My days are numbered. Medical experts essentially tell me this all the time. I heard it most recently when I attended an MS conference last weekend hosted by the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. In not so many words, they said that most people with Multiple Sclerosis live with the relapsing-remitting form of…… Continue Reading
Catch the Digmanns in the news
Awesome advocacy experiences
Jennifer and I, along with her care coordinator Rochel Genge, R.N. and others from Region VII Area Agency on Aging, interacted with many elected state officials at the third annual Older Michiganians Day in Lansing on June 10. We even have photographic proof that we advocated for the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program through impromptu…… Continue Reading
What I have today
I hope the neighbors didn’t see me punch our mailbox. On this day the solid black box, accented with its red arm and gold letters identifying it as belonging to Jennifer and me, served as a tangible representation of my Multiple Sclerosis. And he had it coming. OK, so I didn’t really punch it. I…… Continue Reading
Our story in pictures
We wanted to share with everyone the link to an incredible multimedia package about us that is in the April 25 Morning Sun’s print and online editions. The project started when Morning Sun photographer Ryan Evon approached us about following us around to develop a photo essay for the area daily newspaper. This package represents…… Continue Reading
Am I Really Disabled?
Sounds like such a stupid question. Me, the one living with Multiple Sclerosis for the last nearly 13 years, but almost every morning I wake up thinking, “Just give me a second. I’ll jump out of bed and get moving.” Silly right? But, my dreams play a small part in this deluded thought. Stupid dreams!…… Continue Reading
M.S. at 2 a.m. in Orlando E.R.
It’s been a little more than six months since Dan and my trip to Walt Disney World. My memories from that um, memorable trip are still pretty fresh. Let’s see, I remember theme park rides, amazing fireworks, images of Mickey Mouse everywhere and having a great time with my family and Dan. But really what…… Continue Reading
"Thank you Sen. Kahn and members of the committee …"
There Dan and I were, sitting at the table with two microphones, testifying before six Michigan Senators. Dan was to my left and a gallery of about a hundred people sat behind us (thank God they were sitting behind us!) and listened to what we had to say. The Region VII Area Agency on Aging…… Continue Reading
And we were really dancing
Moving to the music on the dance floor is nothing new for Jennifer and me. At weddings and parties we always go and claim an unoccupied corner of the dance floor – out of everyone’s way – and “dance.” This dancing involves Jennifer elevating her powerchair seat so we’re closer to the same height and…… Continue Reading
Membership has its privileges
Does standing room only apply to me anymore? After all, I no longer stand. Yes, I’m being cheeky but something that happened earlier this week got Dan and I thinking. Central Michigan University hosted many events to celebrate Martin Luther King Week, highlighted by a keynote performance by Danny Glover – yep, Lethal Weapon Danny…… Continue Reading
Jennifer was right
Between a wall showcasing every major brand of running shoe in stock and a wall displaying the industry’s best wicking running apparel, the helpful salesman at Runners in Mount Pleasant squats and watches my feet as I walk back and forth on the uncarpeted section of the floor. His analysis of my gait determines that…… Continue Reading