bstockman

I don't think anyone will "flame" you.. You feel..how you feel.... we all know you have give 110% to help Kathy's recovery. You cannot Make yourself feel something if it is not there. You will know when the time is right to talk to Kathy, maybe she does not even realize what she is doing to make you upset... one unhappy person in a marriage = 2 unhappy people.... Is there someone that can come over and give you a break for a day or two....It is hard when resentment is building. I wish you both the best in a rough situation. Remember friends are here to support you..not judge you Bonnie

Clark, so glad to hear from you and though it's not all sunshine and roses, glad you let us know how you are doing. I am glad you are walking and hope it continues to help. Don't forget you always have friends here!!!! Bonnie

Well time for myself is similar to yours, except I do try to have dinner ready at a "certain"time" when I want to go into chat or call a family member in another time zone I have to figure out the time difference.. or if I have a doctor orother appointment have to remind myself (several days in advance and place post it notes so I watch "the time" but other than those factors....oh and the time for a favorite tv program and the cat reminds me it is "time" to feed her.... Bonnie

well here is another life line......................................... It is very hard to adjust to all the changes going on. Are you getting enough sleep, when I am overtired it makes everything 10 times harder. I try to do domething positive for myself every day, whether it is to go outside and sit on the porch with my mornng coffee and watch the birds and butterflies, or having a cookie and a glass of milk I wrote a list of 10 things I am thankful for. have you spoken with your doctor, maybe you need a change in medication. you have friends here and sometimes just reading the posts and blogs can make you smile or even see there are other people with similar or worse problems. sure hope you wake up and have a better day... Bonnie

Vicky, I have had the same response, if I didn't know you before I wouldn't know you had a stroke......exactly what does that mean... I think people are trying to be "encouraging" in their own idiotic way.. Thanks a bunch. You just talk as much as you want...dont let remarks let that get to you , easier said than done.....but your friends understand and love you just the way you are.... Bonnie

WOW totally understand...am going through same thing now.. fake too th came out .. a couple times, they were able to cement it back it with good results. Now it cam out again...can't cement it so they are going to make a bridge..go back August 3rd for impressions and then they will make the bridge....feel like a Halloween Pumpkin for now and not smiling much...lol glad you all can't SEE me but soon will have a smile again.... I was also afraid I would swallow the darn thing... good luck janice

Gary hope you get results from the botox, I use an Exertube for working out my arms and shulders looks like a rubber jump rope with handles, they come in 5 colors...level of strenght/resistance, I hadn't thought about it but since using this I have noticed I carry my arm and hand at a more normal angle and not curled up unless I am "overtired" I know my PT had given me some..latex type bands to use for arm and shoulder exercises (first time after rotator cuff surgery. it has helped to strengthen my arms and movement. Best of luck and keep us posted on the botox. Bonnie

Glad to hear the good news Marty.

I have tried soaking them, I have tried soaking them with baking soda, I have tried adding a piece of apple or potato when cooking..... NONE of these have worked..... there is Beano....lol or not.....just open the windows and have fun I got the cutest joke (country western song) Daddy cut the big one in the Missipppi Baptist church wish I could put it on here it is hysterical Bonnie

Hi Pam, can you call the girl or boyscouts, they always want to help..maybe they can send a couple kids to help you move your furniture and they would get ponts toward their merit badge and a feeling of doing good for someone. Bonnie

Rich, so glad about the counseling, and yes hindsight is better than foresight, but sometimes people you think are trustworthy turn out not to be....unfortunate fact of life.. AS I said there really are good people in the world, sometimes it is hard to know who to trust until we get to know them. This a very vunerable time. Maybe by meeting some people here and knowing other people are also going through this will give you the hope or confidence to try one of your support groups in your area. The people there may have some good information as to help, caregivers and other valuable informantion and interaction with others. keep us posted and sincerely hope you are feeling better Bonnie

Amanda please don't feel guilty, life does not stop because someone has a stroke. I know you want to be there for you dad, but as said I am sure it is a dream of your parents that you get a good solid education. As far as the concert..you will have a few days off and come back refreshed (maybe the tension headache will be gone) you are young and deserve some fun in your life. If your are really needed it is an hour drive.. your dad will be in re hab for awhile it sounds....as chef denny says maybe you can e mail your mom..I have a "freedom" phone plan and all my long distance,in state and out and local phone for one flat fee...(much cheaper than paying for each call..as all of our relatives are long distance. I am sure your dad will get much joy hearing about your classes and things going on at school...go have a great time, come back refreshed and know we all desrves some joy in our lives. Have a great time. Bonnie

So sorry you had to go through that, but your quick thinking with the mace, was aa good reaction. not to sure I would have been nice enough to wash it out.. If you are in the house can you have a friend change the locks, a restraing order. or a court order that he can come get his stuff, but that he must call and make arrangemetns for an appropriate time and you can have someone with you when he comes...sometimes police men will come and stay while he removes his belongings. Bonnie..he was lucky it was mace and not a weapon or sharp object!

yes it is quite a shock...but I figure hey I am walking and that was something I had to learn all over again.. and I did...who cares if I look like a had a few drinks at lunch.....I am up and moving and doing the best I can...pat yourself on the back..you get where you want to go... Bonnie

I underwent dental work last week...I am a BIG WUSS also, had one extraction, 2 fillings and a cleaning.... I go back August 3rd for impression for a bridge...well the worst is over. I have known this dentist since he first opened his practice and we have gone there for years (when I am not chicken) luckily he is giving me a HUGE break on this or I would have to put it off ......longer I am glad you did well and I think sometimes the antipication is worse now than actually going...they are so much better at getting you NUMB Good Luck with the rest of your dental work....Bonnie

Dear Rich, I am much older , had stroke at 54.. I do not hear from some of my old friends as much as before stroke. I have had people that I met since the stroke say they would never know I had a stroke. A previous friend said "If we can't have the old Bonnie we will glkady take whatever we get (I know she means she is glad I am alive, a survivor and yes there are definate changes") I am married and have one daughter & grandson, have 2 grown step children and 3 more grandkids. I am quiter now and at family gatherings sit back more.. I know our local rehab hospital has a stroke survivor group is there anything like that in your area that you could go to. Also you will meet many caring people here and can always pm or e mail us. The chat room is also a way to meet the people here and interact..sometimes it is serious and sometimes just joke around and tease...and has been said...please get some professional help, and let someone know if you are being abused..there are sick people out there but there are also good people.......take care and know you have friends here...Bonnie

Hi Kim, I know it is hard to ask for help, but if your parents have offered, it would give you a little break, even to go to a store, or a short nap for yourself.. maybe even two or 3 days a week for an hour or so... just a little you time...It is hard to do it all yourself....don't burn out.... take care of yourself for both of you

Glad today is better.....we just have those days when we try to slay the dragons....maybe we should try to make friends with them..or use the gardenhose...lol anyhow so very happy for you that today is better and may you have a bright tomorrow...Bonnie

Hope you have a wonderful time... Bonnie

What in the h is wrong with people, that they think they could come into your home and say things like that...and they are earning a good wage...I get really frosted....When I worked and I was training "new medical assistants" the first thing I told them was advice I got from a teacher...".You treat patients like you would want your own mother or family member to be treated" maybe you should tell them that when they walk in the door and say if you can't do that leave NOW... there are good medical people out there and I hope you find a pearl Bonnie

Marty I think they own the property behind me too....or close relatives..... Pam you are not an ugly duckling.... just living life with ups and downs. Bonnie

Glad you have a new PT, having a good one that works with you and YOUR needs makes all the difference... don't forget your pj's for sleep over...Bonnie

Mary, i too have wondered or thought I should have said something different, but like Kim and Marty and Cindy said, you are here, it shows compassion and concern, sometimes just a small response is all that is needed...just someone who understands is so very helpful....thanks for being here Bonnie

Hope you are feeling a little better, it is hard and sometimes feel isolsated...can you keep in touch with cousin by phone, or is she/he moving far..maybe you can plan some "get togethers" if the distance is not great..just wanted to let yoi know we are thinking og you and sincerely today is a better day for you. Bonnie