Adventures of a BrainPorter Week Two

[LADavid]

So, I've completed two weeks of BrainPorting and I thought I'd give you an update.  Here's what I've discovered. 
1. Twenty minutes is a very long time to stand still
2. Sometimes I open my eyes
3. My cat seems concerned about me when I'm doing my exercise
4. I'm getting more comfortable with it
5. Did I mention that 20 minutes is a very long time?

As far as vestibular improvement, it's hard to tell.  As I mentioned before -- I had a horrible balance issue in May and June (no one knows why) which qualified me for this study.  I do know that I am better than I was in May and June but I think I've just returned to the level I was previous to that -- the normal wonkyhead.  I did have one bad day earlier in the week but that was upon leaving a dentist who tried to shake me down for about $6000 of unneccesary cosmetic work. Do dentists take a Hypocratic Oath?  Off-subject.  Like I said, it's hard to tell on a week to week basis.  I still lose my balance when I'm walking and I turn to look to the side.  I still feel very unsure on steps.  And when I walk, my head feels like it's bouncing around.  But then again, this is only two weeks into an eight week program.  More to come next week.

For those of you who are interested in participating in the program, the BrainPortites are looking for more test subjects -- there are only 250 in the country now.  I think they need more in a clinical test to satisfy the FDA.  I talked with my PT  --- she said she would be more than happy to take on more candidates through her office.  For most of you, it would mean travel and a three day stay in Anaheim (she's about a mile from Disneyland).  But the test itself is no cost to you.  The requirements for being accepted as a test subject are:

1. Clinical documentation of a balance disorder -- either a caloric (ENG) test or a Rotational Chair
2. Previously treated with PT and reached a plateau
3. Ability to stand 2 minutes
4. Dynamic gait <20/24
5. No history of seisures
6. No implanted electronic medical devices
7. The ability to withstand insanely tedious and cruel torture for 20 minues (that's actually mine)

Since I'm sure that I'm not allowed to post a name and number as a recommendation, if you contact me through a PM, I'll provide my PTs name and contact information.

Staggering through life,
David

[Jim Scott]

David ~

Thanks for the comprehensive update.  The exercises sound just as tedious as you intended but may prove to be of great value to you in the final analysis.  One hopes.  Anyway, I'm glad you're doing better with your balance. 

I think dentists do take the Hippocratic oath because they're technically doctors (of dentistry).  Trying to sell patients expensive cosmetic procedures is optional for some, I guess. 

Jim

[tenai98]

for those of you who would like a vacation along with dental treatment, try mexico.  A root canal in Canada  is well over a thousand bucks. In mexcico, its $200.00.  A crown is only $440 or 550 for a gold one...cleaning is only fifty bucks. needless  to say when I am in Mexico, I see my dentist there. 
Jo

[MAlegant]

David,
Very, very cool.
Marci

[TLC719]

Hang in there David,I'am sure you will see improvement.My husband tells me I walk better now after using BP.

[Kaybo]

I never had balance therapy so I guess I am out...I would take the vacation to Anaheim though!!

K