Wednesday 26th July

Day 2 on the "hands" only pedals on the new exercise bike. There was definitely an element of DOMS in the arms but I increased the speed just a little bit. Although nothing majorly new happened today, I am noticing that my left hand is open more frequently than it is closing over which is further evidence to me that the tweek we made has had a positive impact.

Thursday 27th July

Now that I have my own suit and whilst I am dedicating more time to the "getting fitter" side of the bigger picture I'm not really expecting to see many new things. Instead I'm hoping that some of the benefits already seen in the first 10 weeks will progressively last longer and longer. That has certainly been the case for my left hand (as written about yesterday) and is also now very evident in my left leg when sitting in my office chair. Prior to having the suit it was a daily struggle getting my leg from a very rigid, elevated position to one where the foot was on the floor and the leg bent at the knee. Initially with Mollii there was no change, however, as the weeks progressed the leg was becoming much more relaxed and flexible at the knee. In the last week or so, when I sit in my chair the left foot is fully flat on the floor with the knee bent. I can even use that leg to help me wheel closer to the desk. Sometimes it is the little things that make such a difference. Whilst we filmed lots of clips pre Mollii, to use as potential pre/post side by side clips of things that might improve, there are some things that never hit the radar, like my leg, but are now showing signs of improvement.

Friday 28th July

"55 year old man has a shower and washes his hair" isn't a big deal normally, but for me this was MASSIVE. Quite seriously, it is a good couple of years since I last used the shower and didn't need help from Hilary. As she had cut my hair I also needed to wash the few strands she had left. I really can't emphasize how big a deal this is. Holding on to a grab rail to ensure I didn't lose my balance has been the norm for a good few years now so to be able to wash my hair using both hands is a novelty. Who would think washing your hair and body could be considered monumental? Well it is. Another success down to Mollii.

In addition to the above I also tried to see if I could get myself up off the floor. I didn't warn Hilary what I was doing so she was getting a bit concerned as I dropped myself onto the floor. My first attempt didn't go perfectly, mainly as I hadn't really planned what I was going to do. For the second attempt I was much more positive and managed to get myself up into a standing position straight from the floor without needing to stop and sit. The last time I was on the floor it took Hilary and I 45 minutes to get onto the sofa.

Sunday 30th July

This is more of a non Mollii update as I haven't actually "cooked" since Wednesday. Blimey, what a difference not using Mollii has made. Thankfully my undisturbed sleeping has remained and as I had a ridiculously early night on Saturday (Went to bed at 20:30 and sleep at about 21:15) I dodn't wake up until 06:05 that's almost 9 hours of non stop sleep. Sadly, that is where the positives end. The fingers on my left hand have been curled over for much of the day. When walking with my rollator my left leg has been heavy to lift resulting in lots of foot drop. Wasn't so confident when stepping outside the house and although I didn't need Hilary's help today, I had needed it yesterday. Getting into the car was much more difficult and help was required. In all honesty almost everything has been more difficult. The only positive really has been bladder control.

Monday 31st July

Although I had a treatment last night, there hasn't been the usual immediate pick up. I suspect that is mainly due to the time between treatments, however, it is also down to weather conditions which have been hot and humid today. As mentioned previously, hot weather has become an issue for me these days. I think 20 - 22 degrees is becomming my upper limit.

Tuesday 1st August

The fitness drive has been extended this week as I have extended the hand cycling to 10 minutes at a faster pace and later in the week I will be adding in leg work!