![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 6, 2007, at 9:33:10
There are a number of people posting here, seeking support. I salute your courage, in expressing that need. I could probably join you, in honesty. In fact, I cannot express individual support at this time. I just can't. However, I can speak of myself, and my coping strategies.
I hear that the big picture is overwhelming. That life is a burden of immense proportions. When it gets like that, I break it down into manageable pieces. If years are too heavy, then I can limit myself to months. Weeks instead of months. Days, in turn. When it gets down to hours, or minutes, I know it's harsh. I was down to seconds in November and December. What gets me through is a simple mantra, "This too shall pass." It always does.
The key is to use mindfulness. You don't need to be Buddhist to do this. ;-)
I have discovered that what crushes me hardest is my emotional reaction to my experience. For example, I am enduring a chronic pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. When the pain is bad, I enter a meditative state. I let myself have the pain, and release all hold over fear, anxiety, effort, and so on, that I quite naturally experience in turn. This makes the emotions transient. They are quite real, but by not holding them, they move on. And so does the clock. I come out of the mindfulness period, and I've managed time. And I come out better than when I went in. Always better. This too shall pass. Moreover, I can help it along.
I lost both my parents in less than four weeks around Christmas. I totally understand that you can't dissociate from family. From external emotional bonds. But you can be selfish. You can do what you need to do. In the end, that's best for everyone. Do what you need to do. Get it done. Second by second, if need be. And come on back.
Lar
Posted by Gee on February 6, 2007, at 10:25:11
In reply to Support, posted by Larry Hoover on February 6, 2007, at 9:33:10
I'm so sorry to hear about your parents.
Thanks for all the good advice. I do alot of the same things, but it's great hearing it from someone else.
Posted by Phillipa on February 6, 2007, at 11:09:45
In reply to Re: Support » Larry Hoover, posted by Gee on February 6, 2007, at 10:25:11
Lar glad you finally got that out. We're here for you. Love Phillipa ps I'm dealling with the time thing too.
Posted by happykat on February 6, 2007, at 11:30:50
In reply to Support, posted by Larry Hoover on February 6, 2007, at 9:33:10
Lar,
I'm really sorry to hear about your parents. That's a tough loss. It sounds as if mindfulness really helped you through the crisis. I'm really sorry for your loss Larry.
I too am a big believer in mindfulness. It can work wonders. Occasionally I have moments where I revert back to old coping mechanisms but I'm getting better about staying in the moment.
Be well and stay safe.
Regards,
HK
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on February 6, 2007, at 11:56:25
In reply to Re: Support » Larry Hoover, posted by happykat on February 6, 2007, at 11:30:50
Hello
I'm sorry to hear about your pain (both emotional and physical). I always wish I could make everyone on babble have happy lives.
Does anyone mind expanding on 'mindfulness'? I'm not at all familiar with it. No worries if not. Sounds like I could do with some!
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by Kath on February 6, 2007, at 12:19:17
In reply to Support, posted by Larry Hoover on February 6, 2007, at 9:33:10
Thank you for that post Larry. I am very sorry about the loss of both of your parents. And at that time of year - an so close together - and on TOP of your pain condition.
Thank you for your post. It's one I'm going to print out
luv, Kath
Posted by Kath on February 6, 2007, at 12:21:16
In reply to Re: Support, posted by Meri-Tuuli on February 6, 2007, at 11:56:25
> Does anyone mind expanding on 'mindfulness'? I'm not at all familiar with it. No worries if not. Sounds like I could do with some!
>
> Kind regards
>
> Meri*** I'd be interested also! ****
Kath
Posted by Jo U.K on February 6, 2007, at 13:05:43
In reply to DITTO » Meri-Tuuli, posted by Kath on February 6, 2007, at 12:21:16
Really great post Larry. You have it bang on the button - all things do pass. It's very hard when you feel so panicky and overcome about the 'big picture'. Breaking it down does definately help - I guess it's what I try and do, although it can be hard to slow down and focus yourself. I used to have a Chinese book called 'I Ching' (may not be spelt right), you tossed three coins and asked the Higher Conciousness (sorry, bad spelling again) for help- it always said about centring yourself and your emotions, not acting on your impulses and 'standing still' until the trauma has passed. It held that all things would be dealt with, in time.
Very sorry about your parents. Your post was a great one, thank you for yor generosity.
Kind regards
Jo
Posted by one woman cine on February 6, 2007, at 13:16:21
In reply to Support, posted by Larry Hoover on February 6, 2007, at 9:33:10
Posted by Dinah on February 6, 2007, at 18:03:09
In reply to Support, posted by Larry Hoover on February 6, 2007, at 9:33:10
I'm sorry about your parents, Lar.
I'm working on not looking at the big picture, but it's hard. Perhaps meditating more would help.
I'm glad you're taking care of yourself.
Posted by Llurpsie_Noodle on February 8, 2007, at 22:27:50
In reply to Support, posted by Larry Hoover on February 6, 2007, at 9:33:10
Larry,
I'm so sorry for your hardships. The pain syndrome sounds really agonizing, and I appreciate your hints on how to deal with extreme pain. I had one 6 month bout with tendinitis that rendered my writing hand useless. That was very difficult. Your syndrome sounds very challenging, but you sound like you're up for the challenge.Psychological pain can be extreme too, and the same mindfulness will probably work for many people.
I hope you're on an upswing right now, and I'm happy that you're back on psychobabble. You were missed.
It's good to be up for a challenge on some days and other days just allow oneself to be kind to oneself.
take care,
-Ll
Posted by scratchpad on February 8, 2007, at 22:47:14
In reply to Support, posted by Larry Hoover on February 6, 2007, at 9:33:10
Lar, I am so very sorry for your enormous loss.
Please take care
Scratch
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 10, 2007, at 13:48:41
In reply to Re: Support, posted by Meri-Tuuli on February 6, 2007, at 11:56:25
> Hello
>
> I'm sorry to hear about your pain (both emotional and physical). I always wish I could make everyone on babble have happy lives.Thanks. I'll settle for happier.
> Does anyone mind expanding on 'mindfulness'? I'm not at all familiar with it. No worries if not. Sounds like I could do with some!
>
> Kind regards
>
> MeriMindfulness is a meta-cognitive state. It's a decision, to simply view what transpires in your cognition. The state of being objective about all that is subjective. As I'm discovering, wiki once again has an excellent introductory essay, so I shan't attempt to reinvent the wheel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulness
The neat thing is that this essay begins with the same beginning act that I was taught, the observation of breathing. It's virtually unconscious to us, most of the time. Yet, it has continual flow. And, it influences consciousness (but that's a later lesson). Noticing breathing becomes a core event of the mindfulness state. The rising and falling and rising and falling. It's always available to you. To notice the rising and falling.
Then, you try to identify anything that enters into or interferes with your consciousness of your breathing. You don't fight it. You just watch it. And you label the part of your consciousness doing so. Let's say you hear a noise from the street. So you acknowledge the hearing mind, perhaps by that simple tag, "hearing". You don't label the sound, you label the mind. If anxiety floats by, you label it as anxiety (or, the anxious mind). Your mind might try to draw you into why you experience anxiety in that instant, and off you go on a tangent. And if that happens, identify "tangent", and simply try to come back to your breathing. Your home, core, mindfulness/meditative act. Soon you realize the transient nature of all the cognitions. The mere act of observing them in this manner encourages their transiency. Anxiety doesn't linger. Or pain. Or whatever bugs you.
In effect, mindfulness is the diametric opposite to denial. Denial forces a time shift. Mindfulness is now. Denial forces you to deal with stuff later, added to whatever else later might bring in its own timeliness.
When my pain is bad, and I enter into this mindfulness state (now becoming second nature), I actually seek the pain out. Pain is distinct from suffering. Suffering is optional. I get on with the pain, and it diminishes.
Just a few weeks ago, I was hooked up to a biofeedback set-up for the first time. I was asked to meditate on my pain. Within three minutes, the temperature in my afflicted limb rose by over 3 degrees. I have since been able to get the temp in my fingertips above 96.2 F. Just by willing it so. And I did this latter act during a spirited conversation. You needn't close off the world to be mindful.
It's like anything you learn to do. You start off being not very able to do it. But you practise, and it becomes easier, and more automatic. I've meditated for years, so this is relatively easy for me. The application of it is quite novel to me, though, so I still have much to learn.
Maybe next, I'll learn how to levitate. <kidding>
Lar
Posted by Declan on February 10, 2007, at 17:55:26
In reply to Re: Support and mindfulness » Meri-Tuuli, posted by Larry Hoover on February 10, 2007, at 13:48:41
(For the sake of the argument I hope not)
I think the idea is that you can't listen and talk at the same time.
If you are watching your thoughts you can't think them.
As soon as you think you stop watching.Personally I have always found it easier to think than do that, but they say it gets easier over time.
Sometimes though there's so much chatter in my head.
I like the sound of those retreats where you are not allowed to talk to anyone or have eye contact for a week.
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 10, 2007, at 18:42:11
In reply to Can a tongue taste itself?, posted by Declan on February 10, 2007, at 17:55:26
> (For the sake of the argument I hope not)
>
> I think the idea is that you can't listen and talk at the same time.
> If you are watching your thoughts you can't think them.
> As soon as you think you stop watching.Precisely. But, the switch back and forth is virtually instantaneous. I don't think it occurs to most people to take on that watcher mind at all.
> Personally I have always found it easier to think than do that, but they say it gets easier over time.
Oh, yes it does. And I dare say the benefit increases in proportion.
> Sometimes though there's so much chatter in my head.I used to be like that. In fact, I've often thought of that being characteristic for me. I called it brain hum. Hmmmm, I wonder when it changed?
> I like the sound of those retreats where you are not allowed to talk to anyone or have eye contact for a week.
I'm giving serious thought to going to a retreat.
In answer to your subject line, I think not.
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 12, 2007, at 20:04:38
In reply to Re: Support, posted by scratchpad on February 8, 2007, at 22:47:14
thanks, everyone, for your kindness.I really thought I'd make individual replies, but I'm just not there. I hope you understand.
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 12, 2007, at 20:12:04
In reply to Re: Support » scratchpad, posted by Larry Hoover on February 12, 2007, at 20:04:38
Oh, I meant that to not be to anyone in particular. Sorry. To scratchpad, and everyone.
Lar
Posted by Kath on February 13, 2007, at 13:59:15
In reply to Re: Support, posted by Larry Hoover on February 12, 2007, at 20:12:04
(((((((((((((((((((Larry))))))))))))))))))))
I hope you're feeling at least a little better. Thanks so much for the mindfulness info. I've been really trying to use it particularly yesterday & today & it really is helping me somewhat.
Isn't this cold awful!? And now a storm heading towards Toronto & therefore towards me (1 hour North of Toronto). Well, it doesn't sound to me as if it's going to be VERY much snow compared to what folks not far south of here have experienced.
I send you gentle hugs Larry, luv, Kath
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 14, 2007, at 16:56:10
In reply to Re: Support » Larry Hoover, posted by Kath on February 13, 2007, at 13:59:15
> (((((((((((((((((((Larry))))))))))))))))))))
Thank you.
> I hope you're feeling at least a little better. Thanks so much for the mindfulness info. I've been really trying to use it particularly yesterday & today & it really is helping me somewhat.
If you can do that on your own, you would likely be amazed at what you can do when taught by someone. It really is person-to-person transmission of this wisdom that keeps it alive, and keeps it meaningful/useful. Keep your ears open for a mindfulness meditation class. Your caregivers might know of one, BTW.
> Isn't this cold awful!? And now a storm heading towards Toronto & therefore towards me (1 hour North of Toronto). Well, it doesn't sound to me as if it's going to be VERY much snow compared to what folks not far south of here have experienced.
Not like that area in NY state, no. But I had to drive to Toronto in it this morning for hospital stuff. At least the afternoon commute was light traffic.
> I send you gentle hugs Larry, luv, KathI'm glad you were gentle. I hurt bad.
I'm happy your efforts on your son's behalf have paid off so handsomely. He's lucky to have you.
Lar
Posted by Kath on February 14, 2007, at 19:43:34
In reply to Re: Support » Kath, posted by Larry Hoover on February 14, 2007, at 16:56:10
> If you can do that on your own, you would likely be amazed at what you can do when taught by someone. It really is person-to-person transmission of this wisdom that keeps it alive, and keeps it meaningful/useful. Keep your ears open for a mindfulness meditation class. Your caregivers might know of one, BTW.***I'll try to see what I can find. I think even the amount that I've been doing helps me with the panicky feeling I sometimes get about being anxious, worried, afraid. I get panicky about feeling those things. Being aware of my breathing & knowing that ME and my BREATHING are REAL. The thoughts I'm thinking create the feelings so if I can watch the thoughts & bring myself back to the reality of my in-breath & out-breath, I can to some extent, return my feelings to a sort of neutral place. Being able to do this seems to help me feel like I have some sort of control & that seems to help me feel 'safe' or something.******
> Not like that area in NY state, no. But I had to drive to Toronto in it this morning for hospital stuff. At least the afternoon commute was light traffic.*****If you know your schedule ahead of time & want to meet for tea after your hospital stuff, or for lunch, let me know. You can babblemail me if you like. I missed the PB party so I missed meeting you-all.*****
I'm glad you were gentle. I hurt bad.
*******Larry, is there anything that helps you? Have you tried accupuncture?*****
> I'm happy your efforts on your son's behalf have paid off so handsomely. He's lucky to have you.*******Thanks Larry. And I accept the compliment....yup - he IS lucky to have me LOL. Today he phoned me & asked if I'd like to get together with him & GF to do something for Valentine's Day. I thought that was pretty darned cool!! So we went out for tea & cheesecake!! It was their second day at their friend's house. They say it's going OK & he is feeling OK about it.
Tomorrow, he has his first appt with the HOPE Program psychiatrist. He is OK with his family being at his various appointments, so it works that he sees her first, then GF & I will join them. My hubby (son's step-Dad) is at work, so won't be there. I'm hoping that the psychiatrist will see fit to fill out the ODSP (disability) forms. He certainly isn't anywhere near being able to work at this point. Friday, son & his case-worker meet with the Crosslinks person(re: housing). Yes, I have set up a lot for him & the good thing is that he's being totally involved in a positive way, so that's good.
I send positive thoughts your way Lar. I hope your medical stuff went well today for you.
I shovelled our driveway today. Usually my husband does it, but he had his gallbladder out 2 1/2 weeks ago, so my edict is: NO SHOVELLING YET. Soooooo I did it! Enjoyed it actually.
Take care Larry. luv, Kath
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 18, 2007, at 11:50:48
In reply to Mindfulness/ Son update/ Snowshovelling...... » Larry Hoover, posted by Kath on February 14, 2007, at 19:43:34
>
> > If you can do that on your own, you would likely be amazed at what you can do when taught by someone. It really is person-to-person transmission of this wisdom that keeps it alive, and keeps it meaningful/useful. Keep your ears open for a mindfulness meditation class. Your caregivers might know of one, BTW.
>
> ***I'll try to see what I can find. I think even the amount that I've been doing helps me with the panicky feeling I sometimes get about being anxious, worried, afraid. I get panicky about feeling those things. Being aware of my breathing & knowing that ME and my BREATHING are REAL. The thoughts I'm thinking create the feelings so if I can watch the thoughts & bring myself back to the reality of my in-breath & out-breath, I can to some extent, return my feelings to a sort of neutral place. Being able to do this seems to help me feel like I have some sort of control & that seems to help me feel 'safe' or something.******Sounds to me like you have grasped the concepts with ease. That's really all it's about, in the end.
> > Not like that area in NY state, no. But I had to drive to Toronto in it this morning for hospital stuff. At least the afternoon commute was light traffic.
>
> *****If you know your schedule ahead of time & want to meet for tea after your hospital stuff, or for lunch, let me know. You can babblemail me if you like. I missed the PB party so I missed meeting you-all.*****These days, all I think about is getting the heck home again, as soon as I can manage it. I am glad I went to PB-Toronto, but if it hadn't been so close by, that wouldn't have happened for me.
> I'm glad you were gentle. I hurt bad.
>
> *******Larry, is there anything that helps you? Have you tried accupuncture?*****Well, I took some opiate to get home last week, but I had such a horrible reaction last fall that I fear them, somewhat. Really, all I have is mindfulness. Yes, I did some acupuncture, and I was doing better during that period, but there were so many things influencing me I cannot discriminate the effect of the acupuncture itself. I think it was a positive influence. I had faith in it, in any case. I do not have the energy to go and get some, just now.
> > I'm happy your efforts on your son's behalf have paid off so handsomely. He's lucky to have you.
>
> *******Thanks Larry. And I accept the compliment....yup - he IS lucky to have me LOL.Good for you, accepting the compliment. I learned to turn them aside, as a child. I still have to consciously accept them, some times.
> Today he phoned me & asked if I'd like to get together with him & GF to do something for Valentine's Day. I thought that was pretty darned cool!! So we went out for tea & cheesecake!! It was their second day at their friend's house. They say it's going OK & he is feeling OK about it.
That is a happy change of affairs. I'm glad for you all.
> Tomorrow, he has his first appt with the HOPE Program psychiatrist. He is OK with his family being at his various appointments, so it works that he sees her first, then GF & I will join them. My hubby (son's step-Dad) is at work, so won't be there. I'm hoping that the psychiatrist will see fit to fill out the ODSP (disability) forms. He certainly isn't anywhere near being able to work at this point. Friday, son & his case-worker meet with the Crosslinks person(re: housing). Yes, I have set up a lot for him & the good thing is that he's being totally involved in a positive way, so that's good.
I'll babblemail you about the ODSP. I do volunteer advocacy work around ODSP cases.
> I send positive thoughts your way Lar. I hope your medical stuff went well today for you.Thanks. We're just trying to rule out other significant pathologies (e.g. malignancy), so we can focus our attention on the neuropathy without distractions.
> I shovelled our driveway today. Usually my husband does it, but he had his gallbladder out 2 1/2 weeks ago, so my edict is: NO SHOVELLING YET. Soooooo I did it! Enjoyed it actually.Snow shovelling. The bain of my existence. I am personally taking credit/responsibility for the historically low snowfalls over the last two years (tongue-in-cheek, but I did a lot of prayer around it). I've really only had one true shovelling event this entire winter, so far. I have to shovel with one hand, so it's an ordeal. Momma Nature's helping me in any way she can.
> Take care Larry. luv, KathThanks, Kath. You too.
Lar
Posted by Kath on February 18, 2007, at 20:22:33
In reply to Re: Mindfulness/ Son update/ Snowshovelling...... » Kath, posted by Larry Hoover on February 18, 2007, at 11:50:48
> Sounds to me like you have grasped the concepts with ease. That's really all it's about, in the end.
Often my worst time is when I wake up in the morning because I have the emotions from whatever I dreamed about & often they're upsetting. I'm really glad that as soon as I notice I'm feeling badly, I begin automatically with "Breathing in...........breathing out.......
breathing in.........breathing out etc. It does help.> These days, all I think about is getting the heck home again, as soon as I can manage it. I am glad I went to PB-Toronto, but if it hadn't been so close by, that wouldn't have happened for me.
I think I can understand that Larry. Still I'm sorry I dont' get to meet you. Once things are better for you & you're not in so much pain, if you ever want to have tea or lunch, just let me know. I can appreciate you just wanting to get home.
> Well, I took some opiate to get home last week, but I had such a horrible reaction last fall that I fear them, somewhat. Really, all I have is mindfulness.It sounds like you didn't get the bad reaction this time. If so, that's really good. I hope the mindfulness works to ease things for you somewhat.
> Good for you, accepting the compliment. I learned to turn them aside, as a child. I still have to consciously accept them, some times.I'm sorry you had that happen as a child. So many of us endured so much pain as children. It makes me wish I could go back in time as a magic invisible (or perhaps visible only to the child) fairy & whisk that pain away from us all as childlren. If I said that to my daughter (30), I suspect she'd say - no thanks, because then she wouldn't be who she was now. Personally, I don't like pain of any kind. And I think THAT is a result of my childhood experiences.
> I'll babblemail you about the ODSP. I do volunteer advocacy work around ODSP cases.Wow Larry - that's pretty important volunteer work to do. The psychiatrist was very positive & felt that he should definitely receive ODSP & was going to act accordingly...so that is good. Any info is welcome though.
Do you do the advocacy work through an agency?> Thanks. We're just trying to rule out other significant pathologies (e.g. malignancy), so we can focus our attention on the neuropathy without distractions.
Does Neuropathy mean nerve pain?
> Snow shovelling. The bain of my existence. I am personally taking credit/responsibility for the historically low snowfalls over the last two years (tongue-in-cheek, but I did a lot of prayer around it). I've really only had one true shovelling event this entire winter, so far. I have to shovel with one hand, so it's an ordeal. Momma Nature's helping me in any way she can.Sooooo I have you to thank for the lack of snow! Way to go! I'd be quite delited if there was no more. I'm really enjoying the sun. Hubby & I went for a walk today & BOY was it cold...it turned out to be a very short walk in the forest 'cuz I was too cold & also I broke my baby toe a few days ago & it was hurting to walk. (I've broken the same toe - hm - I think this must be about the 6th time. I stub it on things. After I break it I wear slippers for quite a while but then I forget & a year or so later, I don't wear them any more then break it again!)
I will be 59 for only about 2 & 3/4 hours!
THEN I'll be 60!!! Oh boy - when I wake up I'll be 60!
Oh well, at least I'm alive & healthy & not in pain. I should just shut up & be thankful!
gentle hugs Lar, Kath
Posted by Phillipa on February 18, 2007, at 21:03:33
In reply to Snow, cold + broken toe » Larry Hoover, posted by Kath on February 18, 2007, at 20:22:33
Kath you told!!!!!Love Phillipa
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 21, 2007, at 16:15:08
In reply to Re: Support, posted by Meri-Tuuli on February 6, 2007, at 11:56:25
Recent research has shown efficacy of mindfulness meditation in a number of ways, including reducing rumination and anxiety:
It also was found to improve depressive symptoms in women with fibromyalgia:
Lar
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 21, 2007, at 16:34:51
In reply to Snow, cold + broken toe » Larry Hoover, posted by Kath on February 18, 2007, at 20:22:33
> > Sounds to me like you have grasped the concepts with ease. That's really all it's about, in the end.
>
> Often my worst time is when I wake up in the morning because I have the emotions from whatever I dreamed about & often they're upsetting. I'm really glad that as soon as I notice I'm feeling badly, I begin automatically with "Breathing in...........breathing out.......
> breathing in.........breathing out etc. It does help.That's really amazing, how you took to this. Bang on!
> > These days, all I think about is getting the heck home again, as soon as I can manage it. I am glad I went to PB-Toronto, but if it hadn't been so close by, that wouldn't have happened for me.
>
> I think I can understand that Larry. Still I'm sorry I dont' get to meet you. Once things are better for you & you're not in so much pain, if you ever want to have tea or lunch, just let me know. I can appreciate you just wanting to get home.'Kay. Glad you understand.
> > Well, I took some opiate to get home last week, but I had such a horrible reaction last fall that I fear them, somewhat. Really, all I have is mindfulness.
>
> It sounds like you didn't get the bad reaction this time. If so, that's really good. I hope the mindfulness works to ease things for you somewhat.Every day is a challenge, but the challenge only lasts for a day. Ya know?
I get by. I just don't want to have to wrestle with the opiate monster right now. I have the meds if I need them. I really need to talk to my pain doctor again, to see if this is the best course of action, to "tough it out".
> > Good for you, accepting the compliment. I learned to turn them aside, as a child. I still have to consciously accept them, some times.
>
> I'm sorry you had that happen as a child. So many of us endured so much pain as children. It makes me wish I could go back in time as a magic invisible (or perhaps visible only to the child) fairy & whisk that pain away from us all as childlren.Now there's a fairy tale I could believe in.
> If I said that to my daughter (30), I suspect she'd say - no thanks, because then she wouldn't be who she was now. Personally, I don't like pain of any kind. And I think THAT is a result of my childhood experiences.
It all starts in childhood. Such is the journey we undertake, unprepared.
> > I'll babblemail you about the ODSP. I do volunteer advocacy work around ODSP cases.
>
> Wow Larry - that's pretty important volunteer work to do.I learned about "the system" the hard way. No point in others having to learn that way, too. I've had some amazing results for people who had "hit the wall", and it is very gratifying.
> The psychiatrist was very positive & felt that he should definitely receive ODSP & was going to act accordingly...so that is good. Any info is welcome though.
If you have *any* questions, please babblemail me. The system was devised in such a way that there are hundreds of ways to lose benefits, but only one way to get them. Remember the problem they had raising the rates last year? The software was not even written to be capable of a rate *increase*. Decreases were easy to do. It boggles my mind.
> Do you do the advocacy work through an agency?
Yes. All volunteers. Many are university students. But we have lawyers to consult, etc. And we have some pretty involved training programs. All self-taught.
> > Thanks. We're just trying to rule out other significant pathologies (e.g. malignancy), so we can focus our attention on the neuropathy without distractions.
>
> Does Neuropathy mean nerve pain?It just means nerve disease. I started out with an injured nerve, but now other nerves are involved. It's like the injury spread out from the original lesion, rather than "normal" spreading into the injured area. It happens. Rarely. But, it happens.
> > Snow shovelling. The bain of my existence. I am personally taking credit/responsibility for the historically low snowfalls over the last two years (tongue-in-cheek, but I did a lot of prayer around it). I've really only had one true shovelling event this entire winter, so far. I have to shovel with one hand, so it's an ordeal. Momma Nature's helping me in any way she can.
>
> Sooooo I have you to thank for the lack of snow! Way to go!My elder son is on the school snowboard team. He's mad at me. But, I'm not backing down. Me and Momma Nature came to an understanding, and that's that. ;-)
> I'd be quite delited if there was no more.
I actually walked outside with my parka open and no gloves, today. Woohoo! I even saw high school kids in t-shirts.
> I'm really enjoying the sun. Hubby & I went for a walk today & BOY was it cold...it turned out to be a very short walk in the forest 'cuz I was too cold & also I broke my baby toe a few days ago & it was hurting to walk. (I've broken the same toe - hm - I think this must be about the 6th time. I stub it on things. After I break it I wear slippers for quite a while but then I forget & a year or so later, I don't wear them any more then break it again!)
Funny, I have such a toe as well. I've nailed it many times over.
> Oh well, at least I'm alive & healthy & not in pain. I should just shut up & be thankful!
>
> gentle hugs Lar, KathThanks. I am reminded of the parable about the man with no shoes. It does indeed lead to thankfulness. Amen.
Lar
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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