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Cathy Roberts
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 12 ก.พ. 2017
My life has changed dramatically since I was diagnosed with MS more than 20 years ago. I'm now severely disabled with almost full-time care. This channel is about how I'm dealing with challenges, things that I struggle with, good things to come out of this situation and the things I do to keep feeling like a valued member of society.
Burning Feet and a small disaster
I figure anyone squeamish won't have clicked on the graphic thumbnail. Sorry if you are squeamish. Blame MS.
As part of my MS, I have burning feet. I manage this by keeping bare feet on tiles. I also have dorsiflexion whenever something touches the top of my feet. Spasms kick in whenever I am in pain. And then the chronic circulation problems caused by (ironically) having my feet on tiles…
Here is what happened in the perfect storm of these MS issues…
I went for breakfast on Saturday, my one morning out each fortnight, and I got my foot stuck resulting in lots of blood. Shopping was more important so we wrapped it up so I wasn't dripping blood and hit the shops. 3 hours later, it was still bleeding. A lot. I reluctantly went to the medical centre. Everyone knows that if I cut my arm off I would only ask for a Band-Aid. So I was pleasantly surprised with the quick, no-nonsense application of glue to stop the bleeding. Some small bandages and we were out the door. Sadly my foot swelled with fluid retention (a consistent problem) and the bandages threatened to cut off my little toe. Anyway, here is the story.
As part of my MS, I have burning feet. I manage this by keeping bare feet on tiles. I also have dorsiflexion whenever something touches the top of my feet. Spasms kick in whenever I am in pain. And then the chronic circulation problems caused by (ironically) having my feet on tiles…
Here is what happened in the perfect storm of these MS issues…
I went for breakfast on Saturday, my one morning out each fortnight, and I got my foot stuck resulting in lots of blood. Shopping was more important so we wrapped it up so I wasn't dripping blood and hit the shops. 3 hours later, it was still bleeding. A lot. I reluctantly went to the medical centre. Everyone knows that if I cut my arm off I would only ask for a Band-Aid. So I was pleasantly surprised with the quick, no-nonsense application of glue to stop the bleeding. Some small bandages and we were out the door. Sadly my foot swelled with fluid retention (a consistent problem) and the bandages threatened to cut off my little toe. Anyway, here is the story.
มุมมอง: 40
วีดีโอ
The Black Glove
มุมมอง 282 ปีที่แล้ว
I will take you through a quick physio session which helps maintain some movement in my hands. My left hand doesn't really work anymore and I am trying to save movement in my right. Putting on the black glove can be challenging. It is super tight and my fingers cramp up whenever someone touches them in the wrong way… Or even looks at them in the wrong way…
Modified Cutlery for Dodgy Hands
มุมมอง 342 ปีที่แล้ว
I've got a couple of different types of modified cutlery. I've got Supergrip cutlery which has a wider handle for people that can't grip smaller utensils. I've also got a Supergrip Lightweight cutlery for people that can't grip or hold heavier utensils. But everyone's disability is different. You need to do a lot of road testing to work out what is right for you. I go through a lot of stuff sim...
Breakfast with Dodgy Hands
มุมมอง 282 ปีที่แล้ว
You don't realise how much you use your hands for until you can't use them properly. This is a glimpse into my breakfast routine with dodgy hands. I'm using a standard dessert spoon. You can buy disability spoons which have a much wider grip but these are too heavy for me to hold. My diet is insanely healthy… It wasn't designed this way but after 6 years of trimming stuff out, I'm left with a l...
Muscle Cramps… a constant pain in the bum
มุมมอง 1212 ปีที่แล้ว
sorry the start of this is a little bit graphic. I'm not sure that you guys want to see my bare legs. But you would see more if I was in a cozzy so you might have to grin and bear it! I've had MS related pain probably for the last 10 years. The doctors can't really get a handle on it… It seems that pain management is in the too hard basket for doctors. In my search for sustainable pain relief, ...
A Hard Week… and a kitten
มุมมอง 632 ปีที่แล้ว
I've had a few dramas raise their ugly head this week. And now I am dealing with the fallout. I got the MS hug and I've lost use of my abs (hopefully temporarily) which is making things interesting. My body is actively hindering movement which makes it harder for my carers. This is starting to take its toll. As hard as stuff can sometimes be, it only takes something small and furry to turn my f...
MS, Anxiety and Catfishing
มุมมอง 302 ปีที่แล้ว
A little bit about what anxiety is like for me, triggers and how I manage the situation. I took a bunch of fish tank footage last week when I was working out if I could manage the iPhone camera.… I think I need to admit defeat. I can't hold the camera steady and the angles are just all wrong. So I need to rely on others to take the footage under my direction. I guess that's what Directors are f...
Home Modifications and Other Stuff
มุมมอง 392 ปีที่แล้ว
A little bit about some of the changes I have made in my place to facilitate my changing needs. Some of them are complex (bathroom modification) but others are readily accessible. Given the slow progression of MS, I've had years to get processes in place and work out what is right for me. I'm lucky I have a science brain so I can generally nut problems out to find a solution. And lucky I've got...
Friends, a dog, a pussycat and bedtime
มุมมอง 632 ปีที่แล้ว
A morning visit on a beautiful day was an awesome way to start Saturday. Thanks to Michelle, Louisa and George. On the disability side, I wanted to show everyone what bedtime involves for me… Why I can't just jump into bed for a catnap when I'm tired… Given the fatigue which is a normal part of MS for me, I need to ration enough energy to get into bed at the end of the day. The whole thing take...
Breakfast in Cronulla
มุมมอง 482 ปีที่แล้ว
I met up with my brother Mal in Cronulla for breakfast. It was a great chance to catch up and have a laugh by the beach. Walking along the Esplanade at Eloura Beach, we got to see the impact of recent high seas and severe storms. So much sand has been lost that the lifeguard tower at North Cronulla had to get pulled down before it fell over. It was good for me to see firsthand what the whole Sh...
Brushing My Teeth - Not Easy When My Hands Don't Work
มุมมอง 432 ปีที่แล้ว
One of the new and exciting challenges in my life is brushing my teeth with hands that don't work… I need to persevere because it just isn't the same when somebody else tries to brush my teeth for me. Once a week I use a WaterPik which is similar to flossing. My dentist is happy because my teeth don't get clogged with tartar. I got a swanky toothbrush from France which I searched hard for. I co...
Drugs & Alcohol
มุมมอง 492 ปีที่แล้ว
I've started a new drug Ocrevus which might help arrest progression of MS. I need to trek over to the other side of the city for an infusion which takes a few hours. The staff are great and I get a free pass on food for the day (normally my diet is incredibly strict) and I can even justify some bubbly to go with cheese & bikkies. Debbi (my trusty companion for the day) has a very hard job looki...
MS and Mental Health
มุมมอง 352 ปีที่แล้ว
I'm struggling at the moment with self-worth and value. I've got ordinary hangups like everyone else… Unlovable, fat, stupid, not good enough… Normal stuff. And then I have a whole ream of things related to MS. This episode talks about the grief that I have been feeling for years. I'm grieving things that I once had and lost and also things that I hadn't yet achieved and the chance is now lost....
My New Desk (with a little bit of pussycat thrown in)
มุมมอง 482 ปีที่แล้ว
After I completely destroyed my old desk, David (my handyman) actually built me a new one using the old one as a template.… With some adjustments to make it easier for me to use without killing myself. It's been a hard few weeks. I broke my computer and had to get a new one. Then setting it all up and realising everything is different. And you don't have all the stuff in the same places. And yo...
A Frog Named Houdini
มุมมอง 4412 ปีที่แล้ว
The story of Houdini, a rescue tadpole we have been watching for months as he has grown and developed into a fully fledged member of society… With the obligatory photo-bomb by Pussycat.
God bless you. I was diagnosed 10 years ago and used to sprint race bicycles. I was highly functioning for a long time but this year it’s getting worse. I started ocrevus recently so praying it works. I want you to know I love you and you are not alone. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks Michael. It is a journey! I thank God that I have the support I need now. And that today the sunshine is beautiful. Good luck with Ocrevus. I started 6 months ago but they don't know if it will work. I am a long way down the track to be starting with that. Any pause in progression is a win for me.
The cat spoon 🤣🤣🤣
Michelle gave a really simple example of your considerations when eating that I think a lot of people probably don’t understand the difficulty of. But as you showed, when there’s a will, there’s a way! Also I think my breakfast portions are too generous after watching that. Haha 🤣
That Theragun looks great Cath.
𝐩яⓞ𝓂𝓞Ş𝐦 ☹️
Loved this, and love being a part of your team, work place and home.
Loved this video.....how cool to have a rescue tadpole, give it a name and then watch it grow into a frog. Extra cool thanks to Pussycat's photo-bomb. 😻😻😻
She sleeps in high places most likely because that’s where she feels safe. I’ve had cats that did that.
I love how you asked for the cat nobody wanted to adopt. My mother has done the same thing...over the years she has always had one cat at a time, and when that cat dies, she asks the shelter for yet another cat that nobody will adopt. In addition to always eventually developing a deep bond with these "unadoptable" cats, she has the satisfaction of knowing she truly saved that cat's life. I can see where you and Pussycat have saved each other's lives, so to speak. Much love to you and Pussycat from Buffalo, New York. ❤️😻😻
Cat training - simple ! Simply be consistent. Jump table is not the same as jump up on the table or jump onto table. Say jump table Cats do not understand prepositions as well as they understand nouns and verbs. Jump table is not the same as jump up on the table or jump on table. Say jump table. Always jump table. My cat understandas 135 words and phrases using simple words. Start with the words they want to know - dinner, dish, water, cat box, inside, outside, pets, treats, lap, play, mouse, bird... be consistent. Cats see hot red/pink, teal blue, school bus yellow, black white and grey. Buy toy mice in those colors and repeat red mouse, blue mouse, yellow mouse... your cat will learn quickly. Some cats will fetch and some will ignore fetch. My cat is a rescue cat who was abused. She loves learning. Simply be consistent.
What a lovely video! Thanks for sharing Cathy, gorgeous puss!! God bless you both, 💞💞xx
Beautiful video, lovely, but sad narration (about your disability and your lap experiences) but very sweet about your team’s needs and the happy life of a rescued cat. Pussy cat has blossomed because of you. You should be so proud. Always there will be the yin and the yang. It’s inevitable. Enjoy her and try not to swell on the other ‘stuff’.❤️🦘
I was about to tell you about positive reinforcement but then you mentioned it. So clearly you know. But ya use treats
Awe I'm sorry you can't play with her. Life is never fair. Cute cat and great content
you and your cat are absolutely loveable and beatiful creatures....love from greece
Thank you so much for watching. Pussycat is all fluffed up this morning… It's only 10° C. We are a bit wussy when it comes to cold. I love the idea that you guys are enjoying the summer.
very cute catto! i have been following your channel after this video. you are a strong person.
Thanks very much for watching! Pussycat is awesome isn't she…
I hope that you found Joy with you cat. God bless.
love your story😊
Thanks Kathleen. There's a lot more to come. It is nice to document some of the stuff in my head so I don't need to keep thinking about it. I hope it stays interesting for everyone.