Leading a contented life with worsening disability depends, to a large extent, on problem-solving skills and resources. Can’t walk? Get a wheelchair. Difficulty holding eating utensils? Modify those utensils. Losing function in your arms and hands? Use your voice instead. Watch below. If you are reading this post via email, click here to watch the… Continue reading My Voice-Controlled Home
MITCH STURGEON
Author and Blogger
Living With MS
Category: Uncategorized
The iBot Lives!
This is the news we’ve all been waiting for. A little company called Toyota will partner with DEKA to develop and manufacture the next generation of iBot. Read the press release here, and be sure to watch the video embedded in the story. To see video of my iBot in action, click here.
Travis Mills – Tough as They Come
Travis was one of those kids with a gifted body and an adventurous mind. A high school football legend, he was gregarious, kind, and fun-loving. Although bright, he had no interest in being a scholar. After a short stint at a community college, he joined the Army – a perfect outlet for his considerable energy,… Continue reading Travis Mills – Tough as They Come
Letting Go (part 2 of 2)
In part one of this two-part post, I wrote about my love of handcycling, and how MS progression forced me to let it go. Never again will I feel the joy of cruising down a bike path under my own power, breeze on my face, muscles in my arms aching, blood pumping. It’s better that… Continue reading Letting Go (part 2 of 2)
Letting Go (part 1 of 2)
People say you should never give up. Once in a while, however, I find that I have to let go. Last week I let go of my handcycle. Growing up in Lincoln, Maine, I rode my bicycle everywhere. My friends and I started out with single-speed bikes. We built jumps out of cinderblocks and plywood… Continue reading Letting Go (part 1 of 2)
Singing in the Shower
Despite my overwhelming medical problems, I don’t exhibit any symptoms of depression. Shouldn’t I, though? I sometimes wonder if there’s something wrong with me – if I am in denial, or if I’m just crazy. I keep on the lookout for despair, expecting to see it around the next corner, but thankfully I never do.… Continue reading Singing in the Shower
My Year on Biotin
If you’ve read this blog, you know the drill. I have an incurable disease. Cause unknown. There is no treatment. Fifteen years in, I require a power wheelchair to get around, and I’m completely dependent on others, yada yada yada. Despite the fact that there are no FDA-approved treatments for primary progressive multiple sclerosis, I… Continue reading My Year on Biotin
In a Previous Life …
Marco and I go way back. We met as freshmen chemical engineering students at the University of Maine in 1982 and have been close ever since. I worked hard and earned top grades over those four years. Marco worked harder and got even higher grades. Later, we were both employed as engineers at Lincoln Pulp… Continue reading In a Previous Life …
My Pet Peeves
I didn’t write an essay this week, so I thought I would roll out one of my favorite old posts. In this lighthearted video, I address a few of my pet peeves. Enjoy. If you are receiving this post via email, click here to watch the video.
Problem Solving
Sleeping is a pain in my ass, literally. At least it was until a few days ago. For a big guy like me, spending 16 hours a day sitting on my butt requires a good wheelchair seating system, which I have, thanks in large part to my occupational therapist, Maren. For those other eight hours… Continue reading Problem Solving