Sofia, Bulgaria
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Hello all. We have struggled a bit with the uploading but there is an after video of me leaving the hospital. It is 36 hurs after the procedure and 48 hours after walking in. It's somewhere in the photos but you can find it. I'm walking on cobblestones and not looking down! I'm just walking!! Still a little stiff but walking! I am still getting my land legs and am in need of physio. But... my best description is going from uncooked spaghetti legs to eldente (sp?). My hip flexors are not used to lifting my legs and therefore; don't. But my gait is smoother and I am taking risks... sorry but need to push somewhat. Today we were out in the public square, 2 hours, 30 C, and walking around, not tired... hardly any heat sensitivity!! My brain was saying sit down and get out of the heat and my body told my brain to piss off...it's ok... and it is! Placebo... for those that know me I'm far from an actor. Everyone...you have given me 2 days of liberation!! If that's all it ends up being so be it'; but I think there is more to come. Thank you all for this gift!! Thank you, thank you. If you can't find the 'after video' let us know and we'll try to fix. Sorry, Kim will try and fix it!!
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Comments
I think the spaghetti term is "al dente", though I lack the technical qualification to swear to that...
Doc, this is an incredible series of entries. Timed with Wall's announcement, I feel like a distant witness to a great moment of hope and breakthrough, not just for you but for the field of MS research in general. Please keep the updates coming - this is wonderful to watch!
amazing things happening to an amazing man.
seems to be a national debate starting now on whether Saskatchewan is a suitable place to do trials on this procedure...some Dr in Ottawa says we don't have enough people in the prov to do proper research....seems he's crying "sour grapes" cause he lives in Ottawa. So first there was the CBC interview with Mark....then CBC interview with Brad...then like a wildfire it took off and became a national debate! way to go guy!
We are all so excited for you Mark! We look forward to seeing you next week!!
Go Doc! I'm thinking maybe we should make a plan for dancing at the Tiki! Keep up the great strides :) Love ya. Lynnster xo
save some of that dancing energy....we need you to be dancing with BNs (lol!!)
Love the after video...it is absolutely amazing!
Thanks to Kim for the updates!
When do you come home so we can see you do all your new tricks here????
You are nothing short of a celebrity! It has been so heart-warming to read the updates and to see your amazing ambulatory skills on the video. We forwarded the link to Susan Nevile and to Father Glenn Zimmer. Both have been visitors in our home these past two weeks - to spend a bit of time with Cory/Marlene/their boys and Michael/Heidi/their girls and both were keenly interested in your meaningful journey to Sophia. Looking forward to seeing you both when you return to Canada. Hope you have a very enjoyable sightseeing/relaxing time in Europe. Quite the announcement by our Premier, eh?....it looks like Saskatchewan will once again lead the country in embracing medical care for its citizens.
Hi Doc,
I am so happy, happy, happy for you.....xoxoxom
Doc we are oh-so-very happy for you. Keep soaking up the wondrous-ness of it all.
What an incredible journey! We have been getting your blogs here in Buffalo, NY: Your strength, bravery, and humor sees you through. It is so wonderful to hear how this is working for you, unbelievable!!!! I'm so proud of you and over-joyed at the outcome.
All my love, Mom!!!!!!!
Hi Kim,
You being with Mark and giving him such support is wonderful. He is so fortunate to have a carrying person like you with him. Thank you so much for all you have done!!! Seeing Mark emerge with so many positives is so gratifying. Thanks for the fundraiser too!
Sincerely,
Marg Docherty
The blog (not to mention all the wonderful comments) is truly a great read. Sorry we were away for the fundraiser, Mark; I am sure a great time was had by all. Can we still get t-shirts? I agree, this does seem monumental on a national (and perhaps global) level. Vaughn and I have been following your trip from day 1. We are more than ecstatic about the results. I am looking forward to seeing you when you are back home; but for now, enjoy Bulgaria!
Sue, Vaughn and Jada
Doc,
Watching the video gave me the same experience you had when Mike followed the motorcade up to Pemberton...yep you guessed it!!!! I was just about to put together "Scottish Mix 2"...I think it will be re-named "The Liberation Mix".
I come home after some stressful days lately, days when you feel you're in a rut, but man, when I read these blogs and especially after seeing the video....discouragement has nothing on me!!! You raise my spirits to the roof. My favorite rant from Gord describes you in my mind right now "Pride would never set foot in paradise, would it? And Beauty will save the world, won't it? And Enthusiasm does conquer all, doesn't it?"
Doc, you need to stop thanking all of us. We thank you for showing us how to be strong and courageous. You've touched allot of people with what you're doing and you're changing our lives just as your changing yours. You keep strong.
Luv yah doc,
Cousin Brian
I am so glad to hear the positive in your message. Now I can relax a bit, knowing you are doing well. Do not over do it. (sorry for the lecture) Video footage of your venture would be fantastic. I am sending a huge hug . Hope to hear from you soon. Hello to Kim ;) -Luv Nicole xo
I'm watching this from vietnam and can't quite fathom the miracle of all your recovery; of this world wide web; of great things happening to great people. Speachless in nam.