Good morning, its been a while since I have posted. Just thought that I would update you on Alans journey. Still struggling with memory but remaining very cheerful. We recently joined the gym about 2 months ago which we are both enjoying. What I have noticed since going is little snippets and it is only little parts of memory popping up and although I am not getting too excited I think that ut is a step in the right direction. Also bonus if you remember in one of my previous chats I told you he had no desire to do anything but watch telly, he is now getting up and doing the hoovering, some days making breakfast/lunch, helping me around the house.All without being prompted to do so.
We have had another call from his HR at work and they said that they will set up one last meeting with occupational health but that will be the last one, in other words they will be letting him go which is fine as I know that he cannot return.
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the sunshine.
So how’s he doing with the aftershave now or is that still a work in progress 
His brain has recovered and repaired enough to free up some more of himself 
And you’re both to the gym, that’s always my favourite subject post stroke, that will bring him on so much more.
He sounds about right on track in his recovery, I’m so happy for you all, seeing so much progress 
I’ve spoken a bit about memory on here in the past day or two.
When I first started going to the gym 2½yrs ago, I couldn’t even remember my pass code to get in. I had to read it off my phone one digit at a time and so slow. Nowadays I can just rattle it off without ever having to look at my phone. It’s set to long term memory. For the past 4-6 months I’ve noticed I can read and retain to memory a 4-6 digit code from my phone long enough to key it into my computer without having to check, so short term memory has improved a lot too. I’m 4yrs post stroke but I still get so pleased with myself when I achieve these little gains 
I can now remember appointments months ahead, as well as days ahead of their time, so no more missed appointments and meetups 
Alan will get there too, it just takes time and patience, he’s got a lot more gains to make and celebrate 
It’s a shame about work but I doubt he’d be ready for that yet but that doesn’t mean its off the table altogether. I know @Mrs5K works part, maybe give it another 6mths to year and he’ll be able to readdress it, a new career path perhaps, who knows
Onwards and upwards Sonia, take care
Lorraine
ha ha, yes I had forgotten the dreadful aftershave, luckily we have now passed on that stage, just as well it was costing me a fortune. Although now… he goes to the downstairs loo and sprays so much air freshener that it makes me choke. Luckily we have another loo that I can use.
It is good when he manages to conquer even just the smallest of things and he makes me swell with pride, does that sound too mushy? From time to time and it is only now and then he will remind me of something that we have to do that I had forgotten.
I am not too worried about him going back to work and had resigned myself a long time ago that it would not happen. It would be great though as you say in the future if he got himself a little part time role.=, I think it would do him the world of good.
I am hoping that he will start to talk to people at the gym which would help his confidence. He does get on really well with teh personal trainer and they have a laugh and joke.
He used to love driving but has no desire to do the assessment and to be honest I dont think he is ready for that but my word he is such a back seat driver!!! I bite my lip most of the time but sometimes I do tell him to be quite
Whatever life throws at us we will fight it together. I am just so very proud of him.
@Sonia158 thank you for updating us. It sounds like Alan has come a long way & is making some good progress now. It is always great to read these sorts of updates & I am sure he will continue to progress even further.
It is a shame about work. I have returned part time after 18 months off but I was lucky they kept my job for me. It may be that in time Alan can return to doing something. He’ll know when that time is I am sure. In the meantime make good use of him for chores etc
And why not be proud of him. It shows you care & proves how far he has come.
Best wishes to you both
Ann
Simply wonderful Sonia.
Thank you for updating us and delighted Alan has made so much progress.
Things have moved on quite a bit since I first met you in January?
Wishing you all the best.
I know that feeling very well, because I even feel proud and excited whenever people post their progress on here, including for you How can you not feel pride and joy when you think back to how Alan was right after the stroke, and how you were. You went through some bleak times too and it can be just as hard for you, just in different ways, because are on the outside looking in. It can be like having your hands tied behind your back at times I’m sure. You’ve done so well, you kept it together, you didn’t break apart, you should be so proud of yourself too. Marriage is in sickness and in health and you did it, you got through the worst, the only way is up now. Well done you
Lorraine
Hi Sonia, so pleased to read that things are improving for both of you.
Great that you have joined a gym together, it’s good physically and is great for your mental health too. It will also be a big boost to his confidence as things continue to improve.
You must be saving money too as Alan now prefers spraying air freshener rather than aftershave 
Thank you so much for sharing your update on Alan’s recovery. It is very inspirational and will be very useful to new contributors just joing our community.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing from you as Alan’s road to recovery continues.
Best wishes to both of you.
Regards Sue
Oh and a little tip to get talk to other members in the gym. When you see one taking a rest just go up and ask some random question about their workout or how to use a bit of equipment or something like that. Most love to talk about fitness workouts and tips and most love being asked and being helpful…and it breaks up the monotony too.
Well, it’s how I did it anyway, and it worked, plus taking advantage of my stroke helped a lot
Lorraine
You are all of you so lovely and have got me through some very tough times. I feel as if you have given me a pat on the back as well which gees me up. yes at least the air freshener is a lot cheaper.. From the day that he woke up from his stroke I gave him a pen and book for him to write down everything he does daily and it makes for an interesting read when you look back from then to now and it makes you realise what progress he has made. Good idea talking to others in the gym, its also just so nice to talk to someone else. I always come out from the gym feeling so happy and like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, Alan is always beaming and enjoys his time there.
thinking about it, I really wish that when Alan first had his stroke that someone would have told me to go onto the stroke forum, you guys are the best tonic ever and you are there to listen and never judge.
Have a good evening everyone
x
Hi @Sonia158
This is such a great update, I’m so pleased to hear things are going well for you Alan! You should both be extremely proud of how you’ve got through what was a very difficult situation.
Anna
@Sonia158 as @EmeraldEyes has said I think we all feel a sense of pride for everyone who posts their achievements on here. It is so inspiring when you read how far someone has come as we all know how difficult that journey has been and continues to be.
I kept/keep a diary & looking back it is amazing what the difference is & on down days it definitely helps to reflect just how far you have come.
You shoukd give yourself a big pat on the back too as Alan couldn’t have done it without you.
Best wishes
Ann
@Sonia158
I just wanted to drop in and say how much I admire how you are so positive and proud of your hubby and his progress.
It’s not easy to keep up a cheery countenance at least I don’t find it easy but you seem to be doing an amazing job…well done 
Both of you @elljay1 and @Sonia158 are doing a wonderful job. Both your husbands are lucky to have such loving wives to look after them and though you may not necessarily see it, deep down they will know it 
Please don’t ever think anything less.
Alan has made it easy as he is so cheerful and always smiling. I know that this isnt always the case as when he had his first strike in 2012, it was living with Jekyll and Hyde, he would snap and become this horrible nasty man. This time round complete opposite, wakes up smiling and goes to bed smiling. He is becoming more attentive and has started to ask if I need or want anything, so win win at the moment and things can only keep getting better.
I suppose it can be a knock on effect of where the stroke struck. Emotionally I was either happy or stuck in neutral for the most part; but then I was always fairly even tempered anyway. I did have to fake a lot of emotions and response just for the sake propriety. But was very happy to be stuck with happy, the only part of stroke I could be happy about
And yes, that does make life so much easier all round but particularly for the carers, and you’ve seen two of ways stroke can affect personality so you know.
Lorraine