IM Rodger Krause...

a CPA in Wyomissing, PA.  I had a T-12 incomplete spinal cord injury while bicycling in December 1999.  I was an avid triathlete prior to my injury. For over ten years I had participated in many competitive swimming, running and bicycling events.

The first and second years following my accident were a big adjustment - - not just because of my accident. I could no longer run or ride a two-wheel bicycle. Swimming was very hard because my legs dragged in the water. Much of my time was devoted to rehabilitation, at Healthsouth, including learning how to use a wheelchair. I became and IM still very proficient with a wheelchair although I save it’s use for mostly at home. Some other significant changes happened at this time. My wife of 21 years filed for divorce and my business partner for the past 11 years said he wanted to pursue his own business.

In May 2000 I was fitted for two leg braces and began using walker to ambulate. By the end of my rehabilitation at Healthsouth, in December 2000, I was using only one leg leg brace and arm crutches to ambulate. It took a lot of time to build up walking speed and a sense of balance since I have loss of feeling in my lower legs. To this date, IM using this method to ambulate and can go almost anywhere I choose but oftentimes instead of arm crutches I use a walker. A walker is just better for me standing up and sitting down. Also, I normally dress for work and I’m a lot less likely to fall using a walker.

The following year a good friend, Margaret MacIntosh who is such a great inspiration, recommended I continue my rehab at a nearby pool, Aquabilities, that is designed as an exercise pool. I knew I could still make more improvement. I had been discharged from Healthsouth but had to continue my therapy. The pool was great for therapy because of the weightlessness you experience. This gave me a chance to get back in the water and to learn swimming again.

In 2003 a new aquatics instructor replaced my original instructor at Aquabilites. She took my therapy to a new level. I built the strength in my legs to stand or walk for any amount of time in the water (about three feet). My new aquatics instructor, Nancy, had me do in water leg squats, presses and extensions. We walked many, many yards in the pool three times a week until I was strong enough to not collapse or fall. She never cut my sessions short. I continued this therapy for six years. Walking in the pool became effortless after a many years of practice. It feels so good to stand upright without assistance and have the confidence I won’t fall. To this day IM doing pool exercises and swim at least three days per week. In Fall 2006, Nancy and I were married.

I moved to a ranch style house in Wyomissing in 2002 because of my injury. The ranch style and a level lot contributed much to my decision. I had the house fitted with many amenities including a handicap shower, leg room beneath sinks and a ramp. There are hardly any steps. I can comfortably get any place inside and out. I can honestly say IM perfectly suited for this house and the outside of it considering my handicap.

Nearby my new home a friendly guy stopped to talk with me one day, Chris Kaag. Chris introduced me to handcycling. A handcycle is a three wheel bicycle propelled by your arms. I rode Chris’ handcycle briefly but never got a real experience with it until weeks later when Chris went to Italy. He generously let me borrow his bike over a long weekend. And did I ever ride it! That’s when I truly got to experience the fun of cycling again.

I purchased my own handcycle in 2007. I ride several times a week. Nancy and I take our bikes on nearby trails and on many vacations including the Jim Thorpe Trail, Cape Cod, Williamsburg, VA and other places. We often ride together on weekends. It’s helped us find more things in common we both enjoy doing. Some of the trails I ride are not accessible by car or would be a very long walk or even a long ride on a wheelchair. My handcycle has given me the chance to see things near where I live that I hadn’t seen in almost eight years. It’s also great exercise that I can do other than swimming.

Despite my injury, my quality of life is very good. I don’t do antidepressant meds and never considered psychological therapy. I have come to know great persons such as Margaret, Chris and Nancy who have given my life so much meaning. Some doctors say the extent of your improvement following a spinal cord injury stops after about six months. I disagree. I continue to walk better, swim better and bike faster everyday. I know IM a much more well rounded person today because of my injury.