STROKE VICTIMS WIFE

Don't apologise sparkygran. I needed those glasses of wine. I shall just spread them over a few days.

How the heck did I manage 6 posts - ohhhhh so embarrassing and not a drop had passed my lips

Thanks Purpledaffodil. Yes, it was a bad couple of years but we're both enjoying our third chance! Fortunately DH has a wonderfully strong constitution so doesn't tend to get pulled down by all the bugs the rest of us are prone to. I have my heart in my mouth sometimes when he does silly things like dig up tree roots or pick up eight year old gc though! He's been discharged from cardiology for 6 years and has very little cardiac muscle damage....more the anclllary plumbing! He feels he's fortunate compared to friends who have had double/triple bypasses in their 50's. I still take my hat off to all you ladies whose oh have had strokes though....much more demanding on your resources than cardiac issues. from the teetotaller here!!

Sounds like your DH has been through the mill too Katek. Encouraging to hear how well he is doing though. Great to hear about Mr Sparky's improvements too. That is thanks to all your care, encouragement and getting him the help he needs Sparkygran. Take a bow! Thanks for the many glasses of wine too. I needed them. Here's one for you

Hear, hear Sparkygran!! for me!!

Here`s to all of us women and men who are caring for loved ones bit early I know but raised glasses all round or if you prefer - we sometimes need it!!!!!

Here`s to all of us women and men who are caring for loved ones bit early I know but raised glasses all round or if you prefer - we sometimes need it!!!!!

Here`s to all of us women and men who are caring for loved ones bit early I know but raised glasses all round or if you prefer - we sometimes need it!!!!!

Here`s to all of us women and men who are caring for loved ones bit early I know but raised glasses all round or if you prefer - we sometimes need it!!!!!

Here`s to all of us women and men who are caring for loved ones bit early I know but raised glasses all round or if you prefer - we sometimes need it!!!!!

Here`s to all of us women and men who are caring for loved ones bit early I know but raised glasses all round or if you prefer - we sometimes need it!!!!!

I'm lost for words.....all of you caring for DH after stroke are, quite simply, absolutely amazing women. I take my metaphorical hat off to you all.

I've been lucky in so many ways, DH had heart attack at 52 which resulted in having a stent fitted. He still has one blocked artery but had developed a good collateral blood supply so docs left well alone. 20 months after first attack he had a second caused by clotting around his stent. Docs had taken him off blood thinner and he 'furred' up again. He has PVD in his calves as he has partial blockages in groin and behind knee.

That was 8 years ago. Today, other than an inability to walk long distances, he is fantastically well although full of bp meds, aspirin etc. In fact he's so well I have to nag and remind him periodically that he shouldn't be doing certain things!

I just wanted to say that I recognise so well some of the behaviours your oh's are demonstrating. Mine was so very, very angry for months that this had happened to him and, of course, who was the whipping boy for all this anger? You got it in one! I used to spend hours in the loo just to get away from the anger and blame game. It didn't help that he was going through smoking withdrawal either. Fortunately, he was only unable to drive for 6 weeks or I may well have been doing time. I actually cracked and put him out of my car once - it worked though, he was a lot less vocal after that.

Our difficulties only lasted for a few months....heaven alone knows how I would cope in your situations.

You have my admiration ladies

PS My brain really can spell "testament" it's just my fingers that get it wrong!

How truly encouraging to read about mr sparky's progress!! Every step forwards (with Rollator or not) is also a testement to your patience and perseverance, sparkygran - you've earned those

Does Strictly count Gagagran tonight he watched it and enjoyed it thanks to you both Gaga and Dustyangel support is just so important

Oh well done Mr Sparky - onwards and upwards as they say! It's so good to have some positive news. You'll be dancing a jig before you know it!

I'm really glad for you both sparkygran.

Just a quick update since the advent of the Rollator one of the Community Stroke Team has been out to see DH to see how he is getting on with it and it doing what I had hoped it would given him a real boost to his confidence when walking outside the visit also resulted in him starting a few sessions with rehab assistant to work on his right hand. Was given info on cutlery to enable him to hopefully be able to use a knife and fork again. In the booklet I saw a mug with a handle I felt he could manage so have ordered cutlery and mug was in stock and I am amazed to say he has quickly cottoned on how to use it and with a small tear trickling down my cheek as I type (jesting) have watched him use his right hand to life mug and drink his tea. There`s life in the old dog yet!!

What a good idea Purple

Oh so that's a Rollator! So glad it is helping him so dramatically. Perhaps we need a white wine emoticon for the warmer weather

Today DH went off to the start of a new term at Speech Therapy Group with his Rollator (it`s simply a triangular walking frame) and in 24 hours he with it`s help he is walking straighter by this I mean in a more upright position rather than crouched down watching where he is going and the tip from physio re starting to walk using his good leg his gait is really and truly better. Such simple things can make life so much more pleasant. Am on the white wine tonight as its sunny.

Fantastic news Sparkygran. I too don't know what one of them is, but great if it makes a difference. Good too that the physio could see an improvement. When you live with the condition, you don't always see the improvements do you? and to you both.

Yipeeeeeeeeeeee we are the new owners of a Rollator (durhamjen you may not know what it is but you spelled it correctly) a very positive visit from physio who was impressed with DHs progress since seeing him some months ago and gave some useful tips on improving his gait and bulking out a knife to enable him to perform some simple tasks eg buttering or I should say Flora-ing his toast. Silent tears are spilling down my cheeks into - guess what - a large glass of possibly the first of a few

Sparky, that's why people complain about there being too many pensioners. We take up over half of the welfare budget. Wait until they start means testing the state pension! Won't be until after they have our votes at the next election, though.
Good luck tomorrow. Hope the rollator works, whatever it is.

Roll on tomorrow - finally managed to track down the Community Stroke Team who worked with DH for 3 months following his stroke his GP had referred him to be reassessed for a walking aid following a bad fall and loss of confidence in walking outdoors of course that was 3 months ago and I have chased it up but no luck long waiting list anyway had a bright idea about CST and with difficulty managed to find them and the physio is coming out tomorrow with a Rolator (probably not spelled right) so hopefully DH will enjoy getting out again provided he can work the thing!! Will have a [cuppa] too early for