More shout-outs go to Sara Robson Francoeur, Paul Duncan, my cousin Debbie Dudley, Catherine Carrick, & my cousin Jessica, for promoting:
This is my new favourite!
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Thank you for my Ice Bucket Challenge Shout-Outs from Shari-Lynn Lawson, Laurie Sewell, Travis McGarry, Matt Miota, and Annemarie Brissenden! It means the world to me and it makes me feel loved & supported! Also, it makes me laugh every time you are doused! I really can't keep up with all of the AWESOME ice bucket challenges, thank you all so much for participating and donating to als.ca. Travis & I are going to Niagara-on-the-Lake on Sunday and Niagara Falls on Monday, then I'll be heading to Vegas with the girls on Thursday, a much needed break from this busy month of medical appointments! 
What I'm currently dealing with is #1 and #9, I'll be getting my power chair next week so I'll have #3 to play with soon, what's missing is the constant twitching in my arms & legs called "fasticulations", more uncomfortable than painful, it's almost like getting zapped every few minutes by a low dose of electricity!
Yesterday, Travis & I met with the Neurologist who diagnosed me in September. I had some more EMG tests where they stick needles in my muscles to measure how well and how fast the nerves can send electrical signals (ouch!). As predicted, the strength in my muscles has decreased, and he stated that my progression is average and maybe even a bit better than average. He thought I was doing well, as if you saw me seated, no one would even know that I have ALS. In terms of strength, my left side continues to be the weaker side, with considerable weakening of the left foot. I'm being fitted for my right foot orthosis (leg brace) which will help with stability and strength when walking. My feet are always cold due to poor circulation, but the doctor said that is nothing to worry about. I've also had my first visit with a psychologist to help deal with the mental stress of living with ALS. I am still independent and able to drive, though activities tire me out more easily so I need to build in rest times for my new lifestyle. Some days are better than others both mentally and physically. I met with the respirologist for my breathing tests and though my lung muscle function has decreased slightly, my lung capacity is 100%. My occupational therapist has been visiting to help me get fitted for a power wheelchair which will have a tilt function to help support my back.
August has been chock-a-block of doctor's visits, and I have a wonderful team to support me with the tools I need to continue with my passion which is TRAVEL (after Travis of course!). Dousing your friends & family with ice cold water is creating a media storm around North America, raising awareness for ALS. The #icebucketchallenge, inspired by Boston College baseball player Pete Frates who is living with ALS, has placed the challenge to anyone who wants to get involved. http://news.yahoo.com/soaked-charity-ice-bucket-challenges-cool-223817088.html Check out Sidney Crosby! & Justin Timberlake! Elisha Cuthbert and her husband, Toronto Maple Leaf player - Dion Phaneuf, take on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/08/11/elisha-cuthbert-dion-phaneuf-ice_n_5669298.html This is such a fun craze that is sweeping social media, it is heartwarming to me that this inconceivable disease is getting the awareness that it deserves. 
If you want a laugh and to feel good, go see this movie (and stay until the end of the credits)! Travis & I have changed real estate agents and hopefully the change will be our break in selling our beautiful condo! We are having an open house this Sunday from 2-4 so spread the word if you can! http://www.ottawa4you.com/listings/listing_body.php?id=140978#jumpDescription |
AuthorCarol Jean Skinner (née Sharman) Archives
January 2020
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