[mike-b]

Who is your favorite author(s)?

Who would you want cast as Miranda in Netflix’s adaptation of First Thing About You?

Favorite flavor of ice cream?

[mike-b]

I too, liked Miranda’s character and thought for the most part she and Harris were good for each other. I did not like the Miranda ending much either. Depression and addiction are often lifelong battles and illnesses and I felt the story trivialized and minimized what Miranda was going thru.

[mike-b]

Adding a few thoughts while the book is still fresh:

This is one of the first books I’ve read that incorporated the actual text message(s) back and forth between characters right into the script. I really liked the use of the text messages and found it a highly effective means of moving the story along and communicating normal teenage angst over the best text response.

I appreciated that the story showed Harris doing common teenager activities, albeit in a slightly different manner, such as: movies, restaurants, concerts, sporting events, parties and dates. It provides able-bodied readers an avenue to think about common interests and activities they might share, should they get beyond that first judgement.

[mike-b]

We all make assumptions upon meeting or observing someone for the first time and I thought that Harris’ using color to pass first judgement illustrates how superficial and often wrong these assumptions turn out to be. The high school setting was particularly relatable and effective; so much awkwardness, hormones raging and just wanting to fit in. And I had forgotten about all the lunchroom cafeteria cliques!

[mike-b]

I recently purchased The First Thing About You and would participate in any group discussions via forum thread or zoom. Good review Blake. I’m looking forward to listening to Kevin’s podcast with the author.

[mike-b]

I received my first dose of the vaccine from my primary care physician yesterday. His office had started a “high risk” list of existing patients weeks ago. My parents, age 70+ received theirs from the county health department.

[mike-b]

Thanks for responding so promptly Michael. My reading was, one of the Jewelfish study prerequisites included prior treatment by one of the SMA drugs specified. Since Zolgensma is a one time treatment I believe those individuals previously treated with Zolgensma, now enrolled in Jewelfish would be considered as receiving combination therapy? I wasn’t trying to get into linguistics or semantics, just really interested if these treatments are being explored together.

From the Jewelfish literature:  “Among the 174 patients enrolled, 76 were previously treated with nusinersen (Spinraza; Biogen) and 14 with onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma; Avexis). The remaining 83 patients had been treated with compounds then being developed by Genentech.”

[mike-b]

I am curious as to what you found out Michael? It would at least be a “combination trial” for those individuals that were previously treated with Zolgensma, right?

[mike-b]

I tried Gabapentin in the late 1990’s when some medical professionals opined it might be beneficial for SMA patients. There was a clinical trial. I experienced a strong drunken/dizziness side effect when I first started taking it but there were some overall positive effects also. I believe each person’s body chemistry is a little different so you never know what might help. I’d suggest maybe trying a CBD or THC syrup, or an indica gummy and seem if that helps.

[mike-b]

Good column Brianna, I checked out SMA My Way after reading it. There seems like some really good content on the site, but the contributor voices all seem like white people in roughly the same age group (20’s). I guess I’d suggest some more diverse voices?

[mike-b]

I believe there is a current clinical trial with 174 participants that is studying this combination therapy: NCT03032172

[mike-b]

If you liked 2020 Oscar Best Picture winner Parasite, check out the South Korean film ‘Burning’ which is available on Netflix.

i recently read Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale which has been on my to-read pile for years, along with the sequel The Testaments. Both books provided ample escape from the somewhat surreal daily life we’re all experiencing.

The website/app nugs.net has been providing free video concert streams from its archives of a variety of jam bands in the evenings. If you’re in the mood for a little jamband music one night this week, try it out.

[mike-b]

Ignorant comments like those sound like people just wanting to talk about their own medical condition, as they make your circumstance about them. Sure makes me appreciate a genuine nice nod or smile.

 

[mike-b]

Typically Medicare requires a Face to Face evaluation with your doctor to substantiate the need for a power chair as well as an evaluation from a PT/OT that the doctor needs to sign off on also. The F2F evaluation can be quite extensive and doctors grow frustrated by the paperwork, as in the past they used to be able to write a simple letter of medical necessity and it would suffice. Medicare now has a Prior Authorization program where your DME provider can submit all the paperwork beforehand and make sure everything is approved before the chair is ordered. I would recommend going to a DME provider experienced with Complex Rehab Power Chairs and the “newer” Prior Authorization process.

[mike-b]

While there is much negativity and divisiveness in the news and our daily lives, for me the SMA conferences display and bring out the positives and best of humanity. A unifying collective spirit towards common goals is something I find uplifting. I was hesitant to attend my first conference back in 2015, but now have attended 3 of the last 4 and plan to attend in Orlando in 2020.

[mike-b]

Great topic Kevin. I’ve found having activities and events that I enjoy on my calendar helps motivate me to get through the daily grind. For me that’s usually having a music concert or live sporting event to look forward to on my calendar.

[mike-b]

I ended up liking Laughing at My Nightmare much more than I thought I would. Shane’s humor and attitude were refreshing and I’m glad find out that his story has resonated with a broader audience. The funniest and favorite parts for me were the snippets of conversation between Shane and his brother. Several years ago (probably when he was finishing this book) I saw a video with Shane which was largely all doom and gloom and seemed designed to elicit pity about dying an early and horrible death. I was so pleased that the book largely focused on living, loving and embracing life’s challenges instead of the alternative. I have pre-ordered his next book and am looking forward to reading and discussing after it comes out at end of April 2019.

[mike-b]

Great video DeAnn. I’ll chime back in after I see the film. Seeing you deal with the snow and cold brought back experiences I certainly don’t miss!

[mike-b]

Great article Kevin. Glad to read some positives about The Upside and I look forward to seeing it soon. I was wondering how people thought it compared to The Intouchables, which I found to be a fantastic movie when I saw it back in 2012.

[mike-b]

I just ordered the book today and look forward to joining the discussion.

[mike-b]

Patrick had some great advice above. I made the move from Michigan to Florida about 20 years ago and it took at least 18 months of planning and logistics to make it happen. I aimed for moving to cities where there was a university, as they seemed to trend towards broader healthcare services and better public accessibility. I also found that communities that cater to the elderly also tend to be much more accessible (go figure!) I live in a golf course community now where I can roll to shops, restaurants and my primary care physician.

 

[mike-b]

I watched this film several months ago and thought it was solid and well acted, but perhaps a little overly ambitious in the number of topics it encompasses. Certainly there were many relatable issues; from running off a curb to roommate and caregiver problems to relationships and earning a living while disabled.

[mike-b]

Thanks DeAnn, that site looks great! I’m going to look into getting my thermostat and window blinds voice activated as well.

[mike-b]

I thought we might find out Nory was color blind or something similar at the ending.