SueC

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.

Yes, I forget words,and lose track mid thought. I am a visual thinker, I see pictures in my head of the words I want to say and I notice since the stroke, I dont see the pictures all the time. My stroke was in the right front of my brain.

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.

We have seen the neurologist since my post and he will be setting us up with a support group for survivors and caregivers. I am grateful to live in Vancouver and the stroke clinic is literally 20 minutes down the street! My husband is willing to do whatever he can and we have decided to see the humour in the many silly things I do now. Thanks so much Paul, I appreciate your reply!

Oh you are expected to do way too much. No wonder you are feeling the way you do! I am sorry that you are under so much stress- that's really not good. I hope things settle down a bit for you soon. Your plate is just too full. Know that we are all here to support you and listen. Hopefully venting helps a bit. It's hard to say no and stand up for ourselves, especially when those who ask are in need themselves. Sending you hugs. SueC

Thanks everyone! We are going to our doctor on Friday, and I will discuss it with him when we are both there. I can't tell you how invaluable your advice and support is! Today is Thanksgiving here in Canada, and I am very thankful to have all of you. Sue