Gawain 0 #1 May 19, 2006 Hey gang, it's pretty hard to believe that it's been two-and-a-half months since I got blown up, especially when I look at the pics of myself. It's just weird. I'm using my prosthetic leg every day and my residual limb (stump) is learning to live with wearing the leg for several hours at a time. The socket I'm using is a first for Walter Reed Army Medical Center's prosthetic team (they've since made a few more for some other guys in recovery too). It's a development from a prosthetist in Orlando which makes it dramatically easier for the stump (and less painful too) to adjust, maintain circulation, and "shrink" during rehabilitation. My C-Leg is pretty neat, the micro-chip is able to keep me in step, and I can put it in a second mode allowing me to use an elliptical cycle for cardio exercise instead of hand-cycles. Also, my brace is off my right ankle, so I'm wearing a real shoe there again and the real strength building begins. The care at WRAMC continues to be top notch. That puts it plainly enough. Outside of the normal care, volunteers do all sorts of outreach programs. One of them is a Kayak team called "Team River Runner". They bring their gear into the therapy pool once a week and teach guys how to Kayak. I still don't quite have the "roll" down yet, but I'm working on it. The team also organizes river trips (coming as the water warms up a bit). My wife, Ayako, is somehow maintaining a patience and serenity I struggle with (I'm just always "on" you know?). I'm always pulling forward and she sometimes has to tug back to keep me from overextending myself. The pics are all fairly recent, one is me walking through uneven grassy areas, the next is me on two "real" feet and finally a shot of me laughing with some Team River Runner guys -- likely after a near drowning, failed roll attempt. By the way, I want to say a huge thank you to Clay for taking time out of his time away from the sandbox to visit me. All we had time for was lunch in the so-so quality cafeteria, but it was nice to meet the infamous...er, anyway. I threw in a pic to prove he was here. That make's it two so far (Katiebear was the first), it's an open invite to anyone. I'm going to be here a while. Blue skies and thanks for the continued support.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tmaricle55 0 #2 May 19, 2006 It is wonderful to see not only your recovery but that your spirit remains strong and bright! We all look forward to seeing more pictures and your continued recovery! Muff Brother # 3883, SCR # 14796 ICD # 1 - Pres. Yeah, I noticed and I think it's funny! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaH 0 #3 May 19, 2006 WOW...kudos. Keep up the good work! Be yourself! MooOOooOoo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #4 May 19, 2006 VERY COOL!!!! Keep up with the recovery! Very proud of you!! ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peej 0 #5 May 19, 2006 You are a true Superman dude. I applaude your positive attitude and the fact that it seems like you will let nothing stand in your way. I feel inspired every time i read one of your update posts Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base689 0 #6 May 19, 2006 Yuo are fucking amazing, mate!!!! Unbelievable!!!!! You have got such a positive energy that makes you going forward and do steady improvements!!! And you transfers this energy to the people that read your posts: thanks for posting your progresses!!!! I like to watch your pictures Please, keep us updated Stay safe out there Blue Skies and Soft Walls BASE #689 - base_689AT_NO_123_SPAMyahoo.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snowwhite 0 #7 May 19, 2006 Terrific pics, and great post! Keep 'em coming! Clay and Katiebear are good folk, glad they could stop in and see you! A million thank yous to Ayako for all she does for you, and you for us!skydiveTaylorville.org freefallbeth@yahoo.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #8 May 19, 2006 You're making awesome progress, Max. I can just imagine that you'll be on a ski slope next winter with how quickly you are recovering! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faber 0 #9 May 19, 2006 dude,im so glad that your fighting the way you do. Keep up that spirit nothing can get you down.. Stay safe Stefan Faber Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
namgrunt 0 #10 May 19, 2006 did CLAY sneek beer into the hospistol??? bet he did and you will not tell HOOAH you make us proud ..59 YEARS,OVERWEIGHT,BALDIND,X-GRUNT LAST MIL. JUMP VIET-NAM(QUAN-TRI) www.dzmemories.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #11 May 19, 2006 Max... it looks like your making great progress thanks for the update, stay strong. ScottLivin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsey 0 #12 May 19, 2006 Damn you're hot.-- A conservative is just a liberal who's been mugged. A liberal is just a conservative who's been to jail Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cocheese 0 #13 May 19, 2006 We couldn't have picked a greater guy to be an inspiration to us all. Thanks for the cool pictures. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #14 May 19, 2006 You are like a fucking Timex watch WTG Max! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mx757 4 #15 May 19, 2006 Max Glad to hear...at rate your going you should be jumping with the Pieces of Eight in September at Perris CA. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #16 May 19, 2006 Been following your story and just want to say that your strength is nothing short of amazing. Keep pushing on, man! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #17 May 19, 2006 QuoteI want to say a huge thank you to Clay for taking time out of his time away from the sandbox to visit me. Absolutely my pleasure bro. Even though that turned into an expensive trip. Some asshole backed into my car at the hotel. Broke the tail light. I about shit myself when I stopped by the dealer to get a new one. $155 and some change later I had a new tail light. All worth it though. It meant a lot to me to get up there and say thank you in person. An email or phone call just didn't seem near enough. Thanks again for doing what you do and thanks for posting the pic. I was hoping it came out OK. You were getting all pissy and impatient about the bus showing up. Keep up the good work and I'll be looking forward to updates on your progress. I meant what I said..........if you ever need ANYTHING you let me know. I'll make it happen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #18 May 19, 2006 Great news, Max! Keep up the awesome work! Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ImGunnaJump 0 #19 May 19, 2006 You rock! ...even if you can't do the kayak roll yet! It will come w/your determination. I've always wanted to try kayaking, but I was afraid of that roll thing you gotta do. I don't have much upper arm strength - I'm afraid I'd get stuck under. But I guess you're the living embodiment of feel the fear and do it anyway, so I can't let myself get away with that, huh?! Keep the updates coming - we're all pulling for you!"...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #20 May 19, 2006 QuoteI've always wanted to try kayaking, but I was afraid of that roll thing you gotta do. I don't have much upper arm strength - I'm afraid I'd get stuck under. But I guess you're the living embodiment of feel the fear and do it anyway, so I can't let myself get away with that, huh?! Actually, I'm finding out that the roll has very little to do with upper body strength and more with hip/stomach muscles. I'm not certain I'll hit a river with these guys, there are more and more demands on my free time as I get stronger. I'm still more focused on trying to get back in the air more than anything.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #21 May 19, 2006 Been a long time since we've bumped into each other, but I look foward to seeing you again. Good to see the progress and glad you're in good spirits! Heath to you.... Blue Skies,---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ImGunnaJump 0 #22 May 19, 2006 Well hooah or hooyah (I'm not sure of the spelling of that thing you guys/gals yell) to you getting back in the air!!! Let us know what your favorite brew is, and DZ's all over will hoist a few in your honor after your first jump back. I'm not much of a beer drinker, I prefer the drinks w/parasols and fruit and/or salt, but I'm willing to chug a few to celebrate. I'm a giver, what can I say?? Tell the good folks in the P.T. dept. at Walter Reed that they have to get you air-worthy and party ready, soon! Keep the postings coming, even about the mundane, we're all here to talk back at ya. P.S. I think I'll save my hip/stomach muscles for activities other than kayaking!"...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
