Thursday is the day Lisa comes and gives me a massage, which I always look forward to. For the last few days, I've been having a very unpleasant new symptom; my diaphragm starts to spasm and flutter, making it even harder to breathe. I told Lisa about it and she said she would concentrate on trying to open up the area. She always starts by placing her hands lightly on me and talking about what we will try to accomplish. It creates a very calming atmosphere, along with the soft music (we're using Myra's lovely harp CD).
As she was gently stretching my upper body, I had a very clear vision of my diaphragm as an angry dragon, and what Lisa was doing as gently luring it back to its cave. I told Lisa about it and she found it a very interesting image to work with, opening up a space for the dragon to be comfortable in its lair and not intrude into "my" space. In any case, there's been a lot less of that spasming the rest of the day, making me a lot more comfortable.
It was a cloudy day, but quite mild, and Marty thought it would be a good idea for us to go out, so he helped me get dressed and we drove to a mall in Chestnut Hill where there were some more spring floral displays. I rode around in my scooter and we admired some mini-gardens, but I got tired rather quickly and we headed home. I had a MindFreedom board teleconference that started at 6:30, and we got home just in time for me to call in.
Ann will be here tomorrow and I will have her do a lot of laundry--fresh sheets for my bed, and all the bedding that Ted used so it will be ready for Florence when she arrives next week. I'm hoping we'll have good weather and I'll be able to get out to do a few fun things.
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Hi Judi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the everyday updates. The globe article was great, although brief. What I love about your writing is the constant flow of people and support. I think this is a cornerstone to any design for MH care that is nurturing, non-violent, and allows people to truly viewed as people who are having a difficult time in the moment rather than "alien" life forms that need to be isolated and detained (often forcefully).
Take care of yourself, and I hope you have a good day.
LYN
Hi Judi, I am reading your blog most days and feel I am with you in spirit as your well being goes through so many ups and downs. What a good man that Marty is!
ReplyDeleteI read the Globe article and the negative responses to it, but then there was an amazing fight-back by survivors and people of good will so your interview provided a great opportunity to debate these very important issues of the nature and purpose of the mental health system. You are leading the way now, as always!!!
love, Jan from UK.