About Me
In 2008, I was diagnosed with a neurovascular disorder that causes
hearing loss, impaired balance, and chronic migraines. A few times a month I
experience a flare-up that worsens these symptoms and triggers the
temporary onset of new ones. Typically, I never know when I am going to
experience a flare-up, so the uncertainty can be quite frightening.
In the Spring of 2009, I was diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder and muscular disorder that causes weakness and fatigue. Throughout the past couple of years, I have had to accept varying limitations caused by my diagnoses and change how I accomplish getting things done around the house, at school, work, and out in the community. Presently, I am working with several members of a treatment team to arrange the best long-term care plan possible.
Why a Service Dog?
I was first introduced to the idea of a service dog by a friend. I was previously unaware that a dog could alert to oncoming medical conditions, but research has shown that any event with a neurological basis can be alerted to by a dog. A dog is not trained to do the actual alerting. Alerting is a natural response to its handler's change in body chemistry and it is encouraged through positive reinforcement. After months of research and speaking with my physician, we were both in agreement that I could definitely benefit from the physical and emotional support a service dog can provide.
What will a Service Dog do for me?
Alerting to impending flare-ups of my neurovascular disorder will be just one benefit of having a service dog for me. I
will have constant balance and stability support, as well as
counter-balance for times when I feel unsteady. Using a mobility dog
gives a person with impaired balance the momentum needed to travel at a
faster, more confident pace. It will discourage me from keeping a
constant downward gaze to ensure I won't encounter uneven flooring that
may cause me to fall. The dog will be able to retrieve and carry items
(which is a big help when your balance is off!), as well as open heavy
doors that can throw anyone off balance! My service dog will also be
trained to alert me to household sounds, let me know when someone is attempting to get my attention in a busy environment, and perform various other tasks to help mitigate my disability.
I am very excited to have a canine helper to assist in daily tasks and to help mitigate the effects of my neurovascular disorder as well as prepared for the unique challenges having a service dog presents. Sometimes the best medicine comes in unconventional forms!
