#i need to book an appointment with a speech pathologist

[merryfortune]

Growing older sucks. First my tics, and now it's looking likely I have PCOS. Am I just gonna keep getting older and keep developing lifelong conditions until one of them kills me or what?

[healthcaremedical12]

Best Ent  Specialist in Gurgaon-Mayom hospital

Welcome to the Department of Otolaryngology ENT at Mayom hospital, a beacon of excellence in Best ENT Specialist in Gurgaon for comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care. Our department is staffed with a diverse team of ENT specialists , blending youthful energy with seasoned experience to offer compassionate and ethical treatment to every patient. We understand that each patient is unique, with specific needs and expectations, and we are committed to delivering personalized care with individualized attention.

Whether it's a complex airway reconstruction surgery or a routine tonsillectomy, we strive for excellence in every aspect of patient care. Our philosophy revolves around the understanding that it's not lasers and machines that heal individuals, but the responsible and skillful utilization of these tools in conjunction with the highest medical standards and technology.

Our ENT specialists have garnered some of the highest satisfaction ratings in the fraternity, with extensive reviews on Google reflecting our commitment to patient care. We take pride in our diverse patient base, with nearly 20% of our patients traveling internationally to seek dependable, affordable, and cutting-edge therapy.

Cutting Edge Technology and Tools:

Our department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and tools, including COBLATION® radiofrequency Cutting Device, Zeiss microscope, Medtronic M5 drill and micro debrider system, and more. We offer a wide range of procedures, from adenotonsillar disease to head and neck cancers, ensuring comprehensive care for all ENT conditions.

Why Choose Us?

Mayom hospital is nationally and internationally recognized for providing good, affordable, and reliable treatment for the entire spectrum of ENT diseases and disorders. Our team of ENT doctors, along with audiologists and speech-language pathologists, is dedicated to providing the best care to our patients. With a focus on personalized attention and cutting-edge technology, we strive to deliver the highest quality of care to every patient, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Our FAQ section addresses common queries about ENT specialists, treatments, and procedures, providing valuable information to patients seeking care at our department.

1. What is an ENT specialist gurgaon and when should I consult one?

Answer: Best ENT Specialist in Gurgaon is a medical professional who specializes in treating ear, nose, and throat problems. You should consult an ENT specialist if you have any issues related to these areas, such as hearing loss, sinusitis, or tonsillitis.

2. Who is an ear doctor or ear specialist, and how can they help with ear problems?

An ear doctor or ear specialist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating ear-related problems, such as hearing loss, ear infections, and tinnitus.

3. What services does an ENT department or hospital provide?

Answer: ENT department or hospital provides a range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and surgery for ear, nose, and throat problems.

4. What is the role of an ENT surgeon, and when is surgery required for ENT problems?

Answer ENT surgeon is a medical professional who performs surgical procedures to treat conditions affecting the ear, nose, or throat. Surgery may be required for conditions such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, or sleep apnea.

5. How do I find the best ENT doctor or hospital in India?

Answer :To find the best ENT doctor or hospital in India, you can research online, ask for referrals from your doctor or friends, and read reviews and ratings. You can also book an online appointment with us to get an immediate response to your medical condition.

6. Who is the best ENT doctor in Gurgaon, and what are their credentials?

Answer: The best ENT doctor in Gurgaon may vary depending on your specific needs. You can research online, read reviews, and check their credentials, qualifications, and experience to make an informed decision. Mayom hospital has one of the best Ent doctors in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR, India.

7. Can I get a consultation with an ENT specialist in Gurgaon online?

Answer :Yes, many ENT specialists in Gurgaon offer online consultations for patients who cannot visit in person.

8. What are the common ENT problems that require treatment from an ENT specialist?

Answer: Common ENT problems that require treatment from an ENT specialist include ear infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, hearing loss, and vertigo.

9. How can I prevent or manage ear infections, hearing loss, and other ENT problems?

Answer: To prevent or manage ENT problems, you should practice good hygiene, avoid exposure to allergens or irritants, and seek timely treatment if you experience any symptoms.

10. How much does it cost to see an ENT specialist, and will insurance cover the treatment?

Answer: The cost of seeing an ENT specialist may vary depending on the nature and severity of your condition, as well as your location. Insurance may cover some or all of the treatment costs, depending on your policy.

Choose Mayom hospital for Your ENT Needs:

As one of the leading healthcare providers in Gurgaon, Mayom hospital is committed to delivering exceptional Best ENT Specialist in Gurgaon to our patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference that compassionate, ethical, and personalized care can make in your ENT journey.

[flameontheotherside]

Don't Box Me In

Everyone these days wants to be in a tribe and they make it thier identity. I understand the need to belong and fit in because I allowed that to take over my life. I grew up sheltered in the suburbs. Combine that with being on the spectrum there were a lot of social hang-ups and things I didn't quite understand. I was also battling depression and anxiety at an early age (Tourrets didn't start until I was 20 and before any meds) but my mom refused to let me be medicated which I know she meant well but I should have been. I should have had support. My twin brother was a goody 2 shoes and gifted academically where I wasn't. My younger brother was a baby and he couldn't do wrong.

I had middle child syndrome (born middle of the night, middle of the week, middle of the month, middle of the year). With my twin just being 1 minute older, it meant he was the responsible one. He took that role seriously so I got most of the blame for when things went south so I was grounded a lot. I spent a lot of time indoors while my friends were outside. So I cried a lot. It was frustrating for me.

I was bullied by everyone!

My family, siblings, teachers, strangers, etc. The bullying got so bad that I needed to see a school appointed therapist. Also I had issues with speaking (still do but it's better) so they added a speech pathologist. Then I was having trouble with reading and math. So I was taking special classes that were slower and offered more attention. This went on until high school. In high school I saw just the therapists and had to retake some English and math classes.

People only saw my gullablility, awkwardness, my big glasses, and lack of understandings. Also my need to be useful by being very accommodating to others aka people pleasing. I just wanted to be normal so when I started to understand my psychic abilities by reading books about it I realized I didn't want it anymore. So my ability to see very specific futures slowly went away. They were scary because I couldn't understand why or how it was happening things like that I chalked up to hallucinations. Again, wanting to be normal and it's stayed with me even now.

So long story short, I felt I didn't belong.

People considered me to be "rich" just because I lived in the suburbs. Our schools were predominantly black and Hispanics who lived in not so nice places. I remember bringing my friends over and going to school being made fun of for not being able to do school outings because they were expensive. Yet I live in a big house in the suburbs behind pearly gates. We had a retired football or athletic guy live a couple houses down. To me it wasn't a big deal. Anyway, someone who is mixed like me often gets asked the question, "what are you?". I also often hear conflicting arguments about racial rules as well. I could get really dark just from playing in the sun, I can get real pale from staying inside. It was always hard to figure out with people.

I've seen racism on all sides. I've been confused with races (as if mixed isn't a thing) that aren't even on my 23andme dna chart. It's kind of funny but also very very annoying. It's happened before, Id go out to have fun, on the same fucking night I get asked if I'm black and asked if I was native American. Sometimes some dude would get real close to me too close for comfort, looks me up and down and says some very sexist and colorist shit. Usually black men. Sometimes old white guys want to be around me because I'm exotic. It happens to me all the time and it's very very annoying.

I started saying I'm an Alien.

Never felt like I fit in for so many reasons all mentioned above. I've become comfortable with not needing to belong to any sort of groups. I'm not lonely because I'm not alone. No one can put me in a box or box me in. Those people who insist on putting me in a box...?

I ask them things like:

Why do you need to know?

Does it really matter?

Please do not out me in a box.

I'm an alien having a human experience.

Ask God.

People who put me in a box..

...Don't understand that by doing so it makes them just racist, sexist, and\or colorist as everyone else. My ethnicity, gender, and skin color don't need to be measured as good or bad or anything. None of those things fucking matter to me. I'm not going to go by what is expected of me. I'm not going to feed into racial stereotypes. My mixed racial make up is just that; a hodgepodge of all kinds of shit. Yes there are two areas heavily concentrated in areas but I feel no real connection to any of them. The connection I feel is with others who feel like I do but I feel no need to join a group, club, clique, or anything.

I don't give a flying jack fuck-all about social-racial constructs or rules. If they help you sleep at night, by all means, I hope you take your racist, prejudiced, colorist, sexist ass to sleep with the rest of them. Today I'm proud to be myself in a world that seems to need validation from others. I feel sorry for those people stuck in a bubble like that but idk maybe I'm salty that I don't have that kind of community. It's not all that bad. I don't like big groups anyway because it's breading grounds for drama. Being under the radar and a loner works for me!

When forms ask to select race, sometimes I choose other or select any random box or boxes except for white ROFL. People wouldn't find that funny except for me. I love fucking with people like that and challenging them to think outside the box. It makes them uncomfortable. When I have conversations with people they get embarrassed (I can see the fear in their eyes) and walk away feeling like an asshole because they are asshole. They just didn't know it yet.

I feel so much free-er not needing to belong anywhere. There's no pressure to feel a certain way or be a certain way. I don't care about what people think. I just let them be assholes and go about my day with a smile on my face. Don't fucking box me the fuck in, you just can't because I will only piss you off and have fun with it 🤷‍♀️.

😘💕 Love, peace and burger grease!

[mrlongkgraves]

World Voice Day: Helping young people find their voice

Rowan performs in “Beauty and the Beast”

This World Voice Day, we share the stories of three young people who regained their voices thanks to the Voice and Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Program at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Rowan’s story

As a frequent actor in community theater, Rowan needs his voice to be strong and clear. So when his parents noticed his voice was becoming increasingly hoarse in late 2017, they asked his pediatrician about it during his annual checkup.

Rowan’s pediatrician referred him to the Voice and Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Program, and he was scheduled for an appointment at the Waltham campus. Rowan met with a voice therapist and had an exam with otolaryngologist Dr. Anne Hseu, who diagnosed him with nodules. She explained the condition was something that often disappeared with adolescence, but could often be managed with voice therapy until that time.

“At first, Rowan was a little hesitant about the consultation” says his mom, Carin Aquiline. “But after he met with the voice therapist and doctor for the evaluation at the Waltham campus, he was less skeptical about going.”

At the time, Rowan had just landed one of the lead roles in his school play. “Since he was going to be singing and using his voice more than usual, we decided to start the voice therapy right away,” says Carin. Rowan met with speech-language pathologist Roseanne Clark for 10 sessions over a period of 3-4 months.   

During their sessions, Roseanne would try to work in material from his play whenever possible. “We also did a lot of speaking stuff, like making sounds and reading books out loud, which helped for sure,” says Rowan. “I used to lose my voice a lot, especially at the start and end of sentences, I’d just get cut off. That happens much less often now.”

“From our perspective, it was very helpful,” says Carin. “If he didn’t do his exercises from session to session, he could really see the difference. We also appreciated the way Roseanne and everyone at the clinic interacted with him. “They made him feel comfortable and that was very reassuring to him.”

It’s been a little over a year since Rowan’s last visit. Carin says he hasn’t had any major flare-ups, but if he gets a little hoarse, he can manage by doing the exercises Roseanne taught him. That’s a good thing, because he recently started rehearsals for a production of “Newsies” in his community theater group that will go up in May.

____________________________________________________

Nicolas

Nicolas’ story

Nicolas FloresQuero always had a hoarse voice, but his parents became concerned when it seemed to be getting worse as he got older. “We really started noticing it more over the last two years, especially when he was reading out loud,” says his dad, Jaime. “He would start reading a sentence and run out of air, like he was losing his voice. We noticed it usually got worse as the day progressed, and there were some days when he would lose his voice completely. It was like he was putting too much effort into talking.”

Nicolas’ voice issues led to trouble performing in school and difficulty communicating with other kids. “We reached out to a few speech therapists, but they didn’t want to take his case,” says Jaime. Finally, a teacher at Nicolas’ school recommended the Voice and Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Program. “We thought any speech therapist would be able to help, but we learned it’s a really specific field and Boston Children’s is the best place to go for this type of voice therapy.”

At Nicolas’ first visit, the otolaryngologist, Dr. Roger Nuss, diagnosed him with vocal fold nodules, a common cause of hoarseness in children. He recommended voice therapy to help reduce the nodules.

Alex, left, with siblings Sofia and Alex

Nicolas began meeting with voice therapist, Karen Thompson, and Jaime says they started noticing changes in his voice after just three or four sessions. “He was a little afraid to go at first, but Karen was so great working with him that he was excited to go after he met her,” says Jaime. After each session, Nicolas would come home with lists of specific words that were hard for him, and he would practice making the different sounds.

“After 12 sessions, he was like a completely different kid,” says Jaime. “We were really concerned last year, because he couldn’t even read a paragraph from a book without getting winded. Now he can speak and read out loud with confidence.”  

It has been about a year since Nicolas’ last visit and he is doing great. A follow up visit with Dr. Nuss found that the nodules are greatly reduced. Now in fifth grade, Nicolas is doing well in school and loves playing hockey and hanging out with younger siblings, Alex, 6, and sister, Sofia 9.

____________________________________________________

Ben

Ben’s story

Ben Sagerian was always a social, outgoing kid, who liked participating in theater and musicals. Then in the beginning of eighth grade, he lost his voice and everything changed. 

“He got strep throat that September and even after it was treated he kept saying his throat hurt,” says his mom, Jen. “We had him retested for strep and mono, but the tests came back negative.”

Meanwhile, Ben’s symptoms continued to get worse until he completely lost his voice. When forced to communicate, it was in a hoarse whisper. His parents brought him to a local otolaryngologist who diagnosed Ben with acid reflux and prescribed an antacid. This didn’t relieve his symptoms.

“By December, we were at our wits end,” says Jen. “Ben said the pain in his throat was horrible. And because he couldn’t communicate in school, he was becoming more introverted. His whole personality changed.” The doctor ran more tests, but couldn’t find a problem.

After many more unsuccessful visits with doctors, Jen did some internet searches on her own and found a story about a boy who had similar symptoms and had been treated at a specialized voice center. This led her to the Voice and Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Program.

“We had answers at the very first visit,” says Jen. In the morning, they met with Roseanne Clark and Dr. Roger Nuss. After the exam, they went into a room filled with monitoring equipment and television screens. Roseanne asked Ben to make sounds and they all watched his vocal cords on the screens while he did this. The problem was clear: Ben’s vocal cords weren’t closing, a condition called vocal cord paresis.

“The best thing was that the treatment was voice therapy, no medication,” says Jen. Ben met with Roseanne every week in the Waltham office to work on his voice. Because his voice also happened to be changing, he wasn’t used to the sound of his new voice and had become almost afraid to talk.

Ben, second from left, with his brother, Andrew, and parents, Rob and Jen, in Portugal

“I feel like Roseanne and Boston Children’s helped him not only with his voice, but also with the emotional issues around not talking,” says Jen. The family was planning a trip to Portugal that April and worked with Roseanne to make a deal with Ben. “We told him no more whispering on vacation,” says Jen. “Even though it was painful at first, he did it. When we got back, he was talking normally.”

Now a sophomore in high school, Ben is back to his former gregarious self and is involved in every musical that comes his way. He’s also an avid skier. “Working with Boston Children’s has been the biggest gift,” says Jen. “If we hadn’t found this program, I’m not sure what would have done.”

Learn more about the Voice and Velopharyngeal Dysfunction Program.

The post World Voice Day: Helping young people find their voice appeared first on Thriving Blog.

from Thriving Blog https://on.bchil.org/2GqnhYk

[chestnutpost]

8 Ways You Can Help Someone Who’s Dealing With Cancer

This post was originally published on this site

A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, regardless of the outlook. The news can also be hard on friends and family, as they struggle to figure out what they can do to help a loved one after the diagnosis.

Beth Pauvlinch, who wrote about caring for her mother who lived with cancer in her book Two Women 1Disease, said various gestures, no matter how small, can go a long way for someone dealing with the illness. Small actions and encouraging words can mean more than you think.

Curious about what they are or how you can help? Here are a few tips from experts and those who dealt with cancer firsthand on ways you can support a loved one living with illness:

Celebrate the wins along the way

martinedoucet via Getty Images

Cancer can be an emotional rollercoaster that includes waiting for test results, extensive side effects from particular treatments and possibly going through a multitude of surgeries. Erika Hauer, a breast cancer survivor based in New Jersey and brand ambassador for the cancer support website Humanly, said that celebrating little victories can make the process more bearable.

“When I was going through treatment, my friends and family rallied behind me by making everything a celebration. We celebrated my chemotherapy, we celebrated by when I got my breasts removed, and so many other milestones,” she said. “Instead of being alone and be sad about what I was going through, I look back on my time during treatment as a party and celebration of life.”

Volunteer for specific tasks

Jann Fujimoto, a speech-language pathologist in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, who is undergoing breast cancer treatment, said having friends and family step up to tackle various tasks for her helped keep her mind at ease.

Make specific overtures, “such as offering to drive to chemo (or other medical appointments), take over family carpool responsibilities, organize meals coming to the house, host extra playdates/sleepovers for children,” she said.

And if you offer assistance, make sure of your the availability to follow through without undue effort. It’s important that the person you’re helping “doesn’t feel as if they are inconveniencing you,” said Danielle T. Calvano, a breast program clinical navigator at White Plains Hospital Center for Cancer Care in New York.

Don’t walk on eggshells

The last thing most people living with cancer want to deal with is someone treating them like they should be kept in a bubble. Therefore, it’s vital to continue to engage with them as you did before their diagnosis.

“Try to keep our relationship as normal as possible,” said Roberta Luna, a 16-year-old pancreatic cancer survivor who advocates for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN).

She said that when going through her treatment, she appreciated when friends and family continued to joke with and even challenge her at times. “It’s okay to get mad at me for something not cancer-related. Be honest with me. Share how you feel. It’s important to me to have as normal a life as possible. I don’t want to think about cancer 24/7,” she said.

Jules Cohen, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook University Cancer Center in New York and a clinical associate professor of medicine at the school, said to continue to do normal, fun, everyday things with patients “because life goes on even with a cancer diagnosis or during chemotherapy or after a grim prognosis.”

So have your weekly coffee meeting at Starbucks, head to the movies to see a new film you’ve been eying or try out a restaurant you haven’t eaten at before.

Don’t underestimate a comforting gesture

FatCamera via Getty Images

A little hug can really lift someone’s spirits and your loved one will likely welcome an endearing physical embrace.

“Look me in the eye, hold my hand, give me a hug. Cancer is not contagious, you won’t ‘catch it’ if you look at me or touch me. Hugs, handholding can be very comforting,” Luna said.

Encourage healthy habits

Many people living with cancer may feel the need to avoid food or drink due to nausea or other side effects from chemotherapy, said Raanan Berger, director of the oncology division at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel and a cancer expert with Belong.life, a social network for cancer patients, caregivers and health care professionals.

“Help them out by making sure that they have easily accessible favorite foods and gently remind them to keep sipping fluids even when they’re feeling nauseous,” Berger said.

Melissa Berry, founder of the lifestyle site Cancer Fashionista, suggested offering to make someone a warm, soothing meal such as a hearty soup or stew. “There is nothing better than a home cooked meal,” she said.

And if you are bringing meals to a person with cancer, be sure to take the food in containers that do not have to be returned, Fujimoto said. “It is a great support to receive meals but it can be a little stressful trying to figure out how the dishes will be returned to the giver of the food.”

Accompany them to their appointments

Hero Images via Getty Images

It’s not uncommon for those living with cancer to only remember 50 percent of what their doctor has relayed to them during an oncology appointment. Therefore, accompanying them to a medical office and being their eyes and ears in the meeting can go a long way in helping to make sure that they fully understand what their doctor is telling them.

“For newly diagnosed or those who are going to an appointment after a scan, ask them if they need someone to go with them,” said Marlon Saria, an advanced practice nurse researcher and assistant professor at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “You can not only help absorb the information being conveyed by the providers, you can also retain information about support services that are available to address their needs.”

Saria added that it can be helpful for a significant other, family member, friend or colleague to take the lead on organizing any pamphlets, brochures, business cards and phone numbers that a doctor hands out during an appointment. “You can help [the patient] to sort it out after the fog settles,” Saria said.

Don’t be afraid to bring a little humor

As the saying goes, laughter really is the best medicine. A fun way to relieve someone from the stressors of treatments and doctors’ appointments is to find some new movies to screen for them, said Heidi Floyd, a breast cancer survivor and an awareness ambassador for Wacoal, a lingerie company that has a current campaign to raise money for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation. “And make them funny!” she added, noting that it’s a nice escape for an hour or two.

Don’t be a know it all

Peopleimages via Getty Images

Cohen said it’s important to refrain from sharing “all you ‘know’ about cancer and cancer treatments, how pharmaceutical companies are trying to rip you off, how doctors don’t know anything, how you’re better off getting herbal, alternative medicines than chemotherapy, which damages the good cells as well as bad.”

Cohen stressed that it’s hard enough for patients to deal with a diagnosis and come to grips with the treatment they might need to go through without such input. “They don’t need their friend, relative, coworker to muddy the waters by giving them their two cents, no matter how well-intentioned,” he said.

Instead, offer to be a listening ear to what they’re thinking, feeling and going through. And do so without judgment and on the person’s own terms, said Sandy Southerland, a clinical nurse navigator at Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Newport Beach, California.

“Everyone processes the news of a cancer diagnosis differently,” Southerland said. “Some people want to be treated the same ― talk about the same old things, and not focus on how they are sick. Others may want to talk about all the new developments and types of treatment they are receiving every step of the way. And some people will also transition from being open to private at various times. You just go with the flow and support how they feel in that moment.”

“Living With” is a guide to navigating conditions that affect your mind and body. Each month, HuffPost Life will tackle very real issues people live with by offering different stories, advice and ways to connect with others who understand what it’s like. In March, we’re covering cancer. Got an experience you’d like to share? Email wellness@huffpost.com.

The post 8 Ways You Can Help Someone Who’s Dealing With Cancer appeared first on The Chestnut Post.

from The Chestnut Post https://thechestnutpost.com/news/8-ways-you-can-help-someone-whos-dealing-with-cancer/

[mikeyd1986]

MIKEY’S PERSONAL BLOG 135, December 2018

Last Saturday night, I attended the CinFull Fitness Christmas break-up held at The Main Cafe Bar Restaurant in Berwick. Considering that I had to work for 9 hours and quickly got myself changed after work (into an ugly Christmas sweater of course), I was amazed at how “awake” I was. The restaurant was a lot more fully booked than I expected and I could tell that the staff were flat off their feet. I easily found the table that Cinamon booked for us so I just decided to walk on over.

The sad reality is that I hardly ever go out socially so tonight I was making the most of it. Still, I was being sensible with my alcohol intake especially when I had to get up early for work the next day. Cinamon made up these cute little gift bags with a personalised name tag, each containing some bath bombs and choccies. It was a really sweet and thoughtful gesture. I decided to order the poached chicken with chips, which ironically was the first meal to arrive considering I got there a bit late.

Even though social situations will continue to be a challenge for me, I was doing my best simply tuning into the conversations happening around me. As I’ve stated before in previous blogs, it takes a while for me to be comfortable enough to open up about myself to people. I guess it’s a self-defensive mechanism of mine, being cautious about who I trust and trying my best not to get hurt. I’m certainly not a closed book either, simply just shy and reserved.

I could also tell that these girls (and guy) were all pretty relaxed around me. That actually puts me at ease because I know girls can have preconceived notions about men but the truth is that they have nothing to fear. I try to be the most easy going, friendly, caring, humble man because that’s my nature. We did have plenty of laughs and somehow I managed to stay for over 2 hours, which is a pretty big achievement for me.

I didn’t even need to rush over to the toilet once (for a mental regroup) so that shows my progress with being in social situations. I enjoyed my night and I’m really looking forward to smashing more fitness and confidence goals in 2019 with CinFull Fitness.

On Monday afternoon, I had an appointment with my occupational therapist Ambika from Everyday Independence. I was feeling a bit nervous and apprehensive today as I really didn’t know what I’d be in for. I did my best to create a calming, relaxed space in the dining room with my folder full of notes, a notepad, glass of water and radio playing softly in the background. At least I could say that I was physically prepared for this.

The appointment seemed to go pretty smoothly as Ambika gauged what I needed assistance with at home and together we put together a helpful weekly planner to add household chores to including cooking, cleaning, dusting vacuuming, sweeping, wiping certain rooms of the house. She also made it realistic and manageable, considering I don’t do many of these tasks currently, in order to build up motivation and confidence gradually.

She’s set me the task of preparing my own recipe for dinner including writing out a shopping list and buying all the ingredients. Sounds simple enough, it’s just the “doing” part now. Ambika also recommended a few apps I could use to help with moods, coping strategies for stress and anxiety as well as daily planning and checklists. These are Daylio - Diary, Journal and Mood Tracker, Headspace: Meditation and Mindfulness and Google Keep - Notes & Lists.  

On Monday night, I attended my last Boxing class for the year with Cinamon Guerin at CinFull Fitness in Narre Warren South. It’s hard to believe that it’s been five months since I’ve joined this group and I can definitely see the improvements I’ve made with my confidence, focus, determination and drive. I’ve always been slow to warm up when it comes to learning boxing techniques and combos but it doesn’t take me long before I’ve “got it”. https://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-basics/how-to-box/the-beginners-guide-to-boxing

It was just a couple of us tonight (Sam, Sarah and myself) but I was content with that. I was actually worried that I wouldn’t get there on time with all the local peak-hour traffic making me run late but I made it. We did some EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) drills which involved 10 jabs, 20 uppercuts, 30 highs and 40 hooks plus 4 side to side straddles, 10 star jumps, a squat hold and 10 V-crunches. Plus some continuous walking combos which made us all laugh.  

I’m hoping that in the new year, I’ll be able to come to classes more regularly and even stick around for a “double” one time. But right now I know my limits in terms of physical fitness. It’s something I need to continue to work on so that I don’t get as tired or fatigued as often. It’s about forming better habits and smashing through goals gradually. It doesn’t matter how many times I go off track, I’m going to keep bringing myself back.

On Tuesday morning, Mum and I attended the City of Casey - School Crossing Supervisor’s Christmas social function held at Zagame's Berwick Hotel. Switching the venue from last year’s event at the Lynbrook Hotel to here seemed like a good idea on paper considering how large the turnout was. Sadly, they still ran into a few problems such as using a “random bingo number” system to organise everyone’s meal orders. It was chaotic and messy to say the least especially with Sonya having to yell out the numbers instead of using a microphone. Going table by table would have been much more efficient but never mind.

We were lucky to sit in a comfy circular booth near the rear of the Sports Bar with Mum’s friend Val plus Kay and Ray. They put on a Morning Melodies performance for an hour, playing a mixture of Christmas songs (Hark Now Hear The Angels Sing, Blue Christmas, Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree) and a few classics including ABBA’s Dancing Queen and Honey Honey, You’re The One That I Want by John Travolta & Olivia Newton John and Sugar, Honey Honey by The Archies.

After the drama with the main meals was over, Dreena (the School Crossing Co-ordinator) announced a few years of service awards and drew out some door prizes. Mum was lucky enough to win one which I was very pleased about. As expected, I got asked the question of what I’ll be doing next year. I always find it really daunting and hard answering because I never really know myself. I’ve lived this year pretty much day to day.

It’s like people expect you to have your life mapped out for the next 5-10 years but in reality, I’m lucky to plan a month in advance. However, I am considering enroling in one of the free TAFE courses such as the Certificate IV in Mental Health as I have personal experience as well as a keen interest in that area. Plus I still have a burning passion for creative writing including blogs and music/movie reviews and also getting back into art again. So there you go. Hopefully that’s a satisfying enough answer for those wondering.

On Tuesday night, I went to the final Body Balance class for 2018 with Astrid held at YMCA Casey RACE in Cranbourne East. I was still feeling very tense through my upper back and shoulders after my boxing session last night so I figured some yoga and pilates stretches should help with that. We did the new release (number 83) which features tracks including Towards The Sun by Rhianna, Die Young by Sylvan Esso, There She Goes by Leon Bridges, I Need a Forest Fire by James Blake & Bon Iver. https://www.lesmills.com/workouts/fitness-classes/bodybalance/#facType=modal&filterType=0&classes=bb

Overall, this wasn’t a bad release. The balance tracks and Pilates were the most challenging parts for me but I did what I could given my limitations. Here is a breakdown of the exercises: Tai Chi Warm Up (Overhead arm circles, Flowing Water arms), Sun Salutations (Forward Fold, Low Lunge, Downward Facing Dog, Plank, Crocodile, Baby Cobra), Standing Strength (Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Joyful Warrior, Intense Pose), Balance (Half Moon pose, Falling Star pose), Pilates Core (Foot circles, V-crunches, Bicycle crunches, Bow pose), Twists and Seated Poses (Swan pose, Wide Legged Forward Fold with Side Stretches, Half Lord of the Fishes pose), Hamstrings (Butterfly pose, Happy Baby pose) and Relaxation. https://www.livestrong.com/article/39660-body-balance-class/

On Friday morning, I had my first appointment with a speech pathologist named Amon from Everyday Independence. Was it going to be like the opening scene from Everybody Loves Raymond? (THEY’RE COMING! Come and sing a song of joy!). Probably not. That’s just my anxiety trying hard to freak me out. New person alert. Oh shit! It’s something I need to seriously confront in order to gain more self confidence really. And the reality is that he’s here to help me. https://www.everydayind.com.au/our-therapies/speech-pathology/

Today’s assessment involved being asked a lot of scerario-based questions related to my communication skills and how I talk with people I know and people I’m not familiar with. It was pretty difficult and confronting at times especially the part on making conversation. This is an area where I have huge issues and a lot of sensitivity about ever since my childhood. Plus it’s really draining answering questions for 1.5 hours. https://www.everydayind.com.au/therapy/communications-skills/

Luckily, Amon was very friendly and easy going. It was just tough coming up with decent answers like how I respond in certain situations and trying to remember specific examples of times when this happened. When you’re in a brain fog or you simply can’t come up with anything, it’s embarrassing as. But Amon was quite patient during these awkward silences and didn’t push me too hard.

We also came up with a couple of goals to work towards over the next 12 months. This includes: Being more confident and using strategies to make conversation with others, especially people that I’m not familiar with. Developing friendships with people I feel comfortable with and be able to spend time socially with in the future. I rated my level of importance has high for both of these goals. Hopefully 2019 will be a more successful year for me in terms of achieving more self-confidence and better communication.

“The cold wind is blowin' and the streets are getting dark. I'm writin' you a letter and I don't know where to start. The bells will be ringin' Saint John the Divine. I get a little lonely every year around this time...I've got to know (Nobody ought to be all alone on Christmas). Where do the lonely hearts go (Nobody ought to be all alone on Christmas). Oh cause' nobody ought to be all alone on Christmas.” Darlene Love - All Alone On Christmas (1992)

“All around the world. Anticipation. 'Cause here it comes again (you see). No matter where you are. It could be near or far. But it still feels like Christmas time to me. I tell you what you already know. Forget and ready to let it go. The countdown has begun. Whether you're in the mmh. North, South, it's all the same. Let your troubles fade away. Get ready to love everyone.” Kylie Minogue & Dannii Minogue - 100 Degrees (2015)

[mikeyd1986]

MIKEY’S PERSONAL BLOG 133, December 2018

On Monday night, I attended the Aspergers Victoria’s event Strategies For Success At Work, held at MS Australia - The Nerve Centre in Blackburn. Tonight’s event coincides with International Day of People with Disability and featured a panel of three professionals each diagnosed with autism including Jeanette Purkis, Mark Solonsch and Jacqui Brady. There was quite a large attendance with fellow Aspies, volunteers, parents, teachers and carers. https://aspergersvic.org.au/event-3131241

The event was opened by President of Aspergers Victoria, Tamsin Jowett, who briefly talked about the values that are represented by AV including celebrating our neurodiversity, promoting inclusiveness and empowering people with a disability. She then introduced the three panelists mentioned above and handed the floor over to each of them.

Jeanette Purkis Âû was the first panelist to speak. She is a published author, best known for her book The Wonderful World of Work, as well as a public servant, autism mentor, presenter, blogger and advocate. She talked about growing up with low self esteem, being bullied in high school and wanting to be socially accepted among her peers. After pursuing further education and going to university, she found a casual job as a dishwasher which was not only unsatisfying but gave rise to high levels of anxiety and panic disorder. http://www.jeanettepurkis.com/

Though through her determination and many stressful, difficult changes, she managed to successfully become a public servant. She notes her strengths include loyalty, attention to detail and being kind and friendly. Challenges include anxiety, paranoid thoughts, misinterpreting what other people say and having self doubt. https://jeanettepurkis.wordpress.com/

Her most important advice for preparing for job interviews and being successful in the workplace include: asking lots of questions, researching the organisation, identifying what your skills are, using positive self-talk, challenging negative thoughts, practicing your interview and getting all the assistance you can. https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-wonderful-world-of-work-jeanette-purkis/prod9781849054997.html

The next panelist was Mark Solonsch. He is an Aspergers Victoria board member, former small business owner, an author and has 25 years of experience working with Australian businesses. He segmented his presentation into four phases. The first “Naive Arsehole” stage showed that Mark was a very successful technical expert with knowledge in marketing and data analysis but no social skills or ability to manage his own business. From this he devised the formula: Technical + Social + Sales = Business Success.

The second phase called “Naming It” was about Mark identifying his strengths and weaknesses, problematic behaviours and being able to work on social interactions. It also highlighted the importance of being authentic and he devised another formula: Quality x Acceptance = Effectiveness. The third phase “Diagnosis of Aspergers” was about getting information, learning, surrounding yourself with people who accept you and finding support.

The final phase called “Coming Out” is about embracing yourself and your diagnosis. It is a constant work-in-progress as telling others of your condition will take time. It is important to help others to understand what being autistic is like and taking responsibility for yourself. https://aspergersvic.org.au/who-we-are

The final panelist this evening was Jacqui Brady. She is an anthropologist, former Royal Australian Air Force aviation technician, writer and comedian. She opened with a few jokes involving an embarrassing moment sitting on Santa’s knee as a 6 year old child as well as admitting that her biggest fears are being in Supermarkets and large crowds of people.

She then briefly touched on having a traumatic life growing up and working for the military as a clerk technician. She has studied anthropology which is the study of humans and human behaviour in societies, specialising in sacred sites. She also commented on the fact that she rejected her autism diagnosis several times during her life, the importance of building skills, finding out what makes you happy, tapping into special interests, staying away from naysayers and the need for physical space.

Lastly she talked about the concept of the 4D’s, which is essentially how to handle discrimination from others. The first one is DENIAL (e.g. You look normal to me). It’s important to EDUCATE the other person. The second one is DISMISSAL (e.g. You’re not like other autistic people). You may need to get FORCEFUL with this person. The third one is DEFLECT (e.g. We can’t change things for one person). It’s important to GET HELP. And the last D is for DISCRIMINATION.

I only stayed for about an hour as I was getting restless and a little rundown with a sore throat. But I’m glad that I came along tonight to gain some valuable advice and insight into what it’s like to be an autistic person in the workplace. I can relate to many of these challenges myself, especially the social aspects plus sensitives and anxieties of being in a busy retail environment. It’s very much a day to day thing for me but having support is vital. https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/manage-autism-workplace/

On Tuesday morning, I had my first appointment with Occupational Therapist Ambika plus Elise from Everyday Independence. They actually came to my home and I had my Mum there for support but my anxiety levels were beginning to spike upwards as the time approached 10 o’clock. I think a lot of it had to do with not knowing what to expect and just those “meeting new people for the first time” jitters. It’s also daunting making big adult decisions sometimes. https://www.everydayind.com.au/our-therapies/occupational-therapy/

The two therapists did their best to make it as casual as possible and I also tried to get myself as prepared as possible by having my NDIS plan, notes and letters ready on the dining room table. They were typing away on matching notebook computers, asking me some routine questions. They spent most of the appointment getting to know me, asking what my big goals are for next year.  I stumbled with some of the questions but overall I did my best. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-during-an-ot-evaluation-2509998

I came up with: 1. Building independence, social and conversational skills including making new friends and joining social groups. 2. Developing life skills including cooking, cleaning and home maintenance. 3. Being able to live independently in shared accommodation. 4. Improving self confidence and self esteem. 5. Enrolling in a TAFE course and studying part time. https://www.everydayind.com.au/ndis/our-ndis-services/

They also suggested that I should see a speech pathologist to help with the social confidence and making conversation aspects of my therapy plan. The difficult part was figuring out the funding side of things and how many hours I wish to use with Everyday Independence. But thankfully Ambika and Elise were there to assist and guide me as I really had no clue and didn’t know what I should do. So I’ll just be starting out at 10 hours of Speech and 10 hours of OT and see how I go from there. https://www.everydayind.com.au/about-us/our-approach/

On Tuesday night, I did a Body Balance class with Astrid Christophersen at YMCA Casey RACE in Cranbourne East. It’s been a few months since I’ve done one of these classes but I’ve missed it as a good portion of the class is strength-based yoga. The one thing I haven’t missed are the Pilates and Core components, even though I know they’re good for me. When I walked into the Group Fitness studio, there was a bunch of people sitting on the side of the stage being loud and obnoxious. I did my best to ignore them and not engage with them. Ironically, none of them were here for this class.

Astrid chose to combine a number of releases together including the tracks Free by Broods,  and Curse by This Pale Fire. My balance was very much off today but I laughed it off and kept giving it a go which shows my positive attitude. As expected, the most difficult part of tonight’s class was the Pilates section and it doesn’t help when I haven’t done any in a while. But still I did what I could and felt good by the end of the class.

We did the following exercises: Tai-Chi Warmup (Tai Chi breath arms, Circle arms, Wide Forward Bend), Sun Salutations (Extended Mountain Pose, Forward Fold, 3-Legged Down Dog, Plank Pose, Baby Cobra), Standing Strength (Intense Pose, Warrior 2, Sun Warrior, Side Angle Pose), Balance (Mountain Pose with Knee Lift, Willow Tree pose, Standing Modified Half Lotus, Eagle Pose, Dancers Pose).

Pilates Core - Abdominals (Crunches, Toe Taps, Alternating Leg Extensions, Bridge Pose), Pilates Core - Back (Seal Ankle Taps, Cross Crawl, Bow Pose), Twists (Cross Legged Twist, Seated Twist), Hamstrings (Seated Forward Bend, Happy Baby Pose) and Relaxation. https://lesmillsondemand.vhx.tv/bodybalance/season:1/videos/2016-4-bodybalance-75-55-min-lmod

On Thursday morning, Mum and I got our Santa photos done at Casey Central Shopping Centre. Some people would argue that I’m “too old” to be doing this at 32 years of age but I really don’t give a shit what people think about that. I see Christmas and having photos taken with Santa as a way of reconnecting with my childhood, when I was happier and I had less demands, responsibilities and pressures placed on me.

As usual, we were a bit disorganised trying to get our hats to fit and being “ready” to do this. This year we chose some bright green hats with layers of tinsel and bells attached. They actually looked more like witches hats than Santa hats but still looked great. I deliberately glanced away at the onlookers of parents and kids patiently waiting in the queue, especially after we took several attempts to get a decent photo of us.

“Santa” didn’t say much to us and in some ways I was glad. I pretty much already know what I want for Christmas...feeling better about myself, self confidence, more friends, improved mental and physical health and happiness. We decided to get the “Blitzen” package this year which was the cheapest of all the options plus a musical snow globe that you can place one of the photos inside. I was still feeling tired and restless but I’m glad that we finally got our Santa photos done today. https://caseycentral.com.au/santa-at-casey-central/

On Friday morning, Mum and I attended the Celebrate...It’s Christmas musical show held inside the theatre at Bunjil Place in Narre Warren. Walking into the main foyer from the hot gusty winds outside, I really didn’t know what to expect. The foyer was absolutely packed with people, all having their morning tea and sitting in the lounge areas. There would have been well over 100 people in attendance and the atmosphere was buzzing.

Funnily enough, my anxiety levels were manageable and not bothering me too much. I guess my new medication must have finally kicked in. I really haven’t had the time to stop and reflect on whether these meds (Lexapro 10mg) have been improving my symptoms of depression and anxiety but I would say for the most part they have. Of course I still have moments where I still get easily flustered, distracted, annoyed or irritable but it’s very situational.

After we sat down to have our cuppas and cakes, we were invited to proceed to the theatre. This was actually my first time going inside and was pretty impressed with the space. It reminded me of perhaps a miniature version of the Regent Theatre in Melbourne. They had a towering Christmas tree in the back right-hard corner of the stage plus a large black grand piano with a beautiful garland across the side.

We had seats in the front row which was initially bothersome considering how high the stage is but I learned to adjust to it. After a brief introduction, we were greeted by musical director and pianist Vicky Jacobs as well as actor and singer Ian Stenlake and classically trained vocalist Michelle Fitzmaurice. Performing a mixture of traditional Christmas carols including Away In A Manger, Silent Night and , Ian also read some lovely (and often naughty) poems and messages from kids about what love means to them.

We were also graced by Michelle for several songs including renditions of Silver Bells, Angels We Have Heard On High and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. She reminded me a lot of Marina Prior with her huge operatic vocals being able to hit some impressive high notes. She rocked a stunning light blue dress with glittering embroidered gems.

Back to Ian. We learned that he was a star on the Australian drama series Sea Patrol and recollected a funny story about performing his own stunts and being terrified about it. He had also starred in several stage musicals including Guys & Dolls, Cabaret and Mama Mia. He then invited a lucky volunteer from the audience onto the stage to perform a few lines from the Guys & Dolls script which was very hysterical to watch. Luckily the woman took it all in her stride and just went with it.

The show ended with a duet of The Christmas Song performed by Ian and Michelle plus a few bars from We Wish You a Merry Christmas with linked arms and swaying from the audience. It was a very enjoyable, highly entertaining show with the right balance of songs, comedy and fun. I feel that the man who opened and closed the show was pushing his promotion of Ian and Michelle’s albums and the upcoming Bunjil Place events a bit too hard but that was my only criticism. https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/celebrateits-christmas

On Friday night, I went to a Strength & Circuit small group training session at CinFull Fitness in Narre Warren South. In the past, I probably would have played the “Fuck this! It’s too hot!” card but I’ve made a commitment to myself to keep up with my fitness goals and not let any challenge deter me. Weather is an uncontrollable variable but when it comes to training and exercise, things can always be modified or adjusted.

It was just the four of us tonight: myself, Cinamon Guerin, Ashley Hart and Sarah Hart. It didn’t take long for those anxious thoughts to begin creeping in (Why aren’t they talking to me? Why am I struggling so much? What if I pass out during the workout? Why can’t I seem to speak up and contribute to the conversations?). It can be tough accepting my difficulties when it comes to making or joining in conversations and my natural introversion. But I did my best to push these to the side and just focus on the workout.

I knew that I wasn’t training at 100% potential tonight but the extreme heat had a lot to do with that. I think I also had a lot of stuff on my mind about things I have to prepare for with my Christmas gathering tomorrow. Sadly there’s no “off switch” when it comes to my constant mental checklists (Have I bought enough drinks? Have I bought all the food? Have I got all my decorations and cards ready?). Again just focus my attention back onto the workout.

Tonight’s workout consisted of the following...Warm-up: 3 rounds of squats, push ups and dumbbell squat press (20 seconds each). AMRAP (15 minutes): dead ball slams, barbell squat press, kettle bell swings, tricep push ups, dumbbell overhead shoulder press (8-12 reps each). Circuit: 3 rounds of wall balls, alternating push-up plank holds, weighted hip thrusters, bench press, TRX bicep curls (30 seconds each).