|
Looking
Forward
| |
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| Having
a conversation eye-to-eye is just one of the many benefits
of Jen's FES.
|
A
year after her implantation, Jen uses her FES system to exercise
up to three hours every day. Merely by standing for as long
as 45 minutes at a time, Jen fends off osteoporosis and skin
sores. Jen is equally grateful for the freedom and mobility
she gets from the standing-transfer system.
"I have an office job, so I often stand during conference
calls," says Jen. "My fiance is a pilot, so I'm alone a lot.
I use it at home to reach things, fit into places I couldn't
with the chair. . . I can't live without it!"
"Functionally, physically, emotionally, it has been
one of our best decisions to participate."
|
|
Beyond
the immediate health benefits and everyday conveniences, however,
Jen sees her FES system as her first step towards walking
again.
"I
truly believe we're going to see a cure [for spinal cord injury]
in our lifetime," she says. "FES is not a cure, but it keeps
the body healthy while it's waiting for the cure."
In the meantime, Jen's quite satisfied with the system.
"Today,
I use the system so much that I can't imagine not having the
ability to stand out of my chair," says Jen. "Functionally,
physically, emotionally, it has been one of our best decisions
to participate."
| |
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| Jen
can straighten her legs while sailing, giving her greater
stability. |
It
also helps her take part in some of the hobbies she loved
before her accident. Always an avid mariner, Jen now uses
her standing transfer system to help her sail. And, engaged
to be married in October 2001, Jen already knows how else
FES will enhance her life.
"I'm going to stand at my wedding, walk down the aisle and
give my parents a hug."
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