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Hi, Alyssa.  I have tried CBD for painful sciatica which I come down with a few times each month.  I’ve tried an oil form (300 mg) placed under my tongue, and the other in a gummy bear format (1500 mg).  It does work, but for me, only for a shorter time than desired.  It should help you with stress and anxiety.  It did for me.  It made my stomach just a tiny bit nauseous.  Not enough to keep me from taking again, though.  I’m with you… no gabapentin for me!

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Great topic!  I’ve always had a high metabolism; until recent years.  I’m now fighting that middle age spread.  As with you Brianna, my arms have become “fleshy”.  We all know that every ounce of unwanted weight on our arms can be a liability.

Fortunately, I still live under my parent’s roof and mother’s good cooking.  So fairly balanced meals are common.  Yet, I still need to carefully monitor my portions.  I’m a firm believer in eating what you like (within reason), just keep it within moderation.

Recently, I decided to track my protein intake.  My current weight is about 120 lbs., so that means a physically fit person  should be consuming roughly 43 grams of protein.  Unless your drinking a high protein shake, that equates to much more food than my system is use to.  So I’ve lowered my personal daily goal to about 30-35 grams of protein.  Yes, my energy level has increased; and even feel *slightly* stronger.

Eating enough to be healthy and boost immunity, yet not become overweight, is a fine line to travel.

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Gosh, you’ve missed out on the “good ol’ days”.  Gonna reminisce a moment.  A skill called Mastermind allowed me to compose AND read text messages.  This is truly missed.  I could control my cell phone by telling Mastermind to call anyone in my contacts, and it would automatically dial that person on speakerphone.  Yes, we can still call from Alexa, but the quality of my voice isn’t as nice as my cell.  Mastermind would also tell my cell phone battery level.  Why was Mastermind discontinued?  Mastermind couldn’t receive “permissions” to access the phone.  The “big boys” like Apple, Google, and Microsoft didn’t want to share.

Then there was the AnyMote app which used the IR blaster on a cell or tablet to control an ENTIRE home theater system.  Excuse me while I grab a tissue and remember this great Alexa skill no longer supported…

Okay, onto the present.  I have multiple echo dots throughout the house.  — Alexa, drop in on mom in the kitchen… “Mom, bring more milk please!”.  A nice way of using an intercom service without having it on all the time.  — Alexa, open the garage door.  This notifies dad I need something when he’s outside.

Then there’s the smart outlets I use to turn on/off my electric fireplace, lava lamp, Christmas lights, etc.

I truly wish there were more voice activated skills to assist disabled people.

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Yes, thanks for sharing this.  All help will be appreciated.

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It’s probably safe to assume parents are the primary caregivers to people with SMA; even into adulthood.  I’m 50 years of age and my mother is still my primary at 70 years of age.  I have home healthcare come in week mornings to get me up, and private help on weekends and some evenings.  Private help was found by word-of-mouth.  One area I found good help was our local community college where students are looking to obtain their CNA or higher.  They typically are excellent candidates who are young, not yet married or have children, and are looking to earn extra money.  If you find one, you’ll usually find another.  That’s how it evolved for me anyway.  They develop friendships in class and can suggest fill-ins for when they can’t make it.  I’m trying to move out on my own, but finding good reliable help is very difficult.  Especially when it comes to overnight stay.  Agencies really sock it to someone needing overnight help.  I’m going to try colleges in a nearby city, but it’s going to be like finding a needle in the haystack.  Free rent and utilities plus earning some extra spending money should be enticing, but we’ll see.  If it doesn’t work out after a month or two, and my overnight quits, I’m in trouble.  I’m typically good at problem solving, but this has been my most difficult.