MITCH STURGEON
Author and Blogger Living With MS
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I have no excuse.
Here is something of an update. It’s the least I can do.
My health has deteriorated at about the same pace as it has been deteriorating for the past 22 years. The problem is, I don’t have much runway left. But I have some.
Above the neck, I’m still okay. I can speak, chew, wiggle my ears, and tell white lies. Below the neck, I have only a tiny amount of movement left in my right hand. use it for frail attempts to operate joysticks to manipulate my Jaco robotic arm and my iBot.
I’ve gained too much weight, and my capacity to breathe has deteriorated. A bout of pneumonia put me in the hospital over Memorial weekend 2023. I emerged none the worse physically, but it was a scare.
Lots of other systems are worsening, but I won’t bore you with the details.
If you’ve known me for a long, you know what’s coming … here it is.
Despite my physical deterioration I remain acutely aware of how fortunate I am, and what a full life I lead.
No change there.
On the technology front, I no longer drive my Invacare wheelchair with my hand on a joystick. I use a device called Munevo Drive. Much more on that to come.
On the recreational front, Kim and I have taken cruising frequency to a whole new level. It’s part of our “front loading the fun” campaign. More to come.
Out of necessity, Kim has taken early retirement. She is my full-time caregiver now. The pay is awful, but you can’t beat the commute.
I’m active on a couple of committees/panels. Not a huge time commitment, but it keeps me engaged.
Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center Patient Advisory Council
University of Pittsburgh Wireless RERC Consumer Advisory Group
There’s one project, however, that has filled my heart more than anything else, outside of family — 3i Housing of Maine. It may be the primary reason I have neglected blogging for the past year. I’ve written about 3i Home here, and I will write much more, I hope.
I intend to dust off this old blog and see if it’s got some more life in it. No promises though. I am easily distracted by shiny objects.
Photos by Levi Gershkowitz, Living in the Light
32 Replies to “Forgive Me My Absence”
Glad to hear from you. I was missing your posts.
Karen
Secondary progressive ms
Hi Mitch, so good to read your post. Love your tenacity and wit!!! Hugs to you and Kim with continued prayers.
Hey Mitch, good to hear from you again! I have been dealing with MS for 40 years, so I know much of what you deal with on a daily basis! it’s tough! take care, keep carrying on! Thoughts and prayers, Ken
Mitch,
I have often though about you and wondering. I, myself have been living in an assistive living facility with some wonderful people. Thanks for the update and glad to hear about your cruising!
So happy to hear from you Mitch. I’m sorry that your symptoms have worsened but it seems that your thankful attitude keeps you going, as does mine. As my late Mother would say “it could always be worse “
Take care.
Love and miss you cousin,… Hope we can see each other soon and catch up !!! 🤙🤙🤙
So happy to hear from you! I would love to hear more about your cruising, such as your favorite cruise line, etc. You are a wonderful writer, and I look forward to hearing more from you, especially about cruising.
Good to hear from you again, Mitch! I’d like to hear about your cruise trips and the housing project. Also the Munevo drive.
I have been cleaning out years of project files ; those that know me understand that I save everything. Recently I have had daily reminders of our association (dare I say friendship?) as I go through all of the saved Paradise files. I remember the day that you confided in me your diagnosis. I have tried to follow how things have progressed thru NGI personnel and your postings. Your upbeat attitude, continued engagement (that wheel chair is amazing!) and humor thru your ordeal has been a reminder to me of how blessed I am and a gift I can give to others whenever they feel that life has dealt them a setback. I say this with a chemical engineer’s sentimentality (that means none) and the utmost respect. You are truly an inspiration. Always remember Nashville!
Happy birthday, Mitch!
Sending you and Kim all the best wishes.
cheers,
Sarah
Glad to hear you’re still active, upbeat and blogging, Mitch. Would love to hear more about your FLTF campaign.
Hi, Mitch & Kim, so glad to get another blog, really enjoy reading them and keeping in touch. If I missed your birthday, there is no excuse! lol. Happy belated birthday (60). Hope it was a good one. We’re looking forward to David coming. Miss him too much. Wayne isn’t doing too good. Has too much wrong with him at 87 years old. Miss you two. Keep up the good work. You are one of a kind. Love,xoxo. Gail & Wayne
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