Here are my personal, family, and business updates for anyone interested.

 

Personal Updates:

 

I finally have a surgery date!  Barring something unfortunate, I should have my two outpatient surgeries next Wednesday, 2-2-11, at Orlando Regional Medical Center.  In one trip to the operating room (for me) I'll have my cardiac pacemaker replaced and also the Diaphragm Pacing System (DPS) installed.  For more on my DPS pursuit and surgeries, see this blog entry:

 

http://powerwheelchairusers.blogspot.com/2010/11/from-vent-to-diaphragmatic-pacing.html

 

I plan to write a comprehensive post-surgery evaluation of the DPS and my experiences probably in late March, after I've had some adjustment time.

 

Important!  Did you know that a Living Will a.k.a. "Healthcare Advanced Directives" makes your wishes known should you become incapacitated and incapable of making your own decisions?  In an abundance of caution before my surgeries, I filled out my Living Will and believe doing likewise is a good idea for all adults.  Living Wills are (apparently) specific for each state, and you can download your state's free form here:

 

http://caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3289

 

For Florida residents, and especially my quad friends, I made the Florida form a fillable PDF file, so you can fill it out via computer without needing a caregiver to write for you.  You can download that free from my website here:

 

http://www.lookmomnohands.net/free_fillable_living_will_Florida.htm

 

Also, sometime in 2011, I do hope/plan to begin a Masters program in Entrepreneurship, however the University of Florida's Internet-based program is temporarily on hold.  I'm told it will be brought back, but the program's next start date is uncertain at this point.  I may have to seek a different program or school.

 

Family Updates:

 

Overall, we're pretty blessed, but my Mom, Joanne, has some health issues for which she could certainly use prayers (they are such that she's had to apply for disability assistance from the government).  I've been updating some family and friends who know her well and if you want to receive those updates, let me know (I'll be sending an update on her soon).

 

You may recall that my Dad, Jim, was elected to the Lake County School Board in August.  He started his term in November and here's a brief local news video about an issue he recently raised for our schools:

 

http://www.wftv.com/video/26521329/index.html

 

Business / Bowling Update:
 
There is now another way that a wheelchair user can use the IKAN Bowler.  The primary way is considered "dynamic" style because it involves the moving wheelchair and emulates the able-bodied bowling process, i.e. setup, then physically approach and release the ball while stopping short of the foul line.  Dynamic-style bowling can be seen here:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4i6DaLYmic
 
But the IKAN Bowler can also be used as a stationary ramp, and the video below shows a fellow, Tommy, with a modification that allows him to release the ball himself, with just a slight leg movement:
 
http://www.theadvertiser.com/section/videonetwork?bctid=737164901001
 
That release method is new, and can enable more wheelchair users to be able to bowl, stationary ramp style.  It pulls our ball-stop away and releases the ball when the IKAN Bowler is tilted slightly down.  People can also release the ball-stop with their hand if able (but no hand or leg movement is necessary to release the ball when bowling dynamic style).
 
Things that help wheelchair users enjoy life more, I'm all for!

 

That completes my updates for now!

 

Thank you for your interest -- and God bless!

 

Bill Miller :-)
C1-2 Quadriplegic with a 221 High Bowling Game
Co-founder of Manufacturing Genuine Thrills Inc. d/b/a MGT
My blog: http://powerwheelchairusers.blogspot.com
Business website: http://www.ikanbowler.com
Personal website: http://www.lookmomnohands.net