Post by Lαrα on Apr 12, 2014 10:32:37 GMT -8
I can remember when i had just had my operation..i was in a room of other women who had all undergone spinal surgery. I had to lay flat for some time after my op as i had a complication where some of the spinal fluid leaked so i had to stay flat on my back.
I watched the women in the room,over the next few days each improve..become fully mobile and leave walking normal. One of the nurses had come over to me..i must have looked fed up..'' you will be running about the ward in a week or so'' she smiled reassuringly as she spoke.
''i will look forward to that'' i replied..
The experience of being a walker as an incomplete paraplegic is different for each person. I found it very difficult to understand why some of my muscles were weak...I had completely forgotten how to walk...In total it took me approx 20 months to be confident on crutches and practice a fairly good walking gait.
Sensation wise i am approx 75% numb in my saddle area (complete area) down the back of my legs, sides of my legs and my feet. Its kinda strange because i had to get used to walking on different surface areas and in rehab i would only wear grippie socks as if i put shoes or trainers on i couldnt 'feel' the floor the same.
I have either abscent or reduced power to approx 50% of my muscles from my belly button area down..So...my glutes are shot at...my hip abductors are weak...i have no movement at all in my calves...no ankle reflex and the muscles are almost none existant..many of my toes have no movement at all.
The reason there is such differences is dependent on which nerves that lead to these muscles were compressed and for how long...and to be honest i think how good my walking gait is has surprised some!
So when i stand if im not careful...i would stand like a duck.... but i have worked hard to correct that and stand as upright and straight as i can...
When i initially set off to walk..again my tendency would be to lean forward on my crutches but i re align myself...stick my butt in and correct myself and then walk.
At first i would look down to check my feet because of the altered sensation but then this unbalances me so i have to just be vigilant and look ahead to the path.
Walking this way is tiring and if i do too much then my gait alters and i start to feel pain..If im being practical..my mobility should switch between crutches and a chair....Its important that upright mobility is preserved for as long as possible!
Please add your experiences