In need of cheering up

[piglet3]

I have just completed my application for PIP and on answering the questions I realise how disabled I have become. Ataxia progresses so slowly, that on a day to day basis you don’t really notice the changes in yourself

I think I just need to have a good belly laugh and any jokes and lighthearted comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[pinjem]

Cannot think of anything someone else might find funny, at the moment ... I remember being taught sailing and confidently taking the tiller and making (I thought,) good progress. My tutor (who I later married) looked a little baffled and asked kindly several times if I might look at the wind direction and maybe improve the progress. 'I am taking it into account' I said, not batting an eyelid, silly question, I felt. After a long silence, he gently asked, 'What are you using to tell you what the wind direction is?' I replied, somewhat surprised, 'That burgee (flag) over there'. Another long polite silence. 'That burgee is a seagull'. PIP is a bummer. so is ataxia. I say, 'I'll feed the birds and they will entertain me.' not at night though.

[piglet3 in reply to pinjem]

Hi pinjem thanks so much for your reply. I like yourself love watching the birds from my window. They provide a lot of carefree entertainment. Kay

[PatsyIpswich]

Ha ha I know the feeling. Too early for me to say something funny but in my experience watching the birds in the garden Works well. Looking at the sky too XX

[piglet3 in reply to PatsyIpswich]

Thanks for your reply. I’d never really considered looking up at the sky. I suppose it could be quite a mindful experience, just watching the clouds drifting by.

[Litty]

PIP is horrid - good tips though x

[piglet3 in reply to Litty]

Hi litty you say that the PIP form is horrid. I could liken it to War and Peace. It’s such a rambling form.

[Litty in reply to piglet3]

I will not bore you with my theories but if they do not play the game, appeal.

You can demand a copy of the interview (they HATE giving it).

Love your name by the way x

[nigelrheath]

Hi Piglet

The sneaky progress of ataxia is not nice. I used to be in Toastmasters and on my website is a video of me telling a story. One of my favourites.

Here’s the link ataxiafightback.wordpress.com if you look under the heading laughter you’ll find other things that tickle me. My video is on the home page just scroll down a bit.

Yesterday I went for a coffee with two old dears I got to know through our local coffee shop. They suddenly stopped coming after selling up and moving into a local care home. I went and broke them out for the trip and despite my wobbliness got a view into their world. Cared for and looked after well, but no longer safe to be let out by themselves.

I have been avoiding benefits because it focuses on being disabled and I do everything I can to keep active. All my parts are strong and work fine, unfortunately not together so well because of my interfering cerebellum!

I have however applied for a blue badge. Expecting an interesting conversation about my therapist as that’s me!

Chin up Piglet and it’s okay to have days when you feel sorry for yourself, I certainly do.

Nigel

[piglet3 in reply to nigelrheath]

Oh Nigel I’ve just watched your speech at the toastmasters and it’s really made me chuckle. Laughter really is the best medicine. Thanks again Kay.

[wobblybee]

🙂 Most of my most hilarious moments have been during conversations with my husband. He has tinnitus, and I’m inclined to speak softly..we have misunderstandings, and plenty of laughs 😂

[piglet3 in reply to wobblybee]

It’s these little misunderstandings that can become really funny. Often words can be misconstrued and it can put a completely different slant on a conversation.

[february]

Dear Piglet3,

My favorite mantra is, "a woman is like a tea bag, as she never knows how strong she can be, until she gets into hot water"! (by Eleanor Roosevelt). I repeat this to myself (quietly...,ha!) on an almost a daily basis. I've had ataxia 20+ years and I know what you mean when you say "ataxia progresses so slowly, that on a day to day basis, you don't really notice the changes in yourself"! Hopefully, my mantra made you laugh a bit! Remember, you are not 'alone' in your ataxia journey!!! I can't relate to PIP, as I live in the USA and we don't have that here! I WILL wish you luck with that, though! My best to you..., ;o)

[piglet3 in reply to february]

Thanks for your reply February. I always love reading your posts. I think I shall have to start repeating the tea bag mantra to myself. My best to you aswell. Kay.

[Granielle]

youtu.be/1gileCn1Yko(Not working as expected?)

Hope this raises a smile.

[piglet3 in reply to Granielle]

This is so apt. I can recall the times I wish I could have done this when my son was little. Thanks.

[geneticallygeneric]

those PIP forms are bloody depressing, right?