Vacation!

Nothing new has been going on since the last post. Just mainly sitting around, cooking, cleaning and watching T.V. or movies. Yeah, thats winter in Ohio. Of course I'm  fighting off fatigue to. Usually the fatigue wins. It could be 5 minutes while sitting on the couch in the afternoon, or an hour + in the evening which makes it hard falling asleep in bed then. Most of the time I don't even realize I'm falling asleep. My eyes just close..and if someone wakes me up my nerves just pulsates BAD!

On a lighter note I'll be starting my hot pepper seeds in 13 days! Though with all this cold the ground might be thawed out by May.
 .
In two short weeks I'll be taking a vacation..by myself, but staying with a friend. Where at? In beautiful Louisiana for 13 days.. Its Carnival time! I'll be leaving Cleveland O.H.and flying to Charlotte N.C. change planes then its off to Baton Rouge L.A.
Its going to be a challenge. I'll be by myself and not using a power chair. Making it thru TSA then to my gate. Navigating the airport in Charlotte and making my next flight, Then all the parades and sight seeing. All just using only my walker. If worse comes to worse I can at least sit on my walker and get pushed until my legs regain some energy. 

The last time there I used my wheelchair and got pushed around, this time I feel confident that I can do this using only my walker. Besides the walker can be decorated better than a chair lol. All I gotta do is think to myself to lift my right leg each time I take a step. I'm just hoping I have more good days then bad. Then again any day will be a good day not seeing a ton of snow. I just wanna see sun, green grass and palm trees!

Its obvious I'm a bit excited..since my suit case has been pack for over 3 weeks now. I'm being more than careful not to fall or do anything that'll cause me to get hurt that will cause me not to be able to walk at all and cancel this trip.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

(Let the good time roll!)

...Been a while

So not much has been happening, so there wasnt much to update on here..till today.
Today was my 6 month check up and MRI.

Usually I'm up at 5 am to use the restroom, then go back to sleep, not today though. Due to a new bridge being constructed in Downtown Cleveland, traffic night mares have been all over the news. So giving myself an additional hour was in order to make my 8:30 appointment...Traffic was light and I arrived, well of course an hour early.

Things got under way after the normal paper work was filled out. Why they treat ya like your an MRI virgin is beyond me. I'm used to this, I know the routine. I just play along because that's the technicians job. I just wonder on the list you need to check yes or no on for implants and other procedures, why does the question, do you have a penile implant have a long line after it? Is it there to request one? Next time I think I'll check the NO box but write in there I'd like to have one.

So I empty my pockets, take off my belt and work my way to the MRI room and get on the table. Get settled in and get in the right position the tech needs me in. He puts head phones on me then puts the cage over my head then I do my best impression of  a torpedo being loaded into the chamber. Why they even play music  through the headphones now is beyond me. The noise drowns out the music. I don't even know who I was listening to.



After that came the doctor visits. Of course by this time their running late. Going over the normal questions comes the exam. Follow my finger
 touch your nose, squeeze my fingers, you know stuff like that. She brought up my history and shows how in late 2010 was when I had the greatest amount of symptoms

I got started on two new drugs today. Because Im fatigued the doc prescribed AMANTADINE. The spasticty doc perscribes ROPINIROLE HCL. So I'll add these to my collection  and see how they do

If nothing happens then I'll be back in 6 months!

PT Review

Yesterday was a review of  physical therapy. The therapists were baffled on why the doctor ordered  the IV steroids and why I needed them..quite frankly so was I. But if it was meant to help then I was all for it.

The session started off well, catching up with how I've been doing and filling in a student therapist on my condition. Why do I have to have the best looking therapists that are outta my reach!

All the observation tests were done and according to her I still have good strength on my hands and arms. My  legs, that's another story.

Then came the timed walking exercises.

My times today:
25 ft walk with cane: 16.6 sec
25 ft walk with walker: 8.6 sec

My times on 7-5-12:
25 ft walk with cane: 11.2sec
25 ft walk with walker: 7.6 sec

TUG (Timed Up & Go from a sitting position):
With cane today: 20.2 sec
With cane 7-5-12: 16.6 sec

With walker today: 13.3 sec
With walker 7-5-12: 13.8 sec

5 times stand and sit:
Today: 25.8 sec
7-5-12 19.8 sec


So obviously I slowed down a little bit, but then again my times in July were taken after having few weeks therapy... during nice weather. Unlike today 3-20-13 where winter just wont let go. On a better note, my gardening skills haven't slowed down yet!

3 days of Solu Medrol

Day Number 1

This past Sunday started my 3 days of IV  Solu Medrol. It was a somewhat frustrating 3 days. The home care place never called to set up a time. I had to call to try to find out what time a nurse was going to show up. They couldn't provide a time instead they forwarded my number to the nurse that was going to show for her to call and fill me in on what time she was going to show up. Needless to say I couldn't schedule anything because I needed to be home for this. Its not like I do anything or go anywhere anyhow.

The first day couldn't go as smooth. The nurse needed to draw 2 viles of blood to be tested and the vein that she found didn't produce anything. I dont know why, so I had to get poked again. Blood was drawn and the med flowed easily. The nurse wasn't the one that was originally put on my case. The original nurse had called off. She was from Barbados so she had a pretty good accent.

Day number two

The second day was another nurse. This time a younger male. I got stuck only once this time but then there was a problem with the med flowing smoothly. It was either to fast, to slow or not at all. It might of been the angle I held my wrist so I kept it as straight as I could and not moving my wrist.

The highlight of this visit was that the nurse was a home brewer like myself. So we had something in common. We really couldn't talk in depth of home brewing because he had forms to fill out and the problems with the flow going on kept us from talking about beer making.

Day number 3

Day 3 the nurse that was originally scheduled to my case shows up. Of course it was a surprise because I didn't get to call yet to find out what time she was showing. The previous days each nurse had said someone will call between 6 and 8 pm to give ya an idea what time the nurse will show on the following day..I never got a call.
 
This time I got stuck twice again. Nothing was flowing with the first vein. I think she said the vein blew when she tried to flush it. The next vein she tried worked out well. Through all this hassle I think I would of been better off traveling to a clinic and having it done in an actual exam room, but then again it was comfortable sitting in shorts with the TV on and able to smoke. Something ya cant do in a exam room thats for sure.

What benefits these IV's is beyond me. I still have a hard time walking, and my vision hasn't changed. Fatigue still sets in, besides the first day. That day I didn't get tired and I was up until 5 am. The morning of the third day I awoke to a severe case of the hiccups. I do feel my balance is a little better, but not much. Maybe after a visit to the physical therapist things may change.

Blood test results

These are the results of the blood drawn on the first day. Some values fall within range of acceptable and some not. What all this means, I have no clue. I see though ABV (Alcohol By Volume) isn't listed, which is pry a good thing. (UPDATE: showing the results to a nurse, she says the values that are out of range are not that important. The top 3 are the important ones WBC-White Blood Cell and RBC-Red Blood Cell..So Im good to go.)

6 month checkup

 

 So today was the 6 month checkup with the neurologist and spasticity doctor. My neurologist has moved up and I now see a nurse that reports back to him, such as in the way he was reporting back to a doctor above him.

Seeing the nurse, she was just catching up on how things were going, First thing I notice was this feather head piece hanging up in her office. I thought it looks like a Mardi Gras piece, she came back in so I asked, and I was correct!
Next came the usual, follow my finger with your eyes, grasp my fingers and squeze, checking weakness in the legs etc..

Then came the putting pegs into holes, then removing them. My times, first shot was 9.7 seconds and second shot was 9.1 seconds with the weakest hand, my right. Kinda like in the way racing is, the second lap is usually the fastest..if you don't blow your motor up on the first lap. This remind me of the game found on the tables of Cracker Barrel restaurants, except  the round pegs are golf tee's. If this consisted of jumping a peg until one remains like on those games, I'd pry still be there! Im not good at that.

Then I finally seen the doctor and went over the same questions and discussing how things were going. Most of the time was spent on talking about me moving out on my own and how things were going with no assistance around. After talking about the fatigue, stiffness my legs are going through and my vision issues, he asked if I would like to try 3 days of IV solu-medrol... or steroids. The best part is they administer this at home. First IV is Sunday. I'll get to watch some NASCAR while they pump steroids in my arm. I, so since it'll save me gas said sure! Afterwards, a week later I do physical therapy. Not at home like the steroids, but at the same place I went last summer and with the same therapist I worked with before..maybe we can set a lunch date again.

Next, after an hour wait I seen my spasticity doctor. No big deal here. Just the usual questions in catching up. I find out the strength in my left hand is greater than my right. Measured, I squeezed 52 kg in my left and 32 kg in my right.

Not much new this time. I'll go back in another 6 months. This time for more pictures..yeah, another MRI. All this a day after my birthday.
Its now past 5:00 pm..just in time for rush hour! I hate traffic!

The 6 year Annivesary

So its been 6 years now since the words multiple sclerosis was first brought up. The actual date isn't remembered,  just the day because the one race I look forward to every year was on tv..and the hospital didn't have the speed channel..and I missed it.

 

So far no new symptoms..nothing negative has happened, well except for a fall out of the bathtub. Sitting on the shower chair and leaning over to throw something away, the chairs legs slid and because of my balance issues I fell sideways out of the tub and my head hit the wall popping a hole in it. No injuries happened. Just frustration because I'll have to pay for the repair.


 Everything at the apartment has been going well. Since it's still cold out most of the time spent has been sitting inside watching tv or texting with a friend and when tired of tv or no one to talk to, its time to clean. Needless to say I have a very clean place.  Everyone I've met that lives here is really nice. I'm looking forward to the spring time for sitting outside in the warm weather and the growing season..sure its going to be a challenge starting my seeds in an apartment, but I'm sure they'll do just fine.

Finally moved out!

On November 27th I finally got my own apartment. After turning down the previos apartment I was offered another in another building..in another city. Still there are no balconies but this one is closer to everything the other one wasn't. The manager here even told me I made a smart decision not to move into the previous building..Theres to much drama there she said. And thats what I was trying to stay away from.

It's in Elyria, Ohio (E-leer-Re-Ah) and is just blocks from downtown. So  in the summer I can easily take the power chair and go sit or explore the square. Plus its right across the street from the police station. Guess that means I can either feel safe..or not have to call for a ride home if I get arrested.

The apartment is on the 5th floor..out of 5 floors. So I can turn the thermostat down while people downstairs heat my place! Not that it matters, utilities are included. The rooms are spacious, new carpeting and clean. I really like it here. The residents I've meet so far are all friendly and nice. There are two community rooms, one which has a kitchen and tv with cable. Not saying I don't have a kitchen or can get cable. I didn't want cable. No sense in paying $100 a month for just a handful of channels. As for the internet, There is a room with 5 computers in it, plus my iPhone acts as a modem. Sure its not the fastest, but its faster then the old fashioned dial up. Which is something else I don’t have..a phone. Unlimited talk and text on my cell phone covers that. There is also a laundry room with 7 washers and dryers so chances of waiting for an open one are slim.

There is a resident that takes care of the grounds and flower beds. I may have to lend a hand in the spring with plants. There is also a area set aside for residents to grow their own veggies, also any extras produce can be left in the kitchen for others to help themselves. So now I know extra tomatoes will be used and not go bad sitting around.

The hallways all have rails installed on the walls. Yes, this is a building for the elderly and disabled. Unfortunately no college girls or 20 -30 somethings live here. But it doesn’t mean they cant visit!
My bathroom is equipped with many rails to assist in standing in the shower, with my shower chair it makes it even easier and less of a chance at falling.


 The bathroom and bed rooms are equipped with an emergency call button on the walls. So now If a fall does occur in the bathroom, help will be on the way. I just have to make sure I don’t fall in the kitchen or living room, they don’t have the call button. Just thinking, if I fall and get knocked out, how am I going to press it?

There is a receptionist on duty during the day and they’re trained to notice a residents routine, if for an extended period of time they don’t see you in the lobby then they’ll come check on you. So if I am knocked unconscious eventually someone will be around.

I'm going to like it here I believe. The area isn't considered the hood. Visitors have to buzz your room number, and thru the intercom you can open the front doors. Sure I would of rather of moved south, away from the cold, gray Ohio skies but the funds just aint there. Maybe if I get lucky at the casino I can fulfill the dream of moving somewhere warmer.

If anyone wants to visit or send mail, my address is 15 Chestnut St. #504
                                                                                   Elyria, OH
                                                                                   44035

Government housing

I was approved for an apartment in a building for the elderly and disabled. What I don't like is there are no balconies. No sitting outside in the sun..no growing plants in containers. BUT there'll be enough room inside for my seed rack. Just hardening off the plants outside would be impossible.
Making friends with the elderly would be nice..hearing of all their stories about years gone by..the complaints about my hair length etc.

But I decided to turn it down. There is nothing out that way. No stores. At least not with out driving 5+  miles to get to one. I'd want to live closer to everyone else to..OR if my luck ever changes I'd hit it big at the casino, get off government assistance and move south! Just to get away from this cold Ohio weather. So hopefully sometime soon I'll be accepted for another apartment, closer to friends, family and stores! I'll deal with no balconies and catch a tan else wear.

Challange won!

So this past Monday at the Horseshoe Casino in down town Cleveland, it was the last day of their cullinary giveaway. I missed out on the first weekend which was pots and pans, went the 2nd weekend and got my bakeware, the 3rd and final weekend I couldnt get anyone to go with...maybe it was because of the hurricane?

Walked this route there n back 4 times.

The walk from the parking garage to the casino is a bit of a walk and other times going I always had someone push me in my wheelchair. I got tired of trying to find someone to go with, so I said screw it and went by myself. I had 2 hours to get there and claim my stoneware and by the time I got my voucher, I had 30 minutes to spare.

Its kinda messed up how they have it, you need to go into the casino to pick up your voucher, then back out to the gift shop, next to the parking garage to claim your give away. The easy part was that traffic was light, the hard part was the wind and driving rain, but I did it! Being right there of course I had to go back in and play the slots for a while and build up enough points for free parking and try my luck..which isn't ever good. So it was back to the casino.

I found a machine and decided to settle in and play. The man next to me was hitting on his machine and me, I figured I'm going to loose all the cash I brought. That was until he had to leave and turned  his machine over to me. I didn't win as much as him but it was better then the one I started on. All together I spent $60 and lost only $5.

That was a challenge to me. To cover that much walking with out a wheelchair. Sure they had complimentary wheelchair rentals there, but if I feel like I can do something, then by God Im gonna do it! Im tired of relying on others for help. Not going places cause others don't want to or cant, if I have somewhere I want to go, then Im going! If its a great deal of walking, such as an event at a convention center, I'll do my best to wheel myself.

The drive home was a challenge also. Damage everywhere, power out etc.. But it was only wind and rain. Had it been snow I maybe wouldn't of gone. Everyone was taking their time driving on the highway, me..of course I was flying. The others will be the same ones that'll be flying on snow covered roads and kissing the median wall. I know my limitations..that or I just don't care.

Getting Horizontal

 Last night was going well. A Friday night sitting around with a friend, talking..playing on the lap tops. After he left I got on the phone with a friend. All was going good.. that was until I decided to shut off the fan. getting off the couch and walking over and hitting the switch..making a turn I went over like a tree, coming down on my cane and my left shoulder. Being on the phone at the same time, I never lost the call either!
The fall bent the cane to the point where it's unstable to use now, the light to the left also fell. It could be worse, my shoulder could of ended up like the light bulb...broke.



So that ended up with a trip to the ER the next morning just to make sure things are alright. After X-rays it was found no fractures or broken bones, just soreness. It feels fine..but trying to lift my arm hurts like hell!
So in the ER, they gave me a Motrin and a Vicodin. Its to bad Vicodin isnt sold over the counter. This stuff works great! Sure it put me sleep once I got home, but what else is there to do on a rainy, cold October day in Ohio

 I would guess the 5 beers I had didn't help matters much either.

Fatigue

My kinda place..so I thought.

So this weekend I went along for a ride in a big truck to Somerset PA to pick up a trailer and meet some friends. Leaving early afternoon there was no chance of fatigue setting in, because for one, the passanger side seat is not air ride, and bob tailing (truck with out a trailer) makes the ride even bumpier! Fatigue didnt stand a chance!
Through the weekend I never felt the fatigue I usually feel, sure there were bouts of yawning hard, but no signs of shutting my eyes and having that peaceful feeling and just drifting off.

Lisa Driving

Now come Saturday night, everything was fine, I still felt no fatigue. Even being up till 3:30 am watching for meteors. Sunday was another day of not feeling fatigue. Sleep Sunday night was normal as ever.  

Monday though, sitting around it hit me, like 3 times thru the day. Sitting outside I felt slight dizzy, laid my head back and closed my eyes. Didn't sleep though. Still sitting outside talking to someone now, I caught myself falling asleep. Couple hours later after being up and playing in the kitchen, Sitting at the kitchen table I dozed off. After dinner, sitting on the couch on the lap top, it happened twice! I was worried I was having another relapse. Jump to Tuesday, no fatigue, no nap's
The double vision makes me close one eye quite often to see straight, and next thing I know the other is shut and I'm out like a light. Fatigue is no fun when it just comes on like it does. At least no one puts shaving cream on my hands and tickles my nose. Not that I know how that works.

Visit to the eye doc..

So on the way to the Cole Eye Institute we decided to swing down W. 11 and pay a visit to this house since we were in the area and had time to kill. You can almost picture Ralphie and Randy running down the sidewalk. Or another neighbor helping deliver another wooden crate marked "Fragile"
Or the Bumpass's dogs running through the neighborhood. My cousin asked me whats so special about this house? She didn't know..Yeah, I'm talking about the house that A Christmas story was filmed. Well at least the exterior shots, the rest was filled in Canada.

It was then onto the Cleveland Clinic for the eye appointment. It was scheduled for 1:30 pm and the technician got me in rather quick. Through all the questions and tests I thought this was going to be a fast visit. 2.5 hours later and they call me back in a room and finally the doctor shows up..with a rather cute Asian girl..and up and coming ophthalmologist who was shadowing her. Honestly I wouldn't mind her being my shadow! Anyhow through a few questions and small exam she places these glass's on me with removable lenses. Everything is always much clearer with these on, But I wouldn't be caught dead going out in public with these Jetsons glass's on.
She finally concluded that maybe my current glass's have to much prism in them, that maybe the Gilenya has helped my optic nerve. So now there is a prescription for yet another pair of glass's. That makes 4 pair in 5 years. I also found out, by her definition I don't have nor did I ever have optic neuritis. According to her optic neuritis is a change in vision of one eye...well here my eyes aren't seeing in stereo. Double vision sucks!

Latest Update

So had my latest MRI and there were no changes from the one 6 months prior.

Of course the day couldn't start off easy, seeing there was an accident and the right lanes were blocked and traffic was tied up.Nothing like going from 75 mph (in a 60 zone) to 35 mph!  I was 20 min late but they still got me in on time. The machine is nice. 6 minutes in, slide out for the contrast injection then back in for another 6 minutes and your done. Its nice but no time to sleep. Sure beats the 2 hour long MRI's I was used to






Afterwards was the meeting with the doctor. Just the normal check up and questions. Then the review of the MRI.
Here are some of the images taken by camera off the doctors computer scree.

 

The white areas are the lesions on my brain. 

 

Vitamin D levels are always low in MS patients. In March blood was drawn for tests and my vitamin D level was at 12.0 The acceptable range is 31.0 - 80.0 Unusually low. So I started taking vitamin D3supplements and went on a two week,  weekly prescription of vitamin D. As of September5th and another blood test, the levels have increased to 78.0. The supplements and laying out napping in the sun seem to be paying off, though I'm still not walking the best...but better and have a nice tan to!

I found out why I have Louisiana on my mind so much !

Shattered Time

Today was just a normal PT visit. Start off on the Nu Step machine for 8 minutes, then came the 25 foot timed walk with the cane. I shattered my old record! Well actually my only record since I have only had 1 visit. But it was timed then and I shattered it this time!
My previous time was 17.81 seconds in 25 feet. This time I did it in 12.91. I was hoping for a 15 - 16 second time. Not quiet Olympic times, but I'll take the 12.91.

 Next came the usual exorcises. One being stepping up on a 8 inch step using the cane, then off the other side. To step up your supposed to use your good leg followed by your bad one, coming down its just the opposite. I do it the other way around. Its what feels comfortable. Its like my (right) bad leg is a bit more stronger at the knee, but more unstable, while my (left) good leg is a bit more stable but weaker in the knee.

After all that it was time to take a walk outside on the concrete and try the curb. Which I did pretty good with. Then it was back inside for another timed walk just to se how I do after working the leg muscles. This time I can only do it in 16.85 seconds, Which is still quicker then my original time.

I'm supposed to use the cane to get into stores. something small like a gas station, or something larger where a scooter is, which reminds me I need gas and to pick up a prescription.. C-ya!

More PT

So today (June 13) was the first visit with my new wide based quad cane. Of course I had the base set for the wrong side at first, but that was easily fixed.

I started off on the Nu Step machine. She wanted 5 minutes, I gave her 8.5 and could of kept going but it was time to practice walking with the cane.


Straight line walking was good, but had balance issues turning around. So out come the orange cones. Now I need to walk circles around each one which wasn't as hard as the turnarounds I was doing before. A wider radius helped.

Then came a walk outside on concrete and stepping off and back on a 6" curb. Wasn't the easiest, but I got it done.Since my truck was right there I changed into my sandles, since thats all I wear now. Watching me walk she noticed I wasnt walking heel to toe like I would wearing my AFO. With concentration I can overcome that.

My walking speed with the walker was timed at 9.3 seconds with the cane 17.81 seconds in a 25 foot distance.  Next week I'm shooting for 16.75 seconds..at least.

I let her borrow a book on hamburger places throughout the United States, to bad none listed are local, or I'd suggest one for our lunch date after 7-6, but any place will do.

Checked up

So today (June 7) was yet another check up. Something I haven't seen before was a nearly full parking lot. Today all the MSers must of had appointments.  I've never seen a line like this since Bon Jovi tickets went on sale in 1989!

Optical Coherence Tomography machine

After finally checking in, I went for my Optical Coherence Tomography test, or OCT. Its more like an MRI for the eyes. I wouldn't have a clue as to how to read the pictures the machine printed out, but they were colorful to say the least.

Next up was seeing the neurologist. No biggie. Just your normal exam...touch your nose, test arm strength, hand strength..wiggle your fingers stuff. This visit was the first one where he seen me in shorts, and noticed my tattoo on my left leg. 
 That sparked off conversation about Louisiana. I think we talked more about that then we did about how I was doing since the last time I seen him! Originally he thought I was a Saints fan, but I told him the reason for the tattoo and he thought it was cool.

In 3 months I go back for more pictures of the brain, yeah another MRI. I'm not looking forward to it at all. Oh the MRI isn't bad, its just in 3 months it'll be September. Summer will be about over. 


I'm coping with the heat this year better then I did last year. The hotter the better I say! Temperatures in the 80's or over and I'm laying out collecting vitamin D and turning a nice color of brown to. Most of the time at home, weekends at my favorite certain camp ground.


*** Attention, any new readers, The first few pages tell of my early experiences with MS, be sure to check them out. 
If you would like an e mail when the blog is updated, add your e mail in the white box at the bottom on every page.

Gettin there

So since the last month my PT says I'm showing signs of improvements. The last few visits started with a walk on the treadmill, which I only did 7 minutes the first time and a partial lap, then the next week did a full lap. Sure it took 13 min at the slowest speed, but I got it done!
Then moving onto walking in the parallel bars without holding on. Forwards, backwards and to the side. Next comes steeping over orange cones ..That is after a rest and talking about gardening and other things of course!

Lately we have been practicing with the use of a quad cane. Though the one in the picture is not my own, I will hopefully be getting a wide base cane for myself.

One may help in short distance walks, say into Wal-Mart where a scooter will then be picked up..Unless they're all out or the batteries are dead which is not unusual for the one I go to.
All the practicing has been indoors on carpet until today. We took a short walk outside on the sidewalk and besides the usual tiredness that sets in, I did pretty good. At least I didn't fall!



Back inside she lays the ladder out. Now my kids football team uses one of these, hopping frown side to the other while moving forward with hands raised looking like they're throwing a block. I'm glad that wasn't going to be her idea. I had to step in with the cane in my left hand and sync the steps. Moving the cane forward with my right leg..the bad worse one. Stepping into every square. Sure it was slower then what the kids do, but then again I wasnt expecting a football being thrown at me either.
The green pieces in the pic, using the cane I had to step over each one. Thats where her arm came in handy, for more support.

All in all I go for the final visit on July 6th..and her and I are going to lunch sometime after that. We cant go now because I'm still a patient!

Ampyra & the Bioness L300

Today was the 6th physical therapy visit, it was supposed to of been the last, but went for 4 more weekly visits.

Today I tried out the Bioness L300. Talk about feeling like a robot at first! The larger piece goes just below your knee. It has two electrodes in it, while the smaller one goes in your shoe and acts as a trigger to send a stimulating charge as you go into the motions of walking, to help activate nerves, hip muscles and the other leg muscle groups to help lift your foot.
Adjusting the fitting and the amount of charge to give, my foot would turn up and twist to the side as the current grew and faded. All while sitting down of course. 
Then came the time to walk around the room and get the feel for the device. It did help, but with the hour long session I couldn't get a feel for it if it would be beneficial in a long run. Like muscle fatigue and weakness from a lot of walking.
It would be a nice device to own, but it would take a lottery win to afford it. At $6,500 it sure isn't something you buy "just to" see if it works.

Something else I started today was the Ampyra..again.
Last time I tried it I had a fall 2 days before receiving it and tore ligaments in my foot and never really noticed if there was any change. Ampyra is used to improve walking in people who have multiple sclerosis, though it doesn't work for everybody. The actual drug name is Dalfampridine. It is in a class of medications called potassium channel blockers. It works by strengthening the signals sent by the brain through nerves that have been damaged by MS.
We'll see how this goes now, because Ive been supporting South America by eating bananas like crazy and not sure if its the extra potassium thats helping me to walk better or not. Im surprised I don't have the urge to build a tire swing in one of the bedrooms and swing around on it since Ive been eating so many bananas!

4th PT visit

Ok, so today was my 4th visit to the physical therapist and right away she started me on the treadmill. First was a 5 min walk at a slow speed..a quick rest then back on for 4 mins..Its a good thing I brought my hip flexion device with me, it made lifting my right leg easier.
The parallel bars were next. Walking without holding onto something. My legs were really getting tired at this point, but I pushed myself and took minimal breaks.
Best thing about the tread mill is that it said I burnt 10 calories! Sure I put them back on when I got home, but still

The hip flexion device I have really helps to lift the weakened leg when walking. Sure you wont make a fashion statement with it on, specially coupled with the AFO I wear for foot drop. All in all it does look better then the bungee cords I tried using for foot drop early on. Talk about a hillbilly medical device!
 Between glass's to correct double vision, a hearing aid to help hear, hip flexion to help lift a leg and AFO to help lift my food, I dont know how many more devices I can handle.

Next up was doing stepping over the cords. I like this because I get the hold her hands ...and they are soft hands to!
The exercise is step over the green one, side step over the yellow, back step over the green then side step over the yellow again.
I should see if she makes house calls..now that would be fun!
                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

3rd trip to the PT

Needless to say the easiest part of Physical Therapy s when your first greeted and spend the first 10 minutes talking...then its time to get to work!

The first exercise was that she laid down two walking sticks to resemble a + sign. I started out in the lower left corner, led of with the left foot, steeped over the cross stick, steeped sideways to the top right, then backwards to the lower  right corner. The part I liked about this was holding her hands the whole way through. Other then that I really cant get much lift from the right leg.

The next exercise was the parallel bars and walking with no assistance in various ways.
First was walking in a straight line, back and fourth. Then came the side step. Next was walking backwards. The easiest one to do here was the side stepping. The hardest, walking backwards. Thats when balance felt it was going to be lost, but hey..I never fell!

Then came the cones..Ahh the cones. First was walking a straight line, while picking my left leg and foot up and over a cone, turn around and do the same but with the right leg..which btw never cleared the top of a cone. No cheating was allowed, meaning it had to go up and over, not swung around like I usually did..(not meaning to) after that came the side stepping over each cone. These by far were the hardest of all and really wore on my legs.

I remember when I was younger and seeing people using the parallel bars for therapy and thinking, "man, just move your legs are walk normal"! its a whole different way of thinking now when its your legs that don't work like they used to..I now understand what those people felt.