July 13 2011

Dear Friends,

Over the last week Rinpoche hasn't been regular in the physio and exercise, I guess it was a bit of an experiment from Rinpoche's side but also due to business with other programs. The physio came this morning (after 1 week absence) and confirmed that generally the muscles lost their tone and this is due to not exercising them regular and many times in the day. So again it requires a lot of discipline mostly from Rinpoche's side to keep moving/training the muscles in every part of the right side ... even all the facial ones ... as over the last week even the speech has deteriorated. For a diabetic the physio says it is more difficult as the muscles become fatigued quicker, so requires more repetition for shorter periods also rest in between. And even Rinpoche can walk the 3 kms around Swayambhu much of that time can be that he becomes lazy in the way the right leg is used ... swinging it from the hip rather than bending at the knee in a forward action. So we have to have Rinpoche stop regularly rest and then start again ... working quality rather quantity.

Then the need to focus on balance and coordination ... as well as speed to react with the right muscles. All this has to be worked into normal daily actions all the time and this requires most of all Rinpoche's participation and cooperation. It is hard for Rinpoche as he is not so familiar and disciplined with physical exercise ... as well it requires more effort and repetition for a diabetic ... interspersed with short periods of rest.

This morning the physio (he is very good and Rinpoche listens to him!) came at 7-45 am (his normal time for a session) ... he expects Rinpoche to be rested in the morning ... but in fact Rinpoche has been doing prayers/meditating most of the time thru the night... so not rested ... the body is a little tired and not responding well to the exercises ... so change of strong habits ... again not easy.

Rinpoche finished a 10 day course of acupuncture a week ago and will not continue more at this time.

Khadro la is back in Nepal and is doing massage and her physio style ... similar to the physio but more aggressive! Interesting to see the similarities ... Khadro la is very confident in what she does and Rinpoche seems to respond well.

In the background we have 4 western doctors overseeing from a distance Rinpoche's progress with the blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Blood pressure is getting better (with western medication) and is reasonable now; also the sugar levels are better but using insulin injections 3 times a day.

The big challenge at present and for the next several months is the discipline with regular physio and exercise through the day, every day, so Rinpoche needs the space and conditions to do that. This is the reason why Rinpoche has not been accepting appointments. Still Rinpoche puts effort into the necessary organizational work and responsibilities which he has a lot of energy for.

Thank you to everyone for all your support in so many ways.

roger