Pete Barron

I had to go to the emergency room at the end of March for some severe gastric problems. They wouldn’t let my service dog or my wife even through the door. The procedure took several hours and I was unable to call anyone to let them know until they discharged me. I understand this was early in the pandemic, but communication was totally absent,…[Read more]

I have often heard that with anxiety as well as pain you were supposed to get “into” it to feel it fully to try to understand it. While that may be useful to comprehend things on a deeper level, it has never worked well for me. I just try to keep busy and avoid concentrating on the pain or anxiety! When I’m busy, I forget my pain and worries and…[Read more]

I would want something like yours’. They actually make a chair with tracks and wheels that can even go up and down stairs. Unfortunately they are European and not medicare approved so you have to buy a ridiculously overpriced chair with cash and there’s nobody around who could repair it or even get parts. Also these chairs compromise speed and…[Read more]

Choking is a major problem with my disease (Myotonic type 2). My sister who also had this, died choking on a spoonful of peanut butter. So, I am always trying to slow down my eating and coat everything with enough liquid to lubricate it’s passage. I still choke frequently, sometimes without eating. So far it has never reached the point to where I…[Read more]

My first insurance covered chair was with Numotion. Service was awful and customer care disappeared as soon as I signed up to buy it. Many of my disabled friends had the same experience, so much so that we got to calling them “Nomotion”! My newest chair is through National Seating. Although far from problem free, they really make an effort to cut…[Read more]

Years ago I was being fitted with orthotics for my toe or foot drop. I realized once I got the brace on that I couldn’t drive with it because it wouldn’t allow me to extend my toes and I would have to lift my whole foot up to work the accelerator. Since then I realized that I would be much more mobile and safer if I gave up walking all together…[Read more]

Swimming has been my “go to” exercise since I figured out that it worked 20 years ago. Unfortunately, my local health club pool of course was closed for 3 months and just now opened for swimming and water workouts on a limited basis. I haven’t ventured back in yet and am waiting to see how well other members stay healthy. I hope to get back in the…[Read more]

I know that everybody is different, but for me with my type of muscular dystrophy (myotonic type 2) my muscles fell better the hotter they get. I go out and get my exercise in the heat of the day, sweating like crazy! My service dog however, doesn’t like the heat so I move my activities where she has to run with me to the mornings.

I have a service dog who helps me up when I fall and I can lean on her when I have to walk. However, it’s the emotional support that keeps us bonded and she can always make me laugh!

I use the EZ lock system in my van. I raised the mounting plate in the van so my pin sticks down less. It still hangs up on hoses and some high transitions, but it is better than it was before and I could not travel independently without it. Permobile makes a retractable pin for use on their chairs which would be nice, but it’s spendy and another…[Read more]

My wife made me a mask with one wide elastic strap that I can slip on and off by myself. Now my only problem is fogged glasses! I do miss seeing peoples’ faces though,…

When I first saw some Mel Brooks films (“Blazing Saddles”, “Young Frankenstein”, etc.) I was shocked at how he made fun at racism and at disabilities. But soon I realized that by making fun of everything without exceptions, he was making all things equal. He actually made separating one group out for ridicule look foolish.

I had a virtual appointment with my primary care doc. I thought it worked well, because in this case there was nothing physical she needed to see. I think it makes sense unless they have to examine something.

For me, swimming has been my go to exercize for 20 years. It has been the only thing I can do that actually helps with my muscular dystrophy. Everything tells me that low resistance, high repeats is what we’re after (which fits swimming to a “T”). Unfortunately now pools are all closed so I have to figure out replacements. I have a recumbent trike…[Read more]

Monday is very busy with appointments now that things are starting to open up around here. I will be home a couple of times in between and will check my email. I don’t get email on my phone, but you can text or call me at 541-520-1842. Looking forward to it! Pete

Welcome back, I am healthy and very busy doing home school and day care for two grandkids 40 hours a week. When they go home though I catch up on email (and sleep)! I am looking forward to contributing whatever I can, Pete

For me, swimming has been my go to exercize for 20 years. It has been the only thing I can do that actually helps with my muscular dystrophy. Everything tells me that low resistance, high repeats is what we’re after (which fits swimming to a “T”). Unfortunately now pools are all closed so I have to figure out replacements. I have a recumbent trike…[Read more]

This discussion brings up another good book: “Don’t Call Me Inspirational” by Harilyn Rousso. Personally I hate the “inspirational” calls from somebody I don’t know, (those who know me don’t throw that one out at me!) It seems that they are trying to build themselves up on our backs so to speak. It’s like if they notice, then they are somehow…[Read more]

I’m responding to the “first wheelchair” question. Having adult onset (MD type 2) I didn’t know what to expect. It’s such a rare disease and the symptoms in two different people even getting the disease from the same source, (like my siblings), are extremely varied. I first realized I needed something to get longer distances than I could any…[Read more]