Not so long ago, even during my first year as a wheelchair user, I was a proficient traveler. I could get from one part of the country to any other part of the country, quickly, comfortably, and economically. An ice storm has shut down O’Hare? No problem. I’ll reroute through Atlanta. In fact, I accumulated… Continue reading Adventures in Public Transportation #1
MITCH STURGEON
Author and Blogger
Living With MS
Category: Uncategorized
Home Improvements – Installment #2
As I mentioned in Home Improvements – Installment #1 and in my posts about moving, here and here, not long ago we relocated from the picturesque but boring suburbs into the urban and walkable (and therefore wheelchair-able) city. The house we found was one story and fairly accessible, with wide doorways and an open layout.… Continue reading Home Improvements – Installment #2
Save the iBot Update
As you may already know, the iBot, this life-changing mobility device, is no longer being manufactured. Why? It’s because of a complex set of circumstances generally having to do with too much government red tape and a pervasive attitude that disabled people do not deserve to live highly engaged lives – getting us from bedroom… Continue reading Save the iBot Update
Bonus Time
My friend Keith ruptured his aorta a few years ago. The bleeding was slow enough and the medical attention he received was timely enough that he survived, despite the odds. If not for outstanding doctors, strength of will (his and his wife’s), and good fortune, we would’ve said goodbye to Keith years ago. My mother-in-law… Continue reading Bonus Time
I Surrender
(Photo credit: Wikipedia) “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” – Douglas Adams I’ve reached (achieved?) several major milestones in my disease progression, such as: diagnosis informing my loved ones starting and stopping various treatments using a mobility aid (cane)… Continue reading I Surrender
My Disability Status
(Photo credit: Wikipedia) In the United States there is a progression of steps that one must go through to fully transition from a healthy worker to a disabled non-worker with benefits. In my case I was fortunate enough to have private disability insurance through my employer in addition to government disability insurance (Social Security). In… Continue reading My Disability Status
My Withering Left Hand
When I started down this path 11 years ago, I knew nothing about MS. I didn’t know anyone who had it. I didn’t know how it could affect a person. Now, unfortunately, I’m a bit of an expert. MS manifests itself differently in each person, but for me it has been a left-to-right and a… Continue reading My Withering Left Hand
Taking the iBot to Crotched Mountain
Kim and I recently took a hike in the woods. “But Mitch, aren’t you in a wheelchair?” Yes. Yes I am. Please visit the Crotched Mountain Foundation to learn more about their accessible hiking trails. Please visit www.savetheiBot.org for more information about how to help save this life-changing wheelchair. Click here (and then scroll down)… Continue reading Taking the iBot to Crotched Mountain
It’s My 10th Anniversary!
A mere 10 years ago today, my life changed forever. I was betrothed to a first class bitch. She’s overbearing, thoughtless, and unrelenting. She takes from me anything that she covets, without consideration of my feelings. She accords me no privacy, remaining by my side 24/7, as if I’m not to be trusted. I’ve tried… Continue reading It’s My 10th Anniversary!
Home Improvements – #1
As I mentioned in my previous posts, here and here, we recently moved into a new home which has great potential for becoming wheelchair accessible. But it has a few opportunities for improvement (language eerily similar to that used by my bosses in every annual performance appraisal I ever received). My friend Preston twice made… Continue reading Home Improvements – #1