AZ Leah

Thanks friends for all your comments. First of all I am VERY grateful to have the use of both hands and all fingers. When I came out of my coma I couldn't lift my hands. Things gradually got better and I had a lot of occupational therapy and played with putty a lot. I hadn't knit in years so taught myself all over again. (PS: you can do it Vi) The knitting has been therapy for me both physically and emotionally. My ribs are better and I'm hoping to start exercise later this week. I did 10 min on the recumbent bike yesterday and did a few arm free weights (2#) ... so it's a start. I have to remember to rest every 10 min or so ; when I am energized I can get on a roll and forget to rest! So much for being a type A personality which doesn't exist any more but is still trying. A really good book is "Strong at the Broken Places" by Richard M Cohen about 5 people with different chronic illnesses and how they all cope. Richard himself has MS. A sentence I read about Denise who has ALS which hit me is "Test the illusion of normalcy and Watch Out if you do. Anything can happen, anytime, any place. More to the point, Denise had been trying to do too much at one time and without backup". That is exactly what I have experienced and I know I need to look at my condition realistically and deep-six the illusion. It's cold in Tucson - 40 degrees - snowed in the mountains - who would have thunk!! Leah

:Hi: As positive as I try to be, I have been somewhat depressed lately. The time these ribs are taking to heal has really gotten to me. On top of that, I

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Doreen: I think it's wonderful that you are volunteering and it's such a wonderful cause. Since my stroke I have chronic fatigue but there is still something I can do from home in between dr appts, exercise and naps. I'm going to google OCC and see if there are any opportunities. I know money is always welcome. I give to a lot of our local centers for women, children and other in crisis. It always makes me feel good even if I can't be there in person any more. leah

love it... great idea and actually practical ! LEAH

Michael: I also know the feeling. Some days are better than others (I am also on anti-depressants & a med for anxiety) but there are days I want to crawl under the covers and not sleep all day. I can't sleep all day any more either so that wouldn't help. I lie still and listen to relaxing music every day and this seems to ground me more than other things I've tried. I pray morning and night and in between. I keep thinking I have reached "a bottom" and I will start rising up but full acceptance isn't coming yet, although I think it's getting close. I think one of our problems is try too accept we can't do what we used to be able to do. My experience on this board is that most of us were A personality do-it-all kind of people . Stroke is a hard nut to crack. Glad you shared; it helps to share and not stuff feelings inside. We are all here for each other. Your survivor friend, Leah :friends: With God all things are possible

Hi Jan: I wanted to write to say what an earthly angel you are. Ten people haven't gone through what you have. God knows how special you are. You deserve the rollator and new skooter - good for you for pursuing it. Happy times are here again - a least for today. And Wayne is one lucky dude. His bithday party sounded great - don't know how you do it all. Your suvivor friend, Leah With God all things are possible

Thank God it wasn't another stroke. There are more meds for solutions for migrane than stroke (usually). But that had to be very scary. I'm glad you have a husband to care for you (me 2!). I have an auto immune disease also (RA) but I don't get headaches. Hope you get the relief you are seeking. :friends: Leah

I want to say thank you for all of your comments and support. My fellow survivors are the only ones who truly understand us. We can thank Steve for starting the strokeboard network and the many volunteers who have kept it running through the years. God works through others. We are ALL survivors, your friend Leah

When I was in rehab for my stroke I was determined to give it my all to exercise in order to come back from the disabilities as much as possible. How did I know that over 3 years later I would develop other problems which have taken away from the time I devoted to exercise? I have had to add 2 doctors and a dentist to my schedule to deal with anxiety issues and TMJ (short definition is a jaw joint disorder which has caused me a lot of jaw pain, like a bad toothache which won

i've had injections once - 2 in my affected shoulder for range of motion and 3 in my knee area to help my gait. The shoulder is definitely better but I don't think the leg is. I have my second injections next week. I do exercise to help it come along. Good luck to you; hope it works. We never know unless we try. Leah

what wonderful news... it gives me hope. the other comments have said it all. God is certainly with you. Leah

ditto, ditto, ditto... you have been an inspiration to me. I haven't posted much of late so didn't catch your blog until today. I hope you continue to be part of strokenet without administrative duties. Also hope the botox works for it. I had one injection (2nd one next week) and it has helped my shoulder. i can't see any difference in my leg but hope in time my limp gaint will get better. one day @ a time, Leah

Fred: great words. In spite of my recent problems I pray every day, read inspirational and religious readings and try and pray for help and guidance n staying positive, yes, some days are better than others. God is the answer to all of my problems, even the "bad" ones. Maybe they will help someone sometime. My self will tells me I would rather it be someone else with problems, but I trust God and his will. I've even said, hey, God do you really think I am strong enough to handle this stuff!! So far I guess am. I just started reading the Peaceful Warrior now referred to me by Asha. You are an inspiration to me. Hugs, Leah

We

We leave bright and early tomorrow (Friday, Aug 21) for California. We fly into San Diego if we can manuver both the wheelchair and walker. It's a transport wheelchair and too small for me to carry the walker on my lap. But tonight Jerry rigged it to fit on the handlebars of the wheelchair so he can push me. That took some thinking (LOL) When there is a will there is a way and I'm glad Jerry helped with this "small" dilemma. We'll be renting a car, spending a night in a motel about 45 min no. then the next day drive another hour to visit my ex-stepdaughter (who is only 7 years younger than me). Her dad and I met 40 years ago and Vicki's "baby" is now 40. She has always called me grandma even after a divorce 30 years ago. Thus, her 3 children call me grandma too. My other ex-stepdaughter (6 years younger) will also be there with one of her kids and 2 grandchildren. Of course, all the spouses will be there too. I started getting overwhelmed tonight over how many people will be there. I know them all well and have seen them often I can't help my anxiety since my stroke. They, of course, know all about it but, as you all know, not everybody "gets it". I know I'll have to lay down during their visit. I really am honored that they all want to see me and for 6 of them it's not real close. Now for the real fun...on Sunday we check into a beautiful condo in Carlsbad Village with a ocean view from the balcony. I need the R&R and respite from the AZ heat. I think this is what the doctor ordered!! I will also get to see my best CA friend and her 24-yr old daughter Leah, my goddaughter, and her 3 siblings. I'll post some pictures after we return. I don't have a laptop so will MIA for a while thinking of you as I gaze at the ocean and sunsets. Leah

Amanda: It sure sounds familiar to me. I often have to call my cell phone from my home phone to find it in the house (that is if I turned it on and didn't have the ringer off!). Yes, having the same place for things is a must for me now-a-days. It is so frustrating too not remember something that just happened or that was recently said. After research I learned that the long-term memory is stored in the celebral cortex (outer layer) while the short-term is in the ??? (can't remember name) but it is closer to the brain stem. So that made sense to me. That is also why Alzheimer's or any form of dementia affects short-term much more than long-term. Sounds like you are dealing with another layer of acceptance. I know, I know, they just keep on coming. I chose to believe we are okay just as we are and we can only do the best we can which often does not meet our expectations. You are doing good, Mandy, and we all love you. Hugs, Leah

Stessie: When I first stroked and found out I couldn't swim, I was shocked and very sad. I was almost obsessed with finding out how this could be accomplished. My therapist and neurologist said it was because of lack of coordination and balance. I enjoy walking and exercising in the water as I can walk easily, not like on land. I have gradually come to the acceptance of floating with noodles or whatever works. We put rails at our steps at the pool so I can get in and out. I tend to get sad (depressed??) and anxious for no particular reason and still have crying bouts but not as often as in the beginning. I am working with therapists on that TOO. There is so much to face after stroke but I have to remember that I am alive and all I can do is the best I can. God is always with me. Leah