Sunday Scribblings - Celebrate

What am I celebrating in my life right now? That I am alive, pain free and in a very good place in my life. I feel an awakening deep inside of me that is exciting and full of possibilities.

I had what I thought was a follow up visit with my new Neurologist. What we discovered when we arrived was not just my doctor, but a whole team that will be dedicated to my care. Can you even imagin this, all in one clinic? UC Davis now has a new ALS clinic and I am a part of it

The ALS association was there and I was allowed to offer up ideas to make next year's ALS Walk bigger and better( media,media,media). I was able to offer myself in any capacity, as a face of ALS. They listened and I hope to play a part in raising awareness. I gave them my blog that shows Sarah's video, made in the UK (link to it is at the end of this post. I wanted them to see what a powerful campaign could look like. I will do whatever it takes to help.

The MDA was there to offer $2000 for a chair if I ever needed one and $500/yr for any repairs. That includes my new computer. Yes, it's here and I will start my training Wednesday. I will be able to blog, voice bank and speak, with just my eye's. It even comes with other voices you can speed up or slow down for that sexy twist. I'll use it on Dave "hey big boy wanna get me a drink sometime" in the sexiest of tones.

They had speech therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy, psych, physical therapy and Orthotics. We had people in and out of our room for quite a bit. Then my doctor arrived and all I could say is WOW. I have a team that, every 6mos due to slow progression, will give me a better quality of life. That is amazing BUT not everyone with ALS can use this clinic. I plan on addressing that on my next visit. Health care should be for everyone.

This doctor has made all pain and discomfort disappear. I believe in drugs for side effects caused by ALS, but on my terms. Many do not want to take drugs and manage pain in their own way. I will only take drugs at night so I am not drowsy when awake. I'm migraine and muscle cramp free, I still am able to walk due to muscle relaxers at night and I sleep deeply. I'm drug sensitive so he goes slow and listens. I was even able to drop a drug because the new one takes care of multiple issues.

Skin cell research is joining in the race for a cure. Stem cell research has taken the lead but it's a good thing to have another option in the race. Skin cell research would use your own skin cells but the research is farther behind. The most important point here is that there is a race for a cure. Woot Woot! I am living in the present but seeing a brighter future ahead. That is something to celebrate in my book. Hey, if I ever wrote a book my story would get its happy ending after all. :)

Sarah's ALS campaign video: http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/educational_and_howto/watch/v17908360hQ9esDsQ#
http://ambyleigh.deviantart.com/art/Celebrate-75611206
http://sundayscribblings.blogspot.com/