Excellent @RustyJames and @Mrs5K .
Well done 
1 Like
The journey with my motherās stroke (caused by aplastic anemia) is more than painful to talk about, but Iāve made improvements lately.
As with anything in life, you have to live something to know it.
3 Likes
Thatās why you can appreciate the gift of life. And live it to the full, Bravo Matthew
3 Likes
Yes, life can be taken suddenly without any warning. But, just illnesses aloneā¦we donāt appreciate our health until we lose it.
Thereās a difference between knowing something intellectually and knowing something ādeep in your bones.ā
Take good care.
3 Likes
Yes, it does not even register in our brains unless we attach an emotion to it
2 Likes
Glad to back with you all.
2 Likes
Hi Rups
Your analogy on medical assessments and the opinion of other people is so accurate. It depends very much on the specific viewpoint, both the individualās and perceived by another. I always recall interviewing a man many years ago and having to ask the question: Do you have any disabilities? He answered āNoā, although it was quite evident that he was missing one complete arm. His answer caused me to hesitate, a bit of a dilemma. Did I point out that he evidently had only one arm or ignore it? I was hesitant, not wanting to offend but wanting to give him a fair advantage (under Disabilities Act), so feeling unable to ignore what I would assume to be his obvious disability. During my pause, he interjected, shaking his affected shoulder forward. āWhat, this?ā, he said. āI just donāt think of it as a disabilityā.
I do wonder how your PIP assessor would address this, with no medical training, their sole intention being to comply with government quotas and disqualify as many as possible from benefits. You are quite right, every government department works on quotas and the disabled and disadvantaged are currently in their sights. Your post is very thought provoking.
Casey
4 Likes
Rup. Thank you for your explanation. I had no comprehension of the effect of stroke until I joined this friendly club a couple of days ago. I couldnāt understand why I didnāt feel like me but after visiting the GP yesterday she endorsed everything I have learnt from the posts on here. Simon gave me good advice in that I have to lower my expectations of what I do and have a rest when I feel I need it. What was worrying me was that suddenly I couldnāt do things I had been doing up until a couple of weeks ago so thought I was going backwards but apparently this is because lots of things happened in a short space of time.i am 82 and after leading a busy life with hobbies and interests etc must accept that I am not 30-40 as I feel in my head.
Thanks again.
3 Likes
Thank you for your advice about lowering my expectations. In addition to my love of quilting I was heavily into handicrafts and made wedding stationery and celebratory cards. I have our garage which has been converted for me to use solely for handicrafts For a couple of days I have been attempting to make Christmas cards. I have started with simple cards which are nowhere near the standard I was doing a few months ago but at least I have achieved something. I will keep making them and give them to my favourite charity shop to sell. When I started making mistakes decided it was time to have a rest. Giving my husband and my sister the replies I have had has helped them to also understand how complex a stoke can be.
I am /was till a year or so ago, a longbow archer and was secretary of a local club for thirteen years. My husband and I are thinking of starting archery again but following your advice am going to be a non shooting member to start so as not to put myself under pressure.
Since joining this forum a few days ago I feel so much better mentally. Thanks again
3 Likes
Well done on making those cards. Thatās so good & in time iām sure youāll get back to your previous standard. The charity shop will be so grateful for your cards Iām sure.
Stopping when mistakes started crerping in is a good thing. Itās likely that fatigue played a part & rest was needed.
Good luck with your archery exploits too. They might have some adapted equipment you can use until your are able to get back to it properly.
Loada of positives there. Iām so pleased for you.
2 Likes
So lovely to hear you are feeling more upbeat @Rachel-Anne. Your Christmas card crafting sounds lovely even if you have decided to have a little pause with it. Always something you can come back to when you feel ready.
I hope your time at the archery club is good fun. 
2 Likes