azrabbit

Stroke Survivor - female
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Everything posted by azrabbit

  1. Don't worry Sue - I ALWAYS carry a ton of wipes where ever we go. Jean - if we were in your part of the country we would meet you at the tavern, pub or whatever you call them there. Beers all around - our treat. I would love to meet you and Don. I know Denny would find a way to communicate with him.
  2. Denny has been out of therapy (speech, ot & pt) since the day before his PFO closure on July 12. Prior to the closure, his standard speech consisted of a few words and not more that two together with regularity. We noticed during our camping trip that he was finding more words. His speech has consistently improved over the past few weeks. Even he has noticed. Tonight while we were at dinner I asked him if he realized how many new words he had and how often his "sentences" were three or more words. He said he did and then just grinned the best grin! The other night he actually asked me, "Honey, can you scratch my back please?" I almost fell out of the bed. We talked to the neurologist's nurse and let her know. We wonder if the closure of the PFO has allowed for more oxygenated blood to reach the brain or if the heart is functioning better allowing for better blood flow from the unaffected side of his brain. Since his closure was part of a research study, we thought it was important to note. Denny has claimed that the improvement is due to the beer he has been drinking on occasion in the evening. He pointed to his tongue and said, "Beer, loose." :cocktail: Who knows, but whatever it is, I am LOVING having him talk more. The absurd part is when he is chattering at night in bed. After he gets in bed and we both get settled, meds taken, hand splint on, pillows all adjusted and the house is quiet, I take up my book to read. Lately he has lots to say. So it is now read a paragraph, translate and respond, wait until I think he is sleeping to start reading a paragraph only to have him think of something to talk about. After all these months of longing for him to talk to me, I find myself wishing he would be quiet! It doesn't last long when I remind myself of all those silent nights. We have made our plans to go to New Mexico next month. Denny has decided he is going to go fishing. He is not nor has he ever been a fisherman. I can imagine how much fun I am going to have since I believe baiting the hook requires two hands. Stay tuned for the fish report! :fishing1:
  3. azrabbit

    Happy Camper

    Thanks Bill - it is great. We have a few modifications to make so it is more accessible for Denny, but so far we are thrilled. I am adding an outdoor shower so he can shower with the bears...errrrrr "bares" if he wants.
  4. azrabbit

    Dog Day Afternoon

    Someone told me I should send this to Sesame Street for the "Up - Down" segments. The big male likes to sit on the dashboard of the Motorhome when we are parked so he can keep track of everyone who walks by. He really generates some funny responses...
  5. The awning isn't too hard to put up, I only smashed my finger once! I practiced putting it up and taking it down at home before we left with one of my staff. There weren't any directions so I searched the internet and actually found a site that had "basic awning set up" instructions. Printed them off and went step by step. I am just glad all we had was rain and not heavy wind. Not sure I could have taken it down by myself in wind.
  6. They are amazing dogs and Denny's favorite photography subjects. He has had some of the photos of Kelly published in the 24/7 book about dogs. I'll have to see if I can find it and send it to you. I am glad he likes to take their picture, that way I don't have to be in the picture - it is hard to be married to a photographer.
  7. azrabbit

    First Trip

    Denny and Ellen 1st Motor Home Trip
  8. azrabbit

    Dogs on the Run

    From the album: First Trip

    Denny took this photo. It took several tries but he wouldn't give up. He set up the camera, adjusted everything, held it upside down so he could press the shutter and still managed to get it focused. It started raining right after this shot and we were sure scambling to get back to camp. I had the camera bag under my jacket, the leashes of both dogs and was pushing Denny's scooter through the gravel til we got back on the road. We were drenched when we got back to the MH.

    © &copy azimagery.com

  9. From the album: First Trip

    Kelly and Kojo showing us how to relax at camp.

    © &copy azimagery.com

  10. azrabbit

    Happy Camper

    From the album: First Trip

    Denny on his new scooter with his new home on wheels!

    © &copy azimagery.com

  11. :party: We are both thrilled with our new (used) motor home. We got a later start than we had hoped, but managed to get up the hills and around the curves to the campground. The first place we stopped was full so we drove another 40 miles and camped at Fool Hollow Lake State Park. I must admit I was a bit skeptical about making my first camping trip at a place called Fool Hollow, but what the heck, I have made a fool of myself many times before. Denny really enjoyed the ride up and I didn't even scare him with my driving. He liked the "high" windshield - which means he liked riding up high. The view is great up there. The dogs each eventually found their spot and settled down on the ride. The male thought that all 90lbs should be on the dashboard so he could see out the high windshield as well. Denny couldn't understand why I didn't think it was safe, apparently a 90lb dog flying into his chest during a fast stop didn't worry him. I am SO PROUD to say I backed the rig into the camping spot on the first try. :cheer: Denny kept telling me, "You good honey." I guess he was proud of me too. He knows how worried I was about driving and parking such a big vehicle. It rained every day but we didn't care. We sat under the awning or inside listening to the rain and a wide variety of music. Denny worked with his SaeboFlex and I read three books. He helped with dinner one night by carefully arranging all the chopped vegetables and chicken apple sausage slices in the foil packs. Then I gave them each a splash of red wine and some seasoning and he closed them up and we placed them on the grill. YUM, they were good and Denny felt great that he had helped. We got him a scooter and he was SO happy to have some independence. He would load up the basket on the front with his gatorade, put on his hat and say, "Bye Bye" and off he would go. The park was all paved so he rode all around. I asked him if he spoke with anyone on his rides and he said he did. I asked him what he talked about and he gestured fishing and then smiled and said, "Fish GOOD!" I am so proud of him for getting out on his own and not depending on me to speak for him. :big_grin: He had some frustration trying to use his camera. We absolutely have to find a professional quality digital camera he can hold with one hand. So far I haven't been able to find a remote shutter system for any of his current cameras. He isn't happy with a point and shoot model because he is used to setting all the F stops and other settings manually. He still knows how to do this to get the best shot and gets frustrated with his limitations. We did get a few good shots when the sun was out and I posted them in the gallery. We went to a great presentation by the Rangers on the reintroduction of the Mexican Grey Wolf - formerly considered extinct. I don't know if it was the change of scenery or what, but Denny was talking a great deal more than usual. Our last evening we were making plans and he just amazed me with the words he was saying. He actually said, "OK, so presuming....." and then he would pause and gesture to indicate tomorrow or later, then he would add "sell home..." and so on. It was the first time since the stroke that I felt like he was really able to say what was on his heart. I couldn't sleep that night for a darn - I was so happy. When we got home the next day, I was telling him I had to take my Dad (also a stroke survivor) into the doctor on Monday. For the first time he said, "OK, When?" In the past he has always said, "Where?" and pointed to his watch when he meant "When." I stopped dead in my tracks - looked at him and asked him if he knew what he just said. He grinned and just kept repeating "When When When!" :friends: So, we are ready to go again. The next trip will be another first. I ordered the hitch system for our tow vehicle - a 1987 Suzuki Samurai Tin Top 4 x 4. So we will have wheels when we are parked. This time we plan a visit to Chama, New Mexico to visit our good friend - the pastor that married us. Looking forward to making more memories!
  12. :beer: WOO HOO!!!!!!! Way to go - staying strong for Trev. If the article is posted on line, share the link with us all.
  13. :tired: The last two weeks have been full of planning, purchasing, packing and praying! I have read the manual for the motor home - several times. Turned things on, turned things off, put water in, drained water out, cleaned, rearranged and have just about worn myself out. Denny desperately wants to help so I have worked hard to identify things that he can do without falling. So far his favorite thing has been sitting under the awning (which I just figured out how to open today) with a cold drink and pointing out things for me to do. Then he says, "Sorry honey, me help." I have really missed him doing all the things he used to do for us. We are planning to leave tomorrow for our shake down cruise. My son took me out today to practice backing up 31 feet of fiberglass. I am proud to say I was successful in backing out of my driveway (long and curved with a steel gate to maneuver through) and back in again. So after loading the fridge tomorrow and some clean clothes we will be on the road. I have checked several National Forest campgrounds and also some state parks. I have narrowed the choice to two. The first one doesn't have any hookups, but the rig is self-contained and has a generator so it would be ok. We are used to primitive camping and being frugal with water usage from our days sailing, but I think since it is our first time out with this rig, I would rather not be so remote and have a few creature comforts. Denny doesn't care, he just wants to get out of this heat. He is so sweet, he just keeps walking by saying, "Motor Home, YES!" He has been busy charging all his camera batteries. I have to remember to pack his tripod so he can manage the camera with one hand. He has about 4 lenses packed to take along. That is my new job, photographer assistant. Before the stroke, he wouldn't let me near his gear, now he is happy for the help changing lenses etc. I just hope that I have the energy to set it all up and fix myself an ice cold drink! :cocktail: I'll try to post photos when we return. Wish me luck with backing up! :out_of_here:
  14. ARRRGGGHHH!@$#@@!!~ I am so sorry for you both. It is hard enough dealing with all the medical issues resulting from the stroke without having to fight "city hall." By all means call the newspaper and television stations. Let the neighbors be exposed as selfish, self serving jerks!
  15. azrabbit

    TRIUMPHANT RETURN

    Stay strong Pam. What you are doing isn't easy, but you will be glad you stood up for yourself.
  16. azrabbit

    New Start

    Based on the comments on the rvnet, those who rv with disabilities say the motorhome is easier. No hitching and unhitichng etc. I agree, we used to pull an airstream trailer, but I know I would not be able to hitch it up correctly. Some people like the 5th wheel trailers, but then you need just as big an engine to pull it as having a motorhom.
  17. azrabbit

    New Start

    Yep - we are taking the bikes for sure. We can't ride much down here right now because the heat just about kills us both! Going to venture out with it today and get it emission tested and licensed. Wish me luck! Oh, and I have to buy some fuzzy dice!
  18. azrabbit

    New Start

    I just might call you Bonnie. Our daughter lives in Woodinville and that is one of the destinations Denny keeps mentioning. "Motorhome? Carrie?" Woke up this morning and tried to slip out of bed so as not to wake Denny. He opened his eyes and first thing out of his mouth was, "Motorhome? Cleaning?" My son arrived home with it yesterday, so I guess Denny was thinking we would clean it up, pack up and hit the road!
  19. azrabbit

    New Start

    Good to know Fred. Now I know who to call when I can't figure something out! Phil (my son) arrived home this evening. We love the choice we made. 30 foot Georgie Boy. Denny wanted to eat out there tonight. Then just a bit ago he asked, "Sleep? Ahhhhh, motorhome???" SMILE - guess I better learn to drive it quick. I have driven our pick up and camper and also in the past we had a 1 ton ford van and an Airstream (28 foot) but this vehicle looks REALLY big compared to them.
  20. azrabbit

    New Start

    :Clap-Hands: We have decided to hit the road and get out of this Arizona heat. Denny had a successful PFO Closure last week so we are no longer tied to Coumadin and the requisite blood tests. He also has a break from six months of physical, occupational and speech therapy. We sold our beloved sailboat because it was no longer an option for us. While I was fine at the helm and trimming sails - I was worried about single handing a big boat in an emergency. It was also extremely difficult for Denny to board the boat and get below decks. So, we thought we would just take off in our big Dodge truck and camper for cool country. What the heck, he can practice his "home" therapy just as well in the woods as he can at home. Didn't work, the camper door opened in the wrong direction and he couldn't hold on to anything to climb inside. Plus, if you have ever climbed into a cab over camper, you know what I mean when I say that it was like a wall on an obstacle course for Denny. Heck, with my short legs even I have a hard time climbing in bed. SO, that is up for sale. On to option three - How about a Motorhome???? I know - glug glug goes the gas. But, it sure would make travel easier for us. AND the added bonus is being able to take the dogs. Not many hotels are too pet friendly when you check in with two weimaraners, one 50 lbs and one trying his best to reach 90 lbs. So, I researched them for about a month and a half and found just what we wanted online. After sealing the deal, my wonderful son and his buddy flew back to Chicago to pick it up and drive it home for us. We are anxiously waiting for them to arrive. Denny is aphasic and also has apraxia. He has asked me at least 15 - 20 times the past few days, "Motorhome? What day Motorhome?" We have been busy making plans for our first trip. Of course, I have to practice driving, parking and backing up. One of our traveling buddies is going to come and teach me all the ins and outs of hoses, pumps, generators and more. I guess this is part of the stroke life that is hard for me. Learning to do all the things that Denny used to do for us. Until next time, moving on!
  21. Welcome Back Cindy. I find some days I am here every day and others I just don't feel drawn to the site. I can really relate to your comment about Jean being there - For the first month on the site, I felt like she was just sitting waiting to help me. Can't thank her and the rest of the good folks on the site for all the help and encouragement and support.
  22. Oh Chris - thanks for sharing the photos of your home. What a lovely place. I wish I could come and bring my dogs and walk with you on the peaceful path. Good luck with the driving. I don't like to drive, but Denny is happy as a clam not having to fight the traffic anymore. Sending you good thoughts about your future with Trev. Hope you have a moment to think about the good times with your Dad.
  23. azrabbit

    More Testing

    Good for you Charmin - started your blog AND found a minute to yourself. Keep us posted on the outcome of the biopsy. We are thinking of you both! E.
  24. Very inspirational....always listen to your heart.
  25. From the album: Denny's Journey

    Denny and I have always been active cyclists. In fact, we rode our tandem in several 100Mile plus rides. After the stroke, we were looking right away for a bike we could ride together. After a long search, I found it on the internet. It is actually two Sun EZ1 with a special coupling unit. We use clipless pedals for Denny to keep his foot on the pedal. We have ridden every day since we got it, including to and from therapy!