I have an Easter surprise coming up this weekend. I know it is something huge. I have no idea what it is. I am so excited. The big surprise was a scooter. Now I have my own wheels. We moved across town. Special Olympics’ is a far walk away. I am planning on riding it there and back. Sometimes my legs kill me. Even though I am getting healthier, some of that pain is still there. He paid for me to get my hair cut and dyed. That was another birthday surprise. I have been struggling with depression and anxiety. It has been going on for 5 days now. We just have to see the positive sun coming out of the grey darkness. Never stay in the dark. Always try to stay above. Don’t drown in a river of despair. Float with me. Stay and fight every day with me. Every day is a fight to wake up. Every day is a fight to stay alive Don’t give up. Fight with m. We are not alone. We have each other to lean on.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Multiple CT Scans Raise Cancer Risk
As many as 7% of patients treated at a large U.S. hospital received enough radiation exposure from repeated CT scans to increase their cancer risk, according to a new study.
Posted by Heather Dugdale at 3:24 PM 0 comments
Friday, April 3, 2009
Pathways to Inclusion
Most communities have a number of resources that can offer support to caregivers. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity and research to track them down. In the book, Building Communities From The Inside Out, John Kretzmann and John McKnight suggest ways to locate the assets, skills and capacities found within each community.
Posted by Heather Dugdale at 8:32 PM 0 comments
Computer Fixing
I went put to dinner with Trevor's family.My computer is wonky. We are reformatting this weekend. The cures are real. They are around us. They are real. We see them every day. Just look up and never look down again. Fight to get there. Fight for hope. Fight for your future, Fight for inner peace that never leaves. Concentrate on life. Concentrate on living. Live you life. Never let HD get in the way. Never let it bother you. We are above fear now. Above it all here. Fear is not even a word that we should own up too.
Posted by Heather Dugdale at 8:28 PM 0 comments
How To Find The Help You Need
How to Find the Help You NeedCaregiver Support Fact Sheet
Not only is the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease devastating in itself, but the progression of the disease and the changes it brings can be difficult for both the individual and family members. The emotional strain is just one of many challenges but caregivers should know that they don’t have to struggle alone. There are many resources available that provide all types of support, and it’s important to take advantage of any offers of help.Informal networksDon’t hesitate to accept help from family, friends, co-workers and neighbours, who can visit, offer companionship and support for social and recreational outings, help with household chores, provide transportation to appointments or just be there to listen and support.Ask for help. People may not always offer their time but are usually more than willing to assist when asked.Community groups such as neighbourhood clubs, professional associations and churches can help families trying to cope with HD. Services may include children’s camps, family retreats, home visiting programs, weekly discussion groups and recreational activities.Health and social servicesYour family doctor is an important resource. Regular visits not only ensure good general health, but also help to create a close relationship between doctor and patient. Your doctor may be able to make a referral to a community resource or suggest a service such as occupational therapy or genetic counselling.Home care programs are often available through the provincial health care system. These services, which can include nursing, physiotherapy, social work and personal care, can enable people to live at home as long as possible, delaying a move to a long-term care facility and taking some of the burden off of family caregivers. Private home care agencies often provide services similar to the government home care programs. This may be an option worth considering, particularly in times of emergency, short notice or as a supplement to public services.Many communities offer an extensive range of support services. Adult day centres, Meals on Wheels, transportation services, financial assistance, home and yard maintenance, individual and family counselling, speech and swallowing therapy and emergency response systems are some of the programs offered in many communities, but additional services may also be available.Finding someone who can help you navigate through the vast array of services available in Canada can also be helpful. For those enrolled in a provincial home care program, the case manager or case coordinator can assist in choosing the right services for each individual. The Huntington Society of Canada employs trained social workers in its Resource Centres and IFS programs. These are ideal people to turn to when looking for information, education and assistance in locating community services. Participating in a support group is another excellent way to gain first-hand advice and recommendations. There’s no need to feel alone when a friend or family member is diagnosed with HD. Reaching out to the people and services in your community can make a world of difference.Adapted from the HD Fact Sheet: How to Find the Help You Need.
Not only is the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease devastating in itself, but the progression of the disease and the changes it brings can be difficult for both the individual and family members. The emotional strain is just one of many challenges but caregivers should know that they don’t have to struggle alone. There are many resources available that provide all types of support, and it’s important to take advantage of any offers of help.Informal networksDon’t hesitate to accept help from family, friends, co-workers and neighbours, who can visit, offer companionship and support for social and recreational outings, help with household chores, provide transportation to appointments or just be there to listen and support.Ask for help. People may not always offer their time but are usually more than willing to assist when asked.Community groups such as neighbourhood clubs, professional associations and churches can help families trying to cope with HD. Services may include children’s camps, family retreats, home visiting programs, weekly discussion groups and recreational activities.Health and social servicesYour family doctor is an important resource. Regular visits not only ensure good general health, but also help to create a close relationship between doctor and patient. Your doctor may be able to make a referral to a community resource or suggest a service such as occupational therapy or genetic counselling.Home care programs are often available through the provincial health care system. These services, which can include nursing, physiotherapy, social work and personal care, can enable people to live at home as long as possible, delaying a move to a long-term care facility and taking some of the burden off of family caregivers. Private home care agencies often provide services similar to the government home care programs. This may be an option worth considering, particularly in times of emergency, short notice or as a supplement to public services.Many communities offer an extensive range of support services. Adult day centres, Meals on Wheels, transportation services, financial assistance, home and yard maintenance, individual and family counselling, speech and swallowing therapy and emergency response systems are some of the programs offered in many communities, but additional services may also be available.Finding someone who can help you navigate through the vast array of services available in Canada can also be helpful. For those enrolled in a provincial home care program, the case manager or case coordinator can assist in choosing the right services for each individual. The Huntington Society of Canada employs trained social workers in its Resource Centres and IFS programs. These are ideal people to turn to when looking for information, education and assistance in locating community services. Participating in a support group is another excellent way to gain first-hand advice and recommendations. There’s no need to feel alone when a friend or family member is diagnosed with HD. Reaching out to the people and services in your community can make a world of difference.Adapted from the HD Fact Sheet: How to Find the Help You Need.
Posted by Heather Dugdale at 8:01 PM 0 comments
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Bowling Tournament
I am joining a Special Olympics Tournament on April 18th. There is a dinner and a dance afterwards. I am so excited to make it in there. I can’t believe it. I am way better then when I first started. I never bowled before. I am volunteering at the Gleaners on Tuesday now. Gerry moved over there. She is my ride. I moved to that day. I did not go today. I had fun at Rhythmic Gymnastics. We all got to show off three things that we learned to an audience. Trevor was there. We are going to my Special Friend Naomi’s place. On Tuesday they are having a meeting to see who does Relay For Life this year. Live your life. Love you life. Life has ups and downs. We just have to fight those downs. Fight for your right to be happy. Fight every day. Fight like this is your life on the line. It means a lot to be happy. We have to constantly fight to get there. It is not easy it is a hard road. We can all do it.
Posted by Heather Dugdale at 6:17 PM 0 comments
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