Living Well with ALS - a column by Dagmar Munn

I have a pair of cute, pink, 1-pound dumbbells that sit on a side table within easy reach of my desk. I put them there last summer with the best of intentions: I’d perform a few simple arm exercises during my breaks from focused computer work. How often have I…

“My body looks the same, but it works differently now.” A friend told me that 30 years ago, following her abdominal surgery. I remember nodding to show compassion, while secretly thinking, “I haven’t a clue what she’s talking about.” Decades later, living with ALS, I finally understand. When I…

I’m always on the lookout for strategies to help my day-to-day life with ALS go more smoothly. Recently, I found a surprising spark of inspiration in a junk drawer in the kitchen. It wasn’t something hiding inside the drawer that helped; instead, it was my frustrating encounter with the…

My recent holiday season was overall fun and festive. It did, however, offer a pointed lesson in living with ALS. It began one morning as I was getting ready for a special lunch with relatives. I sat on a folding chair, struggling to put on a sock, and from…

Dear Dagmar, I know the news is still fresh. There are so many things I want to tell you, but I’ll keep this letter focused. That’s mainly because I know being contacted by your future self can be startling enough, but added to that, being told you have ALS…

December is traditionally a cherished time for holiday festivities and reflecting on the year that has passed. This month, I am sending bucketfuls of gratitude to my friends and family for their love and support, and I thank my readers for choosing to spend their time with me. Yet, as…

Living with ALS certainly comes with many frustrations. For me, the one that challenges me most is a symptom I can’t hide: slowness. My body simply needs more time to move, eat, and speak than everyone else around me. In a world obsessed with speed — from 10-second commercials…

The inspiration for this week’s column comes from a reader’s simple question: “How many mini-exercise sessions do you do a day?” My quick reaction was to think I’d already written quite a bit on the topic of exercise and ALS, and I’d just send along a few links.

I’m looking forward to several events coming my way this holiday season. Not that my social calendar is filled up. Right now, I only have a few family get-togethers scheduled, all at restaurants with scrumptious buffets. (Yay!) I’ve learned, however, that holiday activities mixed with my ALS can add…

I’m always on the lookout for strategies that will help me make my life with ALS go a little bit smoother, and I’ve recently found a new one. It’s easy to do and, most importantly, it adds a layer of calm to my days. It might surprise you when…