Hi everyone
Well that is 2 years done. Does not seem like it at all! I have had a few scares along the way but only scares.
My right side remains affected and so what can I tell you…
Good points:
My balance has improved I think. I do things without grabing onto something like I used to.
Speech has improved. I am more fluent. People tell me that they have noticed things have got better.
My weight is now in the ‘normal’ BMI range. I eat more healthly. I thought I did before but not good enough! Education.
I am still driving although no more than say 3/4 hr on a good day to where I need to go.
I can ride a bicycle!
Things to question;
Fatigue. The biggest thing as always. Sometimes I have pushed myself too far and paid for it the following 2 days. It is frustrating but you must pace yourself as best you can and if you need a nap take one.
lower eyelid of right eye has apparently drooped a little. Not really noticable but I feel it. Described by GP as mild.
In certain lighting conditions I can momentarily see the vein structure in my vision of my right eye. Odd! Has been checked and found my vision remains ok.
Sensation of my right side gets quite intense. Sometimes it feels like I have been through stinging nettles or worse. Can get painful.
Right foot and hand can swell a little. Sometimes a bit podgy. A bit red. GP says ‘it can do that’.
Sleep is difficult especialy as I feel uncomfortable in all positions except when on my back.
I feel the cold more so.
What else can I say…
I have attended a few local Stoke Association get togethers. Always nice to meet others who have ‘been there’ and share.
I had a flu jab for the first time ever. I sat down with my GP and talked it through. Thankfully I experienced no nasty effects.
It is important to have a routine and/or a goal.
I exercise (walks) but feel more is needed now. Feels like I am loosing muscle tone. Stretching might also be a good idea, definately around my ankle. My foot feels heavy.
If I get hungry it feels more than just being hungry. Got to keep fueled but not with rubbish.
I make a point of staying hydrated. Too easy not to give your system the support that it needs.
Listen to yourself and act if needs be.
Well folks look after yourselves and enjoy Christmas.
Thanks to everyone who posts here and in doing so makes a difference.
@Poncho thank you for sharing your update & hope you are using your 2 year point to reflect on how far you have come.
Sounds like you are doing well in a lot of things but still have a way to go with others. Well done on being able to ride a bicycle . That’s one challenge I haven’t mastered yet.
I hope you manage to get your sleep sorted soon…being uncomfortable all the time must be frustrating.
Yes, worth mentioning reflection as it is easy to get bogged down.
The bicycle is an old Hercules 3 speed Sturmey-Archer. Easy to work and it won’t break if I fall off. It is a ladies bike. I tried a bike with a cross bar but it was difficult to get on/off!
You know you could always try a gym to help with progress. For me, it got to the point a that the endless walking was all well and good for exercising the legs and keeping the circulation going. But it wasn’t doing much more than that. That’s when I decided to join fitness classes for the over 50s and I joined a gym to rebuild all the muscle wastage from after my stroke. The machines I use at the are either seated or have safety rails, depending on what you want of it.
Stronger muscles will improve your walk because you can target the hips and abdominal muscles, as well as the back muscles. If all these muscles are stronger, they will improve your gait, steady you walking ability, will take you further and for longer.
And rebuilding upper body strength could save you from serious falls. You certainly sound like you’re ready for something more. And gyms can have a good social aspect to them and during the day the majority of patriots tend to our age group, and there for similar reasons. Think about it, there’s a lot to be gained
. That’s one challenge I haven’t mastered yet.