alansd

i certainly will, I prayed for guidance in what to do and everything pointed this way.Jan 29th.

Life is never trivial, you have your impact on others and that is something to be glad for.I hope your relationship continues to blossom.I am blessed to be near 72 and married for 35 years.Happily. We have our tensions, but always overcome them and enjoy our time together.That is a wonderful thing.2020 has been tough, both our sons had covid, but ut lasted only a couple of days and they are fine now.Lots of stress with my 87 year old father in law who is in assisted living where the rules have changed too many times.But he too is well and mostly happy, so alls good. 2021 will be interesting historically, and I don't want to be political here, so I won't.

A lot of new studies have been done and continue to be done with stem cells,Most of the newer ones have success using Mesenchymal atrologous cells, from ones own bone marrow. These cells can differentiate into any cell needed, including neurons and other brain cells.My source for this info is Pubmed.gov the National institute of Health site for clinical studies and papers.I also read in Narure, and JAMA.This stuff is pretty hard for a non -medically trained person, but I could get through it by looking up the terms I did not understand. I found much positive news on orthopedic uses, localized knee, neck, back,shoulder treatments.The growth of new cartilage, was incredible to see, and studies on other illnesses and disabilities like spinal injuries are truly amazing.This is the future of modern medicine by all accounts.however studies on stroke survivors who improved after years of hemiparesis and other disabling post stroke effects are harder to find. This is because they are not FDA approved, but they are out there. A few famous studies like the Pisces study, and those others done at Stanford and Duke universities are truly great news. They had people as much ten years post stroke recover their ability to walk, use the affected arm, and more.Very encouraging, but finding a clinic is the challenge. Thailand is one spot for a clinic, in Bangkok.Germany has another in Munich. These are truly beyond reach of most people with prices of 35- 40,000$US.Plus you have to get there. Here in my area near Atlanta there are orthopedic stem cell clinics, some run by Chiropractors who use the title Dr. to confuse the potential clients. But dig deeper and there are others run by MDs of extensive experience and training.I foud two clinics here that do localized stem injections for orthopedic joint repair, and visited both. I saw Medical doctors who took the time to explain what they do, and then told me they could not help me because different equipment was required that they did not currently have. One went further and said that the treatments in certain overseas clinics, and a few US based are proven and viable.He could not recommend them, only to say that one was in California and the other near Chicago.I found both and wrote them for detailed information. I settled on the Chicago doctor, who were somewhat affordable for me and a short two hour flight away. They also provide concierge service, pickup at the airport and setup in a nice nearby Hotel. All my questions were answered as I proceeded to investigate, and after much discussion with my wife, I sent them a deposit, my health records and MRI and such. They use the intranasal stem infusion, with local anesthesia, and take the stem cells from the hip bone marrow.The whole procedure is about two hours or so with some time waiting until your cells are processed.' Intranasal (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28895435/)infusion is mentioned in several studies and well thought of for reaching the brain. A chemical treatment injected into the body makes the blood brain barrier more susceptible to passage of the cells,which seek out damage and through their proteins repair or replace as needed.Some speculation is thast the cells read the electrical signal from the damaged area and that is how they "perceive" what is needed. This from the book , The "Brain that changes itself" by NormanDoidge,MD. Also the "Body electric " by Robert Decker ,MD. Two excellent books. ('Ive had success using micro current stimulation after reading them.) So this getting long, but suffice to say I will travel to Chicago on Dec 28 and have the procedure on the 29th. If you are a prayerful person, please add me to your prayers. I will be getting hyperbaric treatment afterwards here at home area.These are prescribed for up to 30 days,A great holiday to you all and hoping for a fabulous New Year!

anyone get past Spasticity?I read it is a stage of recovery, but the book did not say if it goes away. It is a plague for me daily.Left side face, neck, shoulder, arm,leg all of it.

hello all, i am still here.....I rode my recumbent trike around our new neighborhood now that it cooled down some and the construction has abated.Enjoyed lapping the cul-de-sacs.But ; my bad leg was super tired for the next 3 days.Still I look forward to my next cruise around.There are a few hills to deal with also, but I like the challenge. I am using fsm, with micro voltage applied steadily on my arm and hand. It does relieve any pain, and helps with spasticity for awhile but not brought the hand back yet, supposed to take 6 weeks,I am in my first.

hang in there,it will get better with time and patience, you will need to be strong and kind.

i often worry when i get a weird headache or odd feeling that it might happen again.But I see my Dr., and get checkups, take my meds, and most importantly i relax through meditation. It has made a nice difference for me and got me off depression med. I highly suggest it, as a daily 20 minute or longer routine.I use SacredAcoustics healing music, put on headphones and see ya!

i think God puts people in contact with us to help or teach us, I know many times when I am down I get an unexpected meeting with someone who lifts me up. One time i was entering our fitness club a woman on the way out, said "hey dont i know you" After a minute of chat we realized that she attended my music ministry nights, with her husband years earlier.. He a naturopath with a large practice, she the admin person.She offered to get me accupuncture abd hyperbaric treatments at minimum cost. I attended there for 6 months after that. All part of getting well. I also have had people come up to me at the gym and say how I inspire them with my dedication and work,that seems to be timely and helpful.

I use two droppers of cbd Canadian Hemp oil each morning, they seem to help, but I can't be sure.I did get some cbd gummies w(ith 5% thc )they helped me relax with zero pain and I felt great, Cant get these where I live though, so they were a one time thing. Wish my state would relax the laws.

watched Contagion last night it is truly the situatuin we are now in.Its from 2003 on Amazon.Great cast.

yes sir! I just tried out and then ordered a recumbent trike for my birthday gift to myself. Cant wait to get out and cruise,My short trial ride on our rails to trails thing was so much fun, and no stress, glad i could comfortably and smoothly ride while steering with my right arm only. Getting the Trident trike...Spike.Now lool\king at helmets.gotta protect what I have left.

i will be 71 this coming week. Never truly thought Id make it, but a lot of men in my family didn't.The stroke deficits slow me down less and less and my Pt guy said I am ok to try Pickleball again. I miss doing that, especially in this great weather here in Georgia. We are also actively looking at downsizing to a sibe story home with adaptive bathroom.That would be excellent. Life goes on, we went to a religious service that was restricted to 25 people sitting far apart, and saw a friend just diagnosed with terminal stage 4 pancreatic cancer.His wife was a wreck and we all felt so badly for them.I offered some consolations and compassion, but it did not feel like near enough.Makes me feel lucky to be surviving.I emailed him afterwards and suggested he watch Dr Brian Weis' videos. I find them very ecouraging.Stay well all!

I grew up in a beach town in New York city,only blocks from the ocean.It was the summer spot for many New yorkers, and my parents chose to make it their year round home. Rockaway was great for an active kid, who rode his trike and later a bike n the 8 mile long boardwalk by the sea.Unfortunately bad Governing turned the peninsula into a refuge for low income housing dwellers and for the mentally Ill in half way houses,which scared off residents to leave for greener pastures. I left for college 12 hours away, paid tuition with steady work in a number of bands as a guitar player and singer.Went onto a teaching career which I abandoned to try my luck as a song writer and guitarist in Nashville.I set year long goals for a 5 year period.I met all my goals in two years.So I stayed and got in a group that toured Nationwide as a remake of the Vogues vocal group.We were seen in a Nashville night club by a producer and his crew who offered us a contract yo record an album,but in Country music style, which our tight harmonies leaned into well. Amazingly our first song release went to #9 on the "charts: and we were off and run,ning literally aboard a bus for the next 5 years.The touring was one of my goals, to see the country and let my guitar pay the way, but I also got paid well to do it, so it was a bonus.This began in 1982 and lasted until 1987 when things went wrong due to changes ar our Record Label,MCA. I returned home to Atlanta and married my girlfriend, attempting to carve out a career to support a family.I returned to my education career and was able to get a job teaching elementary school special needs children.This lasted long enough, 20 years...so I could retire.Then this :Sorry about the caps, typing is stressful; ON ASemmingly Normal DAY SINCE RETIRING FROM MY EDUCATION CAREER, I WOKE AT 5am WHEN MY WIFE ROSE TO BEGIN HER WORKDAY. I go TO THE KITCHEN,to GET AN ESPRESSO AND OPEN my LAPTOP TO SEE WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED IN THE WORLD OVERNIGHT.THEN, ITS OFF TO THE GYM ABOUT 8AM AFTER THE SCHOOL TRAFFIC IS DONE. I SPEND AN HOUR THERE,THEN HOME FOR BREAKFAST But on this day, AUG 28 2017,WHILE ON THE VERY BUSY 2 LANE ROAD HEADING HOME, I FELT MY TRUCK PULL HARD LEFT TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I WAS NOT SURE WHAT WAS HAPPENENING TO THE TRUCK,SO I SLOWED TO 30MPH, THEN I REALIZED IT WAS MY LEFT ARM PULLING THE WHEEL OVER TO THE LEFT I pulled the fingers from around the STEERING wheel AND DROVE WITH MY RIGHT HAND UNTIL I GOT HOME,THEN IN THE DRIVEWAY I OPENED MY DOOR WITH MY RIGHT HAND AND STEPPED OUT ONTO A LEFT LEG THAT DID NOT HOLD ME, FELL HARD ONTO THE CONCRETE DRIVE. AND PANICKED MORE THAN A LITTLE I FORCED MYSELF OFF THE CONCRETE ONTO THE RUNNING BOARD AND TRIED TO CATCH MY BREATH, THEN WALKED INTO THE GARAGE AND TO THE HOUSE. I WENT TO THE SHOWER AND TOOK A WARM ONE TO RELAX. THEN I TOOK MY BLOOD PRESSURE TO SEE IF IT WAS HIGH,I FOUND THAT IT WAS 202 OVER 110. I TOOK 2 ASPIRIN ( SMARTbut late) AND CALLED A NEIGHBOR TO COME OVER, HE SAW ME, said I looked bad, and told me I To call 911. I ALSO TEXTED MY WIFE WHO SAID TO MAKE THAT CALL RIGHT AWAY!, SO OF COURSE,I DID NOW ,I WAS QUITE WORRIED, BECAUSE I HAD MADE IT TO 68 YEARS OLD HAVING NEVER BEEN HOSPITALIZED BEFORE, and knew it was coming. I TOLD MYSELF I WOULD TRY TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE new eXPERIENCE AND JUST to RELAX,and found THE EMT CREW so PROFESSIONAL THEY MADE ITeasier FOR ME.Then the EMERGENCY ROOM, WITH A BUSY GROUP IN BLUE SUITS ALL AROUND ME. , I KINDA FOUND IT HARD TO BREATHE, ANXIETY SET IN, AND THEY OFFERED ME OXYGEN AND A DRUG TO RELAX ME AND LOWER MY NOW 210/112 BP. I FELT WEIRD as the drug hit,AND WAS TOLD I WAS STROKING,, HAVING a TIA WHICH can COME IN waves . I HAD AGREED TO GET A ROUND OF TPA, THE CLOT BUSTING DRUG THAT PREVENTS MAJOR STROKES, WHICH CAN FOLLOW A TIA, SCARY BECAUSE IF I HAD ANY BLEEDING INTERNALLY, THE TPA COULD TURN 'EVIL" AND KILL ME. IT WORKEAND I WAS TAKEN TO GET A CT SCAN LOOKING FOR BLOOD AND CLOTS IN MY BRAIN,luckily NONE WERE FOUND AS REPORTED to THE NEUROLOGIST, SO I WAS IN THE CLEAR FOR AWHILE. PHEW! I THEN HAD MORE SCANS, including A FULL 45 MINUTE MRI, TALK ABOUT CLAUSTROPHOBIC! ALSO A CARDIAC SCAN AND NUCLEAR STRESS TEST, AS A GENETIC CANDIDATE FOR HEART DISEASE, I HAVE ALWAYS CARED FOR MY HEART, EXERCISING REGULARLY AND EATING HEALTHY. I ALSO Took SEVERAL HEART SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE HELPFUL, SO ALL THE TESTS CAME BACK NEGATIVE FOR HEART DISEASE AND BLOCKAGES, OTHER THAN AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, called a RIGHT BUNDLE BRANCH BLOCK WAS DISCOVERED, WHICH CAN CAUSE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND ULTIMATELY LEAD TO STROKE. I also had a full body MRI. I ultimately SPENT 3 NIGHTS IN EMERGENCY CARE THEN 5 MORE IN the ICU. I COULD HAVE BEEN RELEASED TO REHAB , BUT IT WAS THE FRIDAY BEFORE LABOR DAY WEEKEND AND THE REHAB CENTER WOULD NOT ADMIT A NEW PATIENT. SO I spent 3 MORE NIGHTS IN THE RECOVERY AREA OF ICU. FINALLY TUESDAY ARRIVED, AND I WAS TRANSFERRED TO IN- PATIENT REHAB, ON LEAVING THE HOSPITAL, I WAS STRUCK WITH HOW GREAT IT FELT TO BE OUTSIDE, IF EVEN IN AN AMBULANCE, THE REHAB CENTER WAS AnNOTHER NEW EXPERIENCE, A SMALL PRIVATE ROOM WITH very SMALL TV, a BED, LOUNGE CHAIR AND two ROLLING TABLES .THIS WAS TO BE MY HOME FOR 3 WEEKS. VERY DULL, EXCEPT FOR THE THERAPY SESSIONS WHEN MY WHEEL CHAIR WAS ROLLED INTO THE GYM, FOR TWO OR MORE HOURS OF LEG EXERCISES, AND LEARNING HOW YO USE A WALKER SAFELY. ONE DAY AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS I WAS INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER TO A LOW MAT- TABLE , MY CHAIR WAS PLACED SEVERAL FEET AWAY, SO I STOOD AND WALKED,TO THE MAT. THIS WAS SUCCESSFUL BUT NOT VERY PRETTY. MY LEFT LEG WAS GAINING IN STRENGTH BUT NOT IN GOOD CONTROL, I REALIZED THOUGH THAT I HAD ACTUALLY WALKED AND WAS QUITE PROUD OF THAT ACTION. THE OT THERAPY CONCENTRATED ON MY LEFT ARM AND HAND USING VARIOUS TECHNIQUES INCLUDING E-STIM, ELECTRONIC MUSCLE STIMUATION, WHICH AMAZED ME TO SEE MY HAND AND FINGERS MOVE ANIMATEDLY. I ALSO HAD SPEECH THERAPY TO IMPROVE MY VOICE CONTROL, AND WE SPENT SOME TIME SINGING WHICH FOR ME WAS A MAJOR PART OF MY LIFE PRIOR TO ALL THIS. I KNEW THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF REGAINING MY GUITAR PLAYING ABILITY WAS REMOTE AND WELL INTO THE FUTURE OF ALL THIS. DEPRESSING, BUT MY REALITY NO DOUBT.SINCE A STROKE CAN MAKE YOU VERY EMOTIONAL QUICKLY, often I WOULD BE OVERCOME WITH CRYING JAGS WHEN I BECAME truly AWARE OF my new REALITY, AND this ONLY ABATED WITH A PRESCRIPTION ANTI -DEPRESSANT PRESCRIBED FOR ME. THE THREE WEEKS DRAGGED ON WITH PROGRESS BEING HARD WON, AND MANY HOURS SPENT IN MY BORING ROOM., ALONE THANKFULLY I HAD MY LAPTOP BROUGHT IN, AND FOUND THE STROKE SUPPORT ONLINE NETWORK, WHICH GAVE ME INSIGHTS INTO WHAT OTHERS HAD EXPERIENCED WITH their STROKE AND AFTERWARDS. I ALSO STARTED READING A BOOK ON RECOVERY FROM STROKE WHICH WAS VERY EDUCATIONAL. I SAW THE POTENTIAL AND MY OPTIMISM INCREASED GREATLY. I JOINED AND EAGERLY READ THE POSTS FROM OTHER SURVIVORS. I RECEIVED A NUMBER OF VISITORS at rehab INCLUDING A FEW OLD FRIENDS I HAD NOT SEEN IN QUITE SOME TIME. MY WIFE CAME EVERY DAY AFTER WORK , ROLLING ME OUT TO THE COURTYARD FOR SOME AIR AND SUNSHINE. I LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING HER EACH DAY, AND SHE PREPARED TO BE MY HOME CAREGIVER SOON. I WORRIED ABOUT BURDENING HER, BUT SHE WOULD NOT HEAR ANY OF THAT, MY SONS BOTH CAME TOO AND ONE STAYED THREE DAYS, SLEEPING ON THE COUCH IN THE ROOM I HAD. HE IS STRONG YOUNG MAN AND VERY POSITIVE , SO HIS VISIT WAS GREAT FOR MY MOTIVATION. I RELISHED THE TIMES I HAD ACCESS TO A HOT SHOWER AS THEY WERE FEW, BUT IT WAS WONDERFUL.BEING CLEAN AND FELT GREAT AFTERWARDS. Then the special joy of going home where a friend had supplied us with a ramp over the stairs to the door, and several bathroom grab bars thankfully.

My days are filled with new things to do, research into them and visits to either PT or OT where I get more things to try.Frustrated when I dont see the results, but motivated to keep searching and trying,I have much encouragement from my wife, which certainly helps. But its also a quest for recovery.There is so much out there to seek and find.If only stem cells were further along, but this is not their time yet.Other things work however.I just need to keep at it.My daily stretching routine helps to get e ready for the day, then a meditatation time mid- day helps me relax and take a break. I love to see what my wife will create for dinner, then the Netflix or PBS shows in the evening.I truly enjoy watching " Nova", and Planet Earth.We are only here for limited time in any scenario, so I try to use my time to learn and progress. Thankfully there is Internet and Brainhq, Youtube, Coursera and more.

I feel God is with me, so never alone.

jealous of your playing, the most I can do is hold a guitar on my lap, and hope.It was su h a large part of my life its weird for me. I try everything I can to activate the left hand extensors, but have made little progress.I cant accept never playing again.We too did a lot of RV travel.motorhome first, carrying tools for the inevitable, then 3 Airstream trailers in a row over 12 years.All older and needing redo before use. I rnjoyed them but after stroke it became too much to handle.Id love to get a VW rialta, but not at this time....its a goal though.

our big thing was a Viking river cruise, we did this in 2019, and loved the smaller ship, and lack of crowd.We were able to make many friends onboard, and the staff was always terrific.It showed me how much I could still do and enjoy, though still disabled.I might have drunk a iittle too much though.. But that didn't slow me down.

I see stroke patients weekly, many can not speak or can talk but cant find the words.Ive has aphasic patients, and I say 'its ok".... "You hear the words in your head but can't get them out"? They usually smile and say yes or shake their head.One actually started talking while I was in her room. That was awesome.

very nice read there.I had some medical procedures that scared me, so I went mentally to a similar place, and also recreated part of my trip to Barcelona in my head, It worked to keep me calm and relaxed.Also I do TM and listen to "brain wave music" in headphones.This is very refreshing,for all that fatigue the day brings.

i liked my Viewmaster a lot.But it is so much better to see the sites in real life. I love travel. Our annual June trip this year will be New England, Cape Cod , Bedford, Newport, Boston, Maine.By car. Long drive from Georgia! Several stops along the way to visit relatives and friends. Lobster and quahogs.(sp?)

all religions that are monotheistic bear similarities,what version you ascribe to means little, except to you. its belief in a higher power and the power of love that makes you human.

i see some small improvements often..my chiropractor gave me exercises for my affected leg which seem to help, but are tough. I get down on the floor to stretch which is very helpful and gets easier the more I try, but I still get frustrated and feel like" why me?" You cant help that. The brain controls emotions and the brain is just not the same..hopefully it will get to be someday though.

thanks all for the comments, I try to do something positive every day, it may just be lunch with a friend, but it makes the day more worthwhile