Approaching "The Wall"... in terms of rehabilitation, is significant as the "point of maximal improvement" is pronounced by the physical therapist and/or physician. "The Wall" in this particular situation is complex, nebulous, and, in some situations, seemingly random. It is a combination of experience, statistical prognostication, and continuence of progress toward an indeterminant goal. Unlike the Great Wall of China, the wall of rehabilitation may define the limit of support available to assist progress, in contrast to the purpose of "The Great Wall of China" to serve as protection from invasion and a safe route for life sustaining provisions.

I wondered how it would feel when this discussion became a part of my follow-up visits. Today was that day. I am still not really how I feel, other than torn between the need to continue to push for progress or to accept where I'm at and embrace the progress made. A part of me feels that to stop pushing is giving up and disappointing myself and others. Another part of me is tired and ready accept and work with where I am right now. It was wierd talking about being given an impairment score and permanent disability rating. "Permanent" is the word that gives me pause - a flash reality check.

Most likely, I will choose another path...accepting and working with where I am right now by learning as much as possible about how to maintain gains while, at the same time, never giving up on possibility. I wanted to try the Body Weight Supported Treadmill Program at Spain Rehab in B'Ham. My case manager is looking into the program, however, the support does not seem to be there from the doctor here - not surprising...His response to my inquiry was that since I'm already walking, the way to increase walking is to do more walking. Perhaps he's right. Gotta figure in safety somewhere, however, that has not really stopped me before!

I've already started looking up information on recommendations for exercise after SCI. I have learned from experience that I will have to design my own home program for land PT. Pool PT will be different. I will be able to get information for a maintenance program at the pool. I have one more OT appointment. They have helped me sort through all that I've learned to come up with a reasonable plan. The wall is not really an insurmountable obstacle, rather, it is just one more milestone along this journey.
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A milestone is one of a series of numbered markers placed along a road or boundary at regular intervals, typically at the side of the road or in a median. Milestones are constructed to reassure travellers that the proper path is being followed, and to indicate either distance travelled or the remaining distance to a destination. They are alternatively known as mile markers, mileposts, or mile posts (sometimes abbreviated MPs), notably in the United States.
-Wikipedia