Aussie Ken

Stroke Survivor - male
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Blog Entries posted by Aussie Ken

  1. Aussie Ken
    Just a few lines to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a happy NEW Year. My christmas day was very quite as all my family (brothers and sister) no longer live handy and most of my friends had there own christmas festivities to attend too.
     
    i promise to give you a full update in the new year but just briefly i'm still loving my water therapy, walking on the treadmill, and will be trying to use a bike or pedal exerciser in the New Year.
     
    So take care enjoy the season and stay safe aftwer hearing the reports of the snowfalls. Christmas in Australia is hot but at least my wheelchair won't get bogged in snow drifts, :roflmao:
     
    bye
  2. Aussie Ken
    it just keeps going round and round and round, at times i feel like i'm winning but lately i feel like i've gone backwards, when i first stoked i was so determined that i would be up and running by now but alass i'm still stuck in the wheelchair, wondering if i should just give up or keep on fighting. The worst part is that not long a go i was almost walking by myself the one thing ofter another my partner didn't have the time to go through my daily home physio programme but i really enjoy going to the pool for hydrotherapy and still do. my other form of physio was to walk on the treadmill which i can still do every fortnight, we were able to discuss with the physio any problems i was having but now it's there's the machine go for it.
    hopefully when i see my hosptal doctor next month i want to see if i can get back onto there programme.
     
    the other thing i would like to know if i can get into a research programme, whether it be stem cell, using a walkaide etc.
     
    well i must keep battling on, have a good week
     
    Ken
     
  3. Aussie Ken

    Sorry for being AWOL

    By Aussie Ken,

    but i have no excuses, i've pooped in a couple of times but nothing to report. Generally i'm well but get very down and bored with myself. At times feel like giving up but i've still got a lot to achieve and life to live.
    This months starts another month of being poked and proded by my doctors.
    I'm really loving my hydro therapy sessions because i can do must of the exercises myself, then fortnighty i've been doing a session on the treadmill and increasing my times each week.
    I know a lot of my troubles is mind over matter and i won't take risks as i don't want to break any bones.
     
    well thats my grizzel for now.
     
    Does anybody know if there is any Stem Cell research to help over come Drop Foot. that is my main bug bear.
     
    well must keep going have a wonderfull week
  4. Aussie Ken
    from hospital. it's hard to believe that 5 years ago i was so excited about getting out of hospital and back into familiar surrounding. The first months after getting home i would found that the simple task of rolling over onto my side was like doing a 3 point turn but now no worries. I started twice weekly rehab sessions to try to get me back walking, i've almost got there on many occassions but i still needs assistance in case i fall backwards. This is were the frustration sets in. I was so active and had so much to look forward too. The past couple of months i have been feeling down because i really thought by now i would be more mobile. I find that my weekly Hydrotherapy sessions have given me a sence of freedom, and my fortnightly session on the treadmill is improving each time. I just wish i could get my confidence back to walk independently with out the fear of falling. because of the weekness in my right hand and arm i can't use a walker.
    But i will keep trying and trying till i reach my goals and instead off thrying to climb these mountains i will just go around them, as anything is possible.
  5. Aussie Ken
    All i seam to be doing these days is climbing more mountains and hitting brickwalls, my progress seams to have stalled and some areas gone backwards. i'm still enjoying doing my hydrotherapy and every two weeks i visit the physio and do a session on the treadmill for 35-40 mins little assistance.
    Footdrop is my main problem still and recently heard of a Canadian system called Footlift AFO but i doubt if it would be available hear in Australia and if it would be suitable for me.
    I would try anything to get moble again as i hate being so restricted and would do anything to get my independance back.
    Other then that life goes on, it's allowed me time to trace my family tree and potter around on the computer.
     
    cheers Ken
  6. Aussie Ken
    For Foot Drop, it's the only thing holding me back from leading a near normal life. i use a custom made AFO and when i'm on the treadmill i can get my foot and leg though ok but when i only have the cane i can only manage a shuffle. it may be more mine over matter as i don't want to fall. If i could get more strenght into my hand and arm i would try a walking frame.
    I do daily stands using a wedge but it still hasn't corrected the problem. i've tryed to find out more about drop foot but there dosen't seam to be a cure.
    i don't know if surgery would help or even devices such as Walkaide as my doctor and physio haven't heard of such devices in Australia plus like most things it would be too expensive.
     
    Ah well one day!!!!!!!!!
     
     
  7. Aussie Ken

    WIIfit Games etc

    By Aussie Ken,

    I have just been searching through the site under therapies etc to see if there is any posts were members have used WIIfit games and balance board as a therapy tool. The reason i'm asking is that a stroke survivor i've met through my Facebook page has found the balance board a great tool to help her correct a balance problem. I will be raising the question with my physio when i see her next.
    I was wondering if any of our hosts could point me in the right direction if there is a posting in the site.
     
    My recovery is still progressing at a slow pace but then Rome wasn't built in a day but destroyed quickly just like me. I have vowed to rise from the ashes and my moto is "Never give up with out a fight".
     
    I really enjoy my Hydro therapy especially in deep and waste deep water. i just wish i could beat this drop foot problem.
     
    have a good week everybody and happy easter

  8. Aussie Ken
    Last week our computer had a major meltdown, so Kathy took it down to the puter shop to get fixed. Because it was a second hand machine from my old work it didn't have much memory (like my brain now) so we are now in the process of upgrading to a bigger puter. so finally i will be able to post more photos of my past life.
    The biggest problem is looking through old photos is remembering how active i was and wishing that i wake up tomorrow and that it was all a shocking nightmare.
    But i guess the stroke has given me time to reflect on my life all the joyfull times, disappointing moments, and future hopes and dreams. One good thing is that i have been able to reconnect with some old work and school friends throught such sites as Friends Reunited, Facebook and trace my family tree meeting some long lost cousins and corrosponding with relatives i've never met.
    So still look for that silver lining and live your dreams.
  9. Aussie Ken

    Payed the price

    By Aussie Ken,

    Last Sunday was the first trail games for my childrens soccer games for the up coming season. As it was an overcast and gloomy day, plus an early start we rushed out without proper sun protection, the first game (son's) was ok as i was able to sit in the shade undercover. Then for for the second game (daughters) we had to move to the bottom field away from shade. Everything was fine untill the sun broke through the clouds and although it didn't feel very warm because Kathy and myself are fair skinned we got burt to a crisp. It wasn't untill we got home how bad we were burnt, since then i've been glowing like a red beacon. So so it doesn't happen again we have put some spare hats in the car and will make sure we carry some sun block. As they say you live and learn, just that we had taken out the gear at the end of last season.
    Other then that not much has happened in my life, i wish i could say that i was up and walking around but it's just not happening. I wish i could overcome this foot drop, does it ever go away, or any alternatives. i'm at a loss.
     
    well have a great day,
     
    Ken
     
  10. Aussie Ken

    Still Here

    By Aussie Ken,

    Hi everybody, i didn't realize that it's been awhile since i last blogged.
     
    well my hydrotherapy has been going great, i feel so free when i'm in the water as i do most of the exercise programme with little suppervision. my biggest problem is hyper extending my affected leg, i need to relax more. The heat here in Australia has been shocking and energy zapping.
    With my 5 years fast approaching frustration and keeping my mind active has been a great challenge, i also have made great inroads in tracing my family tree, i just wish my parents and grandparents were still around so i could fined out more. But at least i'm now in contact with some aussie cousins plus i'm also in contact with some Engish relations related to my grandfather.
     
    so have a good week everybody
     
    Ken
  11. Aussie Ken

    Happy New Year Friends

    By Aussie Ken,

    I just would like to wish everybody a very happy new year and hope the the new year will bring you much joy and happiness and that you all achieve your goals on the long journy of recovery.
     
     
    best wishes
    Ken

  12. Aussie Ken
    Hi everybody, well we reach another christmas, once again it will be a quite time for me, just a family day at home.
    My hydrotherapy is going great guns, for the past two weeks i have successfully walked into the hydro pool and have been walking out for the past six.
    I actually was able to attempt a proper breat stroke this week and managed 2 laps across the pool as well as the deep water running who know i may get to the London Olympics yet.
    My son finished his high school exams and received his results yesterday, he passed in all subjects. We also attended his schools presentation and he received 2 first placings, 3 sports awards, schools sportsman of the year.
    I also had to present 2 awards on behalf of the Lions club so it was a busy night.
     
    well everbody we would like to wish all Stroke members a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year
     
    best wishes
    Ken
     
  13. Aussie Ken

    I Walked Out

    By Aussie Ken,

    of the Hydrotherapy pool las Wednesday :Clap-Hands: . Last week after completing my hydrotherapy session i was waiting for pool attendent to come around and hoist me out of the pool as per usual. But i said to my therapist what if i walk out of the pool today. and she said why not, so we organised for my wife to take the pool wheelchair around to the steps and so holding on to the rail i was able to walk out of the pool. So i will be doing this feat weekly now. Then in about a months time i will walk into the pool.
    then one day i hope to walk into the swim centre from the car.
     
     
    hope everybody had a wonderful Halloween and that the elections go well next week.
     
     
  14. Aussie Ken

    New AFO

    By Aussie Ken,

    i have just got home from seeing the orthotic specialist who made me a new AFO and it feels strange but time will tell. i have been using an off the shelf type but it was a bit short according to the doc. so i will have to start learning all over again as it will give me better support.
    not much else is happening my daughter got home yesterday from working in summer camp in Michigan then a 3 week tour around the the northern half of the states.
     
    well have a great day
     
    Ken
     
     
     
  15. Aussie Ken
    High everybody I'm on top of the world at the moment because last monday night whilst attending my Lion's Club meeting i was awarded Life Membership to Lions International.
     
    I joined Lions in August 1970 whilst working in north Westen New South Wales, (commonly called the outback) it was a great way to meet people and to join in the community. After being transfered back to Sydney i joined the club at Bankstown which is a suburb in Sydney were i grew up. During that time i became President and worked on many projects.
    When i married in 1986 we moved to western Sydney to my current area. During that time i have once again been President of my present club. i have also been Secretary, Treasurer and many other board and committee positions.
    During the past 28 years i have met a lot of people from all walks of life and situations.
    Just after my stroke my club members were a great help and assistance to my family I'm glad that they were around as my wife's family all live in New Zealand.
     
    I'm very thankful that i belong to a great organisation and have wonderful friends.
     
     
  16. Aussie Ken
    This week i attended my monthy physio session at my physio where i walked for thirty minutes on the treadmilll, i covered 1km with only 2 short breaks.
    But in the afternoon i had more feeling in my leg, then yesterday while doing my stand on the wedge i could actually feel the calf muscle stretching and the walk back along the hallway was spopt on no wobbles or anything.
    Then this morming my balance was a lot better.
    It's been 4+ years since i had any feeling in my right leg since the stroke, so in would be interesting if any other stroke board members has had the feeling come back.
    I know my deep water running in the hydro pool my movement was a lot better.
    other then that the cold weather has arrived here in Sydney. since the stroke i feel the cold more and am looking forward to spring. My daughter is enjoying her stint in the US summer camp, so it will be interesting to here how she enjoy the 4th of July celebrations.
     
    well have a great week.
     
    Ken
     
  17. Aussie Ken
    Last thursday i was invited to talk and have fun with a group of people from a neighbouring area. It was the first time i've done a presentation since my stroke in 2004. Before my stroke i was confident in public speaking having been president of my Lions club and doing presentations through work.
    I was able to give the group a 10 min presentation on my history, my stroke, how it has affected me and my family and were i'm going to in the future.
    Well i'm pleased to say that they have invited me back and join the group, they meet monthly and have guest speakers, a topic for the day, and general chit chat.
    It was a great afternoon and my speech therapist was really pleased how well i went. We may even be able to get a group started up in my area.
     
    Unfortunately the cold weather has started and i now hate the cold, i'm glad we don't get snow. give me summer/spring anytime.
     
    have a good week
    Ken
  18. Aussie Ken
    My Daugther Kristine has applied for a camp councilor at one of you US summer camps stating in June. she has been accepted as a hike leader at one of the camps near Detroit, Michigan i think it's a Jewish camp. she is so looking forward to it, being her first trip to the US. Have any of the member been to this camp. i know she will have a great time.
    Next week i will be addressing the speech therapy group at Mt Druitt hospital here in Sydney. i just have to practise more and i'm not nervous as i was President, Secratary and Treasurer with my Lions Club plus have addressed groups through work.
    My Hydrotherapy has been going great guns, last week my therapist put the floats on my and let me lose on my own, except for a few side steps i kept my balance and did 6 laps accross the pool without assistance. Then yesterday for my deep water therapy i did 11 laps by myself. next week i will do 12.
    i feel at home in the water.
    :laughbounce:
    have a great week.
    Aussie Ken
  19. Aussie Ken

    I've Graduated

    By Aussie Ken,

    From speech therapy
     
    On Monday i had my final Speech Therapy session and passed with flying colours, she has now invited me to attend one of the other groups at a neighbouring hospitals as a guest speaker, and i'm looking forward to it. She invited her boss to hear my presentation and he was very impressed. Over the past 6 months i have been having one on one sessions with Natalie.
    I'm looking forward to it and hopefully they may start a simular group here in Penrith. The Blacktown group i will be attending has a set topic each month and each member has to talk on the subject. the topics include Hobbies, Sport etc.
     
    My Hydro is really showing results as my balance is improving every week and the deep water therapy is the best. i managed 6 laps across the pool last wednesday.
     
    Next Monday i see my other physio and aim to walk 30 min on the treadmill. I'm also getting more strengh in my right arm and hand.
     
    So everybody have a great week and Keep smiling
    :laughbounce:
  20. Aussie Ken

    Hydro's fantastic

    By Aussie Ken,

    Since starting Hydrotherapy 3 weeks ago i've been getting more feeling and sensation down my right hand side. it is almost 4 years since my stroke and in that time i felt as though i was cut right down the middle. at time my foot was very sensitive and almost kicked the poditist when he was cutting my nails. But now i have more movement in my shoulder and side. i will miss it this week if the eye specialist is running behind time as normal but if not i will try to get there. i also have a physio session Tuesday and aim to reach the 30 min on the treadmill.
    i'm glad i have a stubbon streak in me, other wise it would be easy to give up, but i've got something to prove and prove wrong those who wrote me off.
     
  21. Aussie Ken

    Unreal Experience

    By Aussie Ken,

    Last Wednesday i had my first Hydrotheropy session and i came through with flying colours, but it was like doing a moonwalk my affect right side seam to be floating away when i was placing my foot to take another step, but i did 2 crosses of the pool with no stumbles, i then did a serious of stepping and balance exercises and arm and shoulder ones. Although i was tired that afternoon the warmth of the water stimulated the nerves and when doing a walk i could feel the calk muscle working. if only this rotten drop foot would go away. But it has inspired me to keep thying. i'm really looking forward to the session next week.
    :happydance: :cheer:
  22. Aussie Ken

    Hydrotheropy

    By Aussie Ken,

    Next week i will be strarting Hydrotheropy with my physio. I didn't think i would ever feel the water around me again but by physio and doctor agree that it's time for me to start my next phase of rehab. i'm really looking forward to it as i loved swimming going to the beach etc.
    Yesterday i breezed though 20 min on the treadmill and my physio hardly had to do any work, except to remind me to keep walking so the pathways in the old grey matter must be finding there way.
    also using light weight have help with the rehab of my affected arm.
    I'm hoping the water will assist me in regaining my balance so that i can get rid of the wheelchair.
     
    so here's hoping, unless you try you will never know.
     
    To all the romantics out there HAPPY VALENTINES DAY.
  23. Aussie Ken

    Australia day weekend

    By Aussie Ken,

    This weekend we are celebrating Australia's discovery by captain James Cook, and proclaimed a British colony, it's not until you compare the history of Europe, America etc how young Australia is. We had a very quite day and didn't go out to enjoy the festivities, more because like many countries they don't caterer or have easy access for people in wheelchairs. this why i'm still working overtime to get mobile again.
    This week i have my last day at speech theropy, i have cqme a long way in the six months since i started this session. i just have to keep practicing and not let people speak over me or for me.
    With physio Paula had me walking for 20 minutes on the treadmill last session. I saw my doctor and he has given me permission to try hydrotheropy so i will see my physio and arrange for a session at the pool. i'm really looking forward to it, after all it can only help and it may assist with my balance.
    On the home front i have been able to contact a cousin i haven't seen for over 30 odd years. i tracted him through the Ancestry web site whise tracing my family tree.
    I also have been able to contact an old school friend i haven't seen for 27 years since i left high school, so looks like it will be an exciting year.
    well have a great week and remember KEEP SMILING
  24. Aussie Ken
    I just thought i would wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
     
    Yesterday i had another visit to my PT and i achieved heaps, the past couple of visits she has tried me in a treadmill, well yesterday i walked for 20 minutes in 5 minute blocks and this time i bidn't get fatiged to just near the end, she was guiding my foot whislest kathy was holding my hips.
    We then did some more arm and shoulder exercises to try to get my affect shoulder moving.
     
    Hopefully in the new year i will be trying hydro theropy so it's something to look forward to.
     
    So till the new year take care and beleive in the dream.
    :ChristmasTree: :ChristmasTree:
  25. Aussie Ken

    fingers crossed

    By Aussie Ken,

    i think i might have cured the computer, so now to get me working properly, speech theropy today, the physio again next week, i've been using the treadmill with the physio and getting better movement in the n knee without it locking, i get good heal strike for a few paces but then the drop foot kick in and back on the ball of the foot, very frustrating, so my greatest christmas wish would be able to walk properly again.
     
    have a good day.