Brooks Week One: Electric Legs
In support of
Ari Mordujovich
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Ari Mordujovich
Week One at Brooks is a wrap. Thank you, thank you and thank you to all of Ari’s supporters, in all the many ways you have and continue to support him and us. We are so amazed by this community. You constantly remind us that we are not alone in this and we are so very thankful for that. Still floored by you all. #LionStrong.
It feels like we are sending this update out from another planet. We crash landed here with Ari on October 5th and we know there is no going back. As the days go on, our eyes adjust and we begin to see the new landscape take shape. It’s too early to make much sense of it but we are not the first ones here. We are not fluent in the native language by any means but we are starting to pick things up here and there. At this point, we are doing our best to keep up with the information overload and juggle a million new decision points and concerns as we advocate and care for Ari.
There have been ups and down physically and emotionally, as you can imagine. Ari has already had multiple episodes of Autonomic Dysreflexia. It’s basically his autonomic nervous system in shock and overreacting to some kind of pressing issue in the body that Ari can’t feel and respond to (read here for more on this: https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/health/secondary-conditions/autonomic-dysreflexia/). He’s just starting to figure out the ins and outs of all this.
For those who are inclined to know more, here is a helpful summary of levels of injury and what they mean: https://www.spinalinjury101.org/details/levels-of-injury. Ari’s injury was categorized at the T5 level, below which sensory and motor function impairment begins. That impairment appears complete by the T7 vertebra level. Ari will have to work hard to develop his balance without most of his trunk and core to rely on right now.
Ari has had very productive sessions with Physical and Occupational Therapy and everybody says he is going to be figuring things out quickly and getting in and out of his chair by himself before we know it. Biggest highlight: He got to use a functional electrical stimulation bike which uses electricity to stimulate the muscles of his legs in a cycling motion so that he can ride a stationary bike. This is hands down Ari’s favorite activity so far. He likes that the electrical stimulation moves his legs around. It gives him hope.
Ari is also starting to make some friends around here. He got invited to shoot some hoops in the courtyard and made some sweet shots. That was really uplifting for Ari’s spirit.
This coming week is going to be more intense on the therapy and education side. Ari and the family will be participating in classes and learning about different things related to spinal cord injury. Ari will get more nitty gritty focus on the daily tasks of living to start getting him ready for a functional independent life outside of Brooks.
Many giants in this new world continue to reach out to us with words of wisdom, practical advice and encouragement. Every conversation inevitably lifts our spirits.
Many giants in this new world continue to reach out to us with words of wisdom, practical advice and encouragement. Every conversation inevitably lifts our spirits.
With love and gratitude for our #LionStrong community,
Ari’s family
Comments
Jessiechynoweth
Autumndoughton
Sheynacarroccio
Jeandona Doreste
The electric bicycle sounds really cool.
We are praying for you all, Ari, and the Lord to do a work in Ari's body and heart.
Be blessed
Heather Bowland
Nitsirkyvad
Wsassha
Nancy Pantoliano
Nancy Pantoliano
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Godismyrhythm
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Denise Nail
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Bcp1978
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