SueC

Ah yes, an exciting day full of teachable moments... I have a pretty bad ant problem under the paving stones. I went onto a gardening website and asked about the best way to get rid of them that is both earth friendly and not dangerous for Daisy. Daisy is a Golden Retriever who gets into anything and everything, even at 10 years of age. I got a reply - use diametaceous earth. I have a photographic memory, and thank goodness, I didn't lose that post stroke. I could picture the container, and exactly which cupboard it is in. It's been in the basement and moved around for about 20 years, and that's no exaggeration. I can't remember the last time I used it. So, thinking it would be a great idea to start by trying it on the front path, where Daisy can't go, I set off to start torturing those hard working ants. First squeeze of the bottle, and the plastic container cracked, spilling about 32 ounces of white powder all over the walkway, my bare feet, my sandals, and thanks to a well timed gust of wind, all over my clothes. Lesson learned - what NOT to do: Wear good jeans, bare feet and sandals. Don't check for breezes when using a powdery substance. Be sure to use a really old plastic bottle, which will immediately crack open. Decide to sweep bits of it all over the sidewalk - which now looks like some kids went crazy with white chalk. DO: Strip down immediately, hose down shoes and feet before coming into the house. Wash all clothing in the washer. Forget that the washer is on and have a shower, as there is nothing like those nice moments of no pressure while there is soap in your eyes. Be sure to hurry, so that when you are getting the soap out of your eyes, you miss your eyes and your fingernail goes up your nose and thanks to the blood thinners, a robust nosebleed commences. Change into pyjamas at 6:25 pm and call it a day. Now all I need to do is buy some more on Amazon, along with a proper dispenser, and find a YouTube video on proper application Lesson learned. Geez Louise!

Oh no! Sending prayers for the little man. Please keep us informed.

I walk every day. Sometimes one block, sometimes 45 minutes. It depends on how I feel. I have also started going to a therapy pool for people with brain injuries and spinal injuries. I am very lucky as it is in my neighborhood and my ultimate goal will be to walk the 20 minutes there and back, as well as going the exercise class. The class is a very gentle tai chi program done in the water. The water adds resistance and I am absolutely pooped out by the time I get home.

I have been on blood thinners since the stroke.

Great news Tracy!

Yes - I have had my first cold since the stroke, and it took 5 weeks, still sniffling. And yes to the bruising too - I get B12 injections monthly, and the bruise takes up to a month to disappear.

Hi all! Things are going really well for both of us. I am attending rehab, and my husband is going for group therapy. We are both feeling a lot more positive about things. I am now on beta blockers, and am happy to report that I feel better. My heart was beating too quickly and after ruling out everything else, this is probably what caused my stroke. Now when I do silly things, my husband just shrugs his shoulders and smiles. I am still working at not getting frustrated when I do silly things or get forgetful. We are getting there!

I am praying for both of you.

I am glad you posted this. It helps to share. Amazing how hard we are on ourselves, when something happens that we can't control. In my experience, the opposite of depression is expression, which is much healthier. Don't be ashamed to cry, it's part of being human.

Good luck at the disability hearing!

Oh Tracy, I wish I could give you a big hug. I agree with both of the comments. I would be hurt, upset and angry too. Keep in mind all of you are grieving and nobody is thinking clearly. Your sister may well see that when she moves, that she doesn't need some of the things she is keeping. I don't know what your relationship is with your sister. Perhaps when she starts packing to move, you may be able to ask her if she is giving anything away, would she give you a call to see if there is anything that you could use before she gives it away. You certainly have a lot on your plate, and it's amazing to me that you are coping as well as you are. Be proud of that! And quitting smoking on top of all the stress- well, that's a HUGE accomplishment!!! Don't feel bad about how you feel, there is no shame in having feelings. Don't be mad at yourself. You have suffered a loss, and it seems there isn't a lot of recognition of that, as your entire family is grieving. Keep venting, we are all here for you.