A photo of me at home

A photo of me at home
A new photo of me and Jean at home

Tuesday, 3 September 2013

Living With MND - 2010 - Part 1

This is another catch-up one, enjoy...
 
January
Sleep pattern has slowly improved in that I now get up to an hour of undisturbed sleep without having to turn because of pain in hips. For the past three years I’ve religiously massaged hips every second night with “glucosamine gel” . Whether it has helped — I don’t know, but  it is a discipline I’ve opted to do.   

June
I’ve been lucky, in that, the past three years body strength and deterioration has been slow. Now however, progressive paralysis in shoulders, upper arms, hands, and feet whilst turning: say, from car to chair, is most noticeable in that there are instances when my feet feel like they are “welded to the ground”.

Also I’ve found it difficult with regards my hands. What has served me faithfully for the past 72 years, now, though absolutely no distortion or pain, constantly let me down on the finer motor skills.

December
The deterioration has served up many additional problems, but through time I’ve improvised, and adapted to retain my past level of independence. – Mind, I think the innovative ways, and adaptations are drawing to a close as MND bites deeper.  

 
My Thoughts

The beginning of a year is traditionally when folks see it as an opportunity for lifestyle changes via New Year resolutions.  Mine would be to try and retain my present level of independence in the coming year.

One of the very few conditions that seem to have improved is that, through experimentation I’ve been off my prescribed nasal spray to help my breathing for three months: I found my inhaling was acceptable, but my exhaling was very shallow. “Diaphragmatic Breathing” (like opera singers would practice) I feel helped me.

I’ve change my exercise schedule in that I now start with shoulder, abdominal, and pelvic in bed, and then go on throughout the day in short five to ten minute periods. It’s no use just executing the exercises automatically, and remotely: I feel one has to really focus on the muscles being worked, and having completed it: hold for a short period, before relaxing. I now mainly do exercises to try and keep the body reasonably supple.— but only of course if MND allows!!

I’m a strong believer, to achieve a satisfying and good life there has to be self control.

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