After my stem cell treatment I turned to Awakenings where I was welcomed with open discussion about stem cell therapy and how it would play an integral part my physical therapy and overall health. Within three days of receiving stem cell treatment my spasticity reduced to almost nothing and I began to feel soreness and discomfort in my legs when I would stay in my wheelchair for long periods of time. Within two weeks of receiving stem cell treatment I started at Awakenings and my sensation began to evolve rapidly. I have regained sensation for deep touch all below my injury and slight touch in over half of my body below injury. I can notice a difference between hot & cold, I have regained full bowel function & partial bladder function, and I feel weight in my feet when I stand during therapy. I have partial control over leg movement and regained a tremendous amount of stability in my core.
The progression in my therapy after stem cell treatment verses before stem cell treatment is dramatic. Before treatment I could stand on my hands and knees after six months of therapy, after treatment I could do the same within three months. Before treatment I could not stand on my knees even after one year of therapy, and after treatment, within one year can catch a two pound weight while on my knees. Without stem cell treatment I don’t think I could’ve accomplished as much as I have accomplished.
My biggest accomplishment in therapy to date is the day I stood to marry my husband Steve.
After my accident I relearned how to drive, graduated college, traveled across Europe, married my husband, and I have heard many ‘No’s’ since my accident but Awakenings never gives up on me, because they know I’ll never give up my goal. For someone with a disability, knowing someone supports me even with a million barriers ahead can be one of the most powerful incentives to keep pushing forward.
- Crystal Harris
In October of 2009, our ATAXIA support group had a meeting with a very special guest. A vivacious, spunky, "little bit of a thing" named Laura, came in and had a message for all of us. She wanted to offer us a chance to improve our health by going to her Gym called "Awakenings Health Institute". They specialize in people with any kind of neurological disorders. I decided right then; this was for me.
AHI, as we'll call it, has an Acupuncturist, a Nutritionist, and a Functional Trainer. When I first began, I felt I was at my lowest. I had absolutely no energy, restless legs, headaches, upset stomach (acid reflux), stuffy nose, and last but most certainly, NO HOPE! I've been going for about seven months now, and thanks to Adam Gries, my acupuncturist, I feel 100% better. No more headaches and my acid reflux is 50% better. My restless legs have stopped and I no longer have to take the drug, Marapex (the side effects really affected my Ataxia). I have a stuffy nose now and again, and still wobble a bit due to my Ataxia, but I truly feel GREAT!
Angela Smith, my nutritionist, has spent hours researching the right vitamins for me to take. She has found a multiple vitamin that doesn't upset my stomach. She has also shown me how eating right can affect my body's fitness. I no longer drink any dairy; I eat mostly organic foods and no gluten if possible. She never makes me feel guilty if I don't eat perfectly. She's taught me to be aware of what foods make me feel good, and which ones make me feel bad.
I know that on a scale from 1 to 10 at AHI, I'm only a one. But I'm a "one" that has started feeling pretty darn good.
The overall knowledge of the staff couldn't be better. They have shown me that there is a better way of life, and there is HOPE!