May 2020 health update

It’s been a while since I shared an update on my health. If no news is good news, then this is a good news blog post. I haven’t had any significant progression in the ALS since the last posting. I sense a very gradual weakening in my leg strength, gradual deterioration in my ability to keep my balance, and slight worsening of the foot drop which slows down my walk. But it hasn’t translated into any changes in functionality. I just took a 2 mile walk with Karin. I am using an AFO (foot-ankle brace) on my left foot to reduce risk of tripping — it’s been a wonderful piece of equipment. And I’ve started to use a walker for longer walks, even though I can probably do without it for now. Anything to avoid a fall and a trip to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic — it pays to be careful these days.

After two months of very careful self-isolation in the house, the family and I are on a short trip to Pawley’s Island, SC, where we are social distancing in a new and nicer spot. It feels so good to get out of the house, and even better to enjoy a walk on the beach. We’re in a spot at the edge of the island so very few people are on the beach, making it super easy to keep safe distance. I will happily grade final exams and papers, and do all my zoom meetings for the college and the ALS Association, on a porch looking out over the quiet marsh here.

The walker works great on the hard sand of the SC beaches. and it doubles as a beach chair when I get tired!

Author: Ken Menkhaus

Professor of Political Science at Davidson College. Specialist on Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Interests include development, statebuilding, informal governance systems, peace and conflict studies, and political Islam. I also teach on philanthropy and the non-profit sector. View all posts by Ken Menkhaus