Single parent, two adult sons who have DMD. Recently retired from teaching. We were born & raised in Los Angeles area. Recently moved back to Central Coast of California from Reading, PA area.
About my family:
Lived for 1 1/2 years in a barn we restored (a green, wheelchair accessible environment in rural Pennsylvania). Son, using Dragon Speak and an architectural program, designed our living environment; with input from all of us. We recently returned to California to warmer winters near the Coast. Caregiving responsibilities are shared with daughter-in-law and some in home health care assistance.
Name(s) of child(ren)/individual(s) with Duchenne:
Hi Laurie, I'm sorry I can't be of much help with your question regarding doctors in California. I live in So. Cali and have an HMO (Kaiser Permanante). I wouldn't recommend Kaiser - for me it's been trouble because I'm not with a group and there is no DME coverage. My son is 14 and I take him once a year out of network to Cincinnati, but we don't see all the doc's there and I coordinate all the testing through my ins. I remember exchanging a few messages with you a couple years ago. Glad your sons are doing good and welcome back to California when you come. Good luck!!!
You mentioned in a previous email that you and your family are moving back to California, asking about a doctor at MDA clinic. I usually go to the MDA clinic in SF, Dr. Miller is very good.
You mentioned a daughter-in-law on your page. If you don't mind me asking is one of your sons with dmd married? Is that a pic of your grandaughter your son is holding? I was curious.
Hi Laurie,
I was reading your comment about your son's having hip/lower back pain. I also have the same problems. Have you ever tried an alternating air pressure mattress, I find that I can sleep all night and feel more rested the next morning. Most of my pain in caused from my wheelchair, cant get much relief from the pain. I have seen several doctors, however not much luck with that, instead they want to just give me pain drugs, which I currently use a pain patch, seems to help me. I am also trying to get an alternating air pressure cushion for my wheelchair.
Do you have any other suggestions that I might try? I am 38years old.
Laurie,
Thanks for the advice. I'll try to get Christopher more involved with projects outside the house. It's going to be hard to do with winter weather but maybe when the air gets warmer.
Hi Laurie,
Well to the community. I am a genetic counseling student in the Philly area. My hope is that by meeting families affected by MD I will be more aware of potential obstacles and areas where families could be helped further. I would love to hear any suggestions or stories you would like to share.
Christopher doesn't want to work or go to school. He just wants to play all day. He doesn't like the winter because it is too cold. He loves summertime and swimming. I wish I had a pool for him.
Your sons look pretty good for their age. What's their secret?
At 12:13pm on February 23, 2009, Missy Shutts said…
Laurie, are you referring to our annual conference in Atlanta or the Run for Our Son's team at the ING Georgia Marathon? I will be happy to send you any/all information!
Thanks for joining my group! Yes,travel by air is very difficult. Sorry I live in Northern California, so meeting you is not possible. Here is my email if your son would like to correspond with me.
gslanders@gmail.com
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You mentioned a daughter-in-law on your page. If you don't mind me asking is one of your sons with dmd married? Is that a pic of your grandaughter your son is holding? I was curious.
Thanks,
Janine
I was reading your comment about your son's having hip/lower back pain. I also have the same problems. Have you ever tried an alternating air pressure mattress, I find that I can sleep all night and feel more rested the next morning. Most of my pain in caused from my wheelchair, cant get much relief from the pain. I have seen several doctors, however not much luck with that, instead they want to just give me pain drugs, which I currently use a pain patch, seems to help me. I am also trying to get an alternating air pressure cushion for my wheelchair.
Do you have any other suggestions that I might try? I am 38years old.
Thanks,
Greg
Thanks for the advice. I'll try to get Christopher more involved with projects outside the house. It's going to be hard to do with winter weather but maybe when the air gets warmer.
Dawn
Well to the community. I am a genetic counseling student in the Philly area. My hope is that by meeting families affected by MD I will be more aware of potential obstacles and areas where families could be helped further. I would love to hear any suggestions or stories you would like to share.
gslanders@gmail.com
Greg
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