It is mid April. This winter has been slow to leave. It has been officially spring for a month but it is still ccld and windy outside. Hopefully things will soon change.
Things have been busy where I work. One of my fellow workers quit so things have been busier. The "season" normally lasts till end June.
Visited the neurologist at Toronto Western last month. Asked him about a new drug I have been reading about - Riluzole. He is nsupposed to investigate and let me know. I guess I will have to remind.
I have been getting the services of a personal healthcare worker off and on. He helps me with my day to day stuff a little bit.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
January in Bangalore
I made a long delayed visit to India. I was flying after 3 years, so was quite nervous about it. I flew Lufthansa from Toronto to Bangalore via Frankfurt. Used the airline wheelchair service throughout which was quite efficient, though there was a lot of waiting at various places. I get back on Feb 10, so have to repeat the process all over again.
India is difficult for someone with a disability. There is no concept of accessibility. Some of the newer buildings have ramps, but one cannot use the sidewalks for wheelchairs.
Nothing medical on this trip. Hope one has no need to go to a doctor.
India is difficult for someone with a disability. There is no concept of accessibility. Some of the newer buildings have ramps, but one cannot use the sidewalks for wheelchairs.
Nothing medical on this trip. Hope one has no need to go to a doctor.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Visit to Neurologist in Toronto
Today was a grim winter day. But I had an appointment with the senior neurologist at Toronto Western Hospital. His name is John Wherett and I have earlier consulted him in mid 2008. This time, it was more a routine follow up visit.Also, I wanted to find out his views on Riluzole, the drug that is supposed to work for some ataxia symptoms.
Well, I did not get a prescription straightaway, but he promised to find out more and maybe I could be a suitable guinea pig. Shall keep you posted.
Well, I did not get a prescription straightaway, but he promised to find out more and maybe I could be a suitable guinea pig. Shall keep you posted.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Musings from Toronto and the Chantix experiment
It has been a while. I just realised that there are some reactions to my postings. However, I do not know how to get back to them without an email address. I am geting quite dependent on the power chair. I use it extensively outside the house. Since I do not have a car and have stopped using public transport, the chair has become my main means of transport. I thank the city planners for making Toronto fairly accessible.
One thing I must report is my failed attempt at using Chantix for my ataxia symptoms. I have been reading some reports about the drug helping symptoms. So I got a prescription from my doctor and tried it. Unfortunately, it had a very adverse effect on me. I felt quite unwell with a complete lack of balance. So I stopped after 2 days. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
One thing I must report is my failed attempt at using Chantix for my ataxia symptoms. I have been reading some reports about the drug helping symptoms. So I got a prescription from my doctor and tried it. Unfortunately, it had a very adverse effect on me. I felt quite unwell with a complete lack of balance. So I stopped after 2 days. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Friday, October 2, 2009
More about the Chair
Well, I have had the chair for a couple of months now. Must say it is easy to get used to. The only fear is that the little use of normal walking will now be given up. I am sure things will gradually deteriorate from disuse. I had a flat tire last week and had to wait 2 days while it was getting fixed. Now I have requested for hard wheels, the kind that will not puncture. Let us see how that goes.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Started Using the Power Chair
Well, I have taken one more step to being officially disabled. You may prefer to say “differently abled”, but that’s just playing with words. I have taken on a power chair on trial basis. If it works out, I will buy it next month.
It is called Quantum and is made by Pride Mobility. It is small sized but heavy at 400 lbs. The battery is supposed to have a range of 30-40 kms and it has a speed of about 10 kmph. Faster than abled persons can walk – ha ha!
I have been using it to get to my workplace, which has an automatic door. From October, we are moving to an older building which does not have automatic doors. So that may prove to be a problem. I shall update on that situation as it unfolds. As of now, the power chair is proving to be a boon.
It is called Quantum and is made by Pride Mobility. It is small sized but heavy at 400 lbs. The battery is supposed to have a range of 30-40 kms and it has a speed of about 10 kmph. Faster than abled persons can walk – ha ha!
I have been using it to get to my workplace, which has an automatic door. From October, we are moving to an older building which does not have automatic doors. So that may prove to be a problem. I shall update on that situation as it unfolds. As of now, the power chair is proving to be a boon.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) Toronto is coming to assess me
I have been thinking of getting some kind of mobility device. I am not able to decide among the various brands that are available. I went a few times to the mobility aaid shop. One time, I went to a physiotherapist. Based on theur advice, I have contacted CCAC who have promised to send one of their people to assess my needs. Let us see how it goes.
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