Exactly two months ago today, I went to an out of state wedding and fell on the sidewalk in front of the church, resulting in a very swollen, bruised hand. Finally, tomorrow I should get some kind of answer about what actually happened to it. I still can't get my wedding ring on plus I can't move any the fingers except the thumb more than a fraction of an inch. It's been making my wheelchair duties a bit difficult, to put it mildly. Last night, I went to flip the frittata I was making for d
This summer has been a banner year for travelling and socializing for Ray and me. Not just since the stroke, but in our whole lives. We have been so many places and seen so many far away people. I finally have a few weeks ahead with very little planned, and I'm going to do my best to keep that way. Hopefully we will be ending up the summer in a mellow mood, able to look back and be grateful for all the fun we have had. I'll write about it in bits and pieces over the next few days: We do hav
So much accomplished, and learned, in such a short time. Maybe it's better that way but I'm a bit exhausted by it all. However, while it's fresh in my mind, I want (and need) to get it out of my system!
In preparation for our big reunion, this time including the kids, Nancy looked into renting a mini van for the two weeks they'd be here. We would have up to eight people, plus two wheelchairs and luggage, so my Prius wasn't going to cut it. Since she knows a lot about cars in general, sh
Our trip south last week proved that the harder something is to accomplish, the more you grow as a result. Ray seems sort of sad to be home now with nothing much going on anymore, and no non-stop blabbing 24/7 (although I'm in charge of the neighborhood yard sale this weekend, so we're not totally vegetating). However yesterday, back here at home, he amazed me with his new initiative. He went ahead of me into the grocery store instead of waiting for me while I got a cart, and then later he ho
In the last month, we have had a flurry of medical activity, topped off by the two overnight tests in hospital last month. This week every single day Ray has a doctor office appointment. I have to be more careful in the future about my scheduling!
But we're getting some new feedback, after stagnating for the last year or so. First off, his psychiatrist wants to start him on a drug called Aricept, it's a memory booster I'm told, mostly used for Alzheimers but they think it may be useful f
In between never ending doctor visits lately, we have also visited the top (to me) day care facilities in our area. The first, a highly regarded SNF in a wonderful and convenient location, I have already discussed. Here is what we have done since then.
On the advice of the original SNF supervisor, we consequently toured the Veterans facilitity, eqidistant but in the opposite direction (half hour or so, depending on traffic). Turns out it's not part of the VA, but a state run home that is
Ray is coming along nicely, and adapting to his Depakote very well. He is so much happier, sleeping well and waking up in a mellow mood; although a few glitches like upset stomach which I plan on discussing with the hospital doc today. Hopefully just an adjustment period and not permanent, or maybe his levels are too high. Then this Saturday night, we have the overnight stay for his sleep apnea test; in the same hospital, but in an area with no nurses so I have to stay with him. No biggie,
So finally, Ray reported to the hospital Tuesday afternoon to begin his 48 to 72 hour EEG. This is a test for seizures, headaches, that type of thing; it's not for everybody. The psychiatrist insisted Ray have it, plus a test for sleep apnea, the apnea consult is scheduled for next week. I am pretty sure Ray has apnea; both of these tests were ordered because Ray is having early morning sleeping problems. Wakes up to use the bathroom and can't get back to sleep, which really upsets him. He
After the storm calms down today, we will go for Ray's bloodwork for his PCP appt next week, then while we're out catch up on errands and shopping. Tomorrow therapy, otherwise just hanging out for once. Couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at the calender and there was nothing there!
Poor Ray, last Friday he woke up with a noticable shortness of breath, and I almost took him to the hospital to get it checked out. The only reason I hestitated was the last time, when we (he!) called EMT a
Well hard to believe, but Ray's aide Pat, our angel from heaven, is gone for good.....at least officially, she did call when the blizzard was just starting from the local supermarket in case we needed anything. She took such good care of us, was like family really. Meanwhile, Dominican Sisters have no other aides available (we're talking a month now) and according to their social worker and nurse (who keep coming anyway of course), everything is changing in NY State since Jan 1 as far as in-ho
Partly my fault, since I was determined to finally finish the interior painting job I started on my house three years ago; warm weather/outdoor maintenance is right around the corner (I know because my crocuses are already coming up)! Never had enough time, before or after the stroke, to just plow ahead and finish, only dribs and drabs which is my usual MO. Finally this week, I did the last room; my office, which I wasn't even going to bother with, but I was so happy with the vibrancy of the
Went to the neurologist yesterday and he made everything better. The doctor set up, through his own office, the 72 hour EEG plus the sleep apnea test, to be done at our house. He said actually Medicare frowns on the "hotel room" way of doing it, too expensive. Ray was so happy! He also agreed with the psychiatrist that dilantin wouldn't have been his anti-seizure drug of choice, although it is working well, but agreed with the psychiatrist that Depakote might be beneficial as it has mood ben
Finally after weeks of waiting, the big day arrived. I was so anxious that we ended up getting there early, despite getting a little lost. Very unusual for me. Luckily they took us in early too, Ray hates waiting in doctors waiting rooms so I was grateful for that.
The doctor was a sweetheart and not only took his time but was very sympathetic about everything. Asked questions about things I had never considered, but should have; Ray has never peed in a potted plant by mistake so I gue
Our trip to NY went very smoothly, and was a nice beginning to our holiday festivities. Our friends' apartment couldn't have been more conveniently located; Grand Central Station (one of Ray's favorite places on earth) was just around the corner, and it was also two blocks from the Midtown Tunnel. There were doormen to help us get up and down the few steps in the lobby using movable ramps, and the apartment itself was the first one on the ground floor, so we were well looked after. It was conv
Wow we're on a roll. The cruise last month was such a success that I asked Ray if he wanted to do another trip into the city for Christmas like last year, and he seemed agreeable. Truth is, he'd go on a tour of a garbage dump, he wants to get out so badly, so I try to suggest something crazy periodically. I was actually hoping for the Bronx with some Italian food shopping for Christmas, plus the fabulous train layout at the Botanical Gardens. But he is such a Brooklyn boy, the other boroughs
This is a caregiver story, hopefully some of you can relate. With the two year mark coming up, apparently it's time for me think things over and find a new path to acceptance.
The last few weeks Ray and I have been busier than I can say, with Nancy and Dan visiting, the hurricane, and now the the holiday coming up fast. I have let a few things go in the meantime. Mom had hinted to me several times that I should call Karen my sister in law down in Georgia; she not only has chronic, seve
I wrote this. my first blog, at least a month ago, and wondered why no one was commenting.......Sue just was kind enough to let me know yesterday that I saved the draft but did not publish it. Well hopefully this will be my first of many, thanks Sue!
Ray is coming along nicely, even if in small increments. Seems to be adjusting to upping his meds finally, although he still wakes at 5 or 6 AM and wants to go downstairs to finish sleeping on the couch. Hoping this phase will pass, as it doe
