Mum

Life is what happens to us while we're making other plans. - John Lennon

[gpbullock]

Debbie, what would you consider to be return of funtion? Strengthened hip flexors, some quadricep return, and how much would you consider beneficial?

[angel7]

cpaulm,

If your email is listed - I'll email you the steps to create a poll. The Care/Cure designers have made it real user friendly.

Deb

[angel7]

gpbullock,

In my opinion any return of function below the break is a good sign. However, for the purpose of this poll I'm talking about enough function that you can walk with minimal aid. I would think that walking with a cane or some ankle support would qualify as walking in this poll.

Deb

[jb]

wow, is that right: the most return was w/in or after 3yrs. that's great! it makes my day.

[bent]

complete T12/ L1's- walking 100% impossible.
you'll work out hard core for 2 years and still not be able to stand unassisted; again this is if you are a complete!
grimmer news is that these injuries in the lumbar area are irreversible even through potential therapies.
i believe strongly that com[plete low para's have no chance to walk again ever!

[emmy]

Brent,

Bite my ASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

[SarahRN]

J is a t4 para and began walking with RGO braces 4 weeks and 2 days ago.. using walker for now but will move to crutches hopefully in the next 4 months. Since I am not him didn't answer/vote in the poll... but J was injured 10/24/99 and started walking Jan 24, 2003. He has regained some hip flexor and quads.. and when we were evaluated by team in St. Louis (superman's team) this past weekend they think he's also regained some abs.. so miracles still happen!
Sarah - aka Presbynurse
Oh and PS yeah we both worked our asses off to get to this point. I am nurse but cross trained to do his PT with him....

[Shawn]

I'm a T-10/L1 incomplete para. In just about a year, i was able to walk with a walking frame - locked knees with no braces. Just after a year and ever since, i now walk with forearm cructhes and no braces. However, due to extreme hyper-extension of my knee's, i need to start using knee braces.

[gpbullock]

I am almost three years post, I have had a lot of strength return to hip flexors, quads, lower back, etc. I am t12 and I walk alot, everyday using KAFO's because I can't lock my knees yet. I can press weights with my legs, and can resist heavier weights (130-140)pounds. I've been in intensive PT for over a year. I train with three other para's who have had similar results. I am working on a short video which I'll be posting sometime soon. Maybe it will shed more light on my situation.

[SCI PILOT]

Walking without braces! Your dorsey flextion must be good not to have foot drop. I need AFO's that allow me to lean about 7degrees forward as I have no plantar or dorsey. Hopefully some of it returns in the next few years and I can get rid of these braces.

I can walk without any crutches with the braces on and with forearm (gutter) crutches witht he braces off.

Jim

[JimD]

Bent -

That sounds like an overly pessimistic statement - where are you getting your information from? Can you back that up?

[bent]

jim D.-

I back it up through numerous conversations from neurosurgeons and top PT's in the NYC area. Again, I believe that this only applies to someone who has no sacral sensation upon arrival.
The longer flaccid spinal shock continues, the more screwed you are! T12/L1 is absolutely the WORST spot you to get nailed in terms of ambulation and/or sexual functioning. Look at the clinical trials taking place, anyone below T11 need not apply! You are beyond help!

[JimD]

Wise, nurses -

Any reactions/responses to Bent's comments?

[bent]

Jim D.-
I am referring to my injury as well. I cannot count the times that I've been recently told, "no matter how much you pedal your nu-step, etc. etc., you have 0.01% of recovering more function.'
*Hint- the people telling me this are neighbors to Dr. Wise Young.

[gpbullock]

I have personally trained alongside a T12 complete para who after 3+ years of intensive physical training(not therapy, whatever the hell that is) and now walks without braces, using only one cane. This guy was actually the reason I began the program I am currently in because he was a contractor prior to his injury(which is also my profession pre-sci). I admit that his walking wasn't pretty, he sort of looked like an newborn trying to maintain his balance so he seemed to weight shift alot to stay balanced. But he was able to return to work as a roofing contractor, and goes up and down ladders,etc. I was hooked and have been working towards my own personal goals regarding recovery ever since.

[bent]

jpbullock-

that's pretty amazing! What makes you a complete injury, no sacral sensation but some muscle return, or neither.
It's strange that the docs at Mt. Sinai call me complete, even though I have flickers of muscle return.

[Curt Leatherbee]

Unfortunately the low injuries will be harder to cure if the cure ever becomes available. Gray matter will be much to do anything with than White matter. Anything below I believe t-12 consists mostly of gray matter.

"Life is about how you
respond to not only the
challenges you're dealt but
the challenges you seek...If
you have no goals, no
mountains to climb, your
soul dies".~Liz Fordred

[gpbullock]

you have access to the same info that I do. I would assume that lack of sacral sensation is the way they determine incomplete or complete. And yes, I am "complete" with some muscle return, and so is the person I was refering to in my prior post. Now how you take it is up to you. I would prefer to say I was incomplete, I might even be able to walk again without using braces with alot of determination and hard work. Will I get return of bladder, bowel and sexual function? Who knows. The ability to walk isn't a cure, just part of getting back some of the abilities that were lost when I broke my back.

[Jal]

Gpbullock,

I am very interested in your post about physical training. My daughter is a t12,l1 and she is going to project walk in a month. Can you share with us what type of work out you and your workout buddy is doing to get back on your feet.

My daughter is willing to work out as hard as she can to see if she will be able to walk again.

Thanks,

Jal

[gpbullock]

I do core exercises like crawling, and other floor exercises, weight training in vertical positions, I walked on my knees for awile using shortened canes. I have been training now for a year so of course I have done many different exercise routines within that time period. feel free to contact me at my email address for any further information.

[vl_gyurov]

Hello,
I'm T3-T4 Para since 11Sept.2000. I had two operations 3 to 4 months after my accident I was back home and started hard training.
My situation has improved tremendously from what it was after the operation, but unfortunately I still have no movement or feelings from the waste down.
I'm standing with standing frame for 2 hours every day. Tried to walk in parallel bars before some time, bus as I don't have my abs working It's very hard to walk. I think to try this again soon. Maybe I'll do better.
I do one exercise but still don't know how I do it: I lift up a 9 kilos weight with my legs with the help of a rope through a pulley. I do this twice a day with both legs for 100 times each. I started with 2kilos.
I also do electrostimulation to my legs, abs and paravertebral muscles every day for 1 hour.
I'll be happy to read any suggestions or proposals how to speed up my improvement.
Thanks,

Vladko
www.vladi-g.bulhosting.com (http://www.vladi-g.bulhosting.com)

[This message was edited by Vladko on 02-22-03 at 11:52.]

[This message was edited by Vladko on 02-22-03 at 12:54.]

[dan_nc]

complete T12/ L1's- walking 100% impossible.
you'll work out hard core for 2 years and still not be able to stand unassisted; again this is if you are a complete!
grimmer news is that these injuries in the lumbar area are irreversible even through potential therapies.
i believe strongly that com[plete low para's have no chance to walk again ever!

Sorry for resurrecting such an old thread, but I'm totally confused while reading this--So, for an ASIA A injuried at T12/L1, walking is 100% impossible?

[wildwilly]

Every thoracic/lumbar injury is different complete or incomplete. I do not agree with 100% impossible. I have seen individuals (both complete and incomplete) walk with different types of orthotics. I guess then the argument is what is functional. I'm not sure who should be the judge of what is functional and I'm skeptical as to who should define functional for the individual with the injury.
wildwilly

[metronycguy]

also the description of complete can be subjective. i myself find it hard to belive that a t12 complete is climbing ladders and walking well enough to be functioning as a roofer

[woman from Europe]

I was a walking para for 35 years, th12. It took me about 6-8 months to start walking. Now I can't walk anymore but at least I could for all those years.

[dan_nc]

The description of incomplete/complete totally confuses me.

If the injury is complete (ASIA A), I'd imagine that only means that the person has no bowel control or sensation in the "saddle" area, and has no bearing on what other returns the T12 person gets back.

I'm pretty sure I'm still an ASIA A (no anal "wink" and no light tough nor pin prick sensory in the anal area) so I'm still considered "complete" as far as my physiatrist is concerned.

My neurosurgeon's diagnosis was "incomplete paraplegia" but I'm not sure if that incomplete meant I have some use of my legs, or if I might get some returns. I am getting back sensory and motor post-injury (I'm now 2 months post-injury).

And I've made it from wheelchair to rolling-walker and yesterday was able to start practicing with 2 wide-based canes (did about 40+ feet...slowly).

I'm not sure what bent meant in terms of 100% impossible, cuz I fully intend on walking again. :)

[rickhemi]

My daughter is T5 incl. and took her first steps at about 4 months post and I DID answer the poll.

It's been almost 17 months now. She walks with a walker and is starting to use arm crutches during therapy.

She walks in school between classes. Walks from the house to the car and visa versa. She gets aqua therapy twice a week at the local YMCA. Our goal is to progress to crutches and then to a cane. She still doesn't trust her steps and balance, so she perfers a walker at this point. But refuses to use walker in public (only in school).

[dan_nc]

rickhemi - i think that makes your daughter a walking para.

Is there debate on functional walking and non-functional walking as well?

[LaoziSailor]

I'm T4-T6 complete. Trained with KAFO's and elbow crutches. It was real hard work because there was no gait, just lifting and swinging. My PT ultimately changed me to a walker because if I fell I would never get up with the crutches whereas I could pull myself back up with the walker.
The cost / benefit of effort required to put on the KAFO's and then use the walker isn't there for me (although I will try again only to stand).

What I would really like to see is Bladder/Bowel function restoration.
The chair I can deal with.

Cheers!

[CapnGimp]

Hey Sailor<hmmm, that just don't sound right,lol>
U say u are a complete? Did all your muscles atrophy below injury, I mean GONE?
Got any pics of you standing with the walking gear on?
I tried leg braces and paralell bars 5 or 6 mos after my injury but couldn't get it to work. I am a LOT stronger now though in my arms. If you got pics, post'em! I'll make me some braces and try. I figured it would never work though. Plus, that is what they told me after 2 weeks trying.
You got me all kinds of interested! Heck, I don't worry about looking purrrty doing it, I just wanna leave this chair behind! But I'm curious about your condition and mine being equal before I go falling and making things worse,lol.

[bikeracer]

Capn,

Check this link out, http://www.polymedic.com.au and click on The WalkAbout link at the top. They make a set of calipers that require little arm strength and by the looks of the pictures may help you get out of the chair. I have considered them myself (T5/T6 Complete) and have looked at a place in the UK that supply and train on them.

[CapnGimp]

Hey man, Thanks for the link! Let me know what you find out about their willingness to let you try them. I have not been in any contact with docs or rehabs since shortly after my accident in 96. There is a good one near here in Knoxville(about 1.5 hrs away) that I suppose I could try. Funding is the biggy for me.
I still am not sure that anyone would begin to assume that a T4 comp would STAND a chance using them<pun intended>. I really had a hard time convincing TIRR to let me try braces on paralell bars back then. It was only becaused I pushed them HARD with a nice attitude that they allowed it. Even then, they naysayed me the whole 2 weeks I was there.I was in really weak physical condition then also. Much better than that now. ANYWAY, if I could find out anyone who is in the same physical shape as me sucessfully uses them, THAT would be all I need I would think.
If you find out about anyone let me know asap!! Thanks again bud,
John

[donz]

t4 comp, able to using rolling walker and kafos pretty easily , went 150+ ft the other day, forearm crutches are a dif story. never tried rgos

[pianodave]

I'm an incomplete T4-6. It's been 11 months since my injury, (Jan 2005) and I have progressed to walking with a straight cane. I haven't yet been able to walk outside alone--psychologically, I need someone walking with me--but with extensive PT (three hours 5 days a week) I have recovered enough function that I can live independently at college. When I come back from break, I will drop the wheelchair I had been using to get across campus this semester, and walk full time.

[CapnGimp]

t4 comp, able to using rolling walker and kafos pretty easily , went 150+ ft the other day, forearm crutches are a dif story. never tried rgos

Hey Don, Can you post some pics of your KAFOS?
I was convinced we couldn't do it until I heard different in this thread.
I got to thinking yesterday about the crutches, figure I'll need a rolling walker also.
I'm psyched about this, if I can't get a rehab to help me, gonna try it on my own.

Keep at it Pianodave, you're doing great. I was afraid for over a year of breaking something falling. So I know where you are coming from.

[donz]

the kafos i use arent evene made for me. they belong to the rehab, but im getting some made http://www.creativeoandp.com/images/lower_extremity/KAFO.jpg
look like that except the unlocking and locking mechanism is a a little bar that if u sit down and hit it against the mat or whatever it unlocks.. someone will have the real name for it , but yea u just need to learn how to balance with minimal pressure on the upper body so u can take rest from time to time, than u can learn to go forever..IMO

[Upstate]

I'm not a para, but I'm dating one, and so I replied for him. He's super!

[Upstate]

I'm not a para, but I'm dating one, and so I am replying for him. He's super! He has not yet regained walking after 3 years.

[LaoziSailor]

As per request ofHey Sailor<hmmm, that just don't sound right,lol>
...snip...
If you got pics, post'em! I'll make me some braces and try.
...snip...
...done!
You can find them in the LaoziSailor and KAFO thread.
[PS. I will be updating that with more pictures later today, 12-22-2005]

[spidergirl]

Any new walking para's?

[Meredith Tate]

My son was injured 9/20/03, diagnosed complete, t7-8 (rods from c-5 to
t-10, 10 broken vertebrat, c-7 small bruise) We are now at SCI-STEP and I believe he will be able to walk someday. He is using a walker with assistance now and just got cast for AFO braces. I believe there is hope for recovery from spinal cord injury, it takes a lot of time and patience and help from folks who know. Before we came to SCI-Step(we got here 1/24/06) he was sitting in his wheelchair at home with the ability to stand, but not take any steps or pedal, which he can do now. For whatever it is worth and inmy opinion only, exercise, cranial sacral and laser therapy helped make a difference in his recovery.

[tocker]

I am a walking para. I burst t12 (incomplete) in 1982. I have the ability with any walking aid and afo braces after my first year of rehab. I was never able to feel very comfortable walking all the time because my harrington rods (T11-L2) interferred with the natural curve of my back and it would not allow me to get my pelvis under me for long term stability plus it was painful...lots of back spasms until I stopped straining to stand straight. My quality of life has been better using a chair.

I do stand up and shuffle along while holding onto a countertop and it is heaven sent for reaching those high cubbards at home and just good stretching. I have always felt very lucky.

T

[dan_nc]

My neurosurgeon's diagnosis was "incomplete paraplegia" but I'm not sure if that incomplete meant I have some use of my legs, or if I might get some returns. I am getting back sensory and motor post-injury (I'm now 2 months post-injury).

And I've made it from wheelchair to rolling-walker and yesterday was able to start practicing with 2 wide-based canes (did about 40+ feet...slowly).

I'm not sure what bent meant in terms of 100% impossible, cuz I fully intend on walking again. :)

What a quick couple months it's been ...

When I first answered this post, I wasn't even sure if I'd be considered a "walking para" since I was mostly walking with my arms (using the walker). I totally destroyed my glide brakes by grinding them into the ground. I struggled with the AFOs, since my ankles were too weak and I didn't have enough proprioception to walk without them.

I'm now 4.5 months post-injury and I'm amazed at the difference a few months makes. I haven't used my wheelchair in weeks (well ... will probably continue to use for long distances like the mall, airport, museums, etc.) ... and have put the walker and the AFOs in the closet.

My ankles are still weak, but I'm a lot more careful with them and I'm okay as long as my shoes are on.

Recovery is pretty much my full time job. I'm still doing a fairly intense therapy schedule (five 45 min sessions of therapy per week ... 3 land, 2 aquatic), acupuncture (3x/week), home exercises (30 min-45 min per day), and work with my mom for my exercises in the pool at least once or twice a week for about an hour. I walk into grocery stores, hardware stores, barber shops, banks, doctor's offices. I only use the wheelchair when I need to go to the hospital and when I went to the airport. If I have enough time, I attempt to walk the distance and just take breaks when I need.

At home, I have been able to walk around the room (up to 10 feet) with no assistive devices (very ugly ... can't even call it walking ... maybe staggering ?? I go until I reach an object to lean on) ... I walk around the house with a single quad cane (including walking my driveway to check the mail) ... I walk around the neighborhood with two quad canes. I haven't really measured it, but I'm sure I can now walk in excess of 1000 feet without taking a break. I'm hoping to become one of those full-time walking paras someday and working hard toward that goal.

Yes, it's frustrating because day to day it seems like there's so little progress but then I realize the improvements in a few short months. I hope to be able to go to one of those intense recovery centers in the coming months to continue this recovery from SCI.

[spidergirl]

:) From my experience, walking Para's are quite rare, walking quads are more common, however still rare.


Curt,

I see from some of your posts you are a bit pessimistic.

I think that now through restorative therapy there are a lot more walking para's and quad's.

I have friends that went to KK and what Dr. McDonald is doing there is amazing. I think he's a top doctor/scientist/researcher that is on the cutting edge.

Please more walking para's and quad's speak up. Don't be shy.:)

**Give us newly injured more faith.

[teesieme]

What a quick couple months it's been ...

When I first answered this post, I wasn't even sure if I'd be considered a "walking para" since I was mostly walking with my arms (using the walker). I totally destroyed my glide brakes by grinding them into the ground. I struggled with the AFOs, since my ankles were too weak and I didn't have enough proprioception to walk without them.

I'm now 4.5 months post-injury and I'm amazed at the difference a few months makes. I haven't used my wheelchair in weeks (well ... will probably continue to use for long distances like the mall, airport, museums, etc.) ... and have put the walker and the AFOs in the closet.

My ankles are still weak, but I'm a lot more careful with them and I'm okay as long as my shoes are on.

Recovery is pretty much my full time job. I'm still doing a fairly intense therapy schedule (five 45 min sessions of therapy per week ... 3 land, 2 aquatic), acupuncture (3x/week), home exercises (30 min-45 min per day), and work with my mom for my exercises in the pool at least once or twice a week for about an hour. I walk into grocery stores, hardware stores, barber shops, banks, doctor's offices. I only use the wheelchair when I need to go to the hospital and when I went to the airport. If I have enough time, I attempt to walk the distance and just take breaks when I need.

At home, I have been able to walk around the room (up to 10 feet) with no assistive devices (very ugly ... can't even call it walking ... maybe staggering ?? I go until I reach an object to lean on) ... I walk around the house with a single quad cane (including walking my driveway to check the mail) ... I walk around the neighborhood with two quad canes. I haven't really measured it, but I'm sure I can now walk in excess of 1000 feet without taking a break. I'm hoping to become one of those full-time walking paras someday and working hard toward that goal.

Yes, it's frustrating because day to day it seems like there's so little progress but then I realize the improvements in a few short months. I hope to be able to go to one of those intense recovery centers in the coming months to continue this recovery from SCI.

Wow!!! Way cool Dan~ this is awesome news for just a few months into things. Keep at it!

[queen]

Burst L#1.(incomplete) May 20, 2004. Took 8 months with a walker to get my core strengthened for balance. No problem there now.

Then used 4 prong cane for two weeks, kept getting my feet tangled in it so I started with just the cane at 9th month.

Got shoe inserts 9th month, which helped the heel pain. Walk around the
house using nothing now, lift my toes as high as I can get them so now I've got the heel to ball of foot... balance back.

Toes now flat on right foot and wearing hammertoe thingie on left foot
so they are now getting flat as well, plus my usual toe stretching exercises. Doing side to side lunges to strengthen my ankles.

I walk slow but gait is really improving. Hoping by spring my heel to toe
action will greatly improve as well.

[dan_nc]

queen those exercise you mailed me rock. Starting to be able to do them somewhat. keepin' it up though. ur my inspiration!

[Meredith Tate]

when my son was in rehab in Billings, Montana, 10/10/03, I got a letter form a 65 year old retired rodeo clown. He told me he was in the same hospital in 1957 after a bull riding accident, of course they told him he would be in a wheel chair the rest of his life. Three years later he was running as a clown in a rodeo. He was a lower t injury as I recall. He had some ropes on the ceiling his Dad made and used those to move his legs. Then he was given a mule and says riding the mule helped him to walk again. He is a wonderful man who helped me keep hope.

[Surf_Sister]

Then he was given a mule and says riding the mule helped him to walk again.

i'm all for unorthodox methods, but this is really odd.

[Meredith Tate]

I have heard that the motion and energy of horse back or mule back riding transfers to the body riding and helps to promote recovery. I would imagine balance is also achieved. This is what he told me and back then you were more or less on your own. Then as now all doctors tell you you will be in a wheelchair for the rest of your life, you make the difference.

[cheesecake]

I am a walking para, 15 years post. Now I am a quad as secondary degeneration to the initial injury. I have central cord, but am still walking. Use platform cane, bilaterally. My balance is terrible.

[Andy]

Hey CapnGimp...

I'm a little late to this thread, but did something you are thinking of trying, 'walking' with braces. I'm T6 complete, so thats pretty much like you. I have some braces and a walker, but havent really used them much. The big problem for guys like us is the lack of abs and hip flexors, when standing your body is not straght, and doesnt want to be either. Seems I look like a bananna when standing (hips forward, legs dragged back), walking with that walker, well, I never did that, just standing. I am thinking that if I had some sort of connection brace made between my chest and the leg braces this would be very helpful, then I imagine you could hop yourself around using your arms to lift on the walker. Oh well, I got the braces I wanted, but the whole concept is so goofy now they sit in the closet. Maybe I will play with them sometime later if I get that urge again.

[CapnGimp]

Yepper, that's what I was thinking EXACTLY.
I only got to try braces to the thighs on each leg without a connector between the braces at crotch level to keep the legs 'straight'. They have those now.
I watched in the mirror at rehab and had the bananna look too,lol. That was when I discovered I no longer had a butt, don't remember it falling off anywhere either :D
If I were you, I'd fab me a chest support and try them again sometime and see how that works. Heck, we just need to get a refrigerator box and fiberglass it, cut it to fit and put some wheels on the bottom ;)

BTW, I only used paralell bars, the pt's were busy enough catching my legs which went every direction when I lifted them off the ground. I found it quite humorous, they tired off me quickly. I hadda try tho. There was a T12 there that did fair with leg braces and crutches, when he would fall, I'd cringe, looked rough. That's what gave me the idea to attempt it.

[janacv]

I am up and walking with a walker after a year and a half in a wheel chair. I use the chair in the house so i can have my hands free, but i am able to walk down the road, we take the walker to malls restaurants, etc. I was finally able to walk a entire mile 2 days ago. I don't have calves and can't wiggle my toes, but am still able to walk with the hamstrings, quads and gluts i have regained. So, i pray the endurance and strength will continue. i have come a LONG way and know i have a LONG way to go. i say, just don't give up or set timelines.

[LaoziSailor]

I just added a post to Cali's thread "what's your experience/opinion (KAFOs)" referencing this thread

Cheers!

[Sci Mom]

My husband had a burst fracture at L1 in Dec. 2000. I didn't know him at the time of his accident (actually, we met on the old CanDo site!) but by the time we moved in together in Dec. of 2002, he had regained virtually everything. His balance can be off a bit, and he still has numbness in areas on the back of his hips and legs. If he stands too long, it's painful. But he's recovered so much.

My daughter, though, is a T11/T12 complete. Nada.

[SeagreenNB]

How many T's and L paras in our community have regained some walking function?

I never totally lost walking function. (I do walk with a bit of difficulty...and no long distance walking....can't run at all without tripping over my own feet....can sometimes do that just walking...but WOW...glad I can walk!
I have Conus Medullaris Syndrome as the result of an AVM at L1
I found the following definition of paraplegia (can't remember where) I didn't even know that there was such a thing as a walking para till I read it...let alone that I was one. I'm sure if I told people that I'm a para they'd laugh at me, as most people think that a para can't walk at all:

Paraplegia
Impairment or loss of motor and/or sensory function in thoracic, lumbar, or sacral segments of SC
Trunk, legs, pelvic organs may be involved, arm function spared

Refers to cauda equina and conus medullaris injuries, but not to lumbosacral plexus lesions or injury to peripheral nerves outside the neural canal
:thinking:

[05survivor]

T-6 incomplete, walking unassisted almost "normal"gait

[soimumireland]

I have heard that the motion and energy of horse back or mule back riding transfers to the body riding and helps to promote recovery. I would imagine balance is also achieved. This is what he told me and back then you were more or less on your own. Then as now all doctors tell you you will be in a wheelchair for the rest of your life, you make the difference.

Son T11 / T12 incomplete - 1yr not walking - as part of his therpy in Zurich they will be doing horse riding. Doc said it was to strengthen his abductors. Maybe it will do more

[arndog]

I have introduced myself before on posts. But I am a T12/L1 fracture incomplete para who walked out of Craig 5 years ago with a KAFO on one leg using forearm crutches. I wanted to walk a lot but when I did, I experienced such neuropathic burning pain that I lost my drive. 4 years later and a laminectomy, decompression of nerve roots, plus the use of Lyrica, I find that I can walk and not suffer as much. So I can now walk with a cane or 2 canes for longer distances. I get major joy in taking my English Pointer for a walk on a flat dirt trail . I can walk for 2 hours, maybe at 1.5 mph. Too slow for a AB to want to go with me. But I feel like I am still improving 5 years post injury.

[Jodie Lynn]

I am a T-7 incomplete i didn't vote in the poll for my vote wasn't on there, I walk with the use of my forearm crutcheshave been since about 6 mths post, I am soon to be fitted for a long leg brace for my right leg it is taking me a bit because of funding but i will have it in the next month or so,, I have done all my therepy at home due to my only insurance being medicaid but i have gotten myslef this far almost two years post I am doing ok... I was told i would never walk again or have any feeling or movement from the waist down but guess what heheh I just had to prove them wrong, I am also regaining more function and movement in my feet.. So it just goes to show those docs do not always know what is gonna happen with us I am hoping as the docs did say that when i recieve my brace i will be able to walk unaided or even with just a cane any ways just wanted to put in my two cents..


Jodie Lynn

[littlebit1010]

I am a quard; my injury was c1-c5. Doctors never detrmined the cause of my injury. Some say it may have been a bleed or clot, others say spinal stroke. I was told I'd never move or come off a vent. However after 4 months of therapy I was able to walk with canes. I spent 2 more years in therapy and continued to regain strengh in various muscles. My arms are still weak after 5 years, but i am seeing improvement still. Never give up; even the smallest new twitch means improvement.

[hendra]

I'm T12/L1, left leg started to regain some movement around 3 weeks post surgery and started to stand and walk with a walker after 2 months. Left leg didnt start to regain a bit of movement until the 3rd months. Now I'm 7.5 months post, I walk with a walker and elbow crutches most of the time with no braces. I can walk with one cane for around 100 meters and my right knees will start to give way after that. Still no hamstring on my right leg.

[wewe]

my son-14 years old-complet sci -(t8-t10) after road accident,now after two years he is strong in his sh oulder and hand.
can he walk with any braces? exa.walkabout ?he have to back to his school after one month,and he need any hop for walking!

[lyfconcepts]

This is a fascinating topic. Walking is all dependent on the severity of the injury, and minimizing secondary injury through proper positioning. I have a hand full of walking paras and quads at our facility. Despite the promise of the hard work gets you great results, you can either walk or you can't. If you're a complete injury, it just not going to happen. Focus on what you can do. Get into sports. Show people what is possible when you overcome a disability and thrive. I've seen people spend decades on looking for magical cures, only to be left pennyless and depressed. Stay positive and get out there.

[ajush]

I'm 18 years old now...Injured 8 months ago..I was diagnosed T12/L1 complete ASIA A...I started walking with KAFO braces, but about 6months post my injury, I was able to stand on my own,a take few steps...I can walk without braces in parallel bars quite well, and trying to walk at home with walker full time...but my left leg is so weak below the knee,i dont have there any working muscles..hope that recovery will continue

[bcsimpsons]

So I know that this thread is extremely old but I just read through the whole thing and am now wondering... "What the hell is wrong with me" Unless just all of those 100+ people that resonponded either can walk now or chose not to give posts, it seems that most of the posts are of paras who are able to walk to some degree. Either using assistance or not. So, again I ask... what is wrong with me that despite continual effort on my part I am still in the dark on this walking thing after over 6yrs post injury. Am I doing something wrong??

Becky

[debbier]

L1 Compression fracture Asia c.

after sugery (feb1 2010) the only thing I could have moved were my right and left toes. I stood up for the first time at home on March 25th and walked for the first time on April 4th.

walking is hard!!!! I use a walker, and now I take steps on my own. I fell a few time but more careful now. I hope to get stronger.

[teesieme]

bcsimpsons, I am a bit tipsy right now but my heart goes out to you with a reminder I was once a part of this post... all I can tell you is that it depends on your injury and what you have to work with, meaning to work with internally and externally is what I am in conclusion of after eight years of my son being so dedicated to all he has gained and continued to maintain, it is a matter of figuring out what is worth it and what isn't. I will always believe his braces needed to be of good quality and fit, which after time they weren't and that he should have stayed with the therapy program in Florida for biofeedback while things were still deciding to connect or not. Just mho. Write to me in a pm., I am curious to know more in depth where your level of injury is, what your return has actually been and what it is that you do on a personal level with home pt or otherwise, if you want to share some insight and experience from the mama.

[swh2007]

L1 Compression fracture Asia c.

after sugery (feb1 2010) the only thing I could have moved were my right and left toes. I stood up for the first time at home on March 25th and walked for the first time on April 4th.

walking is hard!!!! I use a walker, and now I take steps on my own. I fell a few time but more careful now. I hope to get stronger.

You have every reason to hope for a lot more improvement and strength. good luck.

[labney41]

i agree im t12