beanna

Sue, I am not on here that much, but I always read your blog when I am on. You have done so much good for your husband and others, much wisdom and good advice. All I can say is that we all have ups and downs, and we are allowed to have an occasional "pity party"for ourselves, just as long as we realize that life continues on and has much goodness. Now is your time to move ahead with your life, always remembering the good times of the past. Yes, keep in touch with old friends and family, they are precious. And you will find new friends and adventures, too.

Julie, sounds like you are doing a great job and things are coming along. Many years ago i'd had several surgeries for Crohn's Disease, they wrnt badly and I was fed for a month by a TPN line. Was not allowed even ice chips! There is a glycerin( I think) coated swab that was used to moisten my mouth as was a damp wash cloth. They helped, but boy I wish I'd had ice chips! If Larry cannot do ice chips as much as you would like, maybe try these just to keep his mouth moistened. Good luck going forward.

Keep it up . Exercise helps the spirit as well as the body. It is still freezing here in Ohio, it is starting to get to me. I am a big/Ohio State fan, so I really enjoyed all of that more than the super bowl. And time does go quickly, but I would like a little more warmth, supposed to go to 11 below 0 tonight.

Hi Rose, I have the same problems as you do with the face and hand---and you are so right--clementines are the best. It has been 4 1/2 years since my stroke and I don't bite my tongue etc as much as I did. You sound like you are doing great keep it up and stay warm. I live in northeast Ohio and while we don't have as much snow as New England, we have the cold. BRRR!

There is a poem I have loved since high school---whew, thats a loonngg time ago. The verse I love is "There will always be a corner of my heart for you who once inhabited it all, Life is like that, changeful, imponderable, Who could forsee the path we chose would part." And certainly we are who we are because of our experience and all those we have loved.

Yes I do. I had my stroke during outpatient surgery for a melanoma. That was 4 years ago. You're right I am happy to still be here, but boy, do I hate the deficits from the stroke.

Happy you have found love---sorry about Budweiser. I've had to make those decisions, and they are terrible. Bud will live forever in your heart.

My prayers are with you.

Sue, I think Ray is with you, just not physically. I think when we truly love someone, we always miss them, but we also can laugh and smile and find goodness in life again. And of course God never deserts us. So enjoy the sunshine and the coming of Spring.

Hello, I had a stroke 4 years ago, and had inpatient therapy for a month---oupatient for 9 months. While I never was angry at others, I WAS exhausted from therapy, from having a conversation, from everything.. The TV was my friend. I used to watch old sitcoms to make me laugh. It does get better--I can enjoy reading and gardening again. Some things have never returned no matter how much I and the therapists tried. My left hand does not have any of the fine motor skills, so no more playing the piano. Parts of my mouth and face are affected, fortunately no one can visually see a difference, and I can walk and drive and dance even tho the left leg is weaker..Ray will become stronger and will regain a lot. This early in recovery, sleep is important for his brain to heal. I am sorry he is angry, that would be difficult for you. And you are wise to carve out a space for yourself. I'm sorry he hates therapy, that is so important. You be sure to take care of yourself as that is best for your husband also.

Hi Sue, Yes its easy to get lost in memories. I tend to do that and think too much, also. After my stroke and after losing loved ones, I made an effort to find at least one joyful moment every day and to really enjoy that moment. Some days it was making and enjoying my first cup of coffee--savoring the aroma, enjoying the taste and watching the birds flying to the feeder outside the kitchen window. I think what you are feeling is normal and all part of the grieving process. My aunt Mary was optimistic, and when we would stop on New Years Eve for a quick hello, I asked her if she was okay or too sad. She said no, it made her happy to remember all the good times over the years. You will make new friends, find new projects and your words alone on this site have helped me and many others.

I am so sorry--these little ones are family. You gave Kira the best life possible.

David, my husband Fred, has had no stroke, no cancer etc-- but about 9 years ago bread became harder for him to swallow--as can potatoes sometimes.. just a slight narrowing of esophagus due to aging--clear water helps him get it down it has not gotten worse over time, but you are wise to check it out.

Good Grief, Jaime--I haven't been here in a looong time, but felt compelled to log on today. Glad your surgery went well, but sorry to hear you had a problem. Take care and I'll try to get on more often. Take care, Bev

Happy Birthday Budweiswer!

I just saw a lady whom i knew had had very serious health problems, and she couldn't walk and her children were told she had 2 weeks to live. W ell she went to a nursing home, got therapy and 9 months later she was baking cookies and serving tea at an open house!

Nancy, I too have a carotid that reopened, its very rare, the first one my primary care dr has seen in 30+ years of practice. the last angiogram I had was at the Cleveland Clinic and they said to just continue on my meds at least for now. I am on Coumadin and Crestor, my heart dr. said crestor is the only statin that can reverse blockage--let me know if you have any other ideas. I hope Dan's moods level off, I know how hard it must be for you. Does Dan like music, sometime listening helps me if I'm feeling low. Bev

HOORAY! So happy for you-- go get em Jaime! Bev

Hi fellow Buckeye, I still have trouble with my thumb and some with the index finger--Have you tried a mirror box and/or an estim. I know they both helped get my hand moving again, it's not as I want it to be, but better than it was even a year ago.My stroke was in July of 2010, and I still get improvement, it'll come for Bob,too. It's good that he is starting to pull his arm back when he sits. new connections are being made.I also on the advice of a PT got a 1 pound wrist weight to put on the affected arm, it does make you more aware of that arm.

Sue, I am a stroke survivor, but I work from home and am alone most of the day. My pets are my comfort and company. Maybe a dog or a cat would help you. I lost some wonderful pets of many years since my stroke and am glad I still have many more for company. I get out as often as possible, but we all have to come home again and these precious pets are so loving and happy to see you.There are many lonely unwanted animals in shelters that would love to have a loving home. Something to think about. And Sue, I am so sorry for all your recent losses, its hard. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Bev

Here in Ohio we had a snow the first week in January and I have to get out and to the barn to feed the goats--thank goodness 2 years ago we got a 4 wheel drive pickup truck so I didn't have to walk the lane. I only worry about falling because of the blood thinners--and I am such a klutz. Hope you had good holidays and here's to a great new year! I have had trouble logging onto this site, so I'm way behind on how everyone is doing.

Dear Sue, I'm not on the site often, but have read your blogs and just learned of Ray's passing. My heartfelt sympathies and prayers to you. You gave all you could to Ray in this life, and he has gone home. He is well now and joyous I am certain. Let that thought help comfort you. We all grieve differently, but God will help you through all this. You are in my prayers, Bev