dstraugh

Well.....Kristina has graduated from High School. The commencement ceremony was beautiful. I surprised myself and held myself together quite well. I kept busy by taking pictures and had to keep "calm" to do so lol. Her graduation party was the following weekend and was great. With the gift money she received, she bought herself a laptop. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!! No more sharing the computer between us. College will begin on August 30th. Kristi will be attending Carlow University, here in Pittsburgh, for Nursing. My little girl will turn 18 on Aug. 15th. I think that's hitting me harder than her senior prom and graduation did. As for me, doing ok. Still receiving botox injections every 3 to 4 months. The left leg and ankle are responding better than the left arm/hand/fingers though. I've had increased tone in my forearm that is affecting the tone in my fingers and palm of my hand. This last time I received injections, my doc tried to address the additional tone issues by injecting into the palm of my hand and the inside of my forearm. It helped a smidge although the pain from the injections about sent me through the roof. He's going to ask for an increase in dosage from my insurance so he doesn't have to reduce the dosage in other areas as he had to this last time. When our weather is not too hot or too humid, I have been getting out in my power chair cruising around. We've had a hot and muggy summer so I am limited on getting out. By the time the sun goes down I am too tired from fighting the heat all day to venture out. I now have box fans in every room of the house so I'm never too far away from them.

Hi Strokenet Family. I'm so so sorry that I have not been around. Been spending lots of time on Facebook between Farmville and Bejeweled. I'm still receiving botox injections on my left side. Just received injections on Wednesday 6-16. As I'm having added tone in the palm of my hand that keeps my fingers from straightening, my Doc injected into the palm - talk about OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting out in my power chair when the weather permits. We've had a very rainy spring so I am limited as my access to the world must lead through my backyard. Wet grass and the tires on the power chair do not mesh too well, especially on my return as the yard is sloped. I have learned how to get myself unstuck while sitting in the chair. My dear daughter, Kristi, is graduating this Sunday (6-20-10) from high school. I posted a pic in my gallery. There will be a family/friends graduation party on 6-26-10 at my nephew's home. Hey, if anyone lives in our area and wish to attend, you guys are family and more than welcome. Well, just wanted to touch base and let you all know that I'm alive and well. I have experienced bouts of having staff withdrawal. Love to all.

I'm pleased that you used it Fred. I discovered it on a website; the author's name was not listed. Rather than sending e-cards, this touched my heart when I discovered it. Merry Christmas one and all.

Doreen, How precious Mommy and kittens are. Glad to hear Leo is feeling better.

Busy Busy lady you are. Hope your headaches are relieved and become a distant memory.

Diana, Hope you feel better soon dear.

Congrats Grandma - so much for the vet - I'm sure he was embarrassed. Can't wait to see pics of the puppy.

Glad to hear your Mom wasn't seriously injured in the accident. Hope the drunk driver had insurance AND will charged accordingly.

Hi Soo, Stroke survival and caregiving is definitely not for the faint of heart. Your anger is quite expected at this point. Stroke stinks!!!! We can turn the experience around by teaching others about stroke. I feel that if I can help even one person prevent a stroke then that's one less person who has their life turned upside down. When you get frustrated, know that you can come here as we understand. Hope the days get better for you.

Bob, Congratulations dear friend on your recovery and your love life. WhooHoo for you!! Your story is very inspirational. I know it has given me an added umph to push ever onward with my recovery. Especially on those lazy days at home when I procrastinate in doing my exercises. After you telling us in chat about your recovery, I was telling my PT; she was excited for you as well.

Sue, I hope to that Ray's cough goes away. With your spring weather coming, do you possibly have any windows open at night? I've heard that open windows at night can intensify a cough. Your Sunday school story was priceless.

On Tuesday, 9-22, I had an appointment with my Physiatrist. Dr. Munin was following up on my botox injections. He was quite pleased with the progress I have made. My next injections will be 11-14. I will not receive therapy after the next injections as I have been taught what to do at home by my PT and OT. Now....squelching rumors......On 9-24-09 I retired/resigned from my volunteer duties at Stroke Network. I was NOT fired as I have heard. It was a decision I made on my own being of sound mind (what's left of it after stroke :silly: ) during an administrative difference of opinion. Details of my retirement/resignation cannot and will not be discussed; it was a choice that I made.

TY Fred, Very true words

Stu, I too want to add my best of wishes for Smurf.

Sue, Yes, we must be careful in what we pray for huh. Hope doing some spring cleaning and decorating helps your drab feelings. As you are getting ready for spring, we're winding down on our seasons - soon the gloomy weather will hit here. Each day though brings us one step closer to pleasant weather.

Ruth, I haven't had a whataburger burger it seems like forever!!! You got my mouth watering for one and there are none here in my locale. You are to be commended for leaving no stone unturned in order to help William. Terrific!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good for you Patty. Sounds like all is going well. So happy for you.

Congratulations Grammie Kimmie on the birth of your brand new grandson!!! Glad to hear all is well. I hope little Evan doesn't develop an infection like his big brother did. Hope Miss Gypsy is NOT pregnant fir your own sanity. You don't need any more added excitement. Looking forward to pictures of Evan.