Loosing strength and walking ability
 

Hi Everyone,

Over the last three years, my walking ability along with strength and energy has progressively and slowly declined. I have Peripheral Neuropathy most likely as a result of Sjogren’s syndrome. I also have Discoid Lupus, Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease, and Raynaud’s Syndrome, always positive ANA and on and on.

Question: Has anyone else experienced lose of their ability to walk? I’m loosing upper body, arms and hands strength as well. I’m limited to a few hours each day where I can walk within my home. I just need a little validation I’m not “out there” by my self. :confused:

I last posted on the Lupus page about 8 months go.

Jamie Marie

No - Jamie Marie - your are not "out there" by yourself. There is an estimated 20 million of us with Peripheral Neuropathy so your certainly not alone. Hang in there and visit sites like this often and contribute by posting regularly. That little tid-bit of information you provide might be exactly what someone else is looking for. Also, there is no such thing as a stupid question so don't hestitate to ask questions.

We're all in this boat together so make yourself at home.

Here are a couple of other sites you might wish to join:

http://www.npnc.org/main/phpBB2/
http://www.neuropathy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=webx

HI Jamie Marie and Welcome!
I have PN and Myopathy.....which causes me to have weakening of the arms and legs. There's time when I feel weak in the legs and my hands to where it's difficult to type. Nope, I agree with Dan.....You aren't alone out there!! I hope you have a good doctor to help you through this. Happy Holidays!

I also have Sjogren's syndrome. My strength and mobility have been very slowly declining for the past decade or so, particularly in my hands where I have very little remaining grip strength. The big thing that limits my activity, though, is severe fatigue that keeps me from walking more than a city block (on a good day, two) without rest.

I use a wheelchair part time, mostly when I need to go someplace that would normally require a lot of walking. On the very rare occasions when I can shop, I have to use one of those motorized carts to get around places like Target or a grocery store. But even using those devices is tiring, and I require someone to push my wheelchair because my hands are too painful to steer myself very long.

The thing that has helped me the most has been aquacise sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. I've been doing this for four years, and I have managed to maintain excellent range of motion even if I can't move very fast. I believe I have slowed my decline at least somewhat.

I honestly don't know if my strength and mobility problems are related to the neuropathy or not, since Sjogren's is the cause of both. But I hope it helps to know that you aren't alone.

fanfaire
:cool:

Hi Jamie ,
Yes I Have many of things you have and have to use a electric wheelchair
Full time don't panic many of the people on the PN group are up and walking,
with the use of canes walkers and best of all on there own. Yes I have
trouble with say my elbows down,the hands the worse. Do you have
burning,tingling,acking,what about your feet same thing as well as your
legs. Please could you tell us more about testing and all that stuff,if
it hurts to use your keys just type a little at a time. We can't cure but
maybe we can help in small ways and there are some very smart people
on this board..

If you don't mind me cutting in I'm very concered about K she was suppose
to have dental work today and i'm very worried about her,Thank you
Jamie we are folks who care,I promise. Many Blessings to you and all Sue

Add me to this one...
 

I'm finding I have lessening strength of my entire body. I don't know how much of it is due to the forced lack of exercise due to all the stress fractures. Also, there is another thing that comes up. Blood pressure issues. The last two days I struggled to walk from one seat in the house to another seat. Breathlessness, couldn't get a deep breath. Just exhausted.

Then we happened to take my blood pressure. 174/118 here at home. Called the doctor and had to go to night clinic. When they took my bloodpressure there, 201/106. The doctor on duty immediately put me on blood pressure medication.

But I noticed the lack of strength and we keep a blood pressure cuff here at home. Something to consider. It was a sudden thing. Had bloodwork done today but don't know what it says yet.

Billye

wow Billye if your just going on blood pressure pills it's a very good idea
to keep a cup because you don't want it to get to low and make
you dizzy. Is you husband retired and there with you most of the time.
If not you may need one of those aleart thingy..I just had to get
one for my Aunt....Hugs Sue

didn't understand Sue
 

I apologize, I know it hurts you to type. But keep a cup of what? Coffee or something?

I carry a cellphone in my pocket or clipped onto the waist of my pants all of the time. I even put it beside the bed so I can call my husband on the house phone. Like an intercom. We've taken my bloodpressure today, it's more normal but the pulse rate hasn't come down yet. I see my regular doctor on the 3rd of Jan and all of the testing will be in by then. My husband is here most of the time and he has a cell phone whenever he's not here. My best friend is closeby too.

thanks for caring. take care of yourself.
Billye

Oh boy I'm cracking up,or something ,but we know that!!! You were
talking about your blood pressure thing,I shortened it to cup,well
a cup of green tea would be good anyway..Ha I'm glad it's coming
down but it takes time to get that way..That got it a little highter :p
Sometimes it's good to take it a second time if it's high try to relax
and you may be surpised that it has gone down...You do excatly what
I do.. Please let us know what the Dr. saids..So many of us are strssed
out rightly so..Hugs to all Sue

Wow now I'm forgetting to add a sentence,the Dr. told me it took time for mine to go up she was right but it irritated me and it went up. Oh Bob is
back home with home heath care,his lungs so better. Sue again

I get those radical swings in BP too. It has been better lately, but I used to get them something awful....and my pulse would be sitting at 42...and the BP at 203/110....then a week later 70/40....then 120/80 for weeks at a time. BP can sometimes be highest at night in people with autonomic problems...my doc wanted me to sleep with the head of bed elevated....but I kept ending up at the bottom of the bed...I slid down there.

Lately it has been more controlled, and I take very little medication. The autonomic nervous system has a way of making this all very confusing...and potentially dangerous.

My doc agreed that all BP medication had to be short acting, so if my BP sunk it was not two days before the medication to keep it low wore off....I also have fludrocortisone to bring it up. I am lucky enough now not to take either....but I have an EPS coming up in January, so I will see what that shows, and I may end up on something for an arrhythmia...then again, maybe not.

Thank goodness you took that reading....your BP can be high and you not even know it! Keep us posted.

Back to the topic---I too have problems with walking and problems with legs below the knee and hands below the elbow (no I do not walk on my hands, not anymore, nor not yet again)....I can walk, but I don't feel much, so their are times, when I stand up, I have to wait until there is some feeling before I walk or I will crumple. Once I get enough feeling...then I can walk around OK...but I never get total feeling...there is always 'something missing'. It is hard to walk around with that feeling and I don't trust myself, but I carry a cell phone and go anyway...I figure if I go down, some nice person will help me...I hope!!...or some creep will steal my purse.

Jamie
 

Sorry to hear you are dealing with all of that... as others have said - you are not alone on mobility.... I think all of us - with different types and degrees of neuropathy have experienced some sort of mobility issues... and use what techniques and assistive devices necessary to keep moving as much as possible...

I have an auto-immune neruopathy (CIDP) and automic - which has essentially paralyzed my stomach so I know part of the reason I've lost strength is I'm not able to eat like I should or want to - live on liquid supplements only... However, some days are better then others in regards to walking and strength - and I've had to learn to listen to my body as to whats needed to get around... if I overdo it - and I do - then I can expect for pay for the next couple days with extreme fatique, shaking, etc... I try to hang oh the walls at home - or use cane or walker... but in public my balance and strength are so compromised I use a wheelchair - then I do not have to worry about falling (I've had one bad fall out of the shower when I let go of shower support and cracked my jaw, etc, last year).., I too always have a phone on me - just to go the "ladies room" at home etc....

PT and yoga etc. helps many - and I think part if its going to work for you is finding someone who is knowlegeable with your diseases. I've had PT several times and just gotten weaker and the PT's frustrated - but yes, being sedentary I think does make us weaker - its a viscious circle...

Hang in there - you are not alone!;)

kmeb:

I have read about your stomach problems and that is why you can only take liquid supplements.

I'm just curious. What would happen if you had some scrambled eggs, or something light like Toast and apple sauce (that's what they used to give kids if they had diarrhea or some stomach thingee).

Just curious.

Melody

HI Mel

I have gastroparesis, like kmeb....if you have eggs as you suggested...they sit in your stomach for hours, you feel bloated, you might puke...and your blood pressure may take a dive. I have lived on Boost or Ensure for months at a time, at different points in time.

I am doing pretty well right now....knock on wood.

I take erythromycin before meals to make my stomach contract to get the food to go down. This happens from small fiber damage, it is what is called autonomic neuropathy. I go thru periods where all I can get down is fluids or soft....right now, I can tolerate solids, but it never lasts long, and I am back to mushy. I never know.

The other thing is, food gets stuck in the esophagus, or the bowels....if stuck in the bowels, it causes havoc with your entire autonomic system and yes, can cause even migraine like headaches, dizziness, puking, lethargy, low blood pressure, pain...ugh. kmeb can probably elaborate more if I didnt give the whole picture. Your GI system is literally the body's 'second brain'. That colon has to be kept moving!!

I know I'm off topic, but I wanted to add something to the gastroparesis discussion. One reason in favor of liquid nutrition is that you don't have to rely on gravity to digest it, so if you are too ill to be out of bed, you can lie flat without everything coming back up, so to speak. I eat solid food during part of the day, but I have to remain upright for at least three to four hours following a meal so that the food can get through my stomach via gravity since I don't have peristalsis to help me out.

I do generally have Boost first thing when I get up as nothing solid is gonna stay down until I've been awake for a few hours. My second meal is small but might contain some lean meat and pureed veggies if I'm up to it as I have plenty of time during the day to digest it. Third meal is lighter and smaller, and the fourth is usually scrambled eggs and cream of rice.

Anyway, can't remember if the original poster had digestive problems, but I will vouch they they do contribute to feelings of weakness.

fanfaire
:cool:

Fanfaire, I have Barrett's Esophagus and can't lay flat on a bed anymore, I have to sleep sitting up. Would that help you with the gastroparesis? I no longer have a sphxiter muscle in my esophagus so acid just flows freely from my stomach up into my esophagus which causes terrible pain. So my GI dr. said I can no longer sleep laying down. So we bought a Tempurpedic adjustable bed and I now sleep sitting up and it's done wonders for my acid pain and digestion.

You've all been so supportive. I tried to be brief in my initial post and didn't get into a lot of detail. Since several of you asked questions, I’m providing more detail.

I'm 61 y/o female veteran and receive most of my care at a VA Medical Ctr. Up to a few years ago I felt my care was second to none, but with yearly under funding, doctor and nursing shortage and continued increasing vet enrollment, access has become a real problem. The hospital staff, bless their hearts, are so grossly over worked, but still are friendly.

Nevertheless, discoid lupus and Undifferentiated Connective tissue Disease Dx'd in 2003, and I started noticing severe walking fatigue. Since then ANA panels plus many more lab tests over and over since 2003. My ANA has been consistently positive for autoimmune antibodies at 2560:1 and I always have UTIs.

My eye Dr is treating me for macular problems and says it looks like Sjogren's and my Neurologist Dx'd mild PN (before major numbness set in) and said it looks like Sjogren's. My Rheumatologist says yes it likes like Sjogren's for all "these reasons" and listed all the reasons why, but will not make Sjogren's Dx because SSA or SSB is not positive. She knows 20-30% never show positive and primary Sjogren's is seldom positive. She thinks something else hasn't shown up yet?

Urologist tested and tested decided my sensory/muscle control nerves aren't working and I have to self-cath 4x/d to empty my bladder. This should take care of my UTIs, but since then incontinence has developed.

My Rheumatologist, Neurologist, Ophthalmologist are Non VA doctors. I have to make an appointment with a Gastroenterologist as, like my bladder, I have no internal feeling. I don’t know I have a bm coming until I sit known to pee. I think bowel incontinence is next.

I worked my way from cane to walker, scooter and now powerchair. Each time I changed I felt defeated. Still I walk with my home as much as I can. I get totally exhausted as walking just 10-20 feet. Showering (use chair) dressing is exhausting as well.

I’m afraid that I’m developing a fatalistic view because what can any of these doctors do to change the outcome? I know meds can help me live with it. I realized I talking to my peer group whom share my illnesses and feelings.

Jamie Marie
:confused:

Weakness and energy ...
 

go hand-in-hand with many neuro diseases/conditions. There is a continuous loss of strength when you try to 'rest', in attempts to keep the pain from getting worse and just having the strength to do very simple things....like eating, going to the bathroom and getting dressed.
I have a CIDP -often referred to as a 'chronic' form of GBS. For the first month after my 'onset' I too had difficulty moving around with those simple 'things'. Diagnosis IS tricky with any neuro issue - AND even with a diagnosis other than 'idiopathic' [idiotic, to me!] only the symptoms can be treated, either thru meds or other therapies -the alternatives are limited.
That said, by my own experiences, [I USED to be very physically active] I knew I had been losing muscle tone and strength over time...SOO I asked for and resquested seriously physical therapy....I learned that neuro docs, and many docs other than orthopedic ones...don't even think of it! I have had four 'rounds' of PT since my 'onset' and I have learned that: a] you have to find a therapist who understands the needs of a person with such debilitating diseases - one who understands you simply cannot go all-out doing a certain task and not get additional damage; b] someone who understands folks who have had stroke nerve-muscle losses, cancer-same, and possibly/probably folks who have MS...
You can and do lose muscle strength and tone....as time goes by-IF you do nothing you WILL lose more reflex actions...The consequences of doing nothing add up to lots worse consequences...such as further loss of balance, increased falls [thus breaks-I'm guilty to a degree] and greater mobility limits.
BE SURE TO ASK YOUR DOC as he writes out PT orders to include training and tools to do things at home...many exercises and 'tasks', while they seem silly at first, can and do help you build up in little bits the strength and flexibility to be more stable. Harder is to keep at it once the PT ends..You HAVE to keep at it tho? As exercise and movement helps keep the circulation going and allows you to plain old get around.
About the 'little bits' philosophy? I've found that IF I have to do three rounds of 10-20 reps of anythng I go double-dead-dog numb! [Overdoing it is NOT on the PN menu!] But, if I do 4-8 rounds of five to ten reps over the course of a day at home...well IT adds up and eventually I can do the big reps -just takes time and building. It can happen, it takes caution and it is worth it!
A couple of sites worth visiting for exercises are:
http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/freeexercise.aspx#13
http://www.fairview.org/healthlibrar.../sma_index.htm
I prefer the graphics in the second.
All you need is a hand-weight or two, therabands [lite and medium strength] and maybe some other tools....BUT you need a therapist to teach you how to use them RIGHT! Otherwise you could inadvertently do yourself some wrong things in trying to help yourself.
I hope these help you in some way or form...and that you will seek and get PT.
I can only say that because I went and got the PT, I am still mobile on my own two feet [with a cane] and can drive [tho very cautiously] and get around [tho not for long periods] on my own steam. I do believe that had I not gotten the PT when I had-I would be either walker or wheelchair dependent. You asked, because your own mind/body was probably telling you the same 'things' mine was about all that has/is happened/ing to me. Ask! Worse that can happen is a 'no'. So you ask another of your many docs who take care of you! Unless you are in a 'managed' care type of insurance plan...most docs won't decline such a request-it's no skin off their noses or backs [so to speak]. Besides, if you can get out to a PT place, heck! You get out of the house for a legit purpose! And you get to meet other folks who help you keep your own issues/conditions in perspective.
:hug:'s and hope! - j

You're definitely not alone.
 

Just want to add my two cents to the mobility topic. Most neuros I’ve seen believe my PN resulted from cancer chemo. (I’m still on a quest to be seen @ Mayo, but that’s another story). When PN first struck, I was unable to stand up at all. My legs were painful and weak. I had to use a wheelchair for a few months. After the chemo stopped I progressed to using a cane around the house and outdoors.

But one night disaster struck…my left leg just folded out from under me and I broke my ankle. That was the beginning of much disability and depression. I had surgery & spent 12 weeks in PT which got me sort of mobile. I say “sort of” because I got paranoid about falling again and fracturing some other body part. Now I am rarely without a walker, at home & outdoors. I have given up driving because my numb feet can’t feel the pedals and my flexibility and reflexes are diminished.

Here’s the mobility loss I’ve experienced over the 8 years from the onset of PN: my leg weakness has progressed and loss of balance has worsened. My neuro has prescribed PT but it’s a major effort for me to leave the house, especially in the winter. I have a visiting nurse who comes by twice a month and she’s looking into getting me PT service at home. Two years ago I was super motivated & went to Sloan Kettering PT and that actually seemed to help both walking & balance but the therapist I really liked left the job and that ended PT for me. I also tried arthritic water exercise one summer and it was great. I may try it again in 2008.

I’m so glad you posted here, Jamie. I’ve been wanting to ask the very same question you did and I thank you for doing so. I think PT will improve your leg weakness and as mentioned by others here, make sure you find a therapist who’s experienced in dealing with PN. Also, I found that the water exercise program was kinder on my joints and balance so you might look into that as an easy way to get started on PT.

Cyclelops:

Thanks for explaining the whole gastroparesis thing. I had no idea it was so complicated and involved the whole digestive tract.

My god, the stuff many of you have to endure. I shall never complain about anything ever again.

It boggles the mind what people have gone through and yet, still have a sense of humor.

Take care,

Melody

Sjogren's
 

I suffer from Sjogren's secondary to Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Sjogren's and the Rheumatoid are both sero negative. Well they were in 2006. My Rheumatoid has since become positive unless controlled. I have neuropathy from the Sjogren's. I also moderate a Sjogren's forum at www.sjogrensworld.org

I think it is imperative to keep moving. I have recently experienced multiple stress fractures in my sacrum, ankle, back and pelvic area. I have used crutches since this began and was able to use my walker then stop using the walker and was able to walk until the pelvis fractured. But I am still using crutches and have not gone to the wheelchair because I think it is so important to keep as many muscles as strong as possible. I will start physical therapy as soon as the doctors think the breaks are healed enough. I think it's important to keep going and to do as much as you can, but to pace yourself.

When I am able to have the physical therapy and get going again, I'll start the water therapy at the local YMCA.

Billye

Hi Bilye:

I think you are one of the bravest people I know. I'm sending you warm holiday wishes and hope you never go into that wheelchair.

Enjoy the water therapy.

Take care, Melody:hug:

Walking, pain, strength, Energy, wheelchair use
 

Wow! So Much to answer.

Well I agree about PT and exercise. I've been in the VA PT Wellness gym program for 4.5 years. I go twice weekly and use several weight machines, but have noted the steady decline weights I can handle. I've also got a routine of stretching/motion exercises. Today I can seldom complete all my gym routines anymore. Still I work at it. Four years starting in about 2001 I was a therapy pool volunteer. I led 3 water arobic groups 5 morning a week and as time passed the number of days and the number of groups I had the strength to do decreased until it came to a point that I couldn't complete 1 set and couldn't get out of the pool on the ramp without help. I knew better than to continue with the pool program when I was a danger to myself and my fellow patients.

I don't drive, as I fear causing an accident as a result of my slow reaction time or not being able to feel the break peddle or simply falling a sleep while driving.

My Rheumatologist feel there is at least one more CTD condition not yet identified and I suspect it's systemic Lupus.

I have neurogenic badder and expect I have neurogenic bowels as well. Simply put, the wiring to my brain for feeling and muscle control have been cut. As far as my GI tract goes, I don't ever feel bloating, constipation or any movement within. When I sit down to pee without a catheter I most concentrate on relaxing my catheter muscles and let gravity take over. It is at this point I have BM of some kind or not. I hope to see a GI doc soon.

With all the things happening, I feel as though I have a PACMAN running around in me just eating up nerve fibers.

That's all for today. Thanks so much for caring.

Jamie Marie

Sounds you have really been doing all you could to preserve your health. That is extremely important. Even if your ailments are progressing, I hope you can find comfort that you have been doing your part to avoid deconditioning.

Some of my worst times were early on in my illness when I felt totally helpless. Now, even though I am getting worse depsite my best efforts, it's the fact that I am making the effort to stay well that helps me cope. Because I can focus on the aquacise, healthy diet and lifestyle, I can let go of most of the frustrations of chronic disease and leave them to a higher power.

I must mention that I think you are wise to make the decision not to drive. It is a big blow to independence to do so, but you are being considerate of your own and others' safety. I do not allow myself to drive more than 45 minutes continuously because I cannot safely remain alert for long periods of time.

I hope what I said above made sense. I wish I had more help to give you. Please continue to be the best you that you can be.

fanfaire
:cool:

Hi. I have been dealing with this for almost a year. Anyhow for the first 4 months I was in bed full days from the pain. When I started to push myself I could barely walk through a small store. Now I have worked up to being able to walk 20 minutes but walk through big stores like Target. I often feel like my legs will give out and limp.My docs said it just feels that way but won't. Since they have been wrong about most things with me I am not pushing it to see. I was extremly active before this happened. I have a very hard time now knowing the balance of pushing but not doing too much. I fear damage still but I do see how important it is to not let your muscles waster away. My pt experiences have been really bad and the guidence by my docs are very vague. I think for me loosing my ability to be active and do has been mentally hard. Right now I guess I could care less about being a sporty person I just want to be able to do daily stuff not in pain. I hate having to push to do small things. Oh by the way I am young not to say it is different but at 29 I should be more active. Good luck in finding te right balance for you.

Jamie Marie, you are such a pip! Look at you doing all those water aerobic exercise classes and still working out! What an inspiration. You should be so proud of yourself. I am so sorry your disease is progressing, but at least you know that you did everything possible to prolong your health. I am going to try to be more like you in 2008.

Daniella -- hi! It is good to see you posting. I decided to hold off on the spinal stimulator for now. I am making a huge effort to do everything I can to get healthier: eat healthy food, lose weight, exercise as much as I can, stay active to keep ahead of the depression. I still use my 25 microgram fentanyl patch and take Lyrica and I wish I could get rid of them both, but gosh, I get a LOT of pain relief from them. I hope 2008 is good to you!

Jamie Marie
 

Reading everything you written,i'm very impressed,don't ever give up,
well I sure you won't. Please get to a good GI. Dr.,they have helped me
and do hope they do the same for you..

I use my wheelchair when I go through the stores why,I fall down and
I find myself dragging when I use my walker I must put my hands through.
This use to make me sad,but I love going on the trails,or flying down
the street on a snowy day..I can get in bed but no longer lift my legs.
but PT has come up with some wonderful devices to use. We all must
handle it the best we can..Everybody on this forum and so many of
the others are brave,or just doing the very best thy can..

D i'm so happy your back and your getting out, it's been hard for you
but 20 min. is wonderful. I do remember when you couldn't get out
of bed. That's a Wow!!!

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:To all and thanks to J,C,K for not letting my
brain shut down,that's a challenge and Mel you make us laugh and that heals. Jamie you have come to a wonderful place. now I will take my award
and leave,why I would be here thanking everybody..Fanfare thanks for the
trip to Mayo,like Billlye that was brave...Hugs Sue

Thanks guys. I agree that everyone here is so strong to face this day in and out and what wonderful supports too.

Thanks for caring
 

Hi Everyone,
I've been off the board for about a month, and I've just read over this thread with all its replies and comments. It's quite up lifting for me.

Like many of you, I do get "down in the mouth" and feel sorry for myself, but those moments are thankfully brief. I have so much to be grateful for. I look at people walking by and think ~ I used be to be able to do that. While I walk within my home, it to is limited. I use my power chair so I don't over do it and cause myself more trouble. In spite of the routine and extreme pain, I still go to PT Wellness twice weakly. My motivation is simply believing that if I stop my mobility issues would increase more rapidly. See...that's a blessing in it self.

I'm quite pleased I see a sleep doc next week and in the following week I see Gastrology and Neurology doctors. I just hope these doctors will actually listen to me and not be else where when talking with me.

My sweetie and service dog are so loving and supportive. Thank you to each of you for sharing a bit of your stories and bits of wisdom. :grouphug:

I understand and I hope you find a doc who will listen. I am glad you have good support. That is so nice you have a service dog. I'm sure that is a great bond. I know for me before my back and not saying you of course ask your doc but I have to push through my leg pain. If not they said I will really have issues with atrophy. Now I have a back problem so have not been able to do as much and it gets me super down. I also understand the mental side. You have an amazing out look I need to learn from you. Mine tends to suck.Many thoughts and healthy wishes.

Sevice dogs are fabulous....

My son has a service cat...seriously. Official service cat. It is just called a service animal.

Wounded Iraq war vet...

This is a good cat......I took care of him while son was deployed....the cat got so lonesome he lost a ton of fur....I thought he was sick, spent a fortune on lab testing and a do anything at all cost approach....You can't tell your kid his cat perished, while his boots are in Baghdad....you don't tell your deployed person much other than things are great and you miss them.....the cat was fine, physically. He lost his fur from stress. It grew back after my son came home. He was declared an official service animal.

I can't say what the stress did to me....but let's say it probably was not a good thing. Of course, my son had to go the whole year before he had his 'incident' with the IED. My hair, alas, has NOT grown back, nor turned back to its former color.

I have three labs...all they are good for is keeping me warm, keeping me company and keeping the EMS away if I ever need them....:eek: They do obey commands, but they don't cook or do laundry...I love them anyway.

I suppose that is all I can ask.

Daniella I'm sorry that you struggle with your outlook on life. It's often said attitude is a state of mind and it's so true. I can be all POed about my pain, evergrowing disabilities and bodily fuctions that no longer work and my complaints about doctors, but I choose not to. It's my choice, and you can do it too. Find something in you day, your life and your world. Being able to think and type it into the computer is quite a blessing in itself. There are lots of people who can't do that. As it said be for that I watch people walking by and say to myself "I once was able to do that", but the good thing is I still have my mobility and the list goes on and on. Your list does too and I hope they are visible to you. We all deal with a great deal, still we can handle even more. Looking to hear from you.

Cyclelops I'm sorry your son was wounded in Iraq. I have so much admiration for our sons and daughters in uniform. It's great he made it home. Our returning Veterans have a great deal to handle. I'm a Vietnam Veteran and I war is hell. Whether you carry a weapon, drive a truck or cook in the messhall, the stress can be just miserable. Service cat, rat, horse, dog or whatever, if it helps him ~ Wonderful. I agree with you loving dogs and a little humor goes a long way in one happiness. Keep Smiling.

Jamie Marie (we it looks like I'm having an up day):grouphug:

Thanks you have an amazing outlook. I am working on it and my mom is helping me focus on the positives. Its like retraining the brain. You know what I saw on tv is a little monkey service animal. So amazing. Pets are very theraputic. I almost went to a center back when in my ed that had horse therapy. My mom wanted to take our dog to old age homes but he is too wild but super loving.