Howard Falkinburg

A blog about my rehabilitation and recovery from a spinal cord injury that left me paralyzed with quadriplegia.


Change in plans

In a previous update, the plan was to try the medication of Prialt in the intrathecal pump over the course of  four weeks to see if I had any positive response to it. Now there’s a new plan.

Now the plan is to return to Chicago and do a test trial with a second catheter directly attached to my spine, bypassing the intrathecal pump altogether. 

I am more than eager to have this done. I’m in a holding pattern regarding my tone and spasticity. I have a little functionality because of it. The staff have to wrestle both of my legs to get them on the foot plates of the wheelchair each morning. The fingers on each hand are balled up like fists. Only my left index finger and thumb are functional. Any type of stress or effort causes my body to contract. 

I play a dice game called Farkle with a few other guys each week. It takes a lot of effort on my part to roll the dice from my cup. I’m unable to hold cards in my hand. It’s  so frustrating to be so limited in playing a simple game.

So am I eager to have this procedure done?

Hell yeah.

A little side note. I attended church for the first time in over four years. The church did not fall off its foundation when I entered. It was great to interact with my community again.



7 responses to “Change in plans”

  1. Sam Nicholas Avatar
    Sam Nicholas

    Great seeing you at church.

  2. David & Mary Avatar
    David & Mary

    Praying for success with the new plan, Howard.

    Happy to hear the church is still standing. So glad you’re back in touch with your community.

    Thank you for keeping us posted.

    1. Thanks for following! Hope all is well.

  3. So so nice to hear regarding church, community and the Chicago trip..Talk Soon

  4. Wow! The second catheter idea sounds intriguing. You must have been at church one of the few times I missed. So glad you did that!
    Jane

  5. Christy Buck Avatar
    Christy Buck

    Looking forward to seeing you in church when you return! ❤️🙏🏼

  6. Penni Cannova Avatar
    Penni Cannova

    Love this, love this, Howard!!

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About Me

Hello and welcome to my blog. I am LMSW and spinal cord injury survivor. . Another.

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