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Back about a year ago when I was still trapped in the hospital with huge pressure ulcers on both my coxox and heels, my doctor decided to try something. Honey. You know, that stuff that tastes good on toast and comes out of a bees backside. While, it worked good on my backside too. When nothing else seemed to work, he got a woundvac on there, and once it healed enough that they could take that off, It was honey soaked dressings. It worked beautifully, although a certian plastic surgeon in the city (Edmonton) told me that I'm full of s**t and I'm making stuff up when I told him that's what they had been using. That's when my doc told him "******** off and stay away from my patient". Anyways, when I was in the hospital it was honey, and now I'm home!

Had a doctors appointment this morning for my increadibly swollen feet. Just like I thought, pressure stalkings. I also talked to him about getting back on a regular physio regimine. I got to call the guy next week. I've been streatching almost every day (I got lazy/exausted two days, but not in a row), but I am starting to notice a difference.

Mobility & Movement

Full head and neck movement with normal muscle strength. Normal shoulder movement. Full use of arms, wrists and fingers.

Complete paralysis of lower body and legs. Upper body strength will vary depending on level of injury, but the lower the level, the stronger the upper body strength and balance.

A T4 injured person will have good strength in the chest muscles, however this will get progressively weaker the higher up the injury.

Sympathetic nervous system may be compromised, possibility of Autonomic Dysreflexia.

May use an electric wheelchair for long distance independent travel or uneven outdoor surfaces. A manual wheelchair may be used for everyday living, with the ability to go over uneven ground for short distances.

Ability to transfer independently from bed to chair, and chair to car. Car transfers may need assistance depending on upper body strength.

Ability to drive a car adapted with hand controls. Assistance may be required to load wheelchair into car.

Ability to feed self independently during mealtimes.

Respiratory System

Ability to breathe normal, although respiration capacity and endurance may be compromised.

Personal Care

Should be independent in personal care as long as no other factors are involved, ie, additional injuries, severe spasticity etc.

Domestic Care

Partial domestic assistance is required, such as heavy household cleaning and home maintenance.

Ability to prepare complex meals and general household duties independently.

Communication

Normal communication skills apply.

As you may or may not know, I spent all of last weekend at car shows with my '49 Ford F-47. While, today there was another show in a nearby town so we went to that as well. It was windy and rainy and miserable most of the day, but towards the end it warmed up a bit and the sun came out. But more importantly, I finally got to sit in my truck for the first time in almost 2 years. My cousin helped me in and a number of feelings came flooding back, along with some new ones. First, pride, joy, comfort. Back where I belong, back where I'm most comfortable. Then sadness, depression, anxiety. Knowing that I would never again drive it. But while sitting there many people came by and complimented the truck. I miss cruising down the street getting the looks, admiration, and thumbs up from people. Time to build something new. I need to get my licence back and get a vehicle together as soon as I can.