Sue Rupert
08-08-2004, 11:33 AM
I know this is long, but I really want to share this with you:
In 1952, at the age of 9, I had Polio. I completely recovered (you don’t actually recover, but you think you have). I lead a “normal” (and VERY active) life. Then, in the 90’s, everything changed. I didn’t seem to have any energy. I was tired all the time. I hurt all the time. I was depressed. I just figured it was all “menopausal.” But I found that I couldn’t do “anything.” At least not the stuff I always had done, all the stuff I wanted to do. I hurt all the time. I was fatigued. I was very bitchy (and yes, that IS the word I mean to use). I went through a prolonged period (as in 5 years) of depression. I spent way too much time on the “I can’ts.” I can’ hike, I can’t ski, I can’t even swim much distance any more. I can’t work a job anymore (too tired). I can’t keep up with the housework. I can’t keep up. I was tired ALL the time. I can’t even walk without a cane for balance. I can’t even shop!
In 1999 I was diagnosed with PPS, Post Polio Syndrome, (I am not going into a “What is PPS” here). I got a wheelchair. I got an electric scooter, both of which I had to use only occasionally). I got a walker, which I used frequently at home. I used the electric carts at the grocery store. We got a new bed (trouble sleeping). We got a new car (trouble riding, traveling). We even put an addition on the house so I didn’t have the stairs I had lived with for 30 years. I spent hours just doing nothing except feeling sorry for myself. Nothing seemed to help.
I was very lucky to find a masseuse that did wonders. My balance seemed to get somewhat better. I lost 40 pounds (on purpose). Both these things helped some.
Then last winter I found Tai Chi for Arthritis. My life has completely changed. I have found something that not only has helped my balance, it is something I CAN do! And I can do it well. For the first time in over 5 years I can do something well! I have learned a new skill. I LOVE Tai Chi. It has improved my muscle strength. I am no longer “crooked.” My mental health has improved. I am not as depressed. I am able to start physical therapy. I am gradually increasing the distance that I can walk. I have started swimming again. I recently bought an exercise bike and am up to five minutes (a huge step).
And I have just become certified as an instructor for Tai Chi for Arthritis!
Thank you Dr. Lam for a wonderful program. I do not feel it is too strong to say that it has saved my life. And thank you Master Trainer Pam Kircher, you are a wonderful instructor and a warm, caring, sensitive and supportive person. And thank you Ginny Brown. My Tai Chi instructor, who in her gentle, non-judgmental way, has kept me going this last year. You have changed my life.
Sue
Durango CO
In 1952, at the age of 9, I had Polio. I completely recovered (you don’t actually recover, but you think you have). I lead a “normal” (and VERY active) life. Then, in the 90’s, everything changed. I didn’t seem to have any energy. I was tired all the time. I hurt all the time. I was depressed. I just figured it was all “menopausal.” But I found that I couldn’t do “anything.” At least not the stuff I always had done, all the stuff I wanted to do. I hurt all the time. I was fatigued. I was very bitchy (and yes, that IS the word I mean to use). I went through a prolonged period (as in 5 years) of depression. I spent way too much time on the “I can’ts.” I can’ hike, I can’t ski, I can’t even swim much distance any more. I can’t work a job anymore (too tired). I can’t keep up with the housework. I can’t keep up. I was tired ALL the time. I can’t even walk without a cane for balance. I can’t even shop!
In 1999 I was diagnosed with PPS, Post Polio Syndrome, (I am not going into a “What is PPS” here). I got a wheelchair. I got an electric scooter, both of which I had to use only occasionally). I got a walker, which I used frequently at home. I used the electric carts at the grocery store. We got a new bed (trouble sleeping). We got a new car (trouble riding, traveling). We even put an addition on the house so I didn’t have the stairs I had lived with for 30 years. I spent hours just doing nothing except feeling sorry for myself. Nothing seemed to help.
I was very lucky to find a masseuse that did wonders. My balance seemed to get somewhat better. I lost 40 pounds (on purpose). Both these things helped some.
Then last winter I found Tai Chi for Arthritis. My life has completely changed. I have found something that not only has helped my balance, it is something I CAN do! And I can do it well. For the first time in over 5 years I can do something well! I have learned a new skill. I LOVE Tai Chi. It has improved my muscle strength. I am no longer “crooked.” My mental health has improved. I am not as depressed. I am able to start physical therapy. I am gradually increasing the distance that I can walk. I have started swimming again. I recently bought an exercise bike and am up to five minutes (a huge step).
And I have just become certified as an instructor for Tai Chi for Arthritis!
Thank you Dr. Lam for a wonderful program. I do not feel it is too strong to say that it has saved my life. And thank you Master Trainer Pam Kircher, you are a wonderful instructor and a warm, caring, sensitive and supportive person. And thank you Ginny Brown. My Tai Chi instructor, who in her gentle, non-judgmental way, has kept me going this last year. You have changed my life.
Sue
Durango CO