And we have Lift Off!!

Suzanne and Susie caught us on the hop this morning as we were expecting them at 11am and they arrived at 10.30am - they thought they were a half hour late and we thought they were a half hour early!! Still, it was fine as we weren't doing anything except had just sat down for a cup of coffee! They remembered the FES and so Susie did some arm and hand stretches whilst Suzanne set it up. It runs off one of those small oblong batteries and is quite small. I don't know what I really expected but probably something more impressive in looks!! But, no matter, it is impressive in results, and that is what matters. There are two electrodes which stick on Pete's right leg and a wire runs up his leg and plugs into a control box which hangs on his pocket. Then another pressure pad is attached to an insole which goes into his left shoe, again a wire runs up his leg and plugs into the control box, creating a circuit. So when he puts his left foot down it triggers the power and sends shocks to his right leg, causing the muscle to contract and his foot to lift a bit so makes his foot lift better when walking. Amazing!! It stays on all day and there is a pause button to press when he is sitting down and then he presses it again when he starts walking - thereby turning himself on and off and causing lift off! I certainly didn't expect that we would be able to keep it, but it seems we can, which is brilliant. Suzanne tried a few different spots on his leg and eventually found the most effective which she has marked on his skin so that I know where to put the electrodes. I will have to put crosses on with indelible marker I think until I know exactly where to put them! Pete can up the power if necessary as his muscle can become fatigued and then needs a bigger boost. There were no signs of pain when they first activated it and, indeed, he didn't even flinch and his hair stayed in place and didn't stick up on end, so all is well.
He also has to do more walking as really all he is doing is pottering around the house, no distance covered. So his instructions are to walk up and down our hallway (which is very long and straight) five times, three times a day. This will build up his endurance and distance - so more exercises to add to the daily routine! But at least he has to do this on his own and doesn't need me there. He also has to practice more with the ordinary stick rather than using the quad stick.
I have put two photos on, one of Pete's right leg with the electrodes attached (not a pretty sight) and another of the control box on his pocket, on which I noticed he has already got clay all over, but I didn't see that until looking at the photo!
So, that covers the arrival of the FES, and another day is done, indeed another year is done.
We both wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Especially all stroke survivors and their families, and very especially everyone who has been so good to us in various ways over the last few months. Thank you all so much. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!