Phyllis4732

1) Sherri, The first one held in Orlando was last year and I knew nothing about it. They most likely will have another but not until next year. There were only about 70 people there. They had a waiting line. Some had also been there last year also. Get Stroke Smart magazine (it

If you get a chance DO GO to the National Stroke Association's Hope after Stroke Symposium! I know some people had mentioned going to one already. Grab the chance if one is being held near you and do it early because they are kept small and reservations fill up quickly. There are only 4 being held this year and while some are being added each year, the chance will not come "next month" There wasn't anything they did not think of. They even had a "quiet room" and we were told if we felt the need that we could leave and go there ay any time - even if someone was speaking - and of course to the rest rooms as well (LOL, during breaks they were really busy- probably due to all the freah fruit that seemed to be available,) The speakers were all excellent and very knowledgeable. but the speaker I enjoyed the most was the speaker who gave the welcome...........and told his story. Yes, the man is a survivor and I certainly related well (and Fred, if you are reading this, you would feel so proud of this individual)because like me, he suffered a cerebellar stroke. His came when he was out of town in Baltimore and he wasn't feeling well when waiting for his plane to return him to Orlando. He had called his wife and told her he wasn't feeling well and she said you're probably hungry and said to get something to eat. So he got a slice of pizza which he said didn't make him feel better. He got on the plane and when the plane was landing apparently something with the pressure (which I didn't understand) caused his stroke. He then went on to telll of the past year and his recovery which still needs a little more time. See, this man isn't just Jow citizen like you and me, he is a television personality- weather, I believe, from the CBS channel in Orlando. I didn't know him, but many there did and a camerman from the station was there taking pictures. The reaction from the local people who did know him was quite a reception. He was excellent His name is Mark McEwen. What thrilled me the most was the fact that he said what we all want: PEOPLE KNOW ALL ABOUT HEART, ALL ABOUT CANCER, BUT YOU NEVER HEAR ABOUT STROKE AND IT IS THE 3RD KILLER. He wants to be a spokesman and is headed back to the work he loves as soon as he can read the scripts that are necessary and he is getting there. He was asked if he had TPA and he said no. (He had the desire for sure) His physical therapy had gone well going from a wheelchair to walker to nothing) but his speech wasn't quite there yet (His speech went from high pitched back to normal but just needs some additional speed. He said it was the first time he had spoken before a group since his stroke and he became a bit emotional as we all can relate, he did manage to control himself quite well. When his speech was over, the people from NSA hugged him and I would have done the same given a chance. We WILL get a real spokeperson at last, I'm quite sure. BTW, there isan interesting debate going on on aol today concerning the ad that Michael J. Fox had done for an senator want -to -be who is using him to push her stance on stem cells and the remarks that Rush Limbaugh had made and the after effects from that - my feeling- it's fine to MJF to push for stem cells but not to involve himself in an election debate to do it. t isays that in his book, he says that there are times when he does NOT take his medications that control tremors somewhat for the effect he is trying to show. So, put together that is effective but to me a questionable thing to do. JMHO

oRCHTOBERFEST is a great time for Orchid hobbyists. One of the growers who has his place about 30 miles away has a weekend celebration complete with German music and bratwurst. He has about 5 fellow growers set up booths and other who sell supplies etc. One was from Hawaii. We always went on Saturday but decided to go on Friday when it opened to get the best selection. We weren't the first people there but what we did get was great. I was able to get a catleya orchid (the large corsage orchids) for a very low price. It had 3 flowers but it was almost through blooming and in fact as soon as I got it home, it started to do badly. Orchids don't like to be moved sometimes. But - the plant is fine and it will bloom again next year. I wish I had a lot more to spend but there will be other times. That's what you get for being an orchid aficinado. It's like potato chips - you can't just have one..........

Actually, we have had a fatality already. The man WAS wearing a helmet but he did not fasten the strap (which is stupid if you're going to wear a helmet). His helmet fly off.

In the Daytona Beach area, Octoberfest also means Biketoberfest. it's a mini Bike Week! They are all over the streets and have spread to several counties area Volusia (this county) The large local hospital has put off an elective surgery, and usually sets up an ER area just for Bikers. I believe we get 100,000! To make matters worse, the mandatory helmet law was repealed and that trend is catching on. I have seen the greater % of bikers going sans helmets. I guess in reality, that means less work for the neurosurgeons and neurologists because when there are accidents and the rider is NOT wearing a helmet, they only have to scrape them off the street. Sad, isn't it? I guess though if you are a biker, the air blowing through your hair is nice ..........and as humans the thought is...........it won't happen to me. Yeah sure. If you believe that there is a lot of land under water I can sell you.............. Me? I'm going to try to stay off the roads as much as possible. It is very nerve-wracking driving at night with these little, fast moving "machines" - especially at night.

LOL Bonnie, Indeed, welcome to the real world of strokers. Sorry, you know my sense of humor. I don't believe your Cimbalta could have gotten you through this- you'd have to overdose to the point of being knocked out........... :roflmao: When you get down to it, although we think we are doing great (certainly we are better than we were, we try to do a little more and the brain says, "no, no - this isn't for you..........I will decide when" I find that I am unable to get up and go mornings. My sister who is my complete oposit can't understand this. We laugh and say I work 3rd shift. If I try to push it a little, I pay. I have always been a pm-er but since even my first simple stroke, I've been "slowed" up and now......well, I come home very late - sometimes closing the stores. The worst part is it also takes time to even get back to the place where we were. I NEED the 2 day weekend and there are times when even 2 days does not help. OK, a zillion loads of wash (I haven't heard that there is a family in Washington state who has been running around naked) will wait some. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day. Don't try to do it all at once when the help arrives to help you. Take it easy and do a little each day. Yes, it will take longer this way but eventually you will get caught up. My prescription: 2 loads, several hours complete rest. yes, in bed with perhaps a movie on tv (that usually puts me to sleep) , then after, slowly do your normal "duties" at home. Next day, same etc. It's the only way to go or you will wear yourself out again and again. JMHO

Duh, dumb me. I knew your parents were going to visit and wondered about that but........just to make sure. They will probably be happy weatherwise. So far, days in this area are pleasant, mornings a little chilly. We will be getting colder weather in December and I don't relish that. Right now half of me wishes for the storms that are promised but the other half wants good weather because I am waiting for a visit by 2 people in a private plane- rain= visit delayed. Phyllis

Bottoms up! (LOL) Would someone please send rain? A thnderstorm would be especiallly fine. I am tired of getting in my own way and trying not to break any dishes. That is the way I am affected from the weather. When weather is getting bad, for no reason, I become a bull in the china shop and walk drunk more than usual. Thank goodness it doesn't get too cold here orrain all the time.

Hi Ken, Sorry June - it isn't as cut and dried as that. Ken's finance is apparently only going on what she has read or heard. There are many people , probably in the thousands, on this site who have only has one stroke. There are many people who are long time survivors. There are probably even a few like me who have had 2 or more strokes and are also survivors. There are people here who have suffered a stroke because they had accidents, needed brain surgery because of a tumor, have seen a chiropractor whose treatment caused a stroke etc. Does she realize that the term stroke should correctly be known for what it is - a brain injury? Doesn't she realize that although we are supposed to be more likely to have another stroke, it only takes one AND ANYONE can have an auto accident etc? Does she no longer ride/drive in a car because of this? Does she stay at home because she may be hit by a stray bullet? I don't think so. Has she been to our site and seen that we are living human beings, just a little different? You do have a problem, I'm afraid, and it seems to be your fiance's attitude. Will you never be able to ever call her without her thinking that you've had another stroke? Perhaps you haven't been a survivor for very long and this is very new to her, but even if it is, she needs to look around and give what she is doing some thought and do some research. If not........maybe June is right in a way; she may never change.

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks well, woof, woof, you can. LOL! When speaking with some educators this week, they said it takes a "well" person 34 times to be able to remember something, and would therefore take one who has had a stroke longer. They said repetition is the key, which is something we all know, but maybe don't wish to practice. We learned how to walk again etc. by repetition, and oh how we hated it. I got tired of waiting for my brain to get me to walk down stairs "adult style" as it did going up. I finally thought, we learn by repetition and I am going to see if it will work here. It was a case of consciously telling myself each time that I had to do it that way. The other problem is we lead off with the bad leg going down and the bannister for the top 7 stairs is only on my bad side. My hand is basically only numb, but there are times when it has a mind of it's own. I didn't count the times but it did work. Now what do I do to teach me that I am suppposed to take my glasses out of my pocket (and of course put them on) before starting the car? THAT is frustrating! :uhm:

Happy for you. Your friend certainly did her good deed for the day. Perhaps it helped that she is a minister's wife and it comes easy to her - or maybe because she always was that way, the minister chose her to be his wife. Anyway, was very thoughtful and you were fortunate to have her to cheer your day; maybe it's a good start for future days' happiness.

Fred, I guess we're just getting old. Did our parents say the same things when there were the mini skirts, short shorts etc. I suppose so. This is what makes your job enjoyable, and the time passes quickly, right? I used to love going to all the department stores at Christmas and see the decorstions. It made my day prettier. Now, it's more supermarkets- dull things. You are right about fat people of all ages. I especially see this at all-you can eat buffets. I wonder- Are they fat because they eat here (most likely) or do they eat here because they are fat? Actually, I used to go every Saturday. My friend was a man in his 60's who ate there just about every day of the week. He did NOT have the usual beer belly or love handles of many men his age (no, he wasn't particularly atheletic either) BUT he ate lots of veggies, soup (2 bowls which probably filled him up) and not much meat but some and just a bit od dessert. I ate like a pig, but only the once a week and I also ate loads of veggies but pigged out on the other stuff. My weight at that time wasn't bad - then the stroke and no real food for about a week; pretty good food for 2 weeks and so-so food for 4 weeks (warning- do not eat hot cereal in nursing homes LOL) That is where they sneak the laxatives - LOL. I didn't know it and never ate their cereal anyway. Then I came "home" and gained weight; have been trying to take it off sensibly, oh and my buffets are only several times a year. You are right about people who are heavy getting heart atttacks and strokes but you said cancer gets some who aren't fat. My friend had glaucoma - was born with the condition and I found out that he lost his sight or most of it in the 3 years since I've seen him. So........what's the answer?

The one good thing about getting really old is you can wear white slacks anytime you care to with no consequences. Believe me, PMS wasn't as bad as never knowing when.......

Congrats to all involved. I became an Aunt when I was 13 (my sister is 9 years older) I gave my friends lollipops with a pink ribbon instead of a cigar. LOL!That little girl child retired in January from her job which she had with Social Security since she graduated from college. She had a son 16 years ago and he is being pursued by some of the top colleges. Her sister, who also started having children late in life has a son who recently won the US Dirt Bike Enduro championship at 20 (and is a college junior) So people who have children later, take the chance of possibly having ill children but with todays testing etc. all of those worries are becoming fewer. Hope your visit is great, Auntie!

By accident I found out I can have a lovely skin - no not my skin = the skin here. Instead of our generic skin, I can view on the cheerful lavender we had. I wonder if Iwill always get it or if I must change it to something other than generic. It has made my day start off great. Maybe everything is changing for me - last night I won 2 orchid plants in the raffle. Not bad for $5.00. No where can you buy orchids for $2.50 (although one is pretty strange) Even so, winning one for $5.00 is a bargin - and it is presently blooming! Today, I'd also like to get a well contractor and soon my plans will be complete............... :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

See if this makes sense to you. I am 3+ years past my bleed. I guess it was several months when I realized I was picking up finger foods with my left (good) hand. I had always been a rightie. Then I started picking up the fork with my left hand but will ocassionally use the right. I started walking up stairs adult style almost 3 years post - but not down when I thought I should. Then I remembered how things were learned - repetition in therapy. I started consciously walking down the stairs adult style a few weeks ago. It is not automatic yet but is getting better all the time. Now, about a coffee cup. In my case, there is no way that I would try to get myself to use my right hand over my left (the good one) In a case such as this with hot liquids, it is better to teach yourself not to try to make the injured side do it if and until it is ready. I love buffets but did you ever see a stroker serve themselves in a food line with hungry people behing them and try to do so with the "bad" hand? I was a little messy at times. I no longer try to serve with the right. There are times when you should try to use the "bad" hand but there are times when you should let the brain make the decidion. JMHO.

I started to read The Ha Ha because it appealed to me whether it was the choice or not.but, it id excellent because IT HAS 60 CHAPTERS WHICH MEANS MOST ARE 3 PAGES LONG (or so). This is a blessing because it can be picked up and you can easily read only 1 chapter or a few more depending on the time you have. It's good too! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

I'm sorry that you are having trouble. I have been attending a stroke support group for 3 years and the attendance is close to nothing. This year the group was divided into aphasia and other. I attended both because I was to meet a friend with aphasia who did not show. They are held one after the other. Still each group isn't large. The aphasia group is larger because the groups are run by speech therapists and while they also treat others with speech problems, those others like myself get our therapy and it usually doesn't last long and then we are gone. They asked what the groups wanted and took notes. We do not have any exercises but we did have speakers each time. This year only 2 are planned; one from pharmacy who can answer drug questions and one from dietary. I know it's important but plain getting together and discussing our problems is better. People can suggest things which may help others. Is there any way you could suggest things which you would like to see - programs, different speakers etc. and see if others would also do the same? Think you're going to perhaps speak up and make some points. As for that "stupid" woman, (not nice to say, but true) tell her it's too bad she did not take advantage of the therapy she got and tell her that you know hundreds who have made progress and are still making progress years later. Don't let someone try to be negative with you. Tell her that you know it takes time but you don't intend to give up as she has probably done. You, nor others, don't need the negativity of people like that. Makes my blood boil! :Tantrum:

Yes Robyn, toy are headed in the right direction! Phyllis

Robyn, I hurt for you. Margaret and Sam. I agree (as you did) with what Bonnie had written. You wonder why this happened. Why would someone who you thought would never do something like this did it? Maybe the stroke was responsible......probably not but there will always be that wonder..........................with stroke and the brain involved......well, the brain is a sort of computer and computers have problems too, but is the brain capable of that repair? I don't think anyone knows that answer. You are really doing very well trying to heal yourself and the feelings of the kids; you'll all make it, I have no doubts. I just hope it is a quick healing. Phyllis

Simply put Sue, although it hurts, you've paid your dues. Your present "duties" are hard enough, a 2 and 6 year old would be too much. Perhaps a weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's but even that may be more than you now can take. A caregiver doesn't have to be old to be tired; it's a very difficult job as you know so this is not in any way calling you old. I hate to tell you this which I'm sure you know; you are only human. My thoughts and love, Phyllis :friends:

Very strange indeed..........We think of strokes as bad things; this one righted a wrong. And, just as it did straighten things out, more time was not wasted as could have been if this stroke had not happened. It really was was a good thing in the end. I truly believe in fate and faith and feel that a stronger power took the situation at hand and now has it headed for better things. I hope Robyn that you will stay with us. After all, we are now "family" and you in a sense are a "caregiver" to all of us. Phyllis

Robyn, I'm so glad things are starting to settle. I don't remember Sam's age but he would have to be very young - perhaps pre school to 1st grade??? Anyway, violin lessons? I don't blame him for having a problem. LOL! I think I lasted 6 weeks at the most. Of course I had a reason. My father started playing as a small child and by 9 was teaching. His violin paid for college or helped and he then had an orchestra to earn money, so even after he became a chemist and a plastics pioneer, Daddy was into music and his violin, and in later years used to enjoy meeting older musicians who played in restaurants and they would let him sit in. Having someone like that who knew every squeak around was "not so good", but hey, it's a difficult instrument to play. Does Sam take Suzuki method? Looks like you ideas are working for both of you. Keep up with this; it does seem to be working.

I guess I should add "ironing" to beets and men over 90 that I give up for lent. My sister irons and like other things, we are complete opposites. I'm very liberal when it comes to wrinkles. They have a right to exist. :roflmao:

Today was the day of the yearly rehab reunion. This was my 4th and each year it seems to get better. They had a Luau theme and as you entered the convention center where it is held, a lei was placed around your neck. You were given a name tag, a door prize ticket and the wonderful "goodie bag".Sat down at a table for 8 and it was beautifully decorated with a pineapplw centerpiece with those little paper umbrellas and small sik flowers from cut upleis. Ah, but what did the goodie bag contain? This year the bag was a beautiful blue and black tote and contained a rehab t-shirt. refrigerator magnet that gives the warnings of a stroke and the most unusual item. In fact I need your help telling me what it is. It is in a clear plastic box and it about a 1-1/2" glob of some sticky stuff in the shape of a brain! A wonderful 3 dimensional replica, with all the pathways and even showing the brain stem on the back. It is not a keychain, is not a magnet (too sticky even if you wanted to glue a magnet to it for a refrigerator decoration. I wondered if it is sticky and squishy because a brain feels like that? Whatever it is, I love it; it is cool. The food served was excellent- a salad, rolls and butter, sweet tea (this is the south), and and entree of boneless chicken breast with a thing sauce with mushrooms and waternuts, string beans and penne pasta with small stuffed green olives. Dessert was a decadent chocolate cake hunk with just a sprink;e of maraschino sauce and a dollop of cream. There were slides, interesting speeches, the adminstrators telling of new events etc. and testimonials by anyone who wanted to tell their experiences, One man who had 2 hip replacements told how he won his golf club title. Strokers told how they woke up never thinking they would have a stroke, did and how they have rehabilitated (as well all had) Some of the therapists were there and people got to see the ones (in some cases) that had helped them. It was a wonderful few hours and I look foward to next year. Tomorrow is the start of the monthly stroke support meetings. This year there are 2 groups - one for those with aphasia (to discuss their particular problems and then one for other strokers. I can't wait!