“You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life.”
I apologize if some of you might now be humming the theme song from “The Facts of Life.” The 80s sitcom used to be one of my favorite TV shows to watch growing up. But I wanted to mention two other shows I watched this past week highlighting the good and the bad when it comes to SCIs.
The first is an episode “60 Minutes” aired about the revolutionary BrainGate system. It’s something scientists are hoping may one day benefit the paralyzed community. This system allows individuals to move a mechanical limb in place of their own arms or legs. All they need to do is think about moving their arm, and brain waves are picked up by a tiny electrode implanted on the surface of the brain and voilà, movement occurs. A quick video explaining how it works:
The system reminds me of the research I participated in at the VA Hospital, however, in that case, electrodes were taped to my head. Fortunately, nothing was screwed into my brain. As I watched the CBS segment, bittersweet feelings washed over me. It’s remarkable what is taking place in the field of research when it comes to addressing paralysis. And while it’s encouraging to see the progress, it’s somewhat deflating to think that the only way to achieve movement that was once taken for granted is by hooking oneself up to some Frankenstein-like apparatus.
Personally, this isn’t something for me. I’d rather continue to push myself through physical therapy workouts in the hopes that my mind and body might begin communicating again, even if it means only having a pounding headache and ridiculously sore muscles to show for it at the end of each day. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing more I can think of wanting than some type of physical restoration – the ability to blow my own nose, open my own mail, shake my dad’s hand.
I certainly don’t want to come off as hypocritical, after all, as I told another individual living with an SCI the other day, “don’t let your physical self define you.” But it’s sometimes hard to do just that. I do believe that I will find my physical being again. But more importantly, I believe in God’s plan. And in the meantime, I’ve got a furry, little monkey friend to scratch my itches. (Speaking of which, I promise to provide more detail soon). At the end of the day when it comes down to it, the technological advancements being made are absolutely astonishing and needed. They are worthwhile and will certainly provide benefit.
However, as fascinating as the BrainGate system segment was, it wasn’t the most moving piece I watched last week. ESPN aired an E:60 story (“Busted Coverage”) about high school football players, spinal cord injuries and the ugly side of health insurance. It’s disturbing, but worth checking out:
There’s a stark contrast between the optimism of BrainGate and the cruel reality of Busted Coverage. Unfortunately, though, these are the facts. But it doesn’t mean we have to accept it.
“There’s a time you got to go and show, you’re growin’ now, you know about the facts of life, the facts of life.”
Stand Strong!
Scott
interesting stuff scott, i’m with you on working body and mind.. keep up the hard work, gingerly though.. God Bless
Omg Scott…my heart goes out to the families on the videos and anyone who is going thru this. It truly made me feel so fortunate to be able to go work out at BWC and go to physical therapy twice a week. Despite my SCI I truly feel blessed because it help me recognize the most important things in life, but watching the videos you posted is a reminder that I should be thankful every second for the progress I made since almost a year ago no matter how hard it is to get up each day and try to work harder than the day before. You truly are amazing and I thank you for your posts, you inspire me and I am thankful that I have met you and the all the people at BWC. See you soon my friend 🙂
What a sad state of affairs that the well being of our injured children and adults is not important enough to benefit from the allocation of resourses. Keep reminding us of the important things in life.
God bless.
Loved this post, now I am singing that theme song! I believe you will find your physical being one day, can’t wait to read that post! That will be a phenomenal “Fact of Life!” You are very inspiring whether you are trying to or not~
I sincerely believe that you will find your physical being also. Thanks for sharing these videos with us, and for ALWAYS inspiring us.
I am anxious to hear about the adventures with your monkey.
God Bless You – Mary
So I started to write a torrent of insults aimed at so called ” health insurance”, but I’m now too busy wishing Jo would take me for a spin on her motorcycle while Natalie makes me a hot fudge sunday. Between that & the promise of a sighting of a ” furry little monkey “, my day is complete.
Scott, thank you for sharing your gratitude in your reality, & helping us all remember ours.
Ps – have a fundraiser, or something!
I always like your style, my friend! There’s more than one way to skin a cat…
A young doctor told me once that insurance companies only want healthy young people and do not want to pay out anything if they can help it. We already knew that.