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Armando R.

Injury Level: T9

Injury Date: 6/2006
Asia Score: Asia A

What has exercise based therapy done for me?
In October 2006 I was involved in a catastrophic car accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. I am classified as a T-9 complete asia A. I spent a little under two months at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, CA. I received traditional therapy there and was given no hope of ever walking again let alone feeling anything below my level on injury. Upon being released from the hospital I returned there to start out-patient therapy, but all I would do is transfer from the ground to my chair. I was basically learning how to live the rest of my life in a chair. The different doctors that I saw all told me that I would not ever walk again. That wasn't good enough for me.

I tried exercise based therapy and I have become stronger and have regained some more muscles in my stomach area. I can feel a few levels lower than my injury. I also have not been sweating as much in my lower extremities. I feel better about myself and more importantly, I have been given the gift of hope. With my will and determination I will one day be back on my feet. I know the road back is long and it will not be easy but with the help of SCI-FIT I know I will one day get out of my chair and walk again.