tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63616045721691015352024-02-20T11:35:46.948-08:00So far…Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-16159015162017473182016-07-03T19:45:00.003-07:002016-07-03T19:45:23.357-07:00Home Sweet HomeHello everybody! Man, it has been a long time! My sincere apologies if I left you hangin' however, it was all for a good cause.<br />
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I am sitting here today in a beautiful home located in Alamo, California. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Alamo, it is located just past Walnut Creek and right before Danville on the 680 freeway. It is about 20 minutes from Oakland and 40 minutes from San Francisco. It is situated in a warm and beautiful tree filled Valley. The climate is quite temperate. Alamo is filled with beautiful mansions and estates as it is such a desirable location. The property that we live in is located on one of those estates. It must've been a guest house originally. It has all the special things that you would expect in an upscale rental including marble floors, crown molding, double paned windows, beveled glass front door, and modern glass bowl sink sitting atop granite counters in the bathroom as well as a 6 burner stove. We are very blessed!<br />
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I am also very pleased to announce that I passed my licensing exam (the EPPP)! This was a major hurdle. I was facing on the road to receiving my license to practice. Now I only have to pass a law and ethics exam and take 4 online courses, and I will be ready to submit my application for licensure. This has been a long, long journey. I am studying now for the law and ethics portion. I don't expect that it will take as much of my time as the studying I had been doing. I am very excited to be moving towards getting back to work. There will be so much for me to figure out, but there are a lot of resources and I can look to the people who have gone before me. One of the steps I will be taking is to begin looking for a van. The van that I have is wonderful, yet challenging such that I don't often go places. A different van will make my life so much better. Thank you to everyone who has made it possible!<br />
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I guess this is it for now that I have some old posts that I'd like to finish, and I plan to try to keep up with this blog. Thank you for your patience.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-5411114468386139442016-04-12T14:33:00.002-07:002016-04-12T14:33:10.836-07:00Inch by InchI wanted to say that I have regained some sensation below my injury. I feel more in my arms and a little bit down my back. I continue to have hope for some recovery. I met a guy who had the same injury as I (C4 incomplete) and he had regained the use of his thumb and forefinger after about three years. This small gain improved his quality of life dramatically. He could drive and feed himself. I am longing to use my hands in any small way. Hands are so important. With your hands, you can do things like touch something, make something, or type a letter. Even the smallest thing like scratching an itch is such a blessing. Don't take your hands for granted. Even though I've had a small improvement, it is very little because yesterday I sat on my hairbrush all day and didn't feel a thing. Luckily, I didn't get hurt but it was disturbing to realize that I didn't feel a thing either. In any case, if you pray, please pray for me. If you have good energy, please send some my way. I will continue to think positive and live in two worlds; the world of dealing with what I have and the world of hope for the future.<br />
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I have been away because I am focusing on studying for my licensing exam. This has consumed my days for some time. I plan to take the exam in early May. I will need your juju for that day as well. Thank you to all my supporters. I am a very lucky girl to have so many people love and care about me.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-60302217542780892402016-01-20T17:29:00.001-08:002016-01-20T17:29:12.597-08:00Truly listening…First of all let me say thank you Siri for all you do for me. I have figured out how to access podcasts using my Bluetooth and today I got to listen to one of my favorites, This American Life. I recommend this weeks episode "Something Only I Can See." This story is a shining example of why really listening to someone is important. To be a good listener, one must set their own selves aside and hear another's experience. I love this story because I can relate so well. I can relate to having medical professionals tell me what I am experiencing or tell me what my reality is, without ever acknowledging that I may know myself. How wonderful to have someone listen to you, no matter how "crazy" you may sound. And guess what? Your experience may actually be true and more enlightened than even the most current scientific thinking. All of that being said, listen to this episode and tell me what you think.<br />
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This also leads me to recommend to you a new book by Clyde Dee, "Fighting for Freedom in America: Memoir of a "Schizophrenia" and Mainstream Cultural Delusions." It is an e-book and can be read on the Kindle. The author is a colleague and friend. In this book, Clyde shares his experiences with so-called schizophrenia in the most honest way. If you or someone you have known struggles with mental health and/or other experiences that are not easily explained, you may be able to appreciate this book. Just taking the time to really listen deeply to what another human has experienced is worthwhile. Not to mention, Clyde writes beautifully and courageously honest. I am very impressed with his work and I am honored to know him as a human being.<br />
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Last but not least, today I received a response from an inquiry I sent about a job in academia. Just think good thoughts for me as it would do me a great deal of good to have some work. Until next time…<br />
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By the way, if you want to respond to any post just send me an email at dr.Brendakay@Gmail.com. Please let me know if you're responses for my eyes only or if I may post it on my blog. I really love to hear from you.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-76729446557955612562016-01-19T20:20:00.000-08:002016-01-19T20:20:04.241-08:00Dream, dream, dream, dream… You know the song, hopefully. Last night I had a dream showing off that I could walk. They say that attitude is everything. And, you, of course, have up days and down days. So how do you know whether you have a good attitude? Well, I believe that you must be having a good attitude if you are dreaming of a healing.<br />
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I have been doing well. In fact, I have more feeling in my arms these days. I am praying for my hands to heal because that would make life so much easier.<br />
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I am still having problems. I am still having problems getting an appointment at UCSF. I am still having problems with my primary care physician. But overall, things are good.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-31379810225619653182015-11-29T13:08:00.001-08:002015-11-29T13:08:38.112-08:00Getting out in the world…We made a trip to Walnut Creek to look at some possible housing options. May as well stop at Sam's Club to have a hot dog while we are nearby. As we are waiting in line, a woman approaches us and she seems excited. She asked us if we would mind talking with her as she has a sister who had recently become quadriplegic. She was excited to see us out in the world. She was curious about how we had gotten out and why we seemed so happy. We were glad to speak with her. She told us that it would be great if we could meet and/or talk with her sister. Perhaps it might create some hope for the future. We did call and spoke with the sister as well as the mom. It was such a blessing for us to get out of ourselves and remember that things have improved so much during the year. We hope to make a visit real soon and to keep in mind how much things have changed in the last year and a half. A friend called me recently and reminded me that when you let someone help you, you are actually giving them something. This was absolutely the case when this woman approached us. She gave us a very powerful gift by helping us to remember that we are not alone and that we are all connected.<br />
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I will remember to reach out to others and to accept the blessings that have been given to me so abundantly.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-6872844266047152732015-11-29T13:01:00.002-08:002015-11-29T13:01:16.154-08:00My gratitude… Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours…<br />
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My heart is overflowing with love and gratitude today and I will strive to be mindful of the many and beautiful blessings that I am surrounded by.<br />
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<li>First of all, I am grateful to God</li>
<li>my partner, Colleen, who has taught me how to love, I am so very grateful…</li>
<li>Everyone around me, the team, that helps me to be alive every day</li>
<li>to all my beautiful family, that amaze me with their love and support</li>
<li>to the many who have taught me so much, along the way</li>
<li>for my van</li>
<li>for the feast and the friends we shared today with</li>
<li>for the housing and my colleagues who have helped me</li>
<li>for the friends who cannot bring themselves to see me, yet</li>
<li>Santa Clara Valley Medical Center </li>
<li>for music</li>
<li>for the Department of Rehabilitation</li>
<li>for JFKU</li>
<li>for. Ms. Wheelchair USA</li>
<li>for the earth, the universe</li>
<li>for ladybugs</li>
<li>for the ocean</li>
<li>for my memories</li>
<li>for the future</li>
<li>Punkin</li>
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Your heart was made to love and be grateful…</div>
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2015</div>
Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-48341769483762271312015-10-22T14:09:00.001-07:002015-10-22T14:09:27.286-07:00Standing UpI used to teach at Diablo Valley College. When I was injured and in the hospital, it did not occur to me that I had upcoming class until a few days before the class was scheduled to begin. I finally "woke up" and realized that I needed to call my supervisor and let her know what had happened. I assured her that I would be able to return to work the next summer. About six months before my class was to begin, I contacted my supervisor to set up a meeting to discuss what accommodations I might need. She told me, "we gave your class away." I was totally devastated because I love teaching, I am a good teacher, and this was a link to my future that gave me some will to keep fighting. Since then, I have learned some about the Americans with Disabilities Act. I found that I qualified to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission. I chose to do this because it really hurt me to lose that position and I wanted to know whether my feelings of being wronged were valid. I have volunteered to attend mediation regarding this issue and I'm waiting to hear if the college is willing to attend mediation. I contacted the Employment Law Center in San Francisco and was referred to a disability employment workshop in Berkeley where I would be able to meet with a lawyer to discuss the case. The Employment Law Center were very supportive of me and the issue that I have raised. It is my hope that I will be able to get the job back because I can do it with a reasonable accommodation. I will keep you all posted and in the loop. I know that I am not the only one that has experienced this sort of thing. I encourage everyone to stand up for themselves as the worst thing that can happen is that I will learn more about my rights. It may just be possible, that the employer will also learn how to be more culturally competent. Last but not least, I hope to be a good role model for students with a disability. I want to send a message that you can achieve your dreams and do what you want with or without a disability. So, I will keep you in the loop about what goes on and what I learn. Send good energy and good juju. Thank you for all the love and support.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-42261436119732399242015-10-02T14:56:00.000-07:002015-10-02T14:56:06.373-07:00ReviewI've been thinking today and looking over all the progress we've made in the last year. In the hospital. I think we were just in shock and sort of in a fantasy land. I guess this is probably a defense mechanism protecting us from dealing with the reality of our situation. I was unconscious for 10 days. The next 20 days were spent fighting off the demons that morphine brings. The second 30 days we were moved to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, which was like spinal cord injury heaven. Things were so easy when we were there, the staff was so positive, and I believe it was by design that stress was kept to a minimum so that we could learn what we needed to learn. The days were packed with learning how to care for me and how to direct my care. We were definitely on a pink cloud when we discharged. Chaos reigned as soon as we got home. We had medications and supplies strewn all over our house. People were coming and going and offering to help, but we were either too proud or too in denial to accept. My partner tried to do everything which lasted about three weeks. Then it all fell apart. The next six months were quite hectic. Colleen moved out and I grabbed on to anyone that I thought could help me. I had never felt so vulnerable in all my life. I pretty much let people run rampant through the house because I felt powerless. Colleen was so angry with me and so hurt. I didn't believe that we could make it with my disability. Things were really awful. I cried just about every day. At some point I was able to take her perspective and understand how things had gotten so out of hand. Thankfully I was able to get Colleen to come back. Slowly but surely we got our house back to somewhat what it used to be like and we had to change caregivers. We changed a lot of things. Now it is almost like it used to be pre-injury. When I look back at all the changes we went through I realize that it was par for the course. We didn't know how to cope with the change in our lives. We could hardly look at one another because it was so painful. Questions of "what if?" and "why me?" plagued us. To be honest, they still do, but today, looking back, I am proud of how strong we've been and the progress we've made. I will have to keep this in perspective as I face the future because it will certainly be even more manageable as time goes by. I guess this is a universal truth when dealing with struggles. Somehow we get through it. Over time things get better.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-47750204849180814652015-09-20T16:48:00.002-07:002015-09-20T16:48:52.214-07:00Looking Towards AutumnOne thing you might not know about quadriplegics is that they lose their ability to automatically regulate heat and cold. Most people shiver when they're called or sweat when they're hot which helps them to regulate their body temperature. When I sweat it usually means that there is something wrong. I have to watch out for a thing called autonomic dysreflexia. My body has a backup system (all bodies. I suppose) that allows me to know when something is bothering my body, a.k.a. noxious stimulus. What this means is that if I have an ingrown toenail that is bothering me. I don't feel it, but sooner or later if it bothers me enough my blood pressure will start to go up and I may begin to sweat. This is my warning signal and once I am aware I need to take action. I will begin by taking my blood pressure every two minutes to see if it's rising. Then I have to find the noxious stimulus or the source of my pain. If I cannot find it, and my blood pressure continues to rise. I may need to call 911 or risk a possible stroke. So we have a checklist to review about possible causes of autonomic dysreflexia. We also have a handout to hand to the EMT technicians and/or emergency room physicians so that they know what action to take. I have to be able to help them understand because my experience shows me that they're not usually looking to read anything in these moments. So, we ran through the checklist and usually we find the source or the noxious stimuli. I have to be very careful about being in the heat or cold because it can trigger autonomic dysreflexia. All this to say it is too hot for me today and I look forward to autumn.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-16703021345719266912015-09-14T21:31:00.000-07:002015-09-14T21:31:17.407-07:00AngelsSome time ago, I was taking the city bus home from the movies when I had a nice experience. Bus made a stop and an older woman got onto the bus. As she was passing by me, she asked me if it would be all right for her to touch me. I told her I didn't mind and she put her hand on my shoulder before she continued on to find a seat. She sat behind my caregiver. She asked my caregiver if she thought I would mind if she asked me a question. My caregivers told her that she didn't think so and to just ask me.<br />
She told me that she was somewhat psychic and that she just wanted to let me know that I had angels all around me. I told her that I knew that they were there.<br />
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It was a lovely experience because I always wanted someone to tell me that. I have experienced a lot of loss in my life and whenever I would see mediums telling people messages from their departed loved ones, I would feel neglected in that I never heard from mine.<br />
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There are plenty of angels surround me in real life or in my day to day life. I have my partner, Colleen , who helps to keep me cheerful most of the time. I have family members that come to see me on a regular basis. And I usually have a house full of caregivers helping me on a day-to-day basis. If ever I felt alone in my life, I certainly do not feel alone now. Thank God for that. Recently I had home healthcare workers visiting me due to a pressure sore (which has healed now) and they told me stories about most the people they see. They confirmed how lucky I am to be cared for so well.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-37609690598363980542015-08-24T18:25:00.000-07:002015-08-24T18:25:12.846-07:00Life is SweetI'm not sure that's the name of the song. It's one of Natalie Merchant's great songs that I hope someone plays at my memorial. Yes I think about things like that, doesn't everyone? Anyway, I'm not going anywhere soon, I have a plan. As you are aware, I am studying for my licensing exam. So easy to get distracted. I spent hours today trying to upload a photo from my phone. First I got lost trying to organize my photos on the computer. Finally I figured out how to upload the photo. I love the picture and have decided to take many more pictures. The woman with me is my partner, Colleen. We also took our baby punkin on a ride. We rode down to the park that punkin really likes. It was very nice to get out.<br />
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Another new development that I'd like to share with you is increased movement in my arms. This has allowed me to try all kinds of new tasks. I was able to hold a cup and drink the water in it.. I fed myself 75% of my lunch today. I'm trying to adapt my hand braces so that I can try to brush my teeth. I'm really excited about doing these things. My hands have been getting lots of sensation. In my mind I can see my fingers and thumbs moving.<br />
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I was so tired on Friday and Saturday that I gave myself the day off to rest. Besides studying for my test, I've been getting visits from all of the home health people. That eats up my day and my energy. However, I also got a visit from my aunt who just turned 80! It was great to see her and celebrate this milestone. We had a cake with candles and sat around telling funny stories. I learned for the first time that my mother, grandmother, and aunts and uncles lived in Compton. Actually, they lived there twice. My aunt shared that she went to 17 different schools. I always think about my grandmother and the struggles she had raising her family as a single woman in those days. I know that it was hard for her and she would be proud to see how we've all turned out.<br />
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Good news! I've begun to receive the equipment that the Department of Rehab is giving to me. This assistive technology will allow me to utilize my computer fully whether I am in bed or at my desk. I also received a book stand so that I can read a physical book. I'm working to figure out how to use a new Bluetooth earpiece which will allow me to answer my phone and probably do a lot more. I am very grateful for this help and I'm trying on to learn how to use it all so that I can make good on my employment plan.<br />
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So now I have to say goodbye so that I can get back to my studying. So long…Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-11334535927003073912015-08-17T17:42:00.001-07:002015-08-17T17:42:17.877-07:00Look what I can do!Today I accomplished a new action all by myself! I turned the TV off! Seems like a little thing, but to me it is huge and I'm very proud of myself.<br />
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I've been doing a lot of things by myself lately. First of all I have more muscles and sensation in my arms than ever before. So my arms have been contracted so they've looked like chicken wings. I have been able to stretch them out so they are beginning to look straighter.<br />
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The level of my injury caused my arms to have biceps but no triceps. I was unable to stretch out my arms. Recently I've regained my triceps and I'm making good use of them. I reach up and pull my microphone so I can speak into it. I've used my mouse and even clicked it. Every day all day long. I stretch my arms using my wheelchair for leverage. Every little bit increases my independence a little bit.I'll take any independence I can get even down to turning off the TV.<br />
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Good news today. On Friday I'll begin to receive the assistive technology that the Department of rehab has allowed me to get. I will be getting updated software, a bedside table monitor, a mouse that I can use, and a tool that will allow me to press keys on the keyboard. All of these items will allow me to utilize my workstation to my full capacity. I am very grateful to the Department of rehab. The DOR is an amazing resource for those who want to return to employment. They are also providing me with the study material that I need to take my licensing exam. Eventually I would like to apply to work for the DOR.<br />
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Life is good!Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-28168973243364607272015-08-14T15:29:00.001-07:002015-08-14T15:29:47.948-07:00Ms. Wheelchair America!Congratulations to Ms. Wheelchair America, Alette Coble-Temple! I am so grateful to know Alette. She is an amazing woman and an inspiration to many. She is most certainly an inspiration to me. The first time I met her was in a graduate school course that takes one year to complete. I admit when she first rolled in to the class. I groaned because I wasn't sure I would be able to understand her but within three minutes. I fell in love. During my studies at graduate school. I was lucky to take many courses that Alette taught and I learned a great deal from her. Even luckier, was that she agreed to chair my dissertation. Although it took me some time to complete, I had no struggles with my committee. Many my fellow classmates could not say the same. One course I took from Dr. Coble-Temple was the Psychology of Disability. While I was in the hospital not long after I was injured, I remember thinking, what an advantage. I had because of the knowledge I gained in that course. One of the concepts we talked about was how the disability community called able-bodied people , "temporarily able-bodied." This concept blew my mind because I had never thought of the possibility that some day I could actually become disabled. It was truly an aha moment for me. Lo and behold, as fate would have it, that was the concept that I needed to deal with so that when I found myself in that position, I understood that this happens to people. I am certain if I had not ever thought about what it might be like to become disabled. I would've been even more devastated than I was and my recovery time would've taken even longer just trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I had become disabled. In the weirdest way I am truly a lucky person. And I am so lucky for the people I have in my life. We couldn't ask for a better spokesperson to represent the disability community. She knows so much about disability culture and the challenges we face on a day-to-day basis. Hooray for Alette and all of the disability community!Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-74867631340699112872015-07-24T20:26:00.000-07:002015-07-24T20:26:43.047-07:00Be careful what you wish for… Well, I finally have a new primary care physician. Which is good, right? Little did I know that I would be getting new home healthcare. Which means that I can no longer participate in outpatient treatment. I'm pretty sad about this because I had a great physical therapist who was helping me to make progress. Not to mention I've had to meet with five new professionals who want to start it day one with me. After they meet with me, they determined that I really don't need their services. It's a waste of both of our time. They don't seem to mind too much as they are getting paid for it. I find it quite condescending when they're telling me the things that I learned a year ago. I also find it a bit difficult to pretend that I am super grateful for their help. I feel like I'm being held back a grade. So take a deep breath and keep on marching forward.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-4342742850005673562015-07-18T14:24:00.003-07:002015-07-18T14:24:54.210-07:00A great flickI finally got a chance to see the movie, a Theory of Everything. It's a movie about Stephen Hawking's life. I especially appreciated the sensitivity the movie showed towards the difficulty of keeping a relationship as well as the importance of relationships. The movie showed just enough struggle to give you an inside view but not so much that it was pitiful. Stephen Hawking's life philosophy was or is that as long as there is life there is hope. I keep thinking about that and I will keep it in hand for myself.<br />
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As for myself, things have been pretty busy. I had a visit from the assistive technology guy with the Department of rehab and he assessed me for equipment that will improve by ability to work on the computer. Looks like I may get a new workstation and some training. The guy gave me some training while he was here, which will make my life easier as I'm studying for my exam.<br />
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I have a new primary care healthcare provider who does home visits and understands chronic care. I am hopeful that I will have less problems getting the care that I need. Looks like my referral to UCSF is just about complete and I'm looking forward to having this tracheostomy removed. I am hoping to be able to do some physical therapy in a pool.<br />
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A warm thank you to everyone who's been so supportive, especially to Colleen who has stuck by me throughout these traumatic events. I really want to acknowledge how difficult this has been for her. I also want to give myself a high 5 for doing everything that I've done this year. It's been a difficult year, but a lot of progress has been made and I need to remember that. As long as there is life there is hope!Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-17545024945381757072015-07-11T18:17:00.001-07:002015-07-11T18:17:32.436-07:00Slow progressThings are moving slow for me but I have a lot going on. When I was in school I learned a term, "crip time." Not sure if this verbiage is still in use but what it refers to is the fact that everything takes longer when you have a disability. I'm finding out that this is so true. I'm changing primary care physicians which is good however right now I messed up with the state on some of my caregiver hours, I have a pressure sore, I need medications, and it's all held up until I see my new doctor. Working with the Department of rehab and that is slow process. I have a Van now but it needs service. I'm having to stay in bed which is no fun. I used to be so active and now I find myself so bored. I think about so many other people who have a worse than I do and I wonder how they survive. I guess it's because you have to survive. You really have no choice. In any case I'm not a bad mood I am actually okay. These are just my thoughts as the days go by. Anyway I can distract myself I do.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-56571067448948943722015-07-09T15:27:00.005-07:002015-07-09T15:27:57.082-07:00SoldierI remember being in a support group while I was in rehab and someone said, "When you get home you'll be fighting for your life." I didn't know what they meant at the time but I sure know now. I have a lot of things going on and it seems like everything is a fight. I've decided to change my primary care physician at the suggestion of my home health care nurse practitioner whom I trust very much. However, in the meantime I'm dealing with health issues that are unresolved and important. My last provider either mistakenly or purposely decreased the number of hours I have for in-home support services. These are the hours that my caregivers get paid to assist me. I have no use of my hands so I need someone with me at all times. Right now all I have is 18 hours per day when I did have 24 hours per day. That is a huge difference. Not sure what I'm supposed to do for the six hours that I have no care. I also am struggling with a bedsore. I don't have the appropriate dressings. So I am managing the best I can until I get my new provider which won't be until the 15th. My wounds from my fall are healing but there is a risk for infection. I have no pain medications. I still have not completed my referral to UCSF. I need to get my Van lift repaired. I'm trying to study for my exam. I'm looking for housing. Sometimes it all gets to be so much! Let's just hope the new physician will be more helpful and then I can focus on other things.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-41845509218111834722015-07-07T13:48:00.000-07:002015-07-07T13:48:11.933-07:00There's work to do…Today I have something to do and for that I am grateful. My colleague has asked me to assist him in a group process with his staff. This will be the first chance I've had to work since my injury and I am excited about it. Lately there have been so many good things happening and still I find myself grieving the loss of my old life. There is so much I need help with just to get through the day. I tell myself "no sniveling." Still I struggle all day long to keep it positive. I have such great role models to look to yet the reality is what it is. I'm sure I'm not alone because this is difficult for anyone. Thank you to everyone for all the love and support that gets me through the day. Thank you for the tolerance that those around me must have just to deal with my moaning and groaning. Somehow I will find a way to accept the cards that I've been dealt. My goal is to even rise above and thrive in my life despite my disability. While I'm here, I want to make the most of it.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-36981938618995307602015-07-05T16:07:00.004-07:002015-07-05T16:07:54.867-07:00Independence DayIt seems like just about all of my life Independence Day has had great significance. There was a time in my life, long ago, when I was hopelessly lost. I was homeless, drug addicted, and an emotional wreck. I remember more than one Fourth of July where it dawned on me how I was anything but independent. Yesterday I got to celebrate a bit of independence in that I got in my Van and went to a party. I cried tears of joy just sitting in my Van riding with my girlfriend. It reminded me of days gone by and the things that we used to do together. It was a nice feeling. I will need to get my lift worked on a bit because the swing arm did not work for me and I couldn't get out of the Van. That's okay because the Van's a really great thing. I also want to get the roof raised and if I need to possibly get a new lift. My wheelchair broke as well. So now I cannot shift my weight. Hopefully I can get the repair person to come straight away and fix the chair. I may have to spend at whole day in bed in order to get it fixed. That's a real drag for me. Anyway, just taking things one day at a time.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-74330457589040176942015-07-03T14:12:00.001-07:002015-07-03T14:12:20.969-07:00Great news!I have great news! My dear friend, Alette, has donated a Van to me. It is a great Van that has a new engine, a lift, and Windows for me to see out. I hope to get the roof raised and possibly a new lift with the funds that I have raised. I am so lucky and blessed. I've only been in the Van one time and need to practice getting in and out. I have planned to go to a barbecue for Independence Day. That will be my first outing. Pictures to come soon.<br />
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I am trying to study for my licensing exam. I also received help with getting my study materials. Again I'm a very lucky and blessed woman. Studying has been a little difficult and I am full of self-doubt. I'm trying to maintain an attitude of confidence and to be diligent with the studying. I have one year to do this and it is so important to me. I just cannot see not getting licensed after all the work I've done. Also it is important so that I can do therapy in the future. Please send good energy my way so that I can get it done.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-53652844010395609972015-06-29T12:09:00.001-07:002015-06-29T12:09:57.716-07:00Santa Clara Valley Medical CenterBrian Stow, the Giants fan who was assaulted at a game with the Dodgers, did his rehab at Santa Clara Valley medical Center. He recently went back to visit on crutches which is miraculous. He wanted to thank the caregivers who helped him when he first was injured. I also did my rehab at Santa Clara Valley medical Center. It was the best hospital and care I could have ever hoped for. I'm very grateful for all that they taught us about living with my disability. I was only there for 30 days and thankfully I received most the tools I needed to get around in my life. The curriculum basically taught me what kind of care I needed from head to toe. I'm also very grateful to Colleen who stood by my side and learned all the necessary procedures for living. I especially want to shout out to Dr. Crew as he was a terrific doctor. He actually has spoken to me by phone several times since I've been home. It is amazing the contrast between the care I received there and the care I get today. Not sure what to make of that except that they strive for excellence.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-53244237498119904342015-06-28T15:37:00.001-07:002015-06-28T15:37:39.904-07:00An article<pre>
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<pre>The New York Times had a great article on bipolar disorder. Check it out by clicking the link below.</pre>
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<pre><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/magazine/i-dont-believe-in-god-but-i-believe-in-lithium.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share" saprocessedanchor="true" target="_blank">http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/magazine/i-dont-believe-in-god-but-i-believe-in-lithium.html</a></pre>
Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-52206289736814968232015-06-27T14:22:00.000-07:002015-06-27T14:22:33.646-07:00Rough dayYesterday turned out to be a rough day. Actually things were going well until the early evening. My partner, Colleen, pulled up in her Jeep which she just got out of the shop. I was excited to see what had been done to the car. I began rolling down my ramp, forgetting that I didn't have my top seatbelt on. I tilted forward out of my chair and toppled onto the ground with the chair on top of me. It was very scary. We called 911 and they took me in to the hospital to be checked out. I had x-rays and a CT scan. No broken bones, no concussion, just a goose egg on my forehead and a raspberry on my elbow. Big lesson, no rushing around for me anymore. I guess I'm quite blessed that I didn't kill myself.Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-15095265050270560522015-06-26T15:20:00.000-07:002015-06-26T15:20:05.101-07:00Celebrating equalityToday is a day to celebrate! The Supreme Court decided that the LGBT community will share the same rights to marriage as everyone else. Equal rights are good thing for everyone. I am proud to be an American.<br />
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I also have a great big wonderful announcement to make but not just yet. Keep watching for good news on my blog.<br />
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I have so much to be grateful for, most of all for the love and support of friends and family. I am also especially grateful for strong role models. Some days I feel I just can't do it but then I think about others that I know that doing it and doing it well. This gives me the strength to go on. There is so much to do and it seems like so much is a struggle. When I look at other people like they are superheroes and I'm just a regular person. Still I must go on and so thank God for all the people have shown me that life is still possible. Humans are amazing!Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6361604572169101535.post-59638693342524490762015-06-18T15:57:00.001-07:002015-06-18T15:57:28.473-07:00An amazing womanI received a message from the Dean of my alma mater today. It follows below:<br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Dr. Alette Coble-Temple</b> has been named the <b>Harry L. Morrison Oustanding Faculty of the Year</b>! Dr. Coble-Temple is a graduate of JFK University’s Sport Psychology and PsyD programs. She began her teaching career at JFK University in 2002 and attained the faculty rank of Full Professor in 2014. During this time her contributions to the University, College of Graduate and Professional Studies, and the PsyD program have been invaluable. Dr. Coble-Temple is the Chair of the PsyD program’s Curriculum Committee (no easy task as the doctoral program is accredited by the American Psychological Association - APA). In addition, she serves as the Faculty Liaison to the PsyD Student Council. Most admirable, however, is her primary focus on the education and training of our PsyD students. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Dr. Coble-Temple was inducted into APA’s prestigious 2014 – 2015 Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology. Dr. Coble-Temple also serves on APA’s Committee on Women in Psychology (CWP), arguably one of the Association’s hardest working committees. She is a national presence in advocacy for persons with disabilities. Recently, her visibility and impact in this regard have been greatly increased with her having won the Ms. California Wheelchair 2015 competition, a social justice organization. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">All of the above accomplishments serve the important function of modeling for our students a commitment to lifelong learning and how a psychologist can make a tremendous impact inside – and outside of – the University. As you might imagine, given her prolific scholarship, exceptional student mentorship, and public advocacy, Dr. Coble-Temple is an incredible asset to John F. Kennedy University. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Coble-Temple, JFK University’s 2015 Harry L. Morrison Outstanding Faculty of the Year!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: Monotype Corsiva;"><span style="font-size: 26.6666660308838px;"><b>I very much admire Alette. She is amazing!</b></span></span></div>
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Official Bad Asshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11091559501778355791noreply@blogger.com0