Can You Hear Me Now?

Yesterday I went to see a Physiotherapist about EMS/TENS. He was fantastic. He spent an hour with me and my dad, gave us a few tips on EMS, although he admitted he’s not a specialist in MS and not sure of the EMS effects on it. He did a regular assessment on me and figures there is hope for improvement. He told me it’s a good thing I asked for regular Range of Motion exercises from home care, as my RofM is very good. I just need to work on my strength. He said to not bother with the TENS part because it’s for pain, and to focus on EMS. Also it would be best if I cold be doing some kind of exercise while it’s on me. I do remember Dr. Terry Wahls talking about how she contracted her muscles while the machine was going, so I will try that too. He gave us the name of a physiotherapist who specializes in neurological problems, and may know something about MS and EMS. She also comes to see YOU wherever you are. He also gave me a 3 page printout he found in their files about how effective EMS is for MS, which is an excellent paper to show the physiotherapist here. He told me to utilize the physio here, tell them what I want to do and not stop until they help me. “They have great physio there, they just don’t have the time and resources. You’re intimidating them because you have been going out on your own looking into helping yourself. Don’t let them be intimidated; tell them you want help with a program you can do on your own.” He also told me to go back to OPTIMUS (outpatient rehab program for MS patients at the MS Clinic) as they may be able to give me more info about EMS and MS (although I doubt it, the physiatrist there already told me they don’t use it. But after reading this paper I DON’T UNDERTAND WHY NOT!!

After all the time he spent with me, the full assessment, the information and guidance he passed on, he turned around and refunded our money. “I don’t specialize in MS and can’t really help you, so I’m refunding your money”. Gulp. What a great guy. If anyone wants the name of a fantastic physiotherapist in Calgary, contact me.

Last night Nick and I got into a round of funny comments on Facebook about “muffin” and it was kinda naughty. After laughing my head off for 5 minutes, the NA came in my room with the evening snack, and said “would you like a muffin?” I thought I might die.

Today, my roommate Mary left to move into assisted living. The staff had promised me they would bring me a quieter roommate. The nurse came in this morning and mentioned she had someone in mind, but would “talk to you about it tomorrow”. I thought… my God, does this mean I get the room to MYSELF tonight?!?! Yes, yes it does. “The hospitals want us to take their patients out of the emergency room as soon as possible, so…” it will only be for tonight. They are doing me a huge favour, so I better sleep good tonight! Normally when they move someone out, they move another body right in. So I’m lucky they are being so nice. Last night, actually, I slept quite good. I owe that to the soothing sound of Peter Katz’s voice. I put him on repeat on my iPod all night, and will do that again tonight. Thank you, Mr. Katz.

Who, by the way, sent me an email yesterday that he would play for me when he is here in April, “no matter where you are”. *smiles* I have been listening to the song he recorded with Glen Hansard nonstop, as well. “First of the Last to Know”, on his soon to be released next CD. I get all tingly as soon as Glen Hansard starts singing!

Today after lunch I went home again. I got quite a bit of work done, but I really need to get my accounting software on this netbook so I can work from here, too. I can’t sit at my desk for as long as I need to in order to get a lot more done! It’s frustrating. One big problem is I don’t actually own the software and my client can’t find the disc! I also spent a lot of time with kitties. Enough to make me cry again when I left them. It seems like I’m able to walk in there about as good as I could before I ended up needing to come here, and it would probably be better if I didn’t spend all day in wheelchair here. A big part of my mobility at home is my electronic lift chair, which helps me stand up, and the bare feet on carpet thing. I do think at the meeting tomorrow I will ask about how to get into a more accessible apartment with self-managed care. I need a LOT of care though, so maybe a group home… if I can find one that takes cats!!

Tomorrow is the Big Meeting to discuss my future. My parents will be there, as well as my home care nurse Gail and the social worker and transition person on staff here. Wish me luck that they know of places suitable for me!! I know Mary made the choice of her “top three” but didn’t get into one yet. First you have to go to the first available bed just to get into the system, then it’s easier to move you around once you’re in when one of your top choices becomes available. I’m unsure whether I should just go into assisted living now, or try it at home with self-managed care first, just to need to do this all over again in a couple years. *Sigh*.