Leave Your Pride at the Door

 

While considering a topic for my blog, the word COMPENSATE came to mind. One of the definitions of compensate is “make up for (something unwelcome or unpleasant).”

The other word that comes to mind is LEVERAGE. One of the definitions of leverage is “use (something) to improve or maximize your advantage.”

All of us living with Kennedy’s Disease have become familiar with these two actions. Early on, it wasn’t difficult to hide the onset of certain symptoms. As time marched on, however, it became more difficult to compensate for the eroding muscle strength and errant firing of the motor neurons. That is when leverage became more important.

At some point, we start using a cane or walking stick (leverage). As the condition progressed, the danger of falls became more evident. We slowed our gait (compensate) and fatigue became an issue. Later, when walking became a safety issue, we began using a scooter or wheelchair (compensate). As the arms, shoulders, hands and fingers weakened, we found tools to help (leverage), or utilized exaggerated movements to help perform even simple tasks (compensate).

It is said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Through the years, those of us living with Kennedy’s Disease have found ways or invented things to help compensate for, or leverage something, to help us remain mobile and as self-reliant as possible. I am amazed at all the ‘tools’ that have been re-purposed so that we can continue to live a productive life.

Then, there also comes a time where we have to swallow our pride and ask for help. By asking, we again compensate for the loss of our ability to perform a certain function. Fortunately, there are plenty of good people in this world.

For those of us living with Kennedy’s Disease, we should have a sign in our bathroom saying, 

“Leave your pride at the door. 

Everyone needs help at some time.”

Please, stay upright and stay safe.