I have a break so thought I would write a bit. Today I already had some testing done on my heart, worked out on an exercycle, consulted with a neurologist, and consulted with an occupational therapist. Everything is so interesting and they spend time talking about you individually and your needs and health. This afternoon we has a speaker on exercise, cardiac health and other matters. We also meet in groups and I think also one on one to discuss the exercise/health routine they have designed specifically for you. I also get to go to a water exercise class.

We go home tomorrow. Greg actually is home now taking care of a few things but he will be back for the afternoon sessions.

They hooked me up to a bunch of wires as I exercised on the stationary bike and also kept taking my blood pressure. Emma was very protective. She watched what was going on. She did stay out of the way but her eyes were on me the entire time. She just goes under the table when I consult with a specialist. Her behavior has been outstanding in every way. Judy be proud of your work with her!!

I do think Emma will delight in being home and running without a leash in her own fenced backyard, We leave here about noon and then I think we will be home the rest of the day.
The best thing about staying here (rather than home and driving back and forth( is that I can focus on the MS stuff and work to not worry about other things. Greg has had work phone calls and some things to tend to so I don't think he got to feel so removed from our real life. I think he has enjoyed his time. They have seperate sessions for care giveers but the lectures we both attend. I am so pleased we came here.

They offer them every year at various places throughout the US. I would highly reccomend it to anybody with MS> We were moved to meet the founder Jimmy Heuga. HE was a skier in the olympics and medaled before getting MS> In the days when he was diagnosed they told him to go home and rest. He believed exercise would help not hurt someone with MS. Well his program developed over time and now here we all are blessed to participate.

It won't be long till lunch so I better sign off. Emma has been able to get long walks in at least 2-3 times a day with Greg. I take her out during breaks also. She is doing such a great job as a service dog. I am so proud of her.

Mary and Emma

The Heuga Program is keeping us so busy and by evening I have crashed. Too tired to watch tv, read, or blog. I have a few minutes before the next lecture. Today I have see a neurologist, speech therapist, nutritionist, and learned about exercise on a swiss ball. I also had a personal time with a physichal therapist who is designing an exercise program for me to help with my balance and with MS. I also heard the nutritionist talk. It is my birthday today and they surprised me with a cake and everyone sang Happy Birthday to me at lunch.
This program is wonderful, educational, practical, and interesting.

Everyone is admiring Emma and she is showing off her very best behavior. It is so funny though. The past two days when we come back to our room and undress her(take off leash and pack) she runs around like a crazy dog. Off and on the bed, around the room on the floor. Her puppy scoot and just so thrilled.

She is enjoying walks on a nice pathway here. i take her out but Greg also has had some free time when he took her for longer walks. She went on one just before lunch. When she got back he brought her into the dinning room. She came and Greg thought she saw me so let go of the leash. She didn't find me. She went to my Dr. Schapiro (who loves her and spoils her) then she orderly went from table to table looking for me.

When she found me she was so excited - like we had been parted for hours not minutes. Then of course she settled in under the table for lunch. She was so darn cute. Everyone wants to pet her but I am being pretty strict. There are 50 participants adoring her so no way would that work out.

More later today or tomorrow. You can't imagine how good this is for me.

Did I tell you my family is safe and though they use the bridge that collapsed - all are safe and accounted for.

Mary

We are at the Heuga Program. Emma has been wonderful She is admired by all. She also is a bed hog. They have a sleep number king sized bed. She loves it. Naptime, bedtime, any time she is thrilled when she can jump up and find her cozy spot - typically sprawled out in the middle of the bed between and Greg.

There was a tragic bridge collapse in MN today not far from Greg;s work. Many people calle dhim on his cell phone to be sure he was okay. All my kids are also accounted for. My prayers are with the families of victims. Such a sad situation. It is such a highly used bridge.

Greg and I are learning a lot. I did squeeze in a nap. Now off to bed as I have to get up early and will have a busy day.

Have a good day. Mary and Emma

We are off to water exercise! Later in the afternoon we go to get settled for the Heuga Program. I don't expect to blog again till Sunday. I am excited but also a little nervous today. I hope I can manage the exercise portion of the program okay.

Hope you have a great week and weekend. Mary & Emma

I went to the family Doctor but this time Emma stayed home. She managed fine as it is close by. My family Dr. and my endrochrinologist are both so afraid of dogs. Even when Emma is in perfect behavior their discomfort is noticeable. Emma and I both need practice in her managing home alone for awhile so this worked well.

Greg was super as it took longer than planned and he ended up going later to work than planned. It was a medication check up and still took awhile. I like how thorough she is however. I also had lab work done. I see the endrochrinologist who manages my diabetes next week. My neurologist will be at the event this week. So I am well covered by my medical team. Yeah.

Emma and I were outside several times. It is over 90 so she was not really active but still enjoyed being outside. I have been doing laundry, packing and picking up. I feel so much better physically than I did the past several days. I am so grateful for that.

Tomorrow we will go to the YMCA. I think they will start doing my bathroom floor Tues or Wed. We will go to the hotel late afternoon.

I am glad there will be someone here in the days and one of my kids will be here in the evening. My house is nice and cool for them.

I think Emma will like the hotel. She will like the king size bed. When we went to the couple's getaway (MS event same hotel) she loved it. She also likes to look at the dog in the long mirror hotels usually have at her level. Looking at the schedule I think she will do fine and between Greg and I we will get her out for exercise, and take her for walks in the hotel ac so she gets movement in her day.

Emma has helped with laundry, picking up, and just being adorable today. Our days alone at home I pet her a lot, we play indoors and out, and also got some things done. You can bet we took a nap too. I don't see times for naps or rests in the schedule for the week at the MS program. I would guess though that there are breaks even if not on the schedule I received.

Have a good week. Not sure if I will have time to blog tomorrow or not.

For those of you with MS or curious - the Heuga site is huega.org
The program we are going to is called Can Do Program.

Mary and Emma