"Quality of Life"
Written by Dorthe, published 6 months ago.
A summary from Euro-HSP on their “Quality of Life” Conference
Nov. 5, 2011
The first speaker was brain researcher, Prof. Jesper Mogensen. He pointed out that it is not the brain that gives quality of life to us but it is we who affect the brain. A neurotransmitter called dopamine is released in the front part of the brain with pleasure, and quality of life is affected by the many roles it plays. Via testing people it has been seen that the process of dopamine release in the brain is complex and variable, regulating both reward and movement. The brain is so complex that this process probably cannot entirely be hereditary-based. It is constantly changing and new nerve cells are created all the time. It is found that “neutrophins[RC1] ” are vital and make the nerve cells sounder and well functioning. Neutrofines are especially found in physically active people, as physical activity helps create neutrofines, which again make well-functioning nerve cells and contribute to the release of dopamine and give us a feeling of good quality of life and well being.
Sexologist, psychotherapist and writer Maria Marcus talked about the taboo topic of sex and the problems which arise when a person becomes paralyzed in the lower part of their body and cannot feel anything when touched. In a relationship, the handicapped one often chooses to let the other go because he/she feels worthless. Maria pointed out that the biggest obstacle for a good sex life is in the brain. The rest can be boiled down to technique and good planning. The most important thing is to focus on what you are still able to do and talk with your partner about problems that may arise. Skip the standards regarding performance and orgasm, and instead enjoy the intimacy and create/cultivate new erogenous zones to replace the paralyzed part of the body. Maria also talked about sex toys and net dating. www.mariamarcus.dk
Psychologist Elsa Bencke spoke about quality of life within health services. It is completely subjective what we each may regard as valuable in our lives within the 3 general areas: external living conditions, interpersonal relationships and internal psychological conditions. She also talked about how difficult it can be for a person to adapt to when (s)he becomes ill or handicapped, as great pain and grief are connected to that. It may be necessary to create a new meaning of life. Elsa pointed out that in a relationship it is important that the healthy person also has a good quality of life. www.elsabencke.dk
The last speaker was “trike” rider Alan Schmidt, a fantastic example of someone who, even though living with HSP, qualifies for the Danish national cycling team for the handicapped, and is aiming at participating in the Paralympics in London in 2012. He talked very positively about how he has come this far and about his project, “The Way to the Gold”. Together with his physical coach, his mental coach and his specialist, he is writing a book about the project. www.trikerider.dk
Written by Dorthe, published 6 months ago.
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