Robot walk
You might get tired of hearing me say how exhausted I am, but most of the time it's a well earned exhaustion for better or for worse. Yesterday I had a better and a worse that exhausted me. I hit a new low first thing in the morning when I tried to shower sitting up for the first time. The occupational therapist helped transfer me from the bed to the wheelchair to the shower, and that alone was exhausting. Next I had to hold my body up on my own while simultaneously trying to wash my upper body. I was wiped before my day even started which was all the more disappointing to me because I was scheduled to try the Locomat for the first time.
I took an hour rest before my appointment with the PTs to try the Locomat, the walkin robot. I was led into a wing of the building I'd never seen before and cautiously wheeled through the doorway to the room Alex told me had the Locomat. I couldn't see the machine as I wheeled in, so once fully in the room, I turned to the right and saw a massive robotic frame over an unsuspecting treadmill and parallel bars. The PTs put me in a harness they compared to a BASE jumping harness without the bunjee cord. Next they wheeled me onto the treadmill and hooked the harness into the robotic frame above. Andy then raised the frame and said it was just like R. Kelly sang, "I believe I can fly." I hung suspended a few inches off the ground while Alex and Andy strapped the robotic legs to the back of my own legs. Once secure, the program started, and I watched in a mirror as the robot took me on a five minute walk. I saw my legs move with ease as the Locomat reminded my muscles what motions they are capable of.
It was five wonderful and exhausting minutes. I still feel tired after a good night's sleep, but I'm thankful for the technology that gave me a chance to see my body do what it was made for. Please pray for continued strength and energy, as always. I have a chance to rest this weekend, but I'll be on the Locomat three times next week.
Comments (14)
Laura - Believe it or not, I "sensed" a low and have prayed for God to encourage you in the deepest places. I am super-excited to hear about your robot-walk and I am so thankful for such technology available to you!! Keep on keeping on!
We will pray for multiplied strength for next week.
May God continue to give you strength and encouragement. We are all still praying for you.
Wowzers!!! The $10,000,000 Woman!!! The Bionic Woman!!! You're too young to remember those shows (unless you saw them as reruns), but they were quite exciting!! And this is good & exciting news from you! Sounds fun & interesting, but I can see how you would be tired afterward! Rest up - hope your weekend visitors are good and not too exhausting! Hugs & prayers!
Wow, I'm just imagining all that from inside your head and body. Thanks for sharing your journey, Laura. The rest goes without saying. xo
thanks for these updates, Laura. Mark G also updated me after his chat with you and I was encouraged. Praying His Presence and Promises for you.
Yes, you go, Laura. I am always encouraged by your updates. I am praying for you and you are going to walk without the robot thingies! Granny
How lucky you are too be able to benefit from the Swiss technology developed by Hocoma. I read that there are only 25 of these machines in the US. Anyone who is interested in seeing pictures of this wonderful machine should go to Hocoma's website or Facebook page to learn more about the Lokomat. Stay strong, Laura. Lots of praying out there for you. Love you.
Okay, tried to correct to for too, but it wouldn't let me.
Away to go, Laura! I am so proud of your Perseverence and I continue to pray that God will be your strength!
I'm praying Isaiah 40:28-31 for you Laura. hugs from Helen
Thank you for sharing your journey! You continue to inspire us all. May the Lord continue to give you strength and encouragement as you go through your daily challenges. Much love, The Robison's xo
Will continue to pray for you. I decided to look up the Lokomat walking machine, so cool! Here's a video I saw about it. Take care! You will be healed!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBIaKC5Wz6c
Continuing to pray for you. How amazing God is! Corrine is right, just saw this video about the Lokomat, incredible! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBIaKC5Wz6c He's helping you every step of the way(-;