Published on 12, July, 2020
In the end I'm just me. But I have what seems a long list of issues and I keep wondering which bits are for what diagnosis and how to deal with them. Or do I just accept everything as a whole.. If you have multiple health issues or multiple diversity how do you manage?
My diagnosed conditions are DCD, & depression with anxiety.
Currently got a sore back and I've been really busy. My DCD is rampant because of how the pain takes up the brain space needed for motor control. I know this because of my intention tremor being visible and constant. If I'm well it's only before a substantial effort in movement
My beloved was upfront enough to ask if we needed to make a few adjustments in our kitchen routines to deal with the increased risk of injury when I'm in this kind of state.
a) it's amazing to have someone notice
b) I'm so pleased he's feeling he can ask - because of his experiences of domestic violence he's often struggling to bring up potentially emotional topics...and I can get upset when I can't do "normal" things
Hello quirkyfriend at home so can reply at last! I found your post a very interesting way of putting things.
I hadn't thought of it that way round. But of course when we are in pain we do become tired more easily and our muscles feel more sore less controlled and I suppose that does take up room.
When Im really tired my dcd is worse too. I drop, break, loose things more frequently, have no volume control and my "shouting" is worse , propensity to injure myself etc again I agree so nice to have someone notice adjustments might be needed. My food prep and safety in the kitchen got quite bad .. not quite resolved yet. Yes I sometimes get frustrated and upset when "normal" things are difficult. My family are used to me causing calamity.
I hadn't associated it at all, but when I got my dcd diagnosis the Dr talked about headaches, posture, shoulder and back pain because she said part of the dcd is lack of muscle control. So I was intrigued by the next post by Spotty Tortoise. The dr said it would help all of the above if I strengthened my muscles especially my core muscles because if I did it would support my spine more and relieve some of the pressure. She recommended the Alexander technique and Pilates ...
I have dcd too and will answer more fully later.. you will understand when I say I can't multitask because I am chopping up kindling! .. controlled setting in a chair and choppers.. can't cut myself so I'll text later but want to get on before it rains!
Hi Quirky, I don't know much about DCD and don't think I have enough brain space to look it up right now, but I'm curious about your 'intention tremor'. I have said elsewhere that shaking (mainly just my hands) is a current major problem and it is mainly triggered around social/performance anxiety and that makes sense. There are other instances I've noticed though that are different and your mention of the kitchen has brought it into focus. I work alone in my studio at the end of the garden with no one but the dog watching, so no pressure there and I often am drawing tiny repetitive details, these days when I know these details are coming up I start to shake so that I can't draw them. Also when I go to prepare food, again alone in the kitchen, I often start shaking to the point where I'm not really safe to be in charge of a sharp knife and cut up an onion.
Just wondered if you have any thoughts on this, I don't think I have DCD as I've always thought I was quite coordinated but I was slow learning to ride a bike and still don't feel that safe riding one, which has made me wonder. Maybe it's something I should look into.
I hope you are taking good care of yourself as you always seem to be very busy taking good care of the people around you and are so full of sense and practical ways forward. You are always inspiring. I know you have an exercise routine but when you mentioned your back pain I wondered if you've ever tried a Pilates table thing, I have a cheap one from a shopping channel and when I use it (not doing so at the moment) I know it eases neck pain and makes me feel much better as it's all about helping your body to be balanced with itself. It' much easier to work with/against the table than just doing Pilates on the floor. Just a thought. :)