Getting in shape with an old injury...

TimH · 08-22-2001, 03:47 PM

My question is what can I do to prepare for a possible cure? I was injured in 1976 and have never been in a standing frame and don't do much if any exercising. I work 40 hours a week so I don't really have a lot of time to exercise. Every time I start doing much in the way of strengthing my arms and shoulders I usually end up aching so bad that I quit. I am a c5/c6 complete.

Noel · 08-22-2001, 05:06 PM

Tim,
Your body aches after exercise? Of course, you are out of shape! No pain no gain. Stick to a regular every other day exercise routine and the achiness will be replaced with increased strength and better health. Just remember to use common sense and not overexert yourself.

Preparing for the future cure would involve FES exercise. Preparing for a long healthy life requires a regular cardiovascular workout, which you can achieve pedaling a FES bike or with a hand ergometer.

Personally, after 25 years of sitting I wouldn't waste my time with a standing frame. Get into the gym for that cardiovascular workout so you don't have a heart attack when the cure is discovered.

Just my 2 cents, enjoy that workout.

Noel

smokey · 08-22-2001, 05:43 PM

Don't waste your time and energy waiting for something that will probably not come in your or my lifetime. I been injured 24 years and I've heard from day 1 about some new and exciting "breakthrough in paralysis" just around the corner. Ain't happened yet. Just live your life and if a cure comes-don't be the first one in line to try it. You'll be waiting for a bus that ain't comin' my friend.

SCI-Nurse · 08-22-2001, 06:29 PM

There are many reasons for taking good care of yourself other than just being ready for the cure. It is reasonable thought that those who have taken the best care of themselves will be first in line for getting any radical new therapies.

People with SCI who do neglect their health will likely suffer more for it than people who are AB as they age. Even if you do not choose to stand, keep your joints flexible with regular range of motion, be meticulous about skin care (a pressure ulcer can lead to infections, debilitation and osteoporosis, and could preclude any new treatments for the cure, as well as actually put your life at risk), keep your kidneys healthy by taking care of your bladder, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly (try something intially that is less stressful on your joints such as swimming), keep your weight in the normal range for your body build and height, don't smoke, avoid street drugs and excessive alcohol use, pay attention to and reduce cardiac disease risk factors, keep problems such as hypertension or diabetes well controlled medically, etc. etc.

If you are considering standing, I suggest you consult with your SCI physican and have a bone density study before you start on your own. There have been cases of pathologic fractures due to standing if the bone density is already too low. (KLD)

etexley · 08-23-2001, 01:31 PM

I guess I just can't see living my life with the "it ain't commin soon" mentality. If you are not healthy, there's NO doubt about it, an insurance company will not consider you a "viable risk" and won't pay for a treatment.

I don't believe that living one's life, and fighting for a cure are mutually exclusive things. And there is more reason to be positive now than EVER...there are now four different options worldwide for chronics, specifically Dr. Kao, Moscow, Taiwan, Italy.

sorry...it aint commin soon dna anymore. It's HERE.

Eric Texley

08-22-2001, 03:47 PM	#1
TimH Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Edwards, MS, USA Posts: 119	Getting in shape with an old injury... My question is what can I do to prepare for a possible cure? I was injured in 1976 and have never been in a standing frame and don't do much if any exercising. I work 40 hours a week so I don't really have a lot of time to exercise. Every time I start doing much in the way of strengthing my arms and shoulders I usually end up aching so bad that I quit. I am a c5/c6 complete.

08-22-2001, 05:06 PM	#2
Noel Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Lynnwood, WA USA Posts: 132	exercise, natures cure all Tim, Your body aches after exercise? Of course, you are out of shape! No pain no gain. Stick to a regular every other day exercise routine and the achiness will be replaced with increased strength and better health. Just remember to use common sense and not overexert yourself. Preparing for the future cure would involve FES exercise. Preparing for a long healthy life requires a regular cardiovascular workout, which you can achieve pedaling a FES bike or with a hand ergometer. Personally, after 25 years of sitting I wouldn't waste my time with a standing frame. Get into the gym for that cardiovascular workout so you don't have a heart attack when the cure is discovered. Just my 2 cents, enjoy that workout. Noel

08-22-2001, 05:43 PM	#3
smokey Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 1,865	Fugetaboutit Don't waste your time and energy waiting for something that will probably not come in your or my lifetime. I been injured 24 years and I've heard from day 1 about some new and exciting "breakthrough in paralysis" just around the corner. Ain't happened yet. Just live your life and if a cure comes-don't be the first one in line to try it. You'll be waiting for a bus that ain't comin' my friend.

08-22-2001, 06:29 PM	#4
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,354	Keeping fit There are many reasons for taking good care of yourself other than just being ready for the cure. It is reasonable thought that those who have taken the best care of themselves will be first in line for getting any radical new therapies. People with SCI who do neglect their health will likely suffer more for it than people who are AB as they age. Even if you do not choose to stand, keep your joints flexible with regular range of motion, be meticulous about skin care (a pressure ulcer can lead to infections, debilitation and osteoporosis, and could preclude any new treatments for the cure, as well as actually put your life at risk), keep your kidneys healthy by taking care of your bladder, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly (try something intially that is less stressful on your joints such as swimming), keep your weight in the normal range for your body build and height, don't smoke, avoid street drugs and excessive alcohol use, pay attention to and reduce cardiac disease risk factors, keep problems such as hypertension or diabetes well controlled medically, etc. etc. If you are considering standing, I suggest you consult with your SCI physican and have a bone density study before you start on your own. There have been cases of pathologic fractures due to standing if the bone density is already too low. (KLD)

08-23-2001, 01:31 PM	#5
etexley Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Boca Raton, Florida, USA Posts: 1,446	! I guess I just can't see living my life with the "it ain't commin soon" mentality. If you are not healthy, there's NO doubt about it, an insurance company will not consider you a "viable risk" and won't pay for a treatment. I don't believe that living one's life, and fighting for a cure are mutually exclusive things. And there is more reason to be positive now than EVER...there are now four different options worldwide for chronics, specifically Dr. Kao, Moscow, Taiwan, Italy. sorry...it aint commin soon dna anymore. It's HERE. Eric Texley

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