Tongue exercises

[nigelrheath]

I've added some exercises for the tongue to Ataxiafightback.wordpress.com plus a new YouTube video to the laughter page.

Have a look and let me know what you think.

Nigel

[Iain_100]

Top work Nigel!

I'm lucky in that I don't have any speech problems yet - although I have noticed a few occasions when words seemed to get stuck in my throat & my tongue felt too big for my mouth. These are only momentary happenings though. Possibly just natural (it's not really that unusual to have words caught in your throat) or an early warning sign?

Who knows? The answer, in my case, is just to talk some more

Iain

[nigelrheath in reply to Iain_100]

Dear Iain

This is definitely the answer to any of the symptoms. if it's hard, do it more not less.

What did you notice from playing with your gait?

Nigel

[Iain_100 in reply to nigelrheath]

It's hard to say yet Nigel. Hi-Tec have given me a really good pair of walking shoes, for use on next weekend's City Bridges Challenge in London (and my wee train journey next year - 100trains.com), and I was trying these out at the same time. Shoes are very light and have RollinGait technology too, and although not specifically designed with ataxia in mind (they are designed for walking on uneven surfaces) they are ideal for my needs. I explained to Hi-Tec that it is usual for the gait of people with ataxia to widen as the condition progresses, for balance reasons. Meaning, in my case anyway, that body weight moves from the out-step to the in-step. And these shoes seem to do just that (I'll have a better idea after the CBC next Sunday).

But I did try out your suggestions, and although hard work (the new shoes made it easier perhaps) I understand the theory. I also like to walk on grass as well (and sand when I'm in Ayr) for similar reasons. Yes, it is MUCH harder. But the fact that it is harder, means that muscles are being used more - and are being strengthened. Which makes walking on "normal" surfaces easier. Balance is still a problem though, but anything that makes walking easier is a good thing.

[Plus, grass/sand makes for a better landing should things not go to plan ]

Iain

[nigelrheath in reply to Iain_100]

Hi Iain

I'm looking forward to hearing about your London trip and must look at your train plans too.

I have some MBTs. (Masai barefoot trainers) these have a convex sole and work the leg muscles when walking and when standing still.

Increasingly the answer to ataxia seems to be more exercise and keeping at it. So much for peaceful retirement!!

Nigel

[Iain_100 in reply to nigelrheath]

Totally agree Nigel. And my GP is definitely in your corner too.

Even before I was diagnosed, my GP told me to do as much exercise as possible. More than I thought I needed to. His explanation was that, when the reason was found for my "wee balance problem" (for that was how ataxia first appeared) then it would definitely be of benefit to me if my working muscles could take up any slack if needed.

In his words it was a case of "use it, or lose it".

Wise words indeed.

[february]

Thanks, Nigel! I do like your site, as I've learned so much! I cough a lot, any suggestions for that would be greatly appreciated! ;o)

[nigelrheath in reply to february]

Hi

Where is the cough coming from? Throat or lower?

Anybody else have this?

Nigel

[february]

Hello Again Nigel, The cough comes from my throat. I've had a couple chest xrays and all is OK. My doctor mentioned it might be acid reflux, although I don't have any symptoms of that. I've yet to try an over the counter medication for that. I can cough on my own saliva going down the wrong way at times! It's truly exhausting...,;o)

[nigelrheath]

Hi

I sometimes have the saliva problem too.

I'll have a think about this and get back to you.

Nigel