Super Max!!!

Today is Sept 4, 2012, exactly 3 months since Max had that nasty cluster seizure and went into that coma.  A lot has changed but the one thing that hasn't changed at all is that Max continues to amaze me each and every day!

Today he learned how to move his cart on his own!  He's been working really hard and getting that cart to move. He still hasn't mastered steering but that's OK!  He's able to get himself to where he wants to go (for the most part now!)  When I call him, he responds!  Today when the dogs went to bark at the window when the mailman arrived, he started to try and roll his cart over to where they were too!

His Eddie's Wheels Cart has been amazing! I wish I had had this from the very beginning. I think Max just being in a standing position where he can have full range of motion of all of his legs in a natural position has really made a HUGE difference!  His cart has also been something that stimulates his mind and his body to work and heal.  The one thing I know about Max is that he never gives up.. and he's just showing me that every single day!  It's amazing to think where we were 3 months ago and where we are today!  We still have a ways to go, but he has some independence back and that's a huge thing for him!  He can go potty when he wants without worrying about messing on himself, and he can now move on his own... now if he'd just eat out of a bowl and a whole meal! 

After a week with his wheels...

After a week with his wheels, Max has yet to master what they are REALLY designed for.. I'm still hopeful he'll figure it out.. or just continue to climb out of the cart and eventually walk off into the sunset with his buddies chasing some critter..

He's been spending about an hour at a time in the cart and then a few out. He has a couple of sores on his groin area (but he had diaper rash before that so I'm guessing the added irritation didn't help matters), and he has some sores on his feet where he's been dragging his front paws and ramming one of his back paws into the rear wheel.

I can only suspect that he is leaning to the side because of the feeding tube, although it in no way touches any of the cart, but maybe something inside of him feels funny or there's some extra weight on his side with his body all stretched out like that. He has started to eat a little on his own. Only baby food consistency and it's not yet consistent.  He did drink some water on his own and then decide to blow bubbles with his nose, so we can't leave him alone with food yet - at least liquid food, but he's practicing every day.

The cart has been fantastic for him to go potty in!  He has always let me know when he's had to go, now I just put him in the cart when he's ready and roll him outside and he goes out there - it's great!

When he's not tired he will move his legs with the cart. He's still knuckle walking, but if he's working hard enough he can get his feet into the right position. Left side is definitely stronger than the right, but he has had moments where he's had both front paws working perfectly for a few minutes, and both back legs doing the right thing.. although he sits to the side so one leg is up higher and that one seems to kick a lot more - like he needs a Kick and Go or a skate board.  Yesterday at the vet though, he had his front paws up in the sturrups and his back paws where actually running as we rolled back out to the car.   I'm hoping that the more he's in the cart, the more aware he is that he's not moving and the more frustrated he gets that he'll actually start to move it and figure it out.  He's definitely aware in the cart that's for sure!  He turns now when you call his name!

Max got his wheels today!

Max's Wheel's Arrived at 5pm today! The UPS guy was fascinated and watched me take it out of the box! He couldn't believe how light it was!  It took me a little while to figure out how to adjust it for Mr. Max.. but I LOVED it!  He spent about an hour in his cart at first, and didn't fuss at all about wanting to get out! I did finally take him out after an hour because he fell asleep in it!

Max's first 5 min in his cart trying to figure it all out

A little panic after going down the ramp! little legs were back peddling!

Getting the hang of it and just starting to try and use front arms

How are YOU doin?!

Checking things out and trying to figure out how to get from point A to B!

Tail wagging, feet kicking, finally able to push his cart just a little bit on his own!

OUT COLD!!!!  Didn't even wake up to barking or being pet!

Thanks Eddie's Wheels!