I was largely immobilised for the two months in hospital after stroke. The nurses had to roll me over to wipe my bum. Occasionally an attempt was made to get me walking but without any real progress. In my head I was all there but the physical side of things was a struggle and I wasn’t winning.
Before they sent me home they got me standing up on a frame. I was still being man handled from bed to wheel chair to commode to standing frame. At my request a physio taught how me to perform a ‘transfer’ solo. I was sick to death of asking to be moved and wanted that little bit of independence that the transfer process gave me.
I started to get my ward of four fellas organised. At meal times instead of sitting upright in bed we got ourselves around a table together. I did my transfer trick into a wheelchair and using my feet propelled myself to the table which I got the on duty nurse to move so we could sit around it. One of the guys was still at that manhandling stage but he was brought to the table and a really old guy could get to us with his handy dandy zimmer frame.
And so meal times became a social occasion. We got on well together and would have loved to get to the pub in the afternoon for a half of something thirst quenching, but that was a step too far.
I got home largely bed, commode and chair bound. I spent a lot of time alone and began slipping into a sadness. With my wife’s help I ordered a second hand recycled laptop. My computer was out of reach upstairs. This gave me a means of contact with this forum & the wider world.
There is a lot more to this ongoing story but a recently acquired mini mobility scooter has opened my world a bit more. Which of course has elevated my overall mood.
A few days ago I drove myself a little way down the motorway to enjoy another experience.
This link leads to my Blog and a description of the event.
I hope to make more progress and to continue to share news of my adventures with whoever will take heed. Things can get better, really.
Stroke might disable but the tale isn’t over. There might even be some fun around the corner.
keep on keepin on
Hilary and I, each have a little time of our own.
This adventure got me out of her hair for an hour or two.
They do say absence makes the heart grow fonder.
It’s good to enjoy a meal together when my wandering is done.
Great post Bobbi, I spent 12 weeks in rehab and can remember being wheeled everywhere . . Although I didn’t use the commode and the physiotherapist on our ward insisted that everyone sat at the table to eat.
I try hard not to dwell on these memories, as you say it can bring your mood down. My better memories include taking my first steps and walking from the bay I was in, to the gym and then walking from the chair beside my bed to the toilet . Upon coming home I made my way around the house with my quad stick.
Like you, my world opened up when I began using a laptop and I discovered this amazing community. Like you I hope to continue making progress and sharing my achievements with everyone here on the forum.
Sadly no and it was my fault. As I was leaving for home being pushed to the ambulance and all excited in my wheelchair a nurse came running after us. Would I share my phone number with those guys? Of course, I gave my number which she carefully noted down.
Unfortunately I realised later I had given her an old number. So there’s no way we could have a re-union and a catch up. What a pity, nice idea though.
I too hated having to ask for help everytime I wanted to kove from the bed. I was a luttle more fortunate as i was able to get out of bed but dizziness was so bad I couldn’t move without help.
I love the idea of you all having dinner at the table. We were still in covid restrictions when I was in so that wasn’t possible for us.
Independence is a big thing for anyone & was the one thing I craved most after my stroke & still do for some things. My hubby is due to have a few days away with his daughter & that will be the 1st time in over 3 years I will be on my own. I am quitelooki g forward to it although it will bring some difficulties i am sure.
It was during covid for me too. Somehow nothing was mentioned, we just went ahead and it was done. I never even thought of it at the time.
I had emerged after a fortnight’s solitary in the ‘naughty boys room’, put in there for catching norovirus and projectile vomiting over a passing nurse. (naughty me - grin) They had missed me. I really needed company and no one stood in my way. (hehe) So dinner round the table it was.
As far as your husband being away is concerned it will be a delight but then even better to have him back.
I can just imagine you in the naughty boys room although norovirus is not the best reason for going there. Being mischievous is much better
I got into trouble for attempting to venture 3 steps to bed opposite. Probably because it made me very ill & they had to get dr for me but I needed some company as we were all behind plastic covid curtains.
I am pleased hubby is going away without me. He deserves a break after looking after me. He’s worried I won’t be ok but I am reassuring him all will be fine & I have family close by should I get into bother.
Hilary and I are on the other end of the phone even if it’s only one of us is upstairs and the other down. It’s why we both got smartphones in the first place, we can keep tabs on one another like a baby alarm. It was more to do with when I first got home. She could leave me and know we were only a call away. It’s still very useful though. A video call means you are not alone.
I got a call when I was in traffic coming home from the canal event a bit late. She was worried. There was heavy traffic but I pulled over to talk as soon as I could. The car handles phone calls hands free so it is uncomplicated. My wheel sensors were reporting a problem, so it was a bit stressful. I kept that to myself. To cut a long story short I got home safely and after checking it seemed there were no problems with the car either.
Oh yes the smartphone is a wonderful thing for kerping in touch. Hubby has one but only really manages a phone call on it. He’s not savvy with tech & has no interest in learning.
Glad there were no issues with your car. Car tech can cause unnecessary concern sometimes.
I’m sure my car has a sensor somewhere that tells you whether your tie is straight and when you need to pull your socks up.
Artificial Intelligence creeping in was almost certainly invented at the Department of Monty Python.
But I’d better keep quiet about that I bet this conversation is being heard, logged and classified as I write.
. Although I didn’t use the commode and the physiotherapist on our ward insisted that everyone sat at the table to eat.
although norovirus is not the best reason for going there. Being mischievous is much better