Six Million Dollar Man

I wasn't quite old enough to have enjoyed the 'Six Million Dollar Man' but we did have the odd repeat shown during the 80's so was always aware of the programme. But for all those not old enough the introduction went like this: 

"Steve Austin, astronaut. A man barely alive. Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster."
-Oscar Goldman

 

Well today I feel a little bit like that.

For those who don't know I have a form of Muscular Dystrophy, specifically, F.S.H.D. I have a great difficulty walking unaided and tend to use a stick for balance.

(Personally I think it highlights my pimp like qualities) 

My upper body strength, particularly, in my arms and shoulders in incredibly weak and I do have some facial weakness.

(Still damn good looking ;-) )

This doesn't stop me from doing all the things that I want to do and still try to be the best Dad to the Boys that I can be. But it does have its problems: My muscles have this significant weakness, as mentioned above, so my balance is difficult, hence the stick and my muscles often twitch. The twitching part can make me fall over and even drop or throw things.

(Definitely makes life more interesting)

I was advised about 4 years ago where my health was heading and to be honest it isn't a happy picture. It was advised then that I should consider getting a Wheelchair to use for my own safety and to potentially stop me from falling over in any form. Depending on how you see it I chose not to take this advice on. I decided that I wanted to walk for however long I could even if I struggled. It is either a matter of pride and the want to continue for as long as I could. This though has caused some problems; through my stubborn nature I have stopped the 'predicted outcome' of my health and they can’t subsequently predict, fairly, where my health is going, well not directly at least.

(Right nuisance for the specialist but to be honest I don't overly care what they think)

They did decide though that they needed to find a way to make me safer. I've heard this kind of thing before so didn't hold my breath; over months of physiotherapy they had a plan to try some new equipment. This should help me with my balance and support me if I twitch and fall. Once again though it doesn't bother me; one thing that they did say though is that it will correct the way I walk, so I won’t have a ‘funny’ walk and it will also straighten my back, so will be an inch taller. Cosmetic changes I know but this made it far more appealing for me.

Two weeks ago I went to the appointment which will be a massive fail as they couldn’t fit me with anything. So after hours’ worth of therapy they sent me home but with some good news that they have measured me and I will have some personally designed equipment.

So today is the day that I head back up and collect them.

I am having a chance to change my life and improve the situation that I am currently in. So just like Steve Austin “they can rebuild me, they have the technology”

Sometime soon I’ll update you with how I am getting on with it all.