The doctor ordered a bone scan for AJ to check for early signs of heterotopic ossification (HO) - a condition where the bone grows in random parts of the body, usually in soft tissue. This happens in 20% of spinal cord injury patients. AJ has been having a hard time raising his left arm above his shoulder, so the doctor wanted to keep a close eye on the possibility of HO. When caught early it can be resolved with medication. To make sure the problem wasn't a pulled ligament or that type of injury, the also included regular x-rays. I'd say about 4 hours of AJ's day was used to conduct bone scans and an x-rays! Although this used up some of his therapy time, but we're glad the problem is being researched.
AJ also started Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), aka shock therapy, this afternoon. FES applies electrical pulses to paralyzed muscles to restore or improve their function. FES is commonly used for exercise, but also to assist with breathing, grasping, transferring, standing and walking. AJ had FES on his arms and his legs today and will have it done on his wrists tomorrow. It is amazing to watch his muscles contract and relax. The synchronized electronic pulses cause his arms or legs to pedal an exercise machine. It's exciting because AJ can feel his muscle even though he can't control them --- yet! :) The workout can even cause his muscles to be sore. It was exciting to do this new activity! We know it will help his muscles stay in better condition while his spinal cord heals.
(I wanted to upload a video, but couldn't figure out how to do it! Next time I hope. :) )
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