First Entry
The flight went smooth and the arrival in Shenyang was interesting. We were surrounded by people who were very curious and interested in us and my Ti wheelchair. Since arriving here the doctors, staff and other patients have been very accommodating and friendly. My day is full with therapies starting first thing in the morning with acupuncture, which i might add the needles are alot bigger than home and are hooked up to an electric stimulator. I feel very vibrant after the treatment. It is followed by Physio which consists of strechting, strengthening and mobilizing different areas of my body concentrating on my arms and trunk. We also do range of motion on my legs and wonderful stretching. The session ends with 30-45 minutes on the standing machine. My afternoon starts with another 30-45 minutes on the standing machine then 45 minutes of Occupational Therapy. This concentrates on increasing my fine motor skills with my hands and dexterity.My first injection was delayed because of an unexpected blizzard. Both the first and second injections went well proceeding with a 6 hour laydown. Since the start off all therapies the cronic swelling in my feet has dissipated, and my legs are constantly warm with tingling sensations. My dexterity in my right hand has improved and i am able to now pick up smaller and heavier objects. My forth and fifth digits in my left hand have constant tingles and my ability to grab objects has improved as well! My overall strength has increased and i have gained new muscle mass in my arms especially my right tricep. With alot of concentration and effort i have moved my feet medially one by one!!! All of these positive changes has kept me motivated and excited for new changes to occur and continue pushing myself harder in my therapies! And one of the best parts of this trip is the fabulous shampoo, head message and haircut for a 1.25$ at one of the local styleshops!!
My third stem cell treatment was an IV. Since then my endurance has become stronger and i have been able to produce more reps and increase the weight. Recently i have moved into a new type of standing platform where I am full weight bearing, standing upright and straped in at my thighs. During this time with extreme concentration I am also visualizing standing on my own. This is the first time I have ever been able to weight bear on my own which gives me a burning sensation in my legs and an overwhelming feeling of excitement that the muscles are working so well!
The fourth injection has gone well with increasing sensation and tinglings in my legs. With my breathing excersises and intense concentration i have been able to twitch some of my toes. Due to an unfortunate sore on my coccyx my progress and physio therapies has been at a standstill, but continuing with my morning standing time I remain postive and will push forward for more changes. 
Add comment April 5th, 2007
