first thing you need to understand is that RECOVERY IS NOT A STREIGHT LINE -

there are ups and downs - things one could do yesterday just may not happen today

and it just might take some time before you can do it again - I was walking a mile or two

every day and then I just lost the ability to raise my toes suddenly - I went back to using

my AFO and continued working on it - now 5 weeks later I can make it with an ankle wrap

that keeps my ankle from rolling over - we do need a lot of support even if we dont want to admit it -

you just dont know how he really feels and thats like he is trapped inside a body that wont

cooperate - you should talk to his doctor with your father and see if there is something or someone that

can help both you and your dad through this bad spell -

Your road with your dad is not over - it has merely changed directions like a curve in the road -

dwight

I hope and pray your dad gets better soon it takes a long time. I'm now 70 and it's been 8 years but I'm not giving up, life is too sweet to me and my wife agrees! :happydance:

Fred!

Lavenac: first off I'm so proud that you understand what Dad needs and with your busy schedule still find time to work with and encourage him. This is so important and most people either don't recognize that or give up once they realize that this is the long haul.

The good news is you have all reached that "infamous" one year mark. You have gotten your minds around stroke and stroke recovery and you are all well aware of what this is going to take. Trust me, it will get easier. Stick to routine.

Dad's aphagia will take some time. You are doing right in trying to hold conversations and working through ways to help him communicate. Bruce-at 2 1/2 years post stroke-is finally comfortable with his speech strategies and they are becoming second nature in that he knows how to route himself and prompt himself to getting at least to the gist of what he is trying to convey. Anyone close to us, who really are invested in helping Bruce recover, use the strategies we were all taught with Bruce. Those who don't care let him flounder until he gets frustrated and quits. You are all doing so well and just need a big pat on the back and a hug to remind you that you are all doing what is best for Dad. As slow as the go is, you just keep chipping away. Best, Debbie

Lavenac: first off I'm so proud that you understand what Dad needs and with your busy schedule still find time to work with and encourage him. This is so important and most people either don't recognize that or give up once they realize that this is the long haul.

 

The good news is you have all reached that "infamous" one year mark. You have gotten your minds around stroke and stroke recovery and you are all well aware of what this is going to take. Trust me, it will get easier. Stick to routine.

 

Dad's aphagia will take some time. You are doing right in trying to hold conversations and working through ways to help him communicate. Bruce-at 2 1/2 years post stroke-is finally comfortable with his speech strategies and they are becoming second nature in that he knows how to route himself and prompt himself to getting at least to the gist of what he is trying to convey. Anyone close to us, who really are invested in helping Bruce recover, use the strategies we were all taught with Bruce. Those who don't care let him flounder until he gets frustrated and quits. You are all doing so well and just need a big pat on the back and a hug to remind you that you are all doing what is best for Dad. As slow as the go is, you just keep chipping away. Best, Debbie

IN A STROKE GROUP I USE TO ATTEND THE SPEECH THERAPIST WOULD HAVE A BROWN PAPER BAG FILLED WITH MINIATURE ITEMS, LIKE, A HOUSE, CAR, HORSE,ETC. THE PERSON WITH APHASIA WOULD REACH IN THE BAG AND TAKE OUT ONE OF THE ITEMS AND WAS ASKED "WHAT IS IT' WITH NO HELP FROM THE THERAPIST. IT WAS QUITE INTERESTING. I HOPE THIS HELPS.

-WILL

Lavenac

Just to ease your mind We strokies HATE what has happened to us and how dependant we are on our loved ones. altho logically we know we must have help & care we feel really bad for the inconvience we cause .

when I see my husband cranky & tired I try not to ask for much then get bitter & feel bad I he still works full time a and has chosen to keep the same lifestyle as when I took care of all house meal & errand responsibilities & still worked right beside him on renos & yard care.

I know he has projects & things he wants to do that are hampered by my uselessness - which is basically what I think of myself now.

Not that its been serious or been more than a fleeting thought. when I'm having a pity party. I can't help but think iit may have been better if I had died and how much easier it wiwould be for my loved ones if I weren't here draining them. at that time it looks so hopeless.

I'm on anti depressants and not often that down but at times there are triggers & feelings that drop you down - we all have bad days.

for me it is frustration & guilt talking.

I'm sure I'm not serious but hate life at that moment my husband tries tries to assure me but I now think so little of my self I can't see it.

As much as I hate it -- I became a gramma Dec 21 to a beautiful 9.5 lb girl. so I will deal with things for her

ithis is about the hardest thing I've done

don't know how old you dads is I'm 60 not where I wanted to be at 60!

Remember we girls do a better job of talking about feelings men would say oh to heck with it!

good luck

Susan