Hi all, Still not sure if I need to hit "reply" or "reply all" to go out to the entire list. At the risk of sending this reply twice, here it is.
Hi All, While it is always good to see SCI research make progress--this "breakthrough" as the news touts it should be tempered. The person--Rob Summers--injury is a Frankel Class B injury. He didn't have voluntary movement below the injury but DID have feeling. His injury is Incomplete. Articles also state that this procedure is only estimated to work on 10%-15% of people with SCI. Again--I think this is great and it is cool to see this kind of progress. And while I applaud Summers commitment, I wonder how many of us would be willing to stop our lives and do two hours of physical therapy 5-days a week for 3 years just to become eligible for the study, then spend six hours of intense physical therapy with 4-8 physical therapists every day in order to stand--with help--and wiggle our toes? The real exciting part--the part that most news organizations missed, is he say the training gave him bowel and bladder control and some "improved" sexual function. Being able to control pee, poo, and feel my dick--now THAT might be worth that kind of time and commitment. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-19/paraplegic-stands-for-first-time-in-years-with-medtronic-device.html Bob V On May 22, 2011, at 8:58 AM, Paul Jacobson wrote: > Hello, > > We have seen some progress in functionality in individuals with an Incomplete > SCI but this is the first > I have seen in improvement with someone with a Complete SCI. > > http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/ap/may/248041/Paralyzed-man-freely-moves-after-getting-implant?cid=rss > > Paul c5/6 complete
