Have you seen Inside a Vertigo Attack? I never expected the kinds of comments I’m getting. That’s because there aren’t too many first-person accounts of what it’s like to live with vertigo. My dizziness is called oscillopsia, because I have no vestibulo-ocular reflex on my right side. That means when my head goes up and […]
Seven Things You Can Do To Help Manage Your Vertigo Read More »
I walked into physical therapy today. Judy said, “Did you grow today?” I immediately grinned, and said, “No, but I’d like to! Why?” She grabbed my cane—which has been at the same height all along—and said, “Your cane is too short. Here, this is the right height.” She made the cane one inch higher and
Cane High, Attitude Higher Read More »
Mark saw the orthopedist last week. He got the all-clear to wean himself from crutches. He did—in 20 minutes. He walked out of the hospital on crutches and came home. He put the crutches away and that was the end of the crutches. I am happy to report he is doing well, gaining strength and
Becoming Boring Again Read More »
I’m working with my Hiring Geeks That Fit book get-it-to-print designer, Heidi. She has made the book look wonderful in print, turned the front cover into a spine and back cover, and advised me on many things. The book is at the indexer right now, and she is doing one final proof before we go
Alert the Politically Correct Police: Handicapped vs Disabled Read More »
In the past two months, Mark and I have had more than our share of problem solving and character-building. I want my boring life back. At the end of April, I sprained my right ankle. I do this often. I have vertigo. Vertigo is orthopedically challenging. I have no idea when I wrench an ankle
For Better, For Worse, & For Lunch Read More »
On Monday, April 15, I was merrily typing away at my computer, getting ready for PSL, my trip to England, and all of my todos. I was uber-productive, writing like a champ, checking Shaina’s running times, urging her on in my head. I could see her times update on the web page. “Yes, she’s doing
Relief and Sorrow for the Boston Marathon Read More »
One of the strange side effects of my hemorrhage was my inability to turn onto my left side while lying down without using my arms. I could roll over to the right, like any three-month old baby or a normal adult. However, I could not roll over to the left without propping myself up on
Roll Over, Johanna Read More »
I’m deaf in my right ear. It’s aggravating, because I speak at conferences, and I have lunches and dinners at round tables. Can I hear the person on my right? No. Irritating! I have to explain, “I’m deaf on that side. Please nudge me if you want to talk to me.” And, then what happens?
I Can Hear You Now Read More »
I’ve received a number of personal comments on What a Doctor Should Not Say to a Patient on a Friday Afternoon. One of the biggest insights I had was that the patient is shell-shocked and can’t hear what the doctor is saying. So, here is some free advice. Always carry a notebook and pen. Always.
Carry a Notebook and a Pen Read More »
You’ve heard the old joke, “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news,” right? Well, that actually happened to me. Back in 2009, when I had my first vertigo attack, I complained to my doctor of fullness in my ears. I’d seen an internist in my doctor’s office, and sure enough, I did have
What a Doctor Should Not Say to a Patient on a Friday Afternoon Read More »