Benni

HHmmm, things must have changed. I've been away from it for a couple months. I'll have to check it out.

I started learning Spanish, 3 years ago, because Hubs liked to winter in Cuba. I use the program called Duolingo, and am happy with it. I'm on my 3rd round of re-learning through the program. I can remember what a word means when it is written. Some I remember when I hear it spoken - slowly. My problem is retaining the info, but I was like that pre-stroke.

Yes, it is meant to be funny -- but it's not.

This wasn't a strange question, but a strange statement. --- Soon after having my stroke, Hub's sister said to me "Benni, I would milk this for everything you can. Have him dote on you." I could never fake my deficits to get Hubs to do everything for me! I'm too independent to have anyone do for me what I can do myself! Sad thing is - she works with the handicapped. She should know better.

Glad you liked!

When I was taken to my hospital room, I could still walk (wobbly) and able to squeeze my hands, and open them. That first night I complained about not being able to sleep (lights on and noisy) so, the neurologist prescribed Ativan for me. The next morning, upon awakening, I had lost all use of my right side. Later, my family doc said I needed to be careful what meds I take -- even OTC drugs -- he said "Look what happened with the Ativan." It has never been spoken of since.

Ditto, Scott.

I've had friends who don't "get it". For instance, I have a lady come in every 2 months to cut my hair. On one visit I was bragging to her that I had colored my hair all by myself (one-handed), I was so proud. She said "Oh, you should have called me to come do it for you." Thus she did not "get it" at all.

Guys -- this wasn't about me personally! Hubs is a great caregiver. It was something posted on another site, I thought it'd be a good wake-up call for other caregivers. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Back at ya, Steve!

Good for you! You sound much more emotionally grounded than you did a year ago.

How a stroke survivor feels when their caregiver is too impatient .... I am frustrated. I am nervous, stressed out, overwhelmed, and confused. Today I woke up and wanted to get dressed by myself but was told “No, we don’t have time, let me do it.” This made me sad. I wanted to feed myself for breakfast but was told, “No, you’re too messy, let me do it for you.” This made me feel frustrated. I wanted to walk to the car and get in on my own but was told “No, we don’t have time, let me do it.” This made me angry. I was not allowed to dress myself or move my own body to get to where I needed to go. I’m angry and frustrated and sad. I’m tired. I do not feel safe or in control.. I am not allowed to practice my skills of walking, pushing, pulling, zipping, buttoning, or doing things that I know I can do. These are the things I am NOT allowed to do. I am frustrated. I am nervous, stressed out, overwhelmed, and confused. I need a hug.

Yay for you! I couldn't have done it -- terrified of walking on ice/snow.