Introducing…iConquerMS™. This is a new and different kind of research initiative for MS, launched by the Accelerated Cure Project in Boston, MA. It’s dedicated to patient-driven research, based on the novel use of huge amounts of data from all of us living with MS. The initiative’s Internet portal, www.iConquerMS.org, is now live. I already visited… Continue reading Four Short Takes
MITCH STURGEON
Author and Blogger
Living With MS
Category: Uncategorized
The Social Psychology Implications of iBot Stair Climbing
Yeah, you read that right. This subject is better suited for a PhD dissertation, but instead I’ll tackle it in a single blog post. On Saturday night Kim and I went out to dinner with our friends Deb and Steve at the Snow Squall, a local bar and restaurant that we absolutely love. I made… Continue reading The Social Psychology Implications of iBot Stair Climbing
My Wheelchair Van Adventure
Sometimes things go smoothly with auto repairs. Other times, things just get weird. In Maine, automobiles must pass an annual safety inspection. Our two-year-old wheelchair accessible van was months overdue, placing us at risk of being issued a ticket. On Saturday of last week, we finally scheduled an inspection. The van failed due to excessive… Continue reading My Wheelchair Van Adventure
Wheelchair Accessible Path Installed around Cobblestone Street in My Neighborhood
As I mentioned in my September post entitled Our Love Affair with Cobblestone Streets and Brick Sidewalks, for years there has been a cobblestone street impeding wheelchair access to the Casco Bay Bridge, which connects Portland and South Portland. I took up the cause in May 2013 with this video posted at mycounterpane.com: I spoke… Continue reading Wheelchair Accessible Path Installed around Cobblestone Street in My Neighborhood
My MS Symptom of the Week – Spasticity
“I can feel it building…oh yes…please don’t stop…this is going to be so good…here it comes…hold on baby…OH MY GOD,” I thought to myself. Then I let it fly, “Achoo!!!” “Gesundheit,” said Kim. “Thank you,” I replied. What? I can’t believe you thought I was going there. Everyone is familiar with that feeling leading up… Continue reading My MS Symptom of the Week – Spasticity
Political Advertising – Make It Stop!
I know this blog is supposed to be about leading a contented life as a disabled person. But there is something else I’d like to write about today, if you will indulge me. Here in the United States we have a big election next week. It’s what we call a midterm election, so we’re not… Continue reading Political Advertising – Make It Stop!
The Top Ten Reasons I Want to End MS
When I checked my email this morning I saw a note from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. They asked the question, “Why do you want to end MS?” Their goal is to have 20,000 people answer by October 31. Here is the link. This is the kind of rah rah mentality that usually turns me… Continue reading The Top Ten Reasons I Want to End MS
Adventures in Public Transportation #3
I posted #1 in this series in 2011. It was as about a transportation service for disabled people, called RTP. It sucks, and I haven’t used it since. I posted #2 in this series in 2012. It was about my initial ride on the South Portland Public Bus system with Kim, and my first solo… Continue reading Adventures in Public Transportation #3
Sleeping Apart
We never slept apart out of anger. The only time Kim tried was a couple years into our marriage, but it didn’t work. We had a big fight because I was being an asshole. After going out with the boys, I stumbled home and found her on the couch with a blanket and pillow. I… Continue reading Sleeping Apart
What I Remember and What I Don’t
I can remember my childhood telephone number: 207-794-8247 But I can’t remember the current cell phone number for either of my children. I do remember where I was when the planes crashed on 9/11 and when I heard about the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. However, I don’t remember President Kennedy being shot seven weeks after… Continue reading What I Remember and What I Don’t