Today is Gary's 68th birthday - he has survived 11 years since his massive brainstem stroke on June 1, 2004 and is thriving. After his last physical in June, the Dr. said the stroke was apparently a one-time life altering neurological event and that he appears to be very healthy and could live a normal lifespan - notice I didn't say "normal life."

From the time Gary left stroke rehab the end of September 2004, he has been at home with me as his full-time primary caregiver. We gradually weaned him off all the crazy meds they had him on - some for things that he never had (like seizure meds), and left him with only one prescription and that will be for life - his antidepressant. We were able to reduce that from the original 150 mg per day to 50 mg and he does well with it. He is eating healthier than he ever did pre-stroke and that's probably why he is doing so well. He also has the best part-time caregiver to care for him 15 hr. a week, so he sometimes doesn't like for me to shower and feed him, but asks for her instead. :roflmao: She takes him for walks, they shoot pool at the clubhouse, and the other day when I got home early with groceries they were out front flying a kite. He enjoys all of that extra special attention from her and it certainly helps me to have some "Me" time knowing that I can trust her with him. We are very blessed to have such good help.

Sarah