...a bit about Susan
I have sat in enough waiting room chairs that my butt can distinguish them by brand.
Chances are if you have landed on this website then you are facing changes in your physical health that are affecting your day-to-day life. Perhaps so much so that you don’t know if you are coming or going some days, or even if you want to keep going. No one aspires to be ill or wants to need help from other people or use gadgets – but hey, life happens.
This is a path I know all too well; living with limited mobility and frequent bouts of illness are as familiar to me as brushing my teeth.
I was born with Charcot Marie Tooth disease, an incurable progressive neuromuscular disease which affects my body, not my teeth!
It became clear to me early on that it was in my best interest to learn how to reinvent myself as my body’s abilities decline.
I’ve had many surgeries, been stretched, squeezed, scanned, x-rayed, and tested so much so that I almost glow in the dark. You might say I’m a professional patient and like any good professional worth their salt, I have earned my title. If you’re struggling with health challenges, I’d love to help you find your new normal.
My determined spirit keeps me independent and productive
I can honestly say that I never really minded having a disability, in fact when I worked as a family counsellor and professional social worker it was a handy asset. However, shortly before my big 5-0 Bday, a substantial illness compromised everything; my life was tossed into a blender and it did not result with a smoothie.
Instead, a wheelchair, breathing ventilator, various gadgets, and flesh and blood helpers greeted me each day. This change forced me to stop my work activities and a whole lot more.
I admit that I expressed a lot of “F-words” over the next two years; frustrated, fatigued, and frightened. Essentially, I had to practice what I preach in a big way in order to move forward (hey another F word) and create the best new version of me.
It took a while, but I worked my way out of the wheelchair and gained back a small amount of upright mobility. It was my “Neal Armstrong giant womankind step” moment (hallelujah!).
I continue to walk, now aided by a walker, and use a zippy scooter for my shop-till-you-drop adventures.
Health is a deeply personal experience; no two people are alike.
Only you can feel the throbbing of your swollen feet, the constant ache in your back, the pounding of your headache, and on and on… It’s all on you. It can be painful, lonely, and downright frightening manoeuvring through a medical maze, so I’m glad you’re here.
As a living well coach I draw upon personal experience (because experience counts!) as well as my degrees and certifications in psychology (BA) and an honours in social work (BSW). Oh, and I should also mention my 20 odd years of working with people with various physical disabilities and chronic illnesses in fields such as individual and family counselling, vocational training, universal design adaptions in the home and workplace, medical care planning and management, and… well, you get the picture.
..all cartoons created by ME!
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