bstockman

Hi Vi, maybe you could ask the Dr for some therapy.. where they could teach Paul and you how to get you up. They ave some pretty good techniques.. good luck on the weight loss. One trick I used was to use a smalle plate . instead of the dinner size plate, use a sandwich size plate. I fnd portion control is much easier than saying the "d" (diet) word. they do have "skinny cow" ice cream pops. they also say not to watch TV when eating.. to take small bites. and think about the food and chew slowly.. drinking a glass of water or having a small bowl of soup before a meal. also drinking some water when you think you are hungry helps, sometimes you are really thirsty ... and some ice cold water will take away the hungry thoughts. Bonnie

I know some other members have had problems ...... after typing I would hit Post and Boing no blog I would try to copy and paste and hit Post... Poof disappeared and the error message.. you must type a post... EEERGH YIKES>>> and other various words. I came on line yesterday and started messing around.... if you have had your blog disappear.. here is what I did. Go to My Blog, click on Entries then on Add entry when the text box opens on the Far right is the line with spell check (a check mark&ABC) at the end of this line are 2 swirley arrows click on the arrow it will say switch between standard and rich text editor.... it will load.... and then I could post my Blog. Bonnie

Sue you sound refreshed, I am so glad Mother Nature cooperated with good weather. Hope you weekend is full of fun also. I was in the Girl Scouts,, and when my daughter also. I was an assistant scout leader and.. "cookie mom" The scouts are great for kids. Also many scout groups will help. with yard clean up or chores.. for some of their merit badges.. Bonnie

Thanks Jeanne, I was talking to Lin in chat about growing them upside down.. Your way is much less inexpensive than buying the tomato hanging things.. I am looking forward to trying this.. It is sometimes hard to get the tomotoes to ripen here, our summers can be cool or wet. I love the tip for the Basil on top of the tomatoes. Thanks soo much. Bonnie

Yes my bed is high too. Many places have steps or ramps for dogs... it just takes a few times for them to use them... Bonnie

Ok i think i have this working.. will try it one more time

well i don't think this is going to work... but I am doing a test.

Hi Wes. This shows progress.. I look forward to your Blogs, and I will look for updates... It is good that you have worked through this part of your recovery. I hated some of the PT exercises.. I had to reach into a Large jar of jelly beans and sort them by color into 8 or 9 cups. ( I wore a latex glove) and NO i had no desire to eat them, having no idea how many people had been doing the same thing...LOL maybe if I could have eaten them it would have made it more fun. I did practice at home picking up and sorting small items.. maybe you could sort some nuts and bolts or screws into jars.. the main thing is learning the fine motor control. I had either a strangle hold on things.. or i would pick up things and immediately drop them. I probably have about 90% use of my left hand now.. by practicing.. it sometimes.. decides not to listen and just open up.. but it is much better than when I started ( I had a 12 oz glass of red punch ) i dropped it just before I got out the sliding glass door.... My husband said WHY did you do that..... my reply was i wanted to see what 12 oz of red punch looks like on blue carpet... Take Care , enjoy life.. and be happy Bonnie

Hi Carla , it was so nice to meet you in chat Tuesday. I'm glad to hear you are feeling better. I know there is a seasonal sad disorder, they are also selling lightbulbs now with the sun spectrum. I am glad to see Spring and warmer weather also . I love going outside, and having the doors open. I even bought some seeds last weekend. nothing like planting and I love seeing the trees turn their furst fuzzy green. I want to look for a forsythia bush, when I lived in Ohio the first yellow flowers and I knew Spring was here. Bonnie

Yeah. good for you, sory about the fall. I know the first time John was gone, was a bit scarey...... but it is amazing what we can do. I am glad your friends came over to help. And what a sense of accomplishment . Good for you ! Congratulations Bonnie

Glad Sam is ok. and Falls do happen... I am not as wobbly as I used to be.. I say weebles wobble.. and they do fall down. I am glad to hear everything checked out fine for Sam. the fishing sounds good.. yummy fresh fried wallyeyes... Good to hear Rudy is doing ok.. time for vet visit here too. Mindy is due to have her thyroid test again.. she gets a thyroid pill everry morning.. but shegets a blood tests to make sure the dose is staying normal. Cheers.. and happy fishing. Bonnie

I am so Happy to see you back on line.. I probably would have strangled someone from the phone company by now.. I am glad you are going to Camp Break Away,, I know you had a good time last year and certainly wish you good weather, fun and some pampering. I hope Trev gets some good emloyment close to home.. My daughter is now 4 hours away.. she used to be 40 minutes. I am happy for her and my grandson, but I do miss them. a five day trip for you.. YEAH.. you definately deserve that .. (and much more) I am so Happy for you. Well you will definately be busy for a few weeks, wishing you a great time for some fun, enjoyment and coming home refreshed. ((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) Bonnie

Great Blog Wes.. and as I heard from someone else. "Normal is a setting on a washing machine" You are so right ,, life is what we make it. We grow older, life changes, not just from stroke, but we mature in mind and body. For many of us.. Stroke is an eye opening experience.. to Look and see what is "important " to each of us. to slow down,, we do not have to be on the fast track.. we can stp and smell the Sees Candy.. I love the chocolate covered marzipan..lol stop to enjoy the giggle of a baby.. and to appreciate and hold our loved ones a little closer. Bonnie

I hope you get your medications.. so you don't run out. Is there a pharmacy that delivers? Can you set up a med box.. they come in daily or weekly.. depending on how many times a day you need to take them. Maybe one of the Aunties or someone can help you rearrange the furniture so it fits better, and once you are unpacked and settled it will probably seem bigger. Glad Teddy made a new friend. Enjoy your new place

Hi Craig, I wasn't told much about mental or emotional problems. My Dr did have me come in often for check ups, etc. I'm not sure the first few weeks, that would have even "sunk" in. I was adjusting to the word "stroke" and it took awhile for to even believe my body was not listening to my brain. My beginning focus was physical recovery. I think sometimes. it is really not known what will be affected, what will come back.. and "how we will react emotionally".. From what I see many times on the board ... many of the Dr's give the worst case scenario.. some kind of.. well we will have to wait and see. Dr's are larning about our brains more.. but each stroke can really affect each person a bit differently.. we are unique.. and how we react and recover can't really be known. Dr did talk to me and put me on an antii-depressant, it is used in diabetics for neuropathy , I also had nerve pain, and the sleeping 2 hours.. waking up. This medication does help get your body back into sleep rythm. Not everyone can take the same meds, and sometmes it takes 3 weeks for it to reach a therpeutic level. The name of the medication is Cymbalta. you may want to talk to your Dr, or do some reasearch on line. I know there are several natural sleep aids, I would talk to the Dr and pharmacist to make sure if you are on prescriptions, that any over the counter or herb, does not have a reaction with your regular meds. I hope you feelcmfortable speaking with your Dr.. or find one you are comfortable with. I worked in the medical field .... and had the knowledge of who was a good Dr and that I got on well with, so I have had him for several yrs before the CVA You have extra stress with parents and dealing with your stroke. Please talk to the Dr and let him/her know your stress and your concerns. Bonnie

That was ,,,, and ok.. sometimes is still a bit of a problem.. pacing myslef. I try to listen to the signals, but it is often.. just one more.....over the years I have learned that not pacing myslef or overdoing.. takes more time to get the energy and back to where I was.. So even though i push.. I do know, i will have to pay the consequences. As far as the speech, and walking.. If I push, and get overtired.. those deficts pop up.. almost 6 yrs post stroke.. I am far from where I was in the beginning. best wishes on attaining your goals.. Bonnie

(((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))) a gazillion of them. We had to put our dear sweet Tasha to rest in October. We had found her up the road on the highway.. not positive of her age.. somewehre between 14 and 17.. We had a very special 11 years with her. Muggsy my min pin ( we have is son and daughter from his only litter) is very special buddy of mine.. he will be 12 this yr... There is a little thing I read on he internet, about a little boy saying our pets are not here as long, because they are good and loving already.. and don't have to learn so much in life. Oh my Gosh.. I think one of my greatest fears "dentist" even above spiders.. Tuesday is almost here.. so hopefully this will be over soon. I certainly hope your dad is recovering from the pneumonia.. he may need to take it easy, and have extra rest to get his strength back.. If your dad was ever in the Armed Services.. he may want to contact the local VA office. they may be able to help with some home care or extra services.. when your brother is away. I am glad Marc seems to be on the mend, and hopefully with Supervising, he wont have to do heavy lifting, etc. I will keep you and your family close in my thoughts and prayers... and we will hope that whole flock of pigeons flew over at once.. and are on their way somewehere else love and hugs Bonnie and my furbabies are sending warm fuzzzy thoughts for Stimpy

Thanks for the update.. Terriers are hysterical.. and Very smart. I have 3 minature pinschers (which were bred from terrier) and a toy fox terrier. You will be amazed at how many words he will learn.. and even your routine and body language. If you have mice or moles in the yard.... expect holes.. he will dig to get them.. Terriers were bred to keep mice and vermin ou of the house. Have fun , Enjoy... Bonnie

Hi Jeannie, I missed the part about getting a dog.. I guess I was focused on you feeling so down and some of your family's not understanding stroke My husban and I have 5 acres.. We have 5 dogs.. ( we had 6) 2 were rescues. we have 2 rescue cats, and we have 2 goats.. that needed a new home. My fur babies gice so much love and joy.. my husband and I refer to them as " the kids" lol Having this many we rarely get away.. Other than shopping, or for 6 or 8 hrs. My husband also owns his own business so that makes geting away together difficut; but I wouldn't have it any other way. The love and joy we get in return gives us happiness, and many laughs. ( if we time things during school vacations.. my daughter and grandson can come and.."funny farm sit") I know Riley will give you happiness and fill your days. we look forward to hearing more about him Bonnie

Hi Jean, after stroke can be a real emotional rollercoaster. There can be.. "emotional liability" Please phone your Dr, you may need an anti-depressant for awhile. Most of the antidepressants can take a few weeks to really work, or you may have to try more than one, or adjust the dose until you feel better. It does take time to grieve, you have changed and feel you have "lost" something.. Try to think of this as a warning, You did not have a "big" stroke. You are walking, eating healthy.. doing the right things. The first year is the hardest, it will get better, but there is not "snapping out of it" Even a "mild stroke" there can be some emotional or cognitive deficits. It takes time and adjusting.. Try each day to do someting that makes you smile.. just smelling fresh brewed cofee, or buying a little plant for the house or yard.. Remember,, you have a 2nd chance to enjoy and see these. I try think of the stroke entering my life.. to tell me it was time to slow down, to enjoy the little things.. the sun on my skin, the breeze.. My husband, children, grandchildren, my pets. I was left side paralyzed for a short time.. I know walk sower and with a limp... my left hand is a bit clumsy , but it works. This was an "event" that happened to you.. you did not ask for it.. It is like someone having a heartattack or.. anything else.. It jumps up and smacks you in the face.. but you are a Survivor. The fear of another stroke is real.. and it also lessens.. all you can do is live healthy, take your medications. Do the best you can to prevent another one. There are also chances of getting in a car accident, or thousands of things happening.. but we don't dwell on these. Life is worth living.. and enjoying.. (((((hugs)))) Bonnie almost 6 years post stroke Survivor.

Are you trying to carry too many credits a semester? Maybe an extra year of school, would be better, taking less credits per semester, which would give you less classes, more study time. Also eating breakfast is REALLY important.. eating breakfast, some protein, good carbs actually helps you brain to function better and learn and retain. Carrying some enegy bars or some cheese in your back pack to munch between classes. Keeping your brain and body fed with good, high protein, low or good carbs, will help with energy and thinking. If you have to have so many credits per semester, maybe you can work with the school counselor, so you do not have all "hard classes" at the same time. Also have you found the best way for you to learn and retain.. Some people learn by reading.. some by reading and making pertinent notes in a notebook.. writing it down helps. So people learn by doing.. or hands on.. so if you can find a "study partner read a chapter, and then have someone ask you questions... Finding. the right way for you to retain the information.. take breaks, between subjects when studying.. also remember to keep water bottle with you and stay hydrated. If you have roommates who play music or are a distraction, you may want to use some earplugs, or find a quiet place or the library to study. Make sure you have studying done.. beore the exaams.. trying to stay up and cram the night before. is not good.. you r in panic mode, and then probably not sleeping. So a good nights rest and just reading hi-lighted pertinent notes. I went back to school in my 40's.... after 20+ yrs of not being in school. I found finding the right studing method was key. Bonnie

Are you trying to carry too many credits a semester? Maybe an extra year of school, would be better, taking less credits per semester, which would give you less classes, more study time. Also eating breakfast is REALLY important.. eating breakfast, some protein, good carbs actually helps you brain to function better and learn and retain. Carrying some enegy bars or some cheese in your back pack to munch between classes. Keeping your brain and body fed with good, high protein, low or good carbs, will help with energy and thinking. If you have to have so many credits per semester, maybe you can work with the school counselor, so you do not have all "hard classes" at the same time. Also have you found the best way for you to learn and retain.. Some people learn by reading.. some by reading and making pertinent notes in a notebook.. writing it down helps. So people learn by doing.. or hands on.. so if you can find a "study partner read a chapter, and then have someone ask you questions... Finding. the right way for you to retain the information.. take breaks, between subjects when studying.. also remember to keep water bottle with you and stay hydrated. If you have roommates who play music or are a distraction, you may want to use some earplugs, or find a quiet place or the library to study. Make sure you have studying done.. beore the exaams.. trying to stay up and cram the night before. is not good.. you r in panic mode, and then probably not sleeping. So a good nights rest and just reading hi-lighted pertinent notes. I went back to school in my 40's.... after 20+ yrs of not being in school. I found finding the right studing method was key. Bonnie

Yes that energy gremlin... grrrgh . I have learned..lol That If i over do, the next few days.. I will be very tired... I do try to pace myself.. but there are things we want to do and enjoy, sometimes you can stop and have a little energy break.. and sometimes you just over do .. and know there will be consequences.. No No Never give up.. I had one Dr tell me,, about 18 months would peak... I had another old Dr (friend) said as Long as you keep trying that is the main thing. All I could do in the beginning was drag my left along with me, with a walker. within a month I was up to a cane.. then about 6 months.. un-aided. I walk with a limp.. I have had people ask if I had knee surgery. So far I have not figured out how to run.. but I am not planning on any marathons.. I had the focus and attention span of a gnat.. I still have some days,, where I have several projects started..lol and days I go in the laundry room, and find a load half folded... but I cook meals, bake, drive, etc. I have practice with computer games.. staying focused, using timers.. Iam almost 6 yrs post stroke.. and I Do not see the giant strides.. but it is more like "fine tuning" I have found easier ways to do things.. and I have adjusted to the deficits.. Stroke is all about time, practice and patience. Tired days, days out of energy.. because I have over done, I know I will have ssome problems with "word retrieval" or slurring my words.. I do have more energy now than I had first year or so post stroke. The Dr also found I was severely deficient in vitamin D.. once we got my levels in the more normal range, it has made a big difference also. ...Just know .. we will over do , and try to plan so you have some days.. after that you maybe can take it a bit easy... But enjoy what you like.. and Congrats on the presentation Bonnie

LOL I totally understand.. we have 5 dogs.. We have the dad, and 2 from his only littler.. daughter and son.. then a resuce those 4 are 20'lbs and under, then an 80lb Aussie Mix.. We can get some real growls, grumbles.. and posturing... also have 2 cats... yes it can be quite entertaining.. Bonnie

Wes. we all go thru these moments.. We have lost something to this rotten stroke.. it's ok to ... sometime's we remember what we lost.. I liked what you said.. and it was something I had to learn.. Don't compare what you can do today to how you were before stroke, but compare today to the day stroke entered your life.. LOOK how far you have come.. and that doesn't mean you can quit now.. I had one Dr tell me 18 months, I had more.. and one I consdier a friend.. tell me as long as you try as long as you don't give up there is progess. Sometimes it is "fine tuning" and may not be the huge leaps at first. My walking continued to improve over several years.. No I still can't run. I'm not even sure what I look like when I try... LOL.. The grandkids, know grandma doesn't run, but she's good at sitting by the garden and finding bugs, worms, teaching you weeds from flowers. oops.. oh well we can re-plant that one. What I am saying, and you are seeing.. Life is different.. but it is still GOOD. We have been slowed down..... but now I am not in that 90mph rat race.. I have time to find the bug, smell the coffee.. and plant the flower.. Enjoy the little things my friend... sometimes you see more from the side line than being in the middle of the race. Bonnie