Working Through the Process - a Column by Robin Stemple

My regular readers know I’ve been losing function in my right arm, making many activities of daily living challenging. The pain, weakness, and stiffness I experience when I try to do anything with that arm began suddenly and has progressed rapidly this year. I’m now experiencing similar symptoms in my…

I returned home this past Saturday from my first time in a respite care facility, where I’d been staying for nine days. The backstory is that my wife, Wendy, and daughter, Jill, who are my primary caregivers, love to travel together. In the past, I’ve been able to manage daily…

I’ve been forced to make lifestyle changes continuously because of the progression of my facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and other health issues. But I’ve regained some independence in the past few weeks after losing some capabilities over the past six months. I have a new sit-to-stand…

If you’ve read my last few columns, you’ll know that I’m struggling with a lot of new issues due to the progression of my facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, along with joint issues from a head-on collision with a drunk driver years ago, and just getting old. As I’ve grown…

If you read my last column, you’ll know that I’ve been experiencing extreme physical challenges in the last couple months. These changes are a result of a combination of my facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, damage from a major automobile accident many years ago, and simply growing old. This has…

During a recent facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) wellness group meeting via Zoom, a friend of mine shared a poem by May Sarton that prompted the question: “Do I think of my body as an old friend or as an enemy?” I realized that my attitude toward my body has…

On May 1, my daughter Jill graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a master’s degree in public policy and management. She also received the department’s student achievement award and was the student commencement speaker. Earning this degree took quite an effort, as she simultaneously worked full time as director…

One problem dealing with a progressive disease like facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is that there’s no way to predict the pace of disease progression. I think this is true for the aging process as well. In my case, it may also apply to the joint deterioration I’ve experienced following…

Last week was a busy one for me. In addition to my normal activities, I took field trips on Tuesday and Thursday, looking for solutions to some of my recent struggles related to facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and other health issues. I’m really struggling to get around our…

Recently, standing up has become even more difficult for me than it previously was. The last few times I sat in my comfy recliner in my music and writing room, I worried I might have to call 911 for help getting up. My son, Ryan, had already added 3-inch risers…