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From: Pandora.Nigh@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Pandora Nigh)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Overload
Message-ID: <17062@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 17 Jan 91 19:52:23 GMT
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Index Number: 13075

   Hi Adrienne, I'm really sorry your having a bad time right now. Take 
a deep breath and relax a bit, I know it's hard to do, but just take a 
few deep breaths. Now, instead of getting bogged down with the concept 
that I'm becoming more independent, think about ways to reduce the 
situation. I can suggest a few. First about not being able to drive, if 
the problem is the ability to use the foot controls then check into hand 
controls. I'm sure your having to load your own tricart is another big 
problem adding to your fatigue. Have you checked into the lifts and 
loaders that they have for tricarts. Yes these modifications cost Money. 
But maybe BVR or the MS society where you live can help with that 
expense. If not you and your husband can save for it. It will give you a 
goal to strive for as well as lifting the burden of feeling like you 
will always be dependent on others. If you need the names of 
manufacturers that make handcontrols or tricart lifts let me know.
   How do we cope when it happens to us, well for me it was a bit of 
depression than a quick jump to anger and the decision that their had to 
be methods somewhere that would allow me to keep up with most things 
that I used to do or wanted to do. I also learned to be realistic. There 
are things that I can't do but so what. Get together with your husband 
and brainstorm, figure out ways to redo or modify things. Can he make 
you a portable ramp that you could use to get the tricart into the car. 
Budget your time as if you were doing a financial budget so that you can 
trade off activities on and off. Good luck, you will find a way and feel 
better soon.
                              Pandora

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