smallory

Good job, I feel like I know you now!   

Do they really say, "CRIKEY", in Australia?  

Hope things continue to work out for you! I still think you would be an ideal candidate for the Research Study at University of Maryland. I would trust them over going outside of the US any day; besides, it would be free!

We REALLY appreciate you keeping us up to date, Rich. Your blogs are always informative. It is great to get the scoop from someone who can give us what we could expect if we went to China without your wonderful insight!

Rich, thanks for keeping us informed. I think that everyone is slowly learning how bad things REALLY are in China.

Confusias say, "if you want it bad you get it bad"

Donna, I feel like I know you now, lol! :ChristmasTree:

Rich, you should definitely check out the BACTRAC. It was developed at Johns Hopkins. It sounds like a definite winner! Did you take the survey in the newsletter?

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=nk0F...lCX1lQ2Dw_3d_3d

http://www.encorepath.com/

Rich, thanks for continuing to blog. Your insight has been invaluable! I appreciate what you have done for us. You have provided some honest and frank comments!

Rich, good luck, buddy! Please keep us post! This place sounds exciting!

Thanks for the feedback, Gary! A while back someone was concerned and said something to me about previous members not posting anymore. I told them that this is actually a good thing, as far at I was concerned. I told them that we are here for when people DO need us!

So, it looks like we have been recognized for living up to meeting our mission! I could not be more thrilled and have to thank God for providing the vision and floor plans for becoming what we are!

If you don't mind me reminiscing a bit, 11 years ago, I started with 1 web page that had little information about stroke. 11 years later, we are a registered non-profit organization with over 5500 registered members. Before on-line databases were possible I setup my own method for keeping track of new members and we had over 10000 people who had joined. We used to have twice as many members in the first 5 years. My system kept track of numbers but did not maintain a database with member personal information. My web site had an AOL Internet address so it was listed on the AOL disability page for stroke resources. I designed a much improved web site and moved to an Internet address that would allow everyone. I felt that it was not right to only provide on-line stroke support to American On-line members. This was the right decision because AOL drastically changed and my web site would have been removed, AOL has REALLY changed!

Anyway, this is how The Stroke Network got it's start! If you are interested you might want to read http://www.strokenetwork.net/media/ :juggle:

Cool Beans! Rich, just wondering, i'm assuming that you lifted your arm while laying on your back. Are you able to repeat this motion while standing?

Rich, good to hear from you. I've been keeping up with all your blog entries. Hope you are well. Can you tell us more about how you are physically improving?

Ted, my opinion of this is that everybody heals at different paces. Keith is lucky to have you as a caregiver. No matter how long it takes I know that you will be by his side cheering him on. Five years from now, you both will look back in amazement with how much Keith has recovered. This is how recovery usefully works. The stem cell therapy will hopefully make things improve more and quicker. You both are in my prayers.

Rich, it's great to read your latest progress report! It is important that everybody hears it definitely is aware that stem cell therapy does not just consist of receiving new cells. Physical therapy and daily exercise is so important to your recovery. The exciting thing is that your recovery seems so dependent on your motivation and you have loads of that!

I am so happy for you, Rich! I look forward to future progress reports from you! Thanks! :)

Rich, it's great to hear from you and for you to let us know what is happening with you. Thanks for keeping us updated!

I am excited to hear about your continued progress!

Rich, this is great! I am very happy for you. Keep up the positive reports! :Clap-Hands:

You are both right on! Stroke support is about being supportive to our other members and not about sending them an angry response to something that they said. We are here to build others up and not tear them down; no matter what their faith. Hey, if it's what works for you I am not about to complain about what you said! A word or a name doesn't bother me! Just don't trash my faith or anybodys elses. The bottom line is to be respectful of others and if you have another view point-agree to disagree! And if you don't like what I am saying then waaahhh to you!

Sandy, this support group exists only because I couldn't attend a local stroke support group due to time, transportation and other physical limitations. It seems that several thousand other stroke survivors share the same frustrations, especially stroke caregivers, who need information about what to do with decision making, as well as somebody to talk to who understands what they are going through.

It's not about megapixels as much as filling a need that many of us have. Sure, meeting in group settings might be ideal for the able bodied but for those who have been devastated by stroke people will take mega pixels, kilobytes or whatever to have human contact and live answers in a time of need.

Do you see that we all are not just snowflakes with no meaning but are human beings trying to make the best of the cards we have been dealt.

Kim, I hate to say this but that is definitely fodder material for guys of any age! Most of us men would be immature about that.

I'm just glad that Michael didn't ask you to let out a big fart!

Becky, stroke is frustrating for me 50% of the time but the other 50 I'm usually keeping myself extremely busy so I don't have time to think of it. I was already in my career when my stroke happened. I don't know about you but it can drive you crazy that you spent all the time to make yourself successful, you feel like you are suceeding, and everything is yanked away from you! I had everything going for me and then almost nothing!

I think you are lucky, in a way, that you did not have something like that happen to you. It's a shame to have everything going for you at 36 and then, boom, you've had a stroke. At the same time, I understand your dilemna. I have kids your age and they cannot get out of the house enough. It's natural to want to be out on your own.

I guess there is no perfect age for having a stroke. Stroke just sucks and I think that's what you are saying. I know of a scripture that gets me through my rough times and maybe it will help you, too! It makes perfect sense and if you can grasp it you will get through your rough times, I promise you!

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2Cor 4:18

Sorry to hear about that, Tania. I know you and your husband were excited about it. I think most things happen for a good reason. We are both Christians so hopefully you know what I mean. You guys definitely don't know why God let this happen but it was His plan and sometime in the future your family will reap the benefits. You are one of the sweetest people I know and I know you aren't just a sweetheart to me so my guess is that everyone must be feeling for you right about now!

Kim, I think you are funny. Since you are my friend I would have to affectionately call you one of my knucklehead friends. I cannot believe you actually wrote 100 things. I thought you were kidding! Cool idea, though! Now I really know you as a friend!

Janice, I know you are a very nice person. You are always welcome to vent here or in posts. Please understand that you do not have to be PC and I don't want you to be. Your opinions are welcome but we have to look at the big picture and take the appropriate action, whatever it might be. I can assure you that there is no conspiracy to upset you. I would appreciate it if you reconsider about not posting. Your posts are always going to be welcome at The Stroke Network.

Kim, you are so funny! I feel like I know you from reading your Blogs. Actually, the fact that you are annoyed so much reminds me of how my wife must think about me, I annoy her on purpose and as much as I can. Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your Blogs!