Nate in his slings 7-7-08

Many of you check up on Nathan & Owen and see only pictures of the boys and the "things" we talk about. Now, for the FIRST TIME EVER, we are posting a VIDEO of Nate in his slings!!!!

Like all SMA Type I kids, Nate has EXTREMELY limited movement with his arms and legs. The only time he can really freely move his arms & legs is when gravity is taken out of the equation (when he is in his slings or in water).

We have taken an aggressive approach with physical therapy and are convinced that this has helped him develop all of the movements you will see in this video and future videos as well. Every evening about 7PM, we put him in his slings to kick and turn on music for him to listen to. It is one of his favorite things to do (along with being in the water) because he can MOVE and he loves it! Because of the exercise he gets everyday either in the slings or in the water, he has developed some movement when he is sitting in his chair or laying down. He will move his legs back & forth, roll his arms and move his hands around. We shot this video of him tonight and we'll post others of him in the pool and driving his Power Chair.

The video is just over 7 minutes long and and we hope you enjoy it...

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Spinal
• Muscular
• Atrophy

[larbacmc]

rer3family

does the slings keep his legs stronger because he kicks and holds his hands, I guess this prevents pressure sores.

May I ask how do you take Nate out, does he have a van and a wheelchair lift and the little yellow school bus for special needs children? Could you make a video on Nate's van and lift and his little school bus those would be nice to see.

[rer3family]

The slings are great physical therapy. He can move when you take the gravity away. He also moves well in the water. We prevent pressure sores by turning him every 2 hours. We have a handicap van with a ramp. He has a wheelchair and ceiling lift in his room. He doesn't take a bus, only goes to school for about 2 months a year b/c of germs/illnesses. The nurse and I take him and stay with him at school. Stays about an hour mostly for socialization. The teacher comes to the house all year long.

[littletgl00]

what happend

[rer3family]

He has a genetic neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It affects all his voluntary muscles, including swallowing and breathing. It does not affect his mind or cognitive skills.

[1992peter]

Is his portable pulse ox, an Ohmeda 3500?

The one with the yellow screen?

[rer3family]

No, its'a Puritan Bennet.

[chesse192837465]

Oh my gosh God bless You!

[larbacmc]

That is nice Nate has a Home Schooling That Is Much Safer For Him Not To Catch What Is Going Around.

That is nice Nate gets to visit the school to see other children in his grade for his socialization.

That is wonderful you made the home made slings because they do provent pressure sores and the every 2 hours turning. That is a nice hospital bed. Is it a Hill Rom or another kind? You truly are wonderful parents to Nate he has all the best equipment and the best care.

The pool is fun for Nate.

[JColleen77]

He is REALLY MOVING!!! :) Love it!!!  My daughter has SMA type 1 and I made a home-made one of these for her too!!

[mitch61369]

These clips are great and thank you for sharing. All special needs children should have access to the equipment necessary to keep them home and safe with their families. The ceiling lifts are especially important but for the most part not affordable for many families.

[littletgl00]

oh ok! weelll hope soon he gets better. he is adorable!

[CCCFriendsForever]

o is he okay