hey Bart:

welcome to my wonderful world of blogging. I found blogging for me hugely therupetic. so I encourage you to use it almost every day. you will realize by looking back on your blog that how far you have come. I know in the begining things are frustrating but as you keep at it. it becomes easier and easier. we would like to know more about you. lot of us in the begining did 100 things about me blog such that people know you more and also if possible tell us more about yourself I for one dont frequent message board that often. I meet lot of people in my blogworld.

Asha(39 year old survivor)

Hi Bart,

On the upside at least you didn't throw the chicken. I was a 75 wpm typist so having to look for the keys made me nuts aside from doing it one handed. It sucked to be all of us which of course doesn't make it any easier for you to be you, but we can tell you because we were where you are and got passed it and so will you. It doesn't suck so much as times goes on. You get pretty good at cutting chicken. You never like that you have to cut with one hand and hold the other half with your foot, but you get so good at it it's no longer makes it suck so much to be you. Foot adds a little extra flavor too. It does get easier and suck less as time goes on.

Maria

Hi, Bart

So glad you are blogging..it's nice to get to know you. Things will definitely get better as your stroke is relatively new. Life will never be the same as it was pre-stroke but you make changes and adapt. I have personally found a lot more meaning to life and am thankful for each new day.

Welcome to Stroke Net!

Stessie

Hi Bart and welcome to the blog community. I agree cutting meat does suck. I've not tried Maria's solution of using my foot lol. If I did try to cut my meat that way, it would be down at my furbabies level and they would be thrilled though I'd lose my food.

As time goes on, you'll learn adaptations to getting different tasks completed. I look at it as Creativity 101.

I too am a one-handed typist. I used to type 100 wpm with 2 hands - not even at 50 wpm with one hand. Can't seem to get my brain and good fingers to coordinate. Thank goodness for spell check lol.

It does get better - honest.

Hi Bart, I was paralyzed for a short time, my arm and hand came back first... i didn't have much control over it, and actually acted as if it had its own mind forawhile. I did learn control again over time.

There is a Book. I think it is our book store ...Living one handed in a two handed world" or something similar. I know there are some utensils, and aids available also. A rocker knife can be useful. A friend had someone drive a nail through a cutting board. so the sharp point sticks up a bit. She can put pieces of meat, vegetables, fruit on the nail to cut.

I also know a couple people who have bought small key boards, they attach to the computer with a USB cord, most of the keys can be reached with one hand.

I am 5 yrs post stroke..don't ever give up, tasks will become easier and you will get creative learning how to do things.

Bonnie

hi bart,

yep, life post stroke can be a challenge. i think you did well not to throw the chicken across the table. may i suggest getting a rocker knife...you can cut well with one hand using it. i got mine online....very inexpensive. as you recover you will find many ways to adapt and get things done. it can be a real pain, but at times you will amaze yourself with how clever you are. it will get easier...be patient with yourself. kathy