I wrote an e-mail to Dr. Brunstrom after hearing about the piece she did on
the Today Show about my "case" and she actually responded.  I've forwarded
parts of her message below because I was curious if anyone has any
experience with the "functional electrical stimulation" she mentions or if
anyone knows anything about the drug testing she mentions.  I am strongly
considering a trip out there but need to look at insurance
coverage/costs...Anyone have any experience with these folks in St. Louis?

Linda
----- Original Message -----
From: Jan Brunstrom <[log in to unmask]>
> I am very impressed with your workouts!
> I am a little dismayed that you feel weaker after your hamstring
> lengthening and am trying to figure out why.
>
> If you could make it to St. Louis, I think it might be worth the trip.
> First, because there are functional electrical stimulation techniques that
> may help augment your strength training.
> Second, because I have PT colleagues who are trained in sports medicine
who
> work with my teenage and adult patients and they could really help you
> design a program to improve your strenght and balance safely. (The program
> is a real work out but not boring like "traditional PT"... and it seems to
> me you are the kind of person who would smile at the challenge of a tough
> workout).
>
> Thirdly, we are investigating a new medicine for spastic diplegia
(actually
> and old medicine but one that is not typically used for Spastic diplegia).
> We just submitted a grant to the NIH and, if it gets funded, you would be
a
> great candidate. We won't know about funding for several months though.
> Our preliminary data shows a big improvement in balance.
>
> Let me know if you'd like to come see me.
> You can contact my secretary at 314-454-6120.
>
> Thanks again for your email.
> Dr. Jan
>
> Jan Brunstrom, M.D.
> Assistant Professor of Neurology and Cell Biology
> Washington University School of Medicine
> Director, Pediatric Neurology Cerebral Palsy Center
> St. Louis Children's Hospital
> One Children's Place, Rm 12E25
> St. Louis, MO. 63110
> phone 314-454-6120 (clinical) or 314-747-4443 (voice mail)
> Fax: 314-454-2523 (clinical) 314-362-7463 (research)
>
>
>