STROKE VICTIMS WIFE

Oh how I miss my previous life - there I`ve said it why or why do some things trigger my feelings of despair. Have no idea why tonight following a tasty dinner of fillet steak with pepper sauce and chips (abeit M&S) I`m feeling so despondent - I should be used to having to do everything but tonight I wanted to watch The Big Painting Challenge uninterrupted with meal and then clearing up afterwards - which was always something DH always did - just having a moan so pl don`t judge me too harshly. Boy oh boy do I need a hug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patting yourself on the back with wine Sparky ? Won't that make a nasty mess? . Seriously you should feel proud of what you have achieved. Since Mr Purple had his first stroke 7 years ago, we have heard many stories of wives who have departed rather than care for the stroke recoverer. One man said to me very sadly that he thought it was because it was hard for his wife to see him incapacitated.

What can I say but thank you for your support Mishap and Purpledaf am currently patting myself on the back albeit using but can`t help feeling good that we are still here and functioning. Am contemplating a couple of days away next month but haven`t broached the subject with DH yet. Wish me luck

Well done Sparky! It is an anniversary to be proud of. Agree with Mishap re the pat on the back for yourself.

How wonderful to hear that good news sparkygran. We have a friend who suffered a stroke many years ago and he has made a good recovery and plays a full part in the community.

I am sure that your OH's progress is to a large degree due to all your hard work and you should pat yourself on the back - well done.

Well it`s now exactly 1 year ago since DH suffered his stroke and we are still here. It`s been a roller-coaster but regardless of what he thinks he has made a marvellous recovery. I do acknowledge that his aphasia and dispraxia are not easy for him but on the whole he has achieved so much. So if anyone out there is facing what we faced last year I wish you well and there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Raising a glass to us all

Should read Chest, Heart and Stroke Association

Good information loopylou I have just had my second session of reflexology today and have 4 more to look forward to. I was referred by outreach worker for the Chest, Heart and Stroke although it is my local Health Board who provide the reflexologist. She covers the full range of therapies and I`m looking forward to an Indian Head Massage also a head, neck and shoulder massage. Couldn`t believe it when I was asked would I like to be referred - it is bliss

Thanks for the info loopylou. I have not heard of them being active around here, but it is good to know there is support out there now. Seven years ago I felt totally on my own in many ways once DH came out of rehab.

What great news Sparkygran! Normal service is gradually being resumed isn't it? That equipment is useful at the time, but not what you want to see every day if it can be avoided, I know.
I hope that you and Mr Sparky are planning a celebration for the end of the first year post stroke. Mr Purple celebrated his 7 year anniversary on November 17th, with a glass of non alcoholic beer of course.

I wonder if any of you on this forum have looked up your nearest Carers Trust centre? The CT offer a large range of free services for unpaid Carers, including breaks from the caring role, benefits advice, alternative therapies etc- our local one in Gloucester is incredible! You can find your nearest one on www.carers.org
They were a lifesaver when DH had his stroke 4 yrs ago.....saved my sanity!

Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee today I contacted Social Services to request they collect toilet frame and commode - it`s 11 months to the day since DH suffered a severe stroke and we are both so happy that said aids are no longer needed - need a couple of glasses of red also last weekend he managed to put his socks on - well what do you think of that - and anyone plunged into stroke recovery like I was almost 1 year ago there is light at the end of the tunnel. Can I take this opportunity to thank all of you who have been so supportive this past 11 months when I was floundering and my DD put me on GN the support I have received and a dear friend that I have found leaves me speechless - which is a novel experience for me.

Only because mandy14 seems to be putting it on a lot of old threads this evening!

I don't think I'll click on that link...

Message deleted by Gransnet for breaking our forum guidelines. Replies may also be deleted.

So glad it went well Sparkygran. And don't you sound all the better for some "me time" after all those months? You are giving me ideas!

Needed to slip in my sadness that Mr S wasn`t the one beside me on the open bus tour and I know it`s been said many times before but I missed his presence so much and the world is filled with couples many of whom are in the same age bracket as us (70`s) and saying goodbye to my lovely friend and then driving home by myself was hard but my welcome was truly delicious.

Have just returned last night from an invigorating trip to Barcelona with a friend it was like summertime temperatures of 24 degrees, I have shopped, eaten and imbibed of lovely Rioja so am back feeling good (I won`t mention here our trip to M&S this morning for yet another pair of slippers - about 20 minutes ago I asked very politely if they came up to scratch ((so many pairs over the past few months haven`t)) and have been given the ok to cut off the labels but will have to admit to putting each slipper on my hand and slapping them together and informing Mr S that that`s the end of my patience re slippers)

So back to Barcelona sadly my little legs and ankles are still recovering from all the walking I did but was it worth it YES IT WAS so anybody else out there in the same or similar situation as myself regardless of all the arrangements that have to be set in place I say GO FOR IT. Once my legs feel like normal I`m planning my next escape!!!

All went hunky dory here at home in my absence.
that`s better

Certainly is a change of season isn't it? You are a good woman Sparkygran.
Language therapy is like hen's teeth round here so probably worth getting wet for. Happy drying with something cold and wet too

#*#**##* aphasia -just love that Purpledaffodil. We braved the most horrendous weather conditions this afternoon to get to his S&L Therapy Group but apparently it was worth it - me I`m still drying out!!!!!!!!!!!

Without us they would be hermits Sparkygran So it is worth the aggravation to show them there is a world and people outside the safe four walls. Well that's what I tell myself when Mr Purple is complaining about seeing friends! #**#*## aphasia!!!!!

Thanks Mishap GN is just such a great place to let fly - and of course we/he had a lovely afternoon the sun was shining and the countryside looked quite gorgeous and he was able to give his thoughts on various subjects - I consider that a success. Am now on the

Take a deep breath sparky - I know this scenario well and sometimes we need to let it out!! Whatever you do, don't feel bad about it - you are human - it is allowed!

Oh dear cross words have been spoken this morning in Chez Nous DH once again not wanting to visit friends this afternoon and the prospect of repeating the dose soon again same feelings of not being able to communicate properly - he is the only one who thinks this he either forgets we have been over and over this very topic also Physio, Speech Therapist and OT never mind the rehab assistant who is back for a few sessions all see such an improvement.

Afraid I let him have both barrels and there is a subdued air around the place at this moment in time.

Needed to get it off my chest. Having a to calm myself down.

I

Katek I know what you mean about doing silly things. I think they want to be in touch with their inner alpha male. Mine shifted at least a ton of logs the other day and then spent the next two days with a bad back. But it beats him snoozing all day in front of the TV which he has been known to do.