Forum Replies Created

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  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    March 4, 2024 at 9:36 am in reply to: Intro & a question

    Hi Grant. Welcome to the forums! I have never used ginseng but have heard of it before. What are its benefits?

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 29, 2024 at 2:23 pm in reply to: Introducing me!

    Thanks for the introduction! Of course, we’ve known each other for some time through following each other on Instagram. But it’s always nice to get a refresher. 🙂 What does your role entail as the co-chair of the North Jersey chapter?

  • That’s great news! Do you have a doctor who knows these two medications? They should be able to tell you the risks involved so there are no surprises for you. Like Deann said, these medications affect everyone differently, so it’s hard to answer your question. I’ve heard GI issues are a big side effect of Evrysdi, and because I have enough GI issues to begin with, I’m sticking to Spinraza.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 27, 2024 at 9:38 am in reply to: What do you guys do for dealing with depression?

    To echo DeAnn’s sentiments, you are certainly not alone. I go through waves or what you’re explaining. Lots of hills and valleys for me. Right now, being in hibernation mode, I’m in a valley. Winters usually do that to me. I have little to no motivation right now, but I force myself to do things that make me happy or feel connected to the outside world. That’s why I love these forums. Rest assured, those of us here *get it* and are here to support you.

    Have you looked into assistive equipment now that your arms have weakened? Perhaps eye gaze technology or voice recognition equipment could help give you more independence.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 16, 2024 at 3:16 pm in reply to: Disability representation and the Super Bowl

    I thought that was the strangest thing, too. It was performative activism at best. I’m happy there were sign language interpreters for those who needed it at the game. But with millions of people watching, you think they would have shown it on TV, too.

    Now I wonder what accessibility is like at the Super Bowl locations. I might have to do some field research next year. 😜

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 12, 2024 at 11:51 am in reply to: Book club and meeting my legislator!

    Oh shoot! I didn’t realize we were officially going forward with the book club. I haven’t read it yet. How did the meeting with your state representative go?

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 12, 2024 at 11:42 am in reply to: Hey It’s me, Rudy

    Thanks for introducing yourself, Rudy. It’s always great to get to know the members in this group. I’ve always enjoyed web design and considered following that career path. But like you, I worry it’s more of a hobby for me. How did you know it wasn’t the right fit?

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 2, 2024 at 11:27 am in reply to: Electrical Stimulation and Speech Therapy

    Hey Anna. Unfortunately, I can’t answer your question because I’ve never heard of these techniques. Are they supposed to help with swallowing? I’d love to hear more if you don’t mind!

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    January 29, 2024 at 9:54 am in reply to: Have you watched David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived?

    I keep forgetting to watch this movie. I’m going to make a note of it. The weather is cold and rainy here, a combination my body detests. So I’ve been spending lots of time at home under a blanket.

    I’m not a big movie buff, but I did finally watch Barbie. If you can get through the first 15 minutes, it’s actually pretty good. Oppenheimer is coming to Peacock in February, and I’m excited to watch that too. What type of movies do you like to watch?

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    March 13, 2024 at 8:26 pm in reply to: Do you ever feel burnt out by your medical needs?

    I absolutely understand where you’re coming from. I feel this. Hang in there. if you ever need to vent, we’re here.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    March 13, 2024 at 8:23 pm in reply to: Do you ever feel burnt out by your medical needs?

    So so true. And I’d love a facial if I didn’t have a tube taped to the right side of my face. 😆 I wonder if I could get half a facial for half the price hahahaha.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    March 11, 2024 at 11:32 am in reply to: Do you ever feel burnt out by your medical needs?

    I know what you mean. It absolutely can feel that way. Do you have any ways to recharge?

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    March 8, 2024 at 11:59 am in reply to: Introducing me!

    I feel ya. My nonprofit is planning some in-person events for the first time since COVID, and we’re a little rusty. 😅 We’re slowly dipping our toes into the water again, and it’s really exciting!

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 27, 2024 at 9:26 am in reply to: Any ideas on how to get more comfortable?

    I love that! That’s a perfect analogy. 😂

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 27, 2024 at 9:25 am in reply to: Do you own an RV?

    Transportation-wise, the East Coast was incomparably more accessible than the West Coast when I went. I visited Fort Lauderdale and had a wheelchair-accessible taxi within five minutes anytime I wanted to leave my resort. I was also able to rent an electric beach wheelchair in Miami, which was a first for me.

    Then, I visited St. Pete Beach on the West Coast, and transportation was a nightmare. I was stranded at a restaurant once for hours. I finally got back to my hotel via a transport ambulance. I’m pretty sure our driver had a little too much to drink that night, too. The whole ordeal was a disaster. I wonder what other locations are like on that side of Florida.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 23, 2024 at 10:15 am in reply to: Do you own an RV?

    Very true. Do you live on the west or east coast of South Florida? I found there to be a stark difference between the two coasts in terms of accessibility when I vacationed there.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 23, 2024 at 10:12 am in reply to: Any ideas on how to get more comfortable?

    Exactly! You described the struggle perfectly. Since writing this post, I’ve tried putting a board under the yoga mat. My back was more comfortable, but my tailbone started to hurt after a while. I think the surface was just a bit too hard. Though my bed is most comfortable I’d prefer not to lay there all day. Still trying to find that sweet spot I guess.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 22, 2024 at 10:02 pm in reply to: Do you have vestibular problems?

    Interesting! Now that I’m thinking about it, my symptoms have been getting worse around my periods. I’ve had vestibular problems off and off since I got a concussion in 2017. But lately, my symptoms have been more prevalent. I’m going to try to notice any patterns between my hormones and symptoms now that you mention it. I think you may be onto something! Did you ever take anything to alleviate your symptoms?

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 19, 2024 at 10:44 am in reply to: Disability representation and the Super Bowl

    According to my googling, it’s in New Orleans. I’m not a big fan of crowds either, but I would definitely run over some toes to get to the Super Bowl.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 19, 2024 at 10:42 am in reply to: Do you have vestibular problems?

    This might sound funny, but the best way I’ve found to work through it is if someone gently squeezes my head. That or applies pressure at specific places on my head. I think my crystals are out of whack because I get dizzy when I move my head in specific ways. (I.e., I can’t roll over without the room spinning). So it’s likely my crystals. I’ve been to my vestibular doctor, had vertigo PT in the past, and did all the maneuvers to try to get better… nothing has ever worked on me.

    What I don’t understand is why I’ve been feeling this way for so long. I also have fluid in both ears and some minor jaw pain. Every now and again, I have sinus pain, too. Usually, this only happens in the spring when allergies come. Considering it’s only February, I may have a long road ahead. 😑

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 12, 2024 at 11:38 am in reply to: Hey It’s me, Rudy

    Where can I get an invite for this epic adventure? I’ve always wanted to go to the Mediterranean Sea.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 6, 2024 at 1:17 pm in reply to: Electrical Stimulation and Speech Therapy

    Thank you for sharing! If you get any more information, I’d love to know more. I’m meeting with my therapist next month and am going to bring this up to her. Are there any specific questions I should ask?

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 5, 2024 at 3:20 pm in reply to: Where have you had the most success finding caregivers?

    I’m sure that’s a contributing factor. My caregivers just got a recent pay increase because the minimum wage rose. However, it’s not $20/hr. It is close though. I wonder what the rate is like across the states. Though I’m not sure that state-to-state makes a difference in the quest to find good reliable caregivers. It’s slim pickings out there.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    February 2, 2024 at 11:36 am in reply to: Checkin In: How are you?

    That would be my logic too!

    So far so good. I haven’t been sick. However, I’m at the hospital frequently for appointments so I’m playing with fire. The hospitals are at max capacity in Boston with the flu and COVID. Makes me so nervous. 😬

    How are you feeling post-bug? Even though those things only last 24 hours, I find it takes me forever to bounce back.

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