will2

Absolutely! It was sorely missed. I exchanged emails with Willis a few times and in that course he had a type of seizure during Church services accompanied by his wife. I'd ask a small favor or request to add a little prayer or well wishes his way. I hope he's doing ok and responds here. Willis, you are a great friend and dearly missed. Nothing can take the place of the type of care and comradery of the members here.

Spirit Airlines

What always gets me is the intermittent or unexpected foot drops that come and go. It's not an ordinary event either, and catches me unwittingly and off-guard. As a result I've taken my share of tumbles and hospitalized with a fractured vertebrae over the years. My first fall was even in the hospital after the brain surgery, they didn't tie me down to my bed, nor was I aware that my legs didn't work and slipped off the bed to use the bathroom and down I went. The collapse resulted in 7 stitches above my left eye and the panic that ensued from the staff that ran to assist. And that was just days after the surgery to start my legacy of tumbles. My last was unexpectedly due to a flash downpour and a water puddle on the sidewalk out front. My humid environment causes a mold/algae growth to develop on concrete surfaces like the pool deck and/or sidewalks because of the lengthy time water sits on the surfaces in this humid climate. It doesn't rear it's ugly tendencies until another downpour and standing water makes the algae/mold surface like slippery ice conditions. When I stepped onto it, down I went on the sidewalk and a passerby postal employee ran over to help me upright..that left a mark The unexpected foot drop that resulted in the fractured vertebrae was in the house from stepping up from a sunken TV room. The foot drop just comes and goes. You'd think that I'd likely be more prepared or aware but the interval between the falls puts me into the "complacent camp" and I loose the awareness. I can take precautions most of the time but due to the long intervals between he tumbles is what eventually gets me. Whoda thought falling would be an issue when your younger and as you age. But I also never gave a seconds thought to having an aneurysm rupture and stroke during surgery. Then again, whoda thought I'd be living during a Global Pandemic either, if anything it's made me rethink that nothing in life is taken for granted and drawn me closer to a higher power, I needed that! Falls...yea, I've had a few.

Green Peace

Ring doorbell

I agree with you Janelle, and for whats it worth, I wouldn't change a thing even if I could. It has moulded and shaped me and my behaviors as I am today and thats not such a bad thing. Honestly, like Deigh and his reminiscing thread, I often think back to those days and really miss the fun, the much simpler life, but growing out of it is a big part and I truthfully was more the late "adulthood bloomer" I didn't make major changes and get my stuff really together until I reached about 30ys old. Even at almost 70yrs I'm still learning, growing, and oftentimes changing but it's more spiritual in nature than behavioral. Yea, my Sis and I often look at one another and say "We turned out ok!" smile and roll our eyes, knowing what experiences we went through, we weren't no angels thats for sure

Janelle, my claim to fame (hippy) has long since expired by about about 51yrs and though those were some really great years growing up in the late 60's and 70's you'd never know it by appearances. My sister is only a year older and she attended Woodstock. So many years later we both reminisce about those days but these days we all live very respectable and rewarding lifestyles. We are often stigmatized with being the early drug culture, but is a whole lot worse these days with crack, meth, designer drugs (ecstasy) heroine and many other more harmful drugs. We did a lot of dope smoking and listing to music at a lot of rock concerts but all mostly grew out of it. The peace and love crowds types, no activists throwing rocks, drive-by shootings, burning police cars and that such nonsense. It was a phase, a very fun memorable phase but, we all grew out of it like most young adults growing into adulthood. I'm not hypocritical but I don't criticize those who may partake if they so desire either, it's just not for me anymore, and other than a beer or glass of wine every now and again, thats it. After all I got this old curmudgeon image thing going on that I gotta protect

Deigh, I can only imagine the balance and coordination it takes to ride one of those things! These days I'm good just to navigate up a few steps post stroke. I have a great Trek bicycle just siting in the garage but as much difficulty I've had with walking and navigating, especially uneven surfaces, there's no way I'm going to try the bike. I've had a few good falls, to include a fractured vertebra from a good fall in the house. Now I have out of my love for outdoor cycling thought about those 3-wheeled bikes. I see a lot of them in our area. We even allow golf carts on the public roads in my small town with a good population of older folks. I have to admire you though Deigh, even when I was young and growing up, I never attempted ever riding a unicycle. Like those folks that even dare ride them on a tightrope in the circus

Here ya go Deigh, a real space saver for the flat!

Hi Janelle, yea the "hippies" were my generation. We would spend many an hour in those Head Shops back in the 70's. Buying the clothes, the John Lennon round frame glasses, living the part. I did my share of partaking of the evil weedIn fact, out of just about all my friends I grew up with in High School got high. Maybe one or two odd ones didn't. We were the Coconut Grove crowd and made our way from concerts in the parks to Stadiums. I eventually grew away from it in my College days and then my employer of 25yrs did random drug screening. In fact because our dept had Nuclear Plant access, we were on two random drug testing. I can tell you though, so far I've only used the oral routes of administration and it's nothing like what I remember smoking back in the 70's recreationally. Best I can describe is that it seems more controlled, or targeted for specific purposes, like pain and/or anxiety and sleep. No realized "buzz", no outrageous laughing, no munchies, etc. Now with that said, I've yet to try any of the smokable route, from what I understand the full flower effects technically called the "entourage effects" I haven't tried. And those brownies, cookies and candy edibles I prefer not to indulge in, I'd be eating way too much to keep my girlish figure It does however without a doubt help to get a faster more relaxed sleep though, thats a fact!

Just wanted to add. In another topic I discussed medical marijuana and how effective it has been managing some nagging neurologic pain that I've had since post stroke. Though I'm relatively new employing cannabis products for prescription substitutes, another positive benefit that I've experienced is that it has great sedative benefits. I currently take a capsule of the sativa blend at bedtime and it allows me to doze off very peacefully and soundly. I'm currently prescribed by my PCP Ambien (Zolpediem) for sleep as I've had my biological clock kinda reset since my brain event. I've been using medical marijuana now for a few years and tried an array of the products from our dispensaries here in Florida. I've mainly tried the oral delivery methods vs smoking. And have acknowledged the benefits over a period of time. The products have allowed me to substitute using them vs opioids for effective pain management, but have also realized benefits such as an effective sleep medication. A blessing. Another realized benefit in addition to positive pain management and sleep substitute, it also works magic with the prostrate for this older curmudgeon. Very positive report using this medication legally in the state of Florida. I hope that in time that the Government makes it legal on the Federal level so that it may reach a wider population of people that could benefit from these products and make them more widely available to those who may wish to use them for medicinal reasons. At my age/health I don't see myself using them for recreational reasons but, certainly glad that they are available to us at the state levels for medicinal causes.

I do not take Gabapentin Benni, however I remember in a past thread that another member here recommended Gabapentin. I checked with my PCP about prescribing it to give a go at it and he wouldn't prescribe it. He preferred not to in my case and mentioned the reason being that with the other prescribed meds I take, the Gabapentin wouldn't be a good idea because I just have the one kidney??? Though I would have liked to try it because of the recommendation here, I deferred to his answer. I did a search here to try and find the member that takes Gabapentin here in hopes that they may reply in your topic, but could not find the topic, it was a bit ago. I did however do an internet search and found out that it also comes under the brand name of Neurotin which years ago post-stroke a Neurologist did prescribed it to me. I just remember it did not help in my case. I was inquiring about my muscle spasticity that often gets a bit edgy. Here is what I found from the internet, and if it does get branded as Neurotin, unfortunately it did not help me with the spasticity and I went to another medication. "Gabapentin, sold under the brand name Neurontin among others, is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat partial seizures and neuropathic pain. It is a first-line medication for the treatment of neuropathic pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and central pain." Maybe that member here that is prescribed it will chime in...

Just yesterday I saw a commercial from a pharmaceutical company for Parkinson's disease and it had an older gent displaying symptoms of onset Parkinson's, it was referring to hallucinations or delusions, the video showed him seeing a second image of his dog at the same time, side by side at the same time. Alluding to possible hallucinations/delusion. With that said, one thing is certain in my case, if there may be "two" of the Fuzz, at least one of them is in his chair, and in deep, deep, sleep!

Tracy, funny that you mention this. I previously mentioned in a past post that my cat Fuzz will often pass under between my foot rest and my recliner chair with his tail in the air. He purposely hits the undersides of my outstretched legs with his tail to get my attentions as he circles around the footrest. This is his notice that he wants me to follow him to the backdoor to let him out as he likes to lounge on the pool deck and run the perimeter of my yard enclosed by a tall 6' wood fence. (clever little monkey)..anyway, after awaking from a light sleep to follow him out to the back door, I found him dead asleep in his family room chair! It was such a vivid experience, that I sat back down amazed by the experience. I don't subscribe to any kind of multiple hallucination theories but it was very real and doesn't happen with any frequencies, pre or post stroke. I call it my "phantom Fuzz!" I can relate to much of your post experiences. Almost like post-stroke has opened a door to my imagination! I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one that has experienced these anomalies. That's what intrigues me about this forum, sharing similar experiences that would seem kind of out there but in fact we seem to be on a similar wavelength, thank you.

In further thinking I would be remiss if I also didn't mention foot drop. Throughout my 13yrs of navigating through different environments, in the earlier years following my stroke, I worked hard and desperately to get into condition to get released by my PT to return to work full time. I was still very healthy and strong enough to get into shape that would qualify me to return. However since maybe due to age and general health decline my body still functional but over time weakening, I developed a slight left foot drop. It's not constant but often rears it's head. In these situations I'm personally conscious that even in my home walking through a sunken audio room and up just a small step, my left foot would catch me unexpectedly and instigate a fall. Being aware of this "foot drop" condition that can rear it's ugly head unconsciously, I take precaution in navigating the step to assure success without a mishap. My balance these days is ok, provided I do my homework and stay vigilant of potential hazards. I'm more than confident that there are many rehab techniques and strengthening exercises that will help you in the long term to stabilize your balance and improve your gait. Things will get better and improve for you through training and rehab. It is a life journey, and takes time, you'll get there. A place where you feel comfortable. Mistakes and the unexpected will still occur once in awhile. Share those experiences here, perhaps we've been there and can offer help or a viable solution that can help you get back on track. Additionally, I still use my walking aids (walker, canes, chairs, etc) when warranted because I still have those days where my body doesn't seem to do what I want it to do so, no shame on using a tool to help

After my surgery and subsequent stroking, with the inpatient/outpatient therapy I eventually learned to walk again and completed their hospital obstacle courses. However, when returning home my routine changed dramatically having to navigate in and around the home. My difficulties came navigating uneven surfaced like steps, up and over obstacles, and unexpected terrain changes ie; rocks, wet surfaces, and even sand on the sidewalks. I had a couple of good tumbles that helped me realize that I needed to look out for potential fall hazards and if possible develop a form of work-around to help me get around or over those type obstacles. Which btw are well fixed in and around my home. Now in a totally new environment I just try to remember what I learned navigating to try and prevent further upsets with balance issues. After all, when your in town or outside of your home things can be challenging. I'm 13yrs post stroke and from the surgery/stroke I came away with very troublesome balance issues, as many may. I've just developed my own personal safeguards to navigate the difficult areas, and that just came from years of experience and a few good tumbles. I've learned some minor limitations and even have exceeded other self imposed limitations just by will and determination. I cannot imagine others here that in some form or another haven't developed some useful work-around to help navigate certain obstacles, or just everyday tasks that have required some kind of intervention to make a task easier. For me, it's been a lot of time, experience, and thinking and planning ahead to navigate to everyday obstacles. As for the unknowns outside the home in other environments, I use my "stroke radar" to draw from those experiences and manage the best I can. I've been caught by the unexpected of course, and may have a mishap, but it's important to learn and adjust yourself going forward. Good luck, I wish you well. Lots of great advice here.

Hi heathber, well said and thank you. Like minds think the same..In the last few years I've done just that, I wrote down all policy info, phone numbers and contact info and locations of policy declaration pages etc. Lately I've been helping her establish relationships with our maintenance people and programs. This week she was introduced to our landscaping crew and worked with them trimming the front yard tree jungle in preparation of hurricane season which starts in June. She did splendidly too! Today, I've been working to get her updated with insurances i.e. home/auto policies. It's beneficial especially since it's mainly just the two of us.

Hi Janelle, sorry for the lag in response time, like so many others here from time to time, there will be "those days" and lately it could be best described as like swimming in mud so I've just been spending more of an inordinate amount of downtime just smooshing in my recliner and hanging with my cat. A plateau of sorts emotionally, no major ups and/or downs. And it 's not really a negative thing. At 13yrs post stroke, having them I'd guess is more common than not. A breather for me is necessary as charging the cell phone at times. I do my best my best retrospect during these few days. I look at where I'm at and where I'm going. Lately it seems that Im doing a bit of thinking about making sure that my wife will be more informed and secured should anything unexpected occur with my health. I've been down that road before and not so prepared for the unexpected and playing catch-up since is slow at times. I never expected a health crisis being healthy as a horse when the aneurysm ruptured, and a heart attack a few years ago. What prompted this of late is that my BIL also just had a heart attack and subsequently during this pandemic being owners and operators of a Travel agency here in Miami for 30yrs is now closing these doors for lack of business, I've had a few conversations with my sister about the difficult decisions and moving their business to home. So, of course that had me thinking about those "what-ifs" should any of those bumps in the road come in my direction. I want to be more secure in knowing that my wife might be a bit more confident making decisions. She has always been out of the picture with a lot of the boring mortgage details, insurances, policies etc. And both of us staying on track and stable with me at the wheel. I know she can and will adapt to major changes, and it's part of my charge to bring her up to date from time to time. Honestly, we both see a bit further down the road as not to be a bit overwhelmed should unexpectedly occur. And not to be funny, or an oddball, I think about my cat as well, or if he'd ever think about where I am, or where I went. Lately his routine thing has been climbing on to my chest and laying cradled in my arms just purring away. It makes me jump at times when I'm dozing in the recliner and he so just walks from the bed onto my chest for his recharging. I had read recently about the frequencies that cats purr at and why they may purr. My thinking is that he's getting involved in my recovery and the purring has a healthy rehabilitative energies and helps restore my over all health. Nonetheless, real or imagined, it lifts me a bit so I welcome the exchange. I'd guess what I'm driving at without all the dribble is that it's more about being better prepared for any upcoming unexpected bumps and less about the drama for both of us should they occur. She's tough, and very resourceful but we both know she needs to be updated on all the boring details. But both of them have me a bit more preoccupied about the "what-ifs" as best as possible, I think it's natural in most families in the golden years to be as prepared as possible. I actually never gave much thought about those things, having a job and career of 25yrs and looking forwards to a well oiled as possible retirement. Though I'd be foolish to think I'm preaching to the choir here as the more capable fill in the gaps and gave more considerations to planning, financially and emotionally than I. At 69 soon, I'm still learning the curve! Too, I'm no angel, but still a work in progress..

Absolutely. Though forget about the direction that is was coming from real or imaginary. The strangest disconnect is the first sniff of a dish or food and finally bitting into it to find that the taste was very different. And don't get me started on trying to scratch those phantom itches

Godspeed Steve, you certainly are one of God's favorites, and thank you for a place to call home..

Hi Janelle, sorry it's been awhile I've been preoccupied with life's roller coaster. By my comment I was referring to agreeing with her suspicions, and taking the high-road with this issue. My wife and I respect one another's opinion, whether we agree or agree to disagree. And make our decisions based on both our inputs. While we both make good and bad decisions, we just try and learn from the bad choices and move forward, very amicable and the willingness to change, if possible. Neither of us are spring chickens and both have been through a lot in our individual experiences, there's a bit of wisdom in there..

Janelle, funny that you should mention this. As one of the things my Russian wife might have been concerned with is possible access to information that may not be relevant to our purposes. By nature being Russian born and raised they are a bit more cautious in giving personal information freely by nature. And though she did not express this directly to me or the representative, I could sense it with my limited knowledge of her personality. I didn't question it at the time but respected her opinion that we should investigate other options available.

LG, Yes you are heard. I've followed all your posts since your started this thread. Though in my situation I've not much to say mostly because I've really nothing all that constructive to add. I'm not the greatest person to give any advise when it comes to relationships, especially abusive ones. I would only tell somebody that nobody deserves any kind of abuse. My parents were very dysfunctional and I've no stomach for it. It takes great strength to get away from abuse, and I've seen too many compromises made because either spouse thought it was worth salvaging. Sure an argument here, or there is almost natural between personalities, but outright abuse isn't acceptable and often harmful to those around, especially children who may pattern behaviors from exposure over the years, it happened in my family. It was only when my mother finally left that she gained peace and lived a life she never knew was possible, and free to be her real self. Yes they did try therapy and intervention but sometimes it's to difficult for individuals to change behaviors. In the end it was the best thing that could have happened for either of them. They became good people once again, and still respected one another. My sister and I benefited also as we both were able to enjoy our parents individually at their best. So, my advice would have been premature to express my opinion to live separate lives as everybody deserves to make those choices on their own, in their own timeframe. The best thing I could do for you is say a prayer, and let God work, he is way more wiser than I. But you were never forgotten.

As my neuro ophthalmologist told me, the pain may be just in your head as there isn't any kind of physical damage that can be repaired thus relegating me to a pain management clinic for help. I've often wondered wondered about hypnosis and if it could be used to manage the pain if "it's just all in my head" and no repairable physical damage possibilities. It may work to "trick or distract" the mind into perceiving pain to a degree. It didn't escape the possibilities, and I did go with my wife to a hypnosis clinic to inquire but, after we met with the representative my wife and I both felt an unease about the presentation/costs etc enough that I passed on this option. But in keeping with an open mind, I'll always be interested in this topic and may revisit it in the future. After all, it's helped many folks to curb habits that are a mental addiction as well as physically.

If interested Alan, here's a snap of my 59's historic Les Paul reissue that I had original vintage PAF's, pots, caps installed. Definitely my favorite flavored electric and hardest to let go after the stroke. They were always the heavier axe to wield during extended playing over the much lighter and ergonomic Strats, but loved that Gibson humbucker tones over the single coils at times.