June 2019 Newsletter Edition
The month of June has been productive. I still have a lot of work ahead of me in completing projects I started but was unable to complete due to my medical treatment. But I am making progress. This is what matters.
The challenges I've been having with my knees are now understood. I received the results of my MRI knee imaging performed in May. It is very serious. There are multiple tears in both of my knee joints, fluid and signs of stress. I'd been advocating for surgery since October 2016. I wasn't taken seriously by the doctors responsible for my treatment until now. I am glad to be able to move forward. My medical treatment has now been forwarded onto an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee surgery.
I've made wonderful progress in the setup of my weather station. One of my neighbors is graciously helping me. Much of the setup required is beyond my physical limits. I am doing what I can myself. I have temporarily setup the weather station on my picnic table. I thought this would be a good intermediate step for me to learn about it. I also have it set to broadcasting the details online. I am hoping the setup will be completed in July.
In early June an article was in the local newspaper indicating the labor force participation is down roughly 23% below the ideal target. I offered to provide input. I've had so many conversations with individuals about social assistance, understanding gaps in the currently available social assistance and seeing solutions that would boost quality of life. My offer to provide input was readily accepted. The people heading up this project are keen to make positive change. Between the weather station setup and providing input to this I am able to give back to the community.
To better manage my pain control I've had my window air conditioner setup. The pain in both of my knee joints makes me very uncomfortable. This is to help promote my quality of life. Specifically it is helping improve the quality of my sleep. I am willing to do what I have control over to help myself. This and other efforts I undertake go a long way in the medical community realizing my mental health is fine and it is only the effects of debilitating pain I am experiencing.
I've continued making progress with the deep cleaning of my home. Some friends were available to assist me. I am so grateful for this. It is wonderful seeing the results of this coming together. I am looking forward to completing this during the second half of 2019.
My 42nd birthday was at the start of June. One of the young adults I've been supporting for 3 years now sent me a very lovely greeting. It was very encouraging. It has been a very special opportunity to invest my life in some of the youth and young adults in the community in the midst of the challenges I am having with my hips, knees and ankles. For this I am grateful.