November 4, 2006 Newsletter
After some socializing & snacking we began the meeting by saying goodbye to Margaret Faudree.
Margaret’s husband Lyle is the longtime pastor at Redding Christian Fellowship Church and has decided to retire and do some traveling. Margaret & Lyle are responsible for the fantastic meeting room at the church. We will miss Margaret but wish them the best as they turn the page to a new chapter in their life.
Horseback riding was discussed again with a smiling testimonial from Marcia Muterspaugh who says she is now hooked. Peggy Singleton has some great therapy horses and assistants. Everyone is encouraged to try it as there is a mounting block and an opportunity to try something special. Marcia says that it is great just to feel her hips in motion besides the mobility of the horse. The horses are gentle and I hear that carrots really do a lot towards bonding! Your first ride is free and only $20 after that. Peggy has asked if anyone would like to donate some time to help walk with the riders. Contact Peggy for more information at: 221-3198.
There is also a new 6-week yoga class beginning Mon. the 6th at 9:00 am at the Old City Hall downtown. Nayla Lewis, the instructor, is particularly in tune with special needs and those who are attending have glowing reports. It is upstairs but there is an elevator and with a handicap placard parking on the street is no problem. More information on this website.
Thank you to Karen Musso from Serono who brought us an excellent speaker and continental breakfast. Michelle Keating is a nurse from St. Louis with lots of credentials and has been living with MS for 20 some years. For these reasons, her knowledge has many dimensions. The topics she covered were: Fatigue, Spasticity, Weakness, Pain, Cognitive Dysfunction, Bowel & Bladder issues, and Sexual Function. She welcomed questions. She stressed the importance of using mobility aids to help with fatigue, stretching for spasticity, and neuropsychological testing for cognitive issues. A urologist is the best bet for treating bladder function and for constipation her suggestion was fluids, fiber, routine and possibly a glycerine suppository occasionally. She spoke openly about sexual difficulties and recommended lubrication, a vibrator and/or oral sex for stimulation with emphasis on “use it or lose it”.
One thing that Michelle and other speakers routinely discuss is the importance of some sort of physical exercise. Rather than feeling fatigue, exercise actually increases energy and a feeling of well being. Everyone should be doing something!
Until next time…..
Yours in good health,
Patricia & Beth