What do people do to have some fun whilst living with MSA? We recently got a cat. We are not cat people at all but he has brought us such joy and is such a positive in our lives. Sounds daft but he really is.
Sometimes the simplest stuff can be fun and I think it’s important share happy memories.
Aww I think my mum would love to have a cat. My mum used to read a lot but struggles now holding books and turning the pages so doesn't read as much. She enjoys listening to music and has recently discovered Netflix.
My husband used an e-reader when he could no longer turn pages.
Consider getting a cat if you can. Ours is a rescue cat and he just loves being where ever we are- v sociable. Got him on a bit of a whim and ‘do it now’ idea and have not regretted it!
Also, so much to watch on Netflix!
I bought a floor standing book holder from Serious Readers. The book is firmly held in any position and you can even have it so that you can read lying on your back with the book open above you. You still have to turn the pages but it will take quite a heavy picture book if you don't feel up to much reading. Victor had a book of aerial photos of the world and he had a new page every day to study
That sounds a good idea as my mum spends the majority of the day laying down now. She struggles using an iPad because she can't control her movements to touch what she wants on the screen. She recently managed to book a night away in a rather nice hotel completely unaware she had done it until her bank statement came 🤣 She has tried a kindle as well and not got on with that.
The sun still shines, the birds still sing but it is too easy to lose sight if them if you are stuck with "the Beast". But as the grandchilden in Australia or the dream holiday get more out of reach the small things can come to mean a lot more if you can let them. This is a process and does not happen all at once but it is amazing how people can cope and still describe themselves as happy
. I am intrigued by the story behind your cat. Cats ae amazing animals and as they get older they don't seem to be fazed by the aging process. One of my beloved cats went blind and he just got on with it. He learned how to follow the sound of a stick tapping on the ground and identified his home by smell of course but also by the feel of the paving on our drive under his paws. We noticed that because the only mistake he made when we took him out for a walk was to start to walk down another drive further along the road with the same ridged concrete. Life will never be what you had planned but there are all sorts of smaller joys if you can be open to them. You have made a eally good start . Good luckto you both
Thank you so much. We do take joy and enjoy the little things - watching football on the telly, stroking the cat and just being together. Yes, all our dreams of a long life together have changed radically but there is no good in dwelling on stuff we can’t change . It would be too exhausting to get angry or sad at our predicament. We just want to enjoy the now as much as we can. Poochie is v much part of that !
we got a miniature shnauzer 7 years ago when Gill's walking was becoming difficult. I tell everyone that she's been a life saver! unconditional love plus a bright lively face every morning looking forward to the day ahead.
We just got a Labrador pup. Mainly for the kids but hubby has just said he is his dog! Keeps him smiling and happy. But I wouldn’t recommend a puppy unless yo7 have lots of time and patience and can control him! He is like a newborn baby who is fully mobile with teeth!😬
Yes he is a handful but in a couple of years when mature I think he will be a great walking partner for my hubby when I am too busy to go and a dog is harder to say no to than a wife if he doesn’t feel like exercising!
My dad loves animals , but my mum isn't keen , I try to take my dad outside as much as I can , when the weather is better as he loves to be outside in the garden , it is getting harder , but my mum is 83 so she can't manage the wheelchair , his speech is bad , and can't use his hands, so otherwise it's just reading or watching TV
I do think a cat or dog is a great idea though
When my Sue was getting less independant she wanted a companion to be with her at home. So we decided to look for a dog and Milo chose us....He was great for sue as he was always about and protective. He sadly passed away last year and we had to get a replacement and we now have mini... Sue open admits that the dog give her daily joy and additional purpose.
MSA changes your life by taking away many simple things and also the ability to do many things you take for granted. But it doesn't take away the ability to love.
Enjoy everything you can do and don't focus on what you can't.
Paul
Paul, that is true. Our mantra is exactly that. Enjoy what we can do and don’t focus on what we can’t .
MSA. How to help with neck pain
Times up! 
help please - is this end stage MSA?
Vent
Air mattresses
