I have a very supportive family, and I count myself very fortunate indeed I do not know how I would have got through some of the stuff I had to deal with over these four years. I still get a bit down and emotional when I remember what I used to be able to do. the week before the stroke I had just completed a long distance walk in North Yorkshire with my son, who was only 13 at the time. we did the Cleveland Way 110 miles. a week later I couldn't walk! I had intended it to be the first of many adventures. but sadly not to be now. I really miss the independence of pulling on my boots and walking all day. I will do something but I know that I will not be able to do anything like that again. I am still trying to improve my walking though and bit by bit it does get better. yes I hate the constraints but forced to try and think differently. it is very hard indeed. I ve lost most of the function in my left hand but try as much as I can to involve it in daily activities. it does not really do anything. I miss it terribly always was very active and handy. I suppose the fact is that everything is harder than it was. the acceptance has made a difference but took a long time to get there. I am sure you will find a way forward that works for you.
Jeez, like you, never knew I would improve though I really hoped so! What a terrific feeling it must have been to put your feet back on the floor - wow! You were 'lucky' you could speak somewhat. I had no voice for 6 months approx. and, although my voice is almost back to what it was, it has taken years to work on it. At least, I can convey my humour again, and still have the same wild personality. Again, taken a long time to get here! Never imagined I'd ever be disabled, like all of us, but c'est la vie.
As you know, was in a wheelchair for 14 years, after overcoming total paralysis. Likewise, putting my feet on the floor/ground again were magical, although now use a walker. My sight and hearing are perfect, albeit I now wear glasses. Think my balance and dizziness problems are because I banged my head when I collapsed? Doctors guess so too.
Brilliant that the hospital is taking great care of you, and has plans in place should they be necessary. You'll have a great time, being spoiled, and rightly so! Sounds like you'll be pampered too, regarding the potential locations. Isn't our NHS just A-M-A-Z-I-N-G???? Thanks in advance for letting me/us know.
You have been fab, as all have. Great to 'talk' to fellow survivors! Rock on! Peace Carole
Indeed, you are so lucky to have a supportive family. Don't get me wrong I do too, just that I live alone!! Dad sadly passed in 2011, though still have Mum, sister, brother-in-law and their 3 kids (two are grown up), Aunt and cousins. Likewise, I still get sad sometimes, and cry about my lost youth and abilities. As you were, like most of us, I was able before this stroke etc grrrrrrrrr!
North Yorkshire is gorgeous. Lived in Yorkshire for almost a decade, married a Yorkshire lad. Know Middleham, Leyburn, York etc v well. Actually, lived in Wakefield, though worked in Leeds. I was a legal assistant. Also miss walking where I want etc. Used to swim a lot, lift weights and so on. Still go to the gym, though have to work as I am now boooooo! Believe it or not, I was on my way to a 'Star Trek' convention again, when I collapsed with the stroke. It was BOOM! Like World War 3 was going off in my head! Later discovered, it was a piece of tumour floating up to my brain, from my heart! Felt like my head was going to explode!
Shame that you can't use your left hand properly, but fab that you are adapting. We all have to find new ways of doing things, don't we? My balance is off, but I can use a walker safely. Can stand on my own for a few seconds too, as long as there is something near I can grab quickly, like my walker (with brakes on!) or a worktop!
Power to you too, and best wishes. Rock on! Carole
thanks for the correspondence it's been lovely to talk to you
never been to a trek convention but was always a fan. one thing that wasn't affected too much was was my ability to read. it was at first but recovered fast. I indulged myself by reading a load of scifi that I hadn't read since my teens and some new stuff I had discovered since. must be tough on your own but sounds like you've a lot going to keep your spirits up. hope you get to a convention one day soon.
Nice one! Keep reading, never a bad thing, and keeps the brain active - like reliving memories. Brilliant. My good pal will talk me through joining Skype later, on the phone. Bless, Izzy offered!
Conventions are great fun. Some people dress up, but I didn't! Fantastic being with likeminded fans, as with here though THEY hadn't survived huge trauma - like us! Met John de Lancie (Q). He sat at our table. Really nice guy. Tall! Have also met other actors (nobody famous), and was on my way to meet Jimmy Doohan (Scotty)! Announced my collapse and hospitalisation to all - who moaned and clapped. Have it all on DVD now. He sent me a signed photo, and a teddy bear. Treasure them.
Indeed, we all have to stay happy now, how we can. Keep smiling, and live life! Rock on! Peace Carole
nice gesture from Jimmy Doohan. I've really been enjoying catching up with reading. and just out of curiosity I started learning Irish Gaelic, I got curious after listening to a load of Celtic folk music and thought it would be fun to learn a bit. I use the free language site Duolingo. I don't have any close links with Ireland(we'veiIrish on both mothers and father's sides but 4 generations back, so not close) just doing it for fun, and I am not setting any goals, just exploring. keeps me busy. very much enjoying the nice weather, and I am very lucky to have a nice garden so lock down is not too much of a trial. Still working on strengthening my weak side. I finally understood that I can accept my disability and work on recovering what I can. didn't have to be an either /or thing.
keep on going. "it's life, but not as we knew it" couldn't resist! ?
Indeed, lovely gesture from good old Jimmy Doohan, bless. Good for you learning Irish Gaelic = wow! Some of my countrymen and women speak Scottish Gaelic, didn't know there were two versions! I have always felt an affinity with Ireland, and even support Irish RU! My family, and I, never understood why until Mum started doing our family tree. Apparently, I have an Irish anscestor from centuries ago! Proves they are still in my blood, even a little! Love the Irish band Clannad too! Sounds interesting, and am glad you can enjoy the garden.
Am actually loving the peace of the lockdown! Well done you working on your weak side. Likewise, went to Morrisons briefly this morning, and came home as fast as I could! Guess I am accepting my disability as well. Life BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT, true!! Good one. Have always liked being a bit different. Well, I AM now, for sure!
well done for the 27 stars, I don't know quite what it means, and Ive no idea what my count is, it is a helpful chat though, I have been very much supported by other survivors through the site
You deserve more than 27. It reflects how chatty we all are. What was unfair is that we didnt get stars carried forward from the old forum. I still like the old forum much much more than this site. I always think I am failing someone as their posts are out of site after a day or two.
You also deserve at least a bonus 10 stars for the lovely photo with your postings.
Awwww thanks Colin. I didn't really know the old site, sadly. Know what you mean about getting used to new stuff. Am just about to buy my v first iPad!! Tech scares me, but this lockdown has made me change my mind, as it's a great way to keep in touch. Can afford it, was just NEVER interested before! Cheers for being YOU too! You're all fab! Carole
Indeed haha! Go girl! Am just about to buy my v first iPad, after this bloody lockdown! Can afford tech, was just never interested until the coronavirus business. It's a great way to keep in touch, so my pals keep telling me! I'd award you a star too, if I could! Carole xx
Colin - would just appreciate your advice mate? Am too embarrassed to talk to people face to face about this, but really don't mind who read this, as I know it's good to 'talk'.
My boyfriend, Billy, passed in 2013. We met up when I returned to Scotland following the stroke. We were childhood sweethearts. He was so proud of me, and just glad I am still alive. He said I was 'the same lovely girl I always was'. We were both Star Trek fans, as well as lots of other things. Menopause happened around the same time. Now, I have NO sex drive whatsoever. Am only 55, and hate the thought of being alone forever. Have tried dating sites, and had lots of interest but nothing has come to fruition, not that I'm bothered! In saying that am pining partly for Billy still, and mainly am loving my independence! He lived alone too, with no kids, but we were faithful to each other. Love kids though, and am popular with my neices and nephew etc. It would have been lovely to have a baby, but am so used to being alone now! Any advice? Thanks. Carole
I'm sorry to hear about your stroke. Although I'm older than you, I thought I was young at 47 to be having a stroke.
I had my stroke 6 months ago. I was in hospital for a month and then had physio at home for 6 weeks after that. The physio was good whilst they were here but it was only for an hour once or twice a week. Most of the hard work sadly has to be done for you by you.
My dad had a stroke 8 or 9 years ago and had paralisis down his right side. To get his right hand moving he used a "mirror box". I dont know where h got it but I do know it was online. try google. it basically tricks the mind that you are moving one hand when you are infact moving the other. may be worth a try.
Hi Carole! Hormones are strange little things! I lived on my own for 8 years before I married and, like you, was fiercely independent which a lot of the men I dated during that time were a bit frightened of. Some men like strong women and others like to feel that they can take care of you and want to be the one who is always there to protect you. My hubby is the latter and it took a good few years for me to 'slacken' off a bit of the independent lady and adjust.
I'm a big believer in love at first sight. As soon as I saw my hubby, I just knew he was the one! We are chalk and cheese but, as they say, opposites attract. I think once all this virus life is over and we are back to some sort of normality and start to socialise more, you will bump into Mr Right. You know the two most popular places to meet a bloke are the supermarket and the gym ha ha! I know you do weights at home so maybe when the gyms re-open, have a free trial - who knows! If your supermarket has a cafe, if not already, become a regular at their coffee shop. Once Mr Right comes along, you will know and so will your hormones ;) ;) xx
