richard fredericks

Holy cow, this post has traction!

My ALS was very pronounced on my left side.  The right side was high functioning.  Hyper-reflexia was more pronounced on the left side. And fasiculations were limited to that side as well. Life was good. I only had  a 1/2 case of ALS.

I still remember the night of twitches in my right leg. That was an un…[Read more]

At some point, all men have the, “oh my God, I’m becoming just like my father” experience. Dad was an only child and the product of the male-centric 40s and 50s. He brimmed with confidence and thrived on the attention that he catalyzed. Asking for things was simply a cultural reflex, as natural as breathing. I was frequently the askee.  It drove…[Read more]

These stories are inspiring. They are also a bit intimidating in their scope and vigor. I feel like a bit of a piker in the relative smallness of my efforts.  Yet, I find some common threads including perseverance, realization, and a bit of fun.

For me, it  has been a  long process.  Looking back, there are discrete phases and a purpose for eac…[Read more]

I got my power chair through Medicare. They collaborated with OT folks at  Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. The OT used my current status to predict future degradation. This was very critical to the process. Otherwise, my chair would’ve  fallen short of full functionality. I spent $2000 out-of-pocket for the elevate function. It is u…[Read more]

I am still working. My commute is easy, from bedroom to an office alcove. Fortunately, my work as a leadership coach can take place on teleconference as effectively as in person. And with voice-recognition software I can provide follow-up notations. I will be challenged as my voice starts to give way. I will take wise counsel from this group on…[Read more]