Stephen’s stroke in 2021 at the age of 66 left him
With a damaged vocal cord and damage to his swallowing ability that left him unable to eat and his ability to control his saliva even with the latest medication. However with the assistance of a specially adapted iPad and a letter board he manages very well , He has chosen risk over quality of life and chooses to have the odd cup of coffee and some chocolate which frightened friends and family to begin with due to his coughing and what appeared to others that he was choking as he clears his throat . Unfortunately anything that he eats or drinks results in his salvia increase and as the brain does not send messages for him to swallow it means that Stephen has to clear the saliva by using a suction machine or what spitting into what we call his spit mug . His balance is very precarious and he has had a few falls but we pride ourselves on how we find ways for him to get up before we have to call the Calvary ie family or neighbours for assistance.
… As I mentioned in my previous text that Stephen had tendon damage and cervical spondylitis, however for the latter he has been having acupuncture regularly and he has found improvement to his posture . Like everybody stroke victims and carers we have our good days and not so good days but we have managed to find a lot of positivity from small things going well and mainly the visits from friends and family alike which is essential to both our well being . We appreciate that for many of you it’s a long and arduous journey but we often find that after the difficult and down days some happier days follow and the sun rises on a new day . Our thoughts are with you Annabella and Stephen
@Annabella1 thank you for sharing an update on how you & Stephen ate getting on. It sounds like some progress is being made & where it hasn’t that you have found ways to adapt. Sometimes that what we need to do to move forward & start enjoying life a bit.
As you say there are good & bad days. You definitely seem to be making the best of the situation you find yourself in.
Best wishes
Ann
Hi Annabella and Stephen @Annabella1
Thank you for sharing your update and I am so pleased how you are both managing. I think it is fantastic that the speciallyadapted iPad is helping him to manage very well to assist with impact of damaged vocal cords.
Stephen I commend you for choosing the decision to live life with “risk” over “quality”. Clearly, you have done this because this is what you want and I am pleased you were able to make that choice. Having the odd cup of coffee and some chocolate may be “risky”, but I would suggest it also adds quality as you can enjoy someof the things you might otherwise not have been able to enjoy. By doing so, it seems to me you are also rewiring your brain and training your body to heal. It is well known stroke recovery can be slow, but if you are managing as you are then why should you not enjoy life 
I would like to think with time your body will start to realise the build up of saliva and trigger the swallow action, but at least you can spit out or use the suction machine.
Having the cavalry to call upon is wonderful and eases the pressure on you both.
Wishing you both all the best on your onward journey.
Namaste|
You are an amazing couple and I’m so glad to hear of your management strategies.
None of us like change and this event provided you with a huge change and challenge. The way you’ve adapted and found positives is just humbling for me. Note to self, seek inspiration from the challenges of others. Thank you for letting us know.
Thank you for your kind and generous words they are really appreciated
Thank you you for your reply it’s very much appreciated
So difficult but you sound as if you are going for whatever helps to make things a bit pleasanter. The acupuncture is a good move!
I hope Stephen will do really well very soon.