http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/site/index/ en robbie@supportthewall.net Copyright 2009 2009-06-16T20:29:00-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/weve_been_keeping_a_secret/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/weve_been_keeping_a_secret/#When:20:29:00Z Hey Everyone, I posted a new video, you can check it out over in the video section. Also, just an FYI, I’m working on re-posting the “Stairway” video as youtube marked it for copyright violation. As always, comments are welcome. Thanks 2009-06-16T20:29:00-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/father_figures/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/father_figures/#When:13:46:01Z I recently had the occasion to think about my father. To those of you who visit the site and don’t know, he passed away when I was in high school.  And while I would give anything to have him back, I can’t help but ruminate on the positive things that have happened to me as a result of seeking, and finding, various father figures throughout my life. Four come to mind:Bob Gargulia. Bob and my father were doubles partners. They both had a similar “deceptive presentation” on the court. They also shared a wonderful sense of humor. Months before my father became sick, as a gift, he had purchased me a week at the Nick Bolitary tennis academy. We were to go together, father and son. Unfortunately, by the time the trip came around, he was just too weak. So I went with Bob. I’ll never forget cruising the Florida highways, top down, listening to Muddy Waters, trading stories about my dad and laughing. I could have spent that time being depressed, wishing I was there with my dad, who was dying a chemical death some 1000 miles away. But it’s not what he would have wanted, so Bob didn’t let it happen. He helped me to realize that even in the toughest of times, when it feels like your circumstances are holding you captive, a smile will set you free.Dennis Erani. Dennis and my father also played tennis together. My sister, Elizabeth, was nanny to his two children for some time and I could, on occasion, be found sweeping his tennis court.  The summer after my sophomore year in college I was obsessed with making money. I was working three jobs, sometimes four and running myself ragged. Dennis saw this and one day he pulled me aside and sat me down. He said “Rob, why are you doing this to yourself?” and I responded, ”Dennis, I want to be rich!”. He smiled with a smile I’ve seen too many times in my life, that smile that says “Ohh Robbie, you’ve got it all wrong…” He asked ”Can I give you a piece of advice?” “Sure”, I responded. “Rob, Family is the key. Build a family that you love and love the people around you. That is real wealth. Everything else will fall into place.” Years later, Dennis would make another connection for me that would profoundly change the direction of my life. Dennis and Bob have both come to visit me several times since my accident, and each time they have brought with them fond memories of my father and the support and guidance that I would have received from him, were he still here.Walter Zielenski. After I graduated college I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do.  So, I went to see Dennis and he connected me with Walter Zielenski. Walter runs a small software development firm and was doing some work for Dennis at the time.  I knew nothing about writing code, but Walter decided to take a chance. I spent the next several years drinking from the fire hose that was Walter’s shadow, developing my skills as a programmer and cultivating the seeds of business acumen.  Walter was a pleasure to work with, but he also played no small role in the development of my personal life. He helped me realize what a catch I had with Mandy and was there when I proposed to her. Not literally there, for those of you who know THAT story, but we were on vacation together and he helped me pick out the ring. He was with me when I bought my first house, conveniently enough a stones throw from his own. Over the years he has helped me to shoulder some of the greatest responsibilities of my life, which in my opinion, have helped enabled me to shoulder this injury.Wayne Richmond. Oh Wayne. The irony of Wayne is that we called him El Diablo, but he really has been more like a Shepard. I met Wayne through Walter and we were instant friends. We both lived in Hoboken, about a block way from one another.  I can remember vividly a conversation with Wayne at the Mile Square restaurant in 2001. I had just spent about 30 minutes outlining how the remainder of my life was to proceed. From where I would live to what I would be doing, how I would get there, when I would go…everything. And when I finished, Wayne looked at me and smiled (yes, that same aforementioned smile). And I said “Hey, what’s so funny?” And he replied “Rob, you would be laughing too if you knew how different your future will be then what you think.” Talk about your nail on the head! Wayne and I continued to become better friends, and despite having sworn off the concept of marriage, he stood with me the day I married Mandy. On a side note, Wayne is now married with a beautiful wife and daughter so Hah! El Diablo, God plays dice with us all!These have been some of the salient moments in my life. And while no one could ever replace my father, thanks to these moments and these men, I feel like no one would ever have to.  With that said, here is what’s been going on since my last post. I got a van!!! I’ve been trained with hand controls and have been tooling around northern Virginia for practice. I’m posting some pictures in the photo gallery. I also think I’ve found a PT to work with. She’s familiar with SCI’s and used to work at the NRH, but left to start her own practice in Annandale, VA. I’ll let you know how that works out.  Anyway, this was a long one so I’m going to cut it off there, thanks for checking in. 2009-02-04T13:46:01-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/stairway_to_heaven/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/stairway_to_heaven/#When:17:18:00Z Once again I have to begin with an apology for not updating as frequently as I should.  To make it up to you, I have posted a new video called "Stairway to Heaven". It’s captures me ascending the basement steps with my...well just check it out in the video section. Although I say in the video it is dedicated to the doctors I have encountered during my recovery, I would also like to dedicate the video to my friends at Project Walk-I am sorry I cannot be there with you for this years Steps to Recovery.  But keep up the hard work- I’m talking to the trainers and clients alike.  In other news, Mandy and I have finalized the purchase of my van.  The driving system is currently being installed and should be ready by the end of this month.  I done several hours of driver training with hand controls and I am excited and ready to get back behind the wheel.  As far as recovery is concerned, as you can see from the latest video, I am still progressing and getting stronger each day.  I now have a climbing harness in the basement that is suspended over a treadmill and I have been spending about 2 hours a day on it.  I cannot walk for 2 hours but I am on my feet the entire time and periodically take a few steps.  This has been especially important lately as I have been battling a pressure sore (my first)!  It is healing up nicely-thank goodness.  Thanks for checking in and thank you all for the birthday cards and wishes!    2008-11-08T17:18:00-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/3_years_and_counting/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/3_years_and_counting/#When:19:04:01Z Sorry it’s been awhile since my last update. I haven’t really felt like things have changed since my last post.  However, today on the 3rd anniversary of my accident-a major BREAKTHROUGH:  I am pleased to report I just finished clipping my own fingernails for the first time in 3 years.  Mandy is so bummed because she just loves clipping my nails!  As small as an achievement as that may sound, it is a gigantic leap towards independence in my mind.  Speaking of independence and breakthroughs…today I was also able to get out of the basement completely unassisted.  Let me briefly describe what is involved in this feat.  Step 1:  Transfer out of wheelchair onto workout mat. Step 2:  Tie a rope to the back of wheelchair. Step 3:  Transfer back into chair and wheel over to the basement door.  Step 4:  Stand, rotate chair and insert rope in mouth. Step 5:  Hobble up stairs with rope in mouth.Step 6:  Sit down at top of stairs. Step 7:  Pull wheelchair up the stairs with the rope. Step 8:  Sit in wheelchair and untie rope.Step 9:  Call Mandy and brag about what I just accomplished.  A tad risky of an activity I realize but well worth it in the end?  In other news, I am still working on purchasing a wheelchair accessible van which has turned out to be a fairly overwhelming process. There are just so many choices and only 1 shot to get it right.  I do hope to be behind the wheel in the next 2 months though.  We are pleased to announce that a renter has moved into our home in Sparta and is planning to purchase the house in the next 6-12 months.  We are glad to finally have some financial relief from our mortgage payment even though the rent does not cover our mortgage completely, it does help immensely.   As soon as the deal is final, we’ll let you know! Well I"m off to the dentist to get a few cavities filled this evening . What a great way to celebrate my 3rd anniversary:(  At least this weekend I’m heading to North Carolina for a long weekend at the beach with family!  Thank you all for your continued support.  The last 3 years would have been much worse without you all behind me. p.s. This is Mandy sneaking into this post.....Rob doesn’t know this yet but we really aren’t going to the dentist.  A bunch of us our surprising him with an anniversary dinner!!!  Love ya Rob....hope you enjoy yourself tonight!!! 2008-08-20T19:04:01-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/slow_and_steady/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/slow_and_steady/#When:22:05:00Z … Life with a spinal cord injury and the way I WILL BE DRIVING WITH MY BRAND NEW DRIVERS LICENSE !!!  Yep, that’s right folks by some miracle (or DMV mistake), I was issued a Virginia state drivers license. The DMV has a bad reputation but they put me through lickity split without even requiring a written or road test, even though my license expired some time ago. SHHHHHH.  The next step in getting back behind the wheel is figuring out what type of hand controls and vehicle I need.  Then, the goal is to become proficient with said controls and purchase said vehicle.  Needless to say, now that Mandy has gone back to work fulltime, having my own vehicle will provide me with a level of independence that I haven’t had since August 20, 2005.  So we are all looking forward to that!Speaking of Mandy’s return to work, it has been as difficult as one could expect given the lengthy recovery from her foot operation and absence from the field of social work over the last year and half while we were in California.  She is adjusting, slowly but steadily and I am sure she will hit her stride just in time for her to go back under the knife for her second foot surgery.  Yep, you read correctly, there is a complication with the screw they used to repair her bone- it is TOO BIG and is poking through the bottom of her bone into the surrounding soft tissue.   We haven’t scheduled the procedure because she does not have any sick leave built up but we hope the issue will be taken care by the end of the summer.  She is able to walk now thankfully, but not without pain which has prevented her from resuming her workout routine which she got so much joy from when we were in California.  My workout routine however if finally beginning to take shape.  I located a physical trainer who will be working with me 2/week out of our home.  In addition to that, I returned to traditional physical therapy this past Tuesday via the local paratransit service (another motivation for getting back behind the wheel) and plan to attend 2/week. Sadly, in the time it has taken me to obtain physical therapy and training, my muscles have atrophied significantly.  I have however, been doing some walking around the house and have even mastered the stairs .  My therapist and trainer have not worked with spinal cord injuries before but both seem excited and ready to learn about the unique complications a SCI presents. At the risk of jinxing it, we are happy to report that we have an interested buyer for our home in Sparta.  We do not yet have a written contract but we are hopefully to obtain one over the next few days.  The downside is that buyer will be renting the home for 6-8 months prior to closing but the upside is their offer is a solid one and they seem as in love with the house as we were when we first saw it.  We’ve learned in that past that offers/contracts have a way of falling through but we are hopeful that after 18 months we can finally say goodbye to 1 Alpine Terrace. 2008-06-18T22:05:00-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/hooray_for_mandy/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/hooray_for_mandy/#When:18:18:00Z Hello Everyone,I have several newsworthy items to report. Lets begin with Mandy this time. As if there was ever any doubt, she rocked her interview and was promptly offer a position with the Fairfax County government as a foster care/adoption worker. While she is excited about the position and looking forward to working in her field again, for now it’s hard for her to be really excited about anything. Foot surgery is for the birds! She’s in pretty bad pain and has been sleeping on the couch for the last week because I normally kick her 30-40 times in a night with my spasms. We are a sight! She’s using crutches, I’m in a walker or chair. My handi-honey is getting a taste of disabled life and it’s no fun. Please post some words of encouragement for her on the message board. I love you baby.I finally uploaded some photos from the Cross Country trip back east. With almost 500 images, it was really tough to cherry pick, but we managed to get it down to 126. You can check it out in the Photos section. I’ll be including some of the unposted 300+ photos in the upcoming video (god knows when this will get done), but you can get a good idea about what went on with the photo album. Not long into the trip we named the RV the "Birthing Wookie", because of the noises it made when you turned on the water. Use your imagination. The trip itself was amazing. We saw San Francisco, Napa Valley, Redwood National Forest, Crater Lake, Shoshone Falls, Devils Tower, Mt. Rushmore, gambled in Deadwood, stopped in Jackson Hole, ate a 13 pound pizza in St. Louis and sooo much more. The most painful part for me was calculating the 8.5 mpg carbon footprint we left as we drove. With a total trip mileage of over 4300, well, let’s just say I’ll be putting off getting a car as long as I can.We are settling into Virginia life and have spent some time with a few friends we haven’t seen in a while. The most frustrating part of the transition is locating qualified doctors and medical suppliers within a reasonable driving distance. My mother in law, Eileen has helped out immensely by driving us to the several appointments we have had thus far and has signed on for a ton more in the next few weeks. Thank You!!! I did start the process of obtaining my drivers license, however the first appointment for driving school is not available until August and I cannot get an appointment until I obtain a doctor’s note (wish I would have know that last week when I was at the doctors!). Needless to say, it looks like I won’t be driving until well into the winter months which is a tad frustrating considering Mandy will not be able to drive me anywhere once she starts work.In other news, the house has still not sold. We have begun the process of removing the oil tank, which will hopefully make it more appealing to buyers. We would have done this sooner, but our insurance company would not allow us to remove the tank prior to the one year ‘waiting period’. It looks like we will have to dump more money into it to get it sold (destroy the deck which was stupidly built (not by us) on top of the tank, remove the tank, replace the deck). What a nightmare! It is still empty, not staged for sale, God knows what the yard looks like, or the driveway. And now with Mandy going back to work full time on the 14th, things feel really chaotic. If I can work it out, I might hire an aide and go live up there by myself for a while to help sell it. No one does what they say they are going to do unless you are sitting on top of them!Exercise has kind of taken a back seat to solving the house/doctor problems which is tough, but I do have a trainer coming next week for a trial workout (thanks to Ann McGavin for making the connection). Hopefully I can get back into a routine, my sanity depends on it. That’s all for now, thanks for checking in.Rob 2008-05-01T18:18:00-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/we_made_it/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/we_made_it/#When:19:54:00Z Hello Everyone, Just wanted to post a quick note to let you all know that we arrived safely in VA. Mandy and I are settling into our "cozy" basement Shangri-La and the animals seem to be adjusting well.  The cross country trip was quite an adventure and we have the pictures to prove it! I’ll be posting them in the coming days along with some video. We actually arrived several days ago, but have been unpacking, cleaning and setting up the basement for handi-living.  Kyle has setup my workout mat and parallel bars and is in the process of installing hand rails for the basement stairs. I’m currently looking for a trainer to work with, but am trying to stay as active as I can until I find one. I’m also looking into some gait training programs in the area, but will need to make a trip to the DMV before I get much further with that. Mandy has hit the ground running with her job search and already has an interview scheduled for this Friday. She also is going in for foot surgery on the 22nd of April. Good luck baby! Now that I’m reconnected to the internet, I’ll be posting some new/old videos and working on Care Code.  That’s all for now, I hope everyone is doing well. Rob 2008-04-16T19:54:00-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/big_moves/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/big_moves/#When:01:46:00Z We are heading home!  After 1 1/2 years of hard work and sunshine, Mandy and I are packing up and moving to Northern Virginia.  We have made the fiscally prudent decision to move in with Mandy’s parents and take up residence in the basement (yes we still own the house in New Jersey which is 100% wheelchair accessible).  Conquering the basement stairs is not the biggest concern (I’ll consider the stairs free exercise), it’s how our animals will integrate with theirs.  They have two dogs, one is a thoroughly insane Dalmation with an addiction to chocolate and broken glass.  The other is a geriatric mutt who’s dominance is well established but often questioned by her maladjusted sibling.  How Marley will fit into this hierarchy is indeed a question for Cesar!  As for the cats....we stopped clipping their nails, the rest is up to them.   Several factors played into the decision to leave California:1.  Money2.  Mandy’s Career/Cobra3.  Robbie’s Career/Cobra4.  Fleas5.  Coyotes6.  Wildfires7.  Rattlesnakes8.  Sand...it’s everywhere!In all seriousness, we both get the feeling that we are ready to move forward.  I have accomplished alot in terms of recovery at Project Walk and have learned the skills necessary to continue the work on my own with a personal trainer.  When I first arrived at Project Walk, I could barely slide my right leg off of my chair, had difficulty standing due to blood pressure and general weakness, and had no activity in my left leg. Today, I am using a walker, and have confidence that my gait will continue to improve and that one day in the near future I will not need this chair at all.  I have made lots of friends and had a tremendous amount of fun during my stay in Southern California.  Although we are excited to begin the next phase of our lives this departure is bittersweet.  Mandy and I have developed great friendships with the people we have met here. Thank you for having us over for holidays when you knew we were alone, for keeping us company during the wildfires, for helping me surf, for watching our animals when we were away, for laughing with us, crying with us and helping us fight the good fight.  I will never forget my experiences in the gym from taking my first steps post injury to watching others take theirs.  I know I have said this before but I’d like to thank all of the trainers I’ve worked with at Project Walk. Your creativity, work ethic and dedication have helped make my dreams come true.      Our plan for the return trip is as follows: Depart March 28th-head north to the Redwoods and then south east to Northern Virginia with hopes to arrive April 7. We have rented an RV which will house 3 animals, 5 pet beds, a basket of dog toys which includes at least 20 tennis balls that Marley has collected on her walks and that Mandy is refusing to throw away, a litter box, two wheelchairs, parallel bars, stairmaster, a shower chair, and food/water for 10 days. Mandy’s brother Kyle and our friend George will be accompanying us on the trip to help drive the RV and Escape which is coincidently too heavy to be towed behind the RV because it is a Hybrid and chuckablock full of batteries. This is the same Hybrid that is currently in the repair shop because it suddenly needs 4 new tires, new brakes, a wiring repair, new windshield wipers and an alignment.  Have we mentioned our luck isn’t so hot?  The Escape will contain our clothes, Rob’s cath kits (thank God for that Thule!) and our supply of audio books to get us through the midwest.   We have several stops planned along the way and we’ll be sure to take lots of photos and video of the adventure.  That’s all for now-we’ll be off the grid for a bit starting Friday but we’ll post an update once we are settled in on the East Coast.  2008-03-26T01:46:00-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/i_have_much_to_report/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/i_have_much_to_report/#When:00:01:00Z Hello Everyone, I have lots of wonderful things to report and a new video to share. First, an update on the Sparta house. Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers. Despite our initial concerns about our insurance coverage due to the house being vacant, we are going to be reimbursed for the repairs of the damage caused by the frozen and subsequently leaky pipes.  The house has had a lot of showings and interested buyers but no solid offers have surfaced yet.  We sometimes wonder if the house has not sold because it wants us back!  We miss you too Alpine Terrace…but if you love something let it go (LET US GO!). Now let’s talk recovery.  Approximately 2 weeks ago, I started working with Ted Dardinski, creator and owner of Project Walk, twice a week for one hour sessions. His experience is obvious and his approach is creative. It’s been a pleasure to learn from him and to plant seed in his head about a northern Virginia Project Walk. Come on Ted, you can’t beat the weather in NOVA! In addition, I have discovered with the help of my trainer, Eric that using a weighted walker gives me more stability.  This has led to me walking unassisted around the gym faster than I have ever been able to before.  The walker does get a little heavy on the arms, so God bless my BBJ’s (Biceps By Jerry, more on that next post).  I retook my DAS exam. The DAS is an assessment exam you take at Project Walk which attemptsto quantify any physical return you might have achieved as a result of your exercise program.  When I got to Project Walk, I scored an 11 out of 40.  Last week, I retook the exam and scored a 27!  A gain of 16 points in 17 months- EUREKA!  To go from not being able to stand at all when I got here, to being able to do unassisted sit-to-stands during my exam felt really good. Yesterday it was gorgeous here! In the morning, Mandy and I when to the Batiquitos Lagoon which is a nature reserve here in Carlsbad. We spent about 90 minutes exploring the backyard paradise with Marley in tow and the sun shining down. It was a hoot! Mandy has off on Wednesdays so we’d like to make it a regular trip. Most of the paths are flat and hard-packed so it was pretty accessible, and when it wasn’t, Mandy made it accessible. I’m also posting a new video of my trip to Lake Tahoe. Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted a new one, let’s just say there were some “hardware issues”. You should be able to see the video below or in the videos section. That’s all for now and thanks for checking in, Rob 2008-02-29T00:01:00-08:00 http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/hello_world_its_been_too_long/ http://www.supportthewall.net/index.php/Monroe/updates/hello_world_its_been_too_long/#When:05:28:00Z Well it’s been quite a while since my last update, much has transpired, good and bad.  I’ll do my best to get it all out in a somewhat coherent fashion. Let me begin with my recovery from this adventure that is a spinal cord injury.  I can do a sit-up now, usually only one but sometimes two or three in a row.  That is to say, laying on the bed/workout platform with legs hanging off the edge, I throw my hands forward to gain momentum and sit-up! Also, triceps are getting stronger.  I can now hold a 10 pound bar above my head while standing and keeping my arms straight.  Yesterday I was able to do 3 sets of 15 tricep dips.  It’s nice to be able to hold my hands above my head without hitting myself in the face. I also feel some return coming from my lower abs/hip flexors.  I see leg lifts in my future for sure!  Walking is about the same, I can do a loop or two around the gym depending on when in my 2 hour session I make the attempt. I’ve been using a walker more than arm crutches these days in an attempt to improve my gait. More support mean less twisting and arching to get that bum left leg to do its thing. My outside the gym workout has changed also since I last posted.  I still spend about an hour or two in my parallel bars but now I’m using a stair climber inside the bars and Therabands to continue working the upper body.  I also spend an hour on my bed stretching and Puppet Pumping (more on that next post, video coming soon).  I can now get my right foot behind my head and I’m about six inches shy with the left.  I’ve also started practicing Anusara Yoga with Michael Fukumura (http://www.loliyoga.com/).  I’m hoping Michael and I can work to improve my breathing and mind/body connection. Still plenty of spasms and still in plenty of pain, but I refuse to make either one the focus of my life or this post!So what else? Let’s talk about the house in Sparta. Mandy and I got a call from our agent about two weeks ago with some urgent and exciting, um, info…..no, not an offer, don’t be absurd, that would be good news. No, the kitchen was flooded and there was about 2-3 inches of standing water in the basement! Woo-hoo! I asked her to change the ad to read “Beautiful 3 bedroom colonial lake house with built-in ice rink.”.  We don’t know how, but the heat was shut off and pipes throughout the house suffered as a result. Wait, it gets better. The extent of the damage to the plumbing/heating system is yet to be determined; however, we have been informed that because we do not “live” in the house, our insurance policy is restricted and will not cover ANY water damage. I’ll give you a minute to stop laughing, I needed 2 or 3………….Don’t worry, we won’t concede that one without a fight. “It’s not that we don’t care, we just know that the fight ain’t fair!” –John Mayer, I Don’t think he was talking about the insurance industry, but it certainly does strike a chord with me.  In light of all the stress Mandy and I decided to head for the hills. We hopped on a puddle jumper out of Carlsbad airport and hit Lake Tahoe. It was time for some fresh air, beautiful scenery and adaptive skiing. Have I ever mentioned how much I love my wife? Mandy and I hit the slopes at South Lake declaring “Take your best shot World! We see your burst pipes in an unsellable house and raise you uncontrollable leg spasms and beautiful mountain vistas!” Anyway, adaptive skiing was a blast and I recommend to anyone willing to try. My, it’s getting late and alas I must retire. I do promise to update more often and like I said, video of the home workout routine is coming soon.  I also have some great footage of my time in Tahoe I would like to post.  Thank you all for your cards and support.  We love you all, Rob and Mandy. 2008-01-18T05:28:00-08:00