SMA News Today
SMA News Today
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Tips for Retaining Caregivers
In a world where obtaining caregivers seems virtually impossible, I’m fortunate to retain the ones I have. In this video, I share my top tips for doing so. Although I dread when something arrives “assembly required,” I'm lucky to have the perfect person in mind for the task.
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To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums
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For the most up-to-date information regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com
Переглядів: 34

Відео

Is My Town's New Kohl's Accessible?
Переглядів 22614 днів тому
When you live in a small town, a new store moving in is big news. Over the past year, we’ve been anxiously awaiting for a Kohl’s to open its doors. Since it’s opening a week earlier than anticipated, I thought it would be fun to check it out before the big crowds. In this video, you’ll see what I thought of the new space, but spoiler alert: I wasn’t impressed with its accessibility. To take par...
My Biggest Monster
Переглядів 6321 день тому
This episode of the Morale Monologue is probably the most difficult video I’ve ever had to do in my life. Whether you have SMA or not, we all have hidden monsters in our closet. At the age of 56, my monster came out of the closet and started affecting the way I live my life. I detail what I’m going through in this video. I’ll be sure to update in the coming weeks. I hope and pray that sharing m...
Focus S’more on the Wins
Переглядів 52Місяць тому
Who’s ready for campfire season? After the week I’ve had, I sure am. But even after all the frustration, I found that just a small shift in perspective made it better. Share in the comments how you find small wins among day-to-day challenges! To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums For the most up-to-date information regarding SMA, visit www.sman...
DeAnn’s “Survivor” Casting Video
Переглядів 72Місяць тому
One of my go-to pastimes is watching reality TV, and “Survivor” has been a longtime favorite. Even though I love the show, I feel disability representation is lacking. In this video, I thought it would be fun to make a “Survivor” casting video. I’m spending the weekend at Mom’s, so I’m enlisting her help to highlight the qualities I’d offer as a cast member on the show, even though there’s a hi...
Horrific to Terrific
Переглядів 100Місяць тому
In this episode of the Morale Monologue, I discuss my last two Spinraza injections and how different they can be. My November injection was terrible; but fast forward four months and my March injection was perfect. It just goes to show that one bad experience doesn’t mean that every one will be bad. To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums ...
Why You Should Read Judith Heumann’s Memoir
Переглядів 372 місяці тому
Today, I share my latest read with you: “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist” by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner. Even though I was apprehensive about tackling a book like this, I’m glad I did. If you haven’t read it, I hope you’ll pick it up to learn more about this amazing human, who was integral in creating a more inclusive world than ever before. Then hea...
9 Steps to Help With the Live-in Caregiver Search
Переглядів 672 місяці тому
In this episode of the Morale Monologue, I discuss searching for a live-in caregiver. The steps I offer here may help as you begin this sometimes tricky process. I have a much longer list of steps I can share, so let me know in the comments if that’s something you’d want to see. To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums For the most up-to-da...
Adding My Voice: Helping to Shape Policy for the Jaco Robotic Arm
Переглядів 512 місяці тому
In this week’s video, I share how I went out of my comfort zone to participate in the health policy-making process for robotic arms, specifically the Jaco. While I wasn’t able to add as much input as I wanted to, I’m still hopeful my contributions will make a difference and make it easier for others with SMA to benefit from the device. Share in the comments how you’ve ventured out of your comfo...
How a Cough Assist Machine Makes Life With SMA Easier
Переглядів 802 місяці тому
In this episode of the Morale Monologue, I discuss the importance of having and using a cough assist machine. These cough assist machines give you the ability not only to expand and open your lungs but also to expel any mucus or phlegm built up in the lower lobes of your lungs. To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums. For the most up-to-da...
Advocating for Home Care Meeting My State Representative
Переглядів 473 місяці тому
In an effort to spread awareness about the challenges that those of us who rely on home care face, I met with my state legislator. And the meeting was, well, interesting. I wouldn’t necessarily say it was fruitful, but I’m glad I went out of my comfort zone to do it. Of course, I’m rehashing it in my mind and thinking of all the things I should’ve said. What issues would you have brought up? Le...
The Importance of Checking for Pressure Sores
Переглядів 453 місяці тому
In this episode of the Morale Monologue, I discuss the importance of checking for pressure sores, or pressure ulcers. While I was at a physical therapy session last week, my physical therapist, Emily, noticed I was starting to develop a pressure sore on my right glute. This is an issue many of us with SMA will have to face numerous times in our life, and it’s a topic that everyone should pay at...
Spare Time Projects While Living With SMA
Переглядів 423 місяці тому
Over the holidays, I spent a lot of time at my mom’s house. In this video, I explain why and also show you how I occupy my time there. It’s always fun trying something new, even if I know it won’t become one of my go-to hobbies. What hobbies occupy your time? Have you tried anything new recently? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, p...
Reflecting on My Annual Upper Limb Module Exam
Переглядів 403 місяці тому
In this episode of the Morale Monologue, I discuss some of the results I received from my annual upper limb module exam. I also share my feelings about the purpose of this test. How do you feel about this annual exam? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. To take part in our ongoing discussions regarding SMA, please visit www.smanewstoday.com/forums. For the most up-to-date information reg...
Disability Representation in "David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived"
Переглядів 573 місяці тому
While I’m in full hibernation mode, I’m taking advantage of the streaming services I signed up for during holiday promotions. In today’s video, I give you an overview of the latest movie I’ve watched, "David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived" - a documentary that chronicles the life and injury of one of Daniel Radcliff’s stunt doubles from the Harry Potter movies. I connected with the film on several l...
Making 2024 the Best Year Yet for the SMA Community
Переглядів 704 місяці тому
Making 2024 the Best Year Yet for the SMA Community
Convenience hacks for living with SMA
Переглядів 864 місяці тому
Convenience hacks for living with SMA
Disability Visibility - Are Times a-Changin’?
Переглядів 455 місяців тому
Disability Visibility - Are Times a-Changin’?
Addressing a sensitive but common SMA topic
Переглядів 1115 місяців тому
Addressing a sensitive but common SMA topic
Catching Up on Essential (but Demanding) Tasks
Переглядів 655 місяців тому
Catching Up on Essential (but Demanding) Tasks
My Worst Injection Experience Yet
Переглядів 725 місяців тому
My Worst Injection Experience Yet
Evolving Holiday Traditions
Переглядів 525 місяців тому
Evolving Holiday Traditions
My Tailbone Isn’t Such a Pain in the Tail Anymore
Переглядів 526 місяців тому
My Tailbone Isn’t Such a Pain in the Tail Anymore
How Comparing Ourselves to Others Can Actually Be Helpful
Переглядів 586 місяців тому
How Comparing Ourselves to Others Can Actually Be Helpful
Meet My New Wheelchair
Переглядів 796 місяців тому
Meet My New Wheelchair
Wheelchairs Need Repairing Too
Переглядів 866 місяців тому
Wheelchairs Need Repairing Too
Demonstrating the Capabilities of My New Wheelchair
Переглядів 807 місяців тому
Demonstrating the Capabilities of My New Wheelchair
Maneuvering Everyday Challenges While Living With SMA
Переглядів 1597 місяців тому
Maneuvering Everyday Challenges While Living With SMA
How Physical Therapy Will Help Me Transition to a New Wheelchair
Переглядів 477 місяців тому
How Physical Therapy Will Help Me Transition to a New Wheelchair
Planning for (Inevitable) Accidents With SMA
Переглядів 1417 місяців тому
Planning for (Inevitable) Accidents With SMA

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @annahbanana126
    @annahbanana126 День тому

    Thank you, DeAnn! Just bought the ones you recommended!

  • @EarlHiggins
    @EarlHiggins 24 дні тому

    I also have wounds on my tailbone, acquired during a hospital stay. It is very, very slowly getting better under the supervision of a wound care specialist. They have amazing techniques, you might be very surprised. Is there a wound care speciallist available in your area? I strongly recommend it. The situation is near and dear to my heart and if I can beat it, so can you. BTW I am SMA II age 60.

  • @samanthamoreno7713
    @samanthamoreno7713 Місяць тому

    Love the container! Crafting is good therapy. Are you able to post a link to the small cricut?

  • @robincollins4583
    @robincollins4583 Місяць тому

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

  • @juliettaylor624
    @juliettaylor624 Місяць тому

    This is so useful and practical, Michael! Thanks for sharing, I would definitely like to see more.

  • @survivinglife6007
    @survivinglife6007 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for this. I definitely want another video. Please.

  • @survivinglife6007
    @survivinglife6007 2 місяці тому

    Thank you.

  • @md-ariful-islam329
    @md-ariful-islam329 2 місяці тому

    Your video is really awesome

  • @chenyuhou2426
    @chenyuhou2426 4 місяці тому

    Hey Micheal thank you for all the offers you have made for our community. Decided that I could undergo scoliosis surgery in 2024. However, I recently learned about the new treatment Apitegromab, which is said to improve a patient’s muscle strength. If this treatment gains approval, should I wait 1 or 2 years to try Apitegromab first? I believe that receiving the treatment before surgery could strengthen my body and potentially reduce the risks associated with the surgery. Once again, I appreciate the contributions you've made to the community, Michael, and I hope to receive your wise advice.

  • @anthonymckenna5905
    @anthonymckenna5905 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for the video. Felt like you were talking to me. Are you open to talking offline about this topic? I sent you a message in messenger app. I would really like to hear more about your experience. I have an appointment with a surgeon on Tuesday for a consult. Thx. Michael

  • @robincollins4583
    @robincollins4583 5 місяців тому

    Michael, thank you for your informative videos. I enjoy them a lot.

  • @alexaxjae741
    @alexaxjae741 6 місяців тому

    Where did you get microwavable slippers?

  • @anthonymckenna5905
    @anthonymckenna5905 6 місяців тому

    Michael, would you be open to having further discussions re: this topic? It is something I have thought about in the past, as a possible option for myself as my condition continues to decline. I feel you would be a great person to discuss pros/cons beyond the video info and more details, if comfortable. Thanks! Anthony

  • @googleadmin1515
    @googleadmin1515 7 місяців тому

    It really takes a long time...

  • @michaeldaly7630
    @michaeldaly7630 7 місяців тому

    Also ask if Bluetooth can be incorporated into your chair's program settings. Many chairs already have Bluetooth options

    • @deannrunge9395
      @deannrunge9395 7 місяців тому

      Thanks for the suggestion. I do think my chair has Bluetooth capabilities but I haven't set them up yet.

  • @michaeldaly7630
    @michaeldaly7630 7 місяців тому

    If you use hey Google on your phone, set the phone to activate when the phone is shaken. Go to settings, lock screen then activate when raised

  • @michaeldaly7630
    @michaeldaly7630 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing! Always trying to think ahead with my little girl but even with the best plans, things can always go wrong

  • @adamburke1372
    @adamburke1372 8 місяців тому

    Good luck with it mate. Hate getting a new chair.

  • @wheelchairghost
    @wheelchairghost 8 місяців тому

    You need a Wheelchair Pimpology lesson. My UA-cam channel tries to inspire. There's 32 short videos, but it's all about making your chair a better partner. I couldn't even test ride my latest chair until it got a little pimped out. It's 2023. Why do you have to install your own 120 volt AC outlet on a new power chair? That should be standard equipment. Also, where do I plug in my Disco Ball? I love the night life, I've got to boogie...

  • @wernerkleinschuster2798
    @wernerkleinschuster2798 8 місяців тому

    Hello Michael, I have had the same problems getting a new wheelchair. I am 59 years old with SMA. When driving into my van and driving under a table, my wheelchair has to be a lowrider, that means it has to have quite low seat height. It is very hard to find this kind of wheelchair. I choose the following model: Balder F280 with a low force joystick. Together with three mini twister switches I am able to control every function of the chair, including controlling the computer and my phone by Bluetooth. I'm lucky that I can feed myself when I go close under the table with the low seat height with my arms getting positioned. The seat height of permobile was too high for me. I hope your new wheelchair will give you more freedom and can be controlled easily. All the best!!

  • @knight1wolf
    @knight1wolf 8 місяців тому

    Best of luck getting the new chair. I hope that you can get adjustments quickly. Take care!!

  • @gauravrawat2994
    @gauravrawat2994 8 місяців тому

    hindi bataye

  • @1politicalcowboy
    @1politicalcowboy 8 місяців тому

    What type of attachment do you have for your service dog. I am new to a chair.

  • @joshterrell1764
    @joshterrell1764 9 місяців тому

    Do you think Apitegromab has the potential to be abused by the fitness community like Ozempic?

    • @michaelpmorale
      @michaelpmorale 8 місяців тому

      Hey Josh, thanks for your question. My answer to your question is no. While there have been many pharmaceutical therapies in drugs that have been abused in the past, apitegromab will only be available to those of us who are either on Spinraza or Evrysdi. My understanding is that it will not be sold or used in any other form or fashion. Your doctor will probably know more about this than I do, but people will not be allowed to take apitegromab unless they are taking one of the other 2 FDA-approved treatments. Hope I answered your question.

    • @googleadmin1515
      @googleadmin1515 7 місяців тому

      Abused in fitness communit? I think these things can be abused in competitive sports. But in the general population? Millions of people take toxic and often lethal alternatives trying to lose weight and gain strength. If this became mainstream, how many lives will be saved simply from reduced "roid rage" aggression let alone the poisoning? Billions will be saved not having to manage the side effects of steroids.

  • @kylerunge2310
    @kylerunge2310 9 місяців тому

    Couldn't be more excited! I'll be around 35-36 years old and I have been extremely hopeful

    • @michaelpmorale
      @michaelpmorale 8 місяців тому

      Thanks for your comment Kyle. All of us within the SMA community have a reason to be excited and hopeful.

  • @lisaa.bertolini3752
    @lisaa.bertolini3752 9 місяців тому

    Thank you for sharing! I also have a smart faucet and Jaco. Unfortunately my ramp is very steep. Does your cat ever disappear? I have two Siamese and worry about them getting out with me.

    • @deannrunge9395
      @deannrunge9395 9 місяців тому

      I tried my darndest to keep my cats in. One stays in, but this one bolts out whenever she hears the door. She stays pretty close as I bribe her with lots of treats. She's also fixed so I think that helps too.

  • @garriewilson
    @garriewilson 9 місяців тому

    Which door opener do you have? I've been trying to find a way to easily convert my existing one work with Alexa.

    • @deannrunge9395
      @deannrunge9395 9 місяців тому

      It's an Open Sesame opener. I have the attachment to make it work with Alexa. My other door I believe is a Norton and I also have the attachment to connect it to Alexa. If you can program a remote to work with your device you should be able to adapt it.

  • @nataliegonchar131
    @nataliegonchar131 11 місяців тому

    thank you for being sincere and such opened person! I also have SMA

    • @michaelpmorale
      @michaelpmorale 11 місяців тому

      We all have bad days from time to time. Thanks for your comments, and have a blessed day.

  • @nataliegonchar131
    @nataliegonchar131 Рік тому

    Hii! Can you please inform me what the lifter are you using on the video?

    • @deannrunge9395
      @deannrunge9395 Рік тому

      It’s just an old fashioned Hoyer lift. I think they make more compact versions these days.

  • @rita86222
    @rita86222 Рік тому

    Saya juga ingin mendapatkan tindakan medis untuk sma yang saya alami. Please help me..

  • @lisaa.bertolini3752
    @lisaa.bertolini3752 Рік тому

    We are the same age and have similar sounding backgrounds. Thank you for this inspirational video! I used to practice breathing much more than I do now. The stress of life has had an effect on my breathing. The stopwatch made me realize I need to pay more attention.

    • @michaelpmorale
      @michaelpmorale Рік тому

      Thank you for your kind words. I'm hoping that my videos are serving a purpose. Regarding breath exercises, it's definitely something that you have to do daily, but I understand that stress and daily activities can interfere. Keep practicing your deep breathing, and please let me know if you have any further questions or comments.

  • @jeradcovey8305
    @jeradcovey8305 Рік тому

    1 minute 36 seconds first try, halfway there 😎

    • @michaelpmorale
      @michaelpmorale Рік тому

      1 minute and 36 seconds is very good. Try taking about 10 or 20 deep breaths so that you can oxygenate the lower lobes of your lungs, then try holding your breath again, you'll probably be very surprised at how much longer you may be able to hold your breath.

  • @rblakewatson
    @rblakewatson Рік тому

    This isn’t professional financial advice but ABLE accounts are pretty good for saving up for these kinds of things without that money being counted against you on certain disability programs (like SSI).

  • @tammy_99x93
    @tammy_99x93 Рік тому

    Do you have the link for the clinical trials? Curious what locations they offer

  • @tammy_99x93
    @tammy_99x93 Рік тому

    Thanks so much for the update! I always look forward to these apitegromab updates. Do you know if they are accepting adults for clinical trials? I'm assuming probably not cuz they usually never do, but figured I would ask anyway LOL

    • @SMANewsToday
      @SMANewsToday Рік тому

      Tammy - Thank you so much for your kind words. If you go to the description section of the video and click on the link that I provided for clinicaltrials.gov , you can search for this particular clinical trial. I believe at this time, they are accepting adults, but you can get current information if you go to the clinical trials website. Please let me know if you have any further questions, and thank you again.

  • @tammy_99x93
    @tammy_99x93 Рік тому

    I have a question about spinraza. Have you had spinal fusion? If so how does that work? I was told I probably can't because of my fusion by a doctor who I have never seen(was just giving recommendations) . But I also don't think he has the most accurate information because he also told me it was not for adults which I politely corrected him and told him it is

  • @tammy_99x93
    @tammy_99x93 Рік тому

    Evrysdi people are called PAL. Patient access liason or something like that

  • @kimberlykimmons
    @kimberlykimmons Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing

  • @violadwyer
    @violadwyer Рік тому

    Ugh, what a mess! I hope some things get better soon. Thinking of you...

  • @tammy_99x93
    @tammy_99x93 Рік тому

    I agree on all points. I've noticed no difference with water intake cuz i normally always drink alot of water. And even more so when I know I'm to getting my blood done. But the warm definitely helps, in the summertime I will usually go sit out in the sun prior to getting my blood done LOL. I've also noticed less successful blood draws from the PCP's regular nurse. She's terrible LOL. I also tried the phlebotomist upstairs who only does blood all day long, and even though she thought she was hot stuff I also found her to be quite terrible for somebody who does it all day long. I took my chances one day and decided to go get it done from the lab in the hospital which is only right down the street. He got me in one stick. Ever since then I've been only going to him lol. I will even call in advance to ask when he's working before I come over. He laughs when I tell him that LOL. But he's awesome

  • @renealvarado3658
    @renealvarado3658 Рік тому

    Why we never see nobody eat with that 35 k$ robotic arm !? Because they cannot. 😮

  • @partnersinmedicinellc3225

    Thanks for the video DeAnn! I really love that you put these together. The reason the manufacturer does not recommend gluing the pads is that the FDA requires food-safe glue which not everyone has. But I have some good news about the Jaco finger pads. We are now able to replace the part of the finger that has the bad pad. And we now offer a lifetime of free service for your Jaco! So we can ship a finger to you and you can send yours back to us. Just contact me for details.

  • @tammy_99x93
    @tammy_99x93 Рік тому

    I feel like this product is so expensive that there should be a warranty for things that break, malfunctions, etc. That was the issue I had with the product when I inquired about it and was told there are no warranties on anything. So as of this moment I have not pursued trying to get one yet. Also an even cheaper hack you can try if you need to down the line, are finger cots. For a lack of a better explanation they are basically as I like to call them, "finger condoms" lol. A lot of people in the restaurant industry wear them when they get a cut so that they don't bleed on people's food. And they are typically like $2 or something for a package of 200 or something like that. And they are rubbery. Just thought I would throw in another suggestion in case your other things end up not working after a while or so. You can also get a package of those long skinny balloons that people use to make balloon animals with LOL

  • @chameleonadaptations5774
    @chameleonadaptations5774 Рік тому

    I just recently received my jaco. I appreciate your videos and your problem solving

  • @lisaa.bertolini3752
    @lisaa.bertolini3752 Рік тому

    I believe that I have two copies. What do we do to supplement? Is that the new treatments or do we supplement through diet or both?

    • @tammy_99x93
      @tammy_99x93 Рік тому

      From what I understand, we can't change what we have

  • @tammy_99x93
    @tammy_99x93 Рік тому

    I believe i have 3

  • @chameleonadaptations5774
    @chameleonadaptations5774 Рік тому

    Thank you for showing this video I just looked through 50+ videos just to see somebody showing the controls and how you select the mode's.

  • @iffathussain2446
    @iffathussain2446 Рік тому

    Thank you for updating

  • @SMA_Dad
    @SMA_Dad Рік тому

    Thanks for the update. Keep up the good work. 👊

  • @Dialedbets
    @Dialedbets Рік тому

    Hope we can get it soon