Life Changes

Surviving my stroke was a life changing event. Its been almost five years, I will always remember July 26, 2017. This blog tells about my physical and mental struggles with my survival, now I think it’s time to focus on the other changes my surviving brought.

Confession

 A Facebook post from me:

 ”I have to confess! I like playing games on my phone all day. One day months ago my phone/Google saved my credit card number, I didn't realize it at the time. When I noticed it I thought oh well the damage is done (to all my cyber friends, I knew I wasn't following secure procedures).

This made it very easy to charge for extra lives, etc. Last month I charged over $100 on Google Play. I was so ashamed with myself, what a waste of money!

So I deleted my credit card from my phone/Google. This way if I charge anything on my phone I have to get up, get my credit card out of my purse and don't save the number. Believe me I won't do that, I'm lazy!”

Veteran Patient!

My latest stay in hospitals was 3 weeks. My dad says I always go all in! I broke my right ankle (weak side of my body) Christmas night. I was transferring from my recliner to my wheelchair, lost my balance and fell. After that I just went to bed and didn’t think I hurt myself. I didn’t sleep very much that night because of the throbbing. Next morning Walter called EMS I knew something was wrong.

A Lapband and a Stroke!

On February 6, 2012 I had bariatric surgery, lapband. I lost 80 pounds in 8 months. I kept the weight off for 5 years, then I had a stroke.

The Old Way

When will we get back to normal? I’ve asked that question a lot these past three years. I used to work, drive, garden, knit, crochet, cook, etc… That was the old way “normal” three years ago. Now “normal” is staying at home every day, a ride on my scooter to check the garden, watching my husband do all the house chores I can’t do. When I first realized my limitations I was grieving losing the old way. I had to create a new way “normal”, and I did just that.

Don’t be Stressed!

These are trying times! The one thing I have to say is don’t stress. When people are given a medical situation and don’t know what to do, they stress.

I like to do Chores!

I know what you are thinking, so before you order me a strait jacket let me explain.

I’m Blessed

I’m blessed I survived my stroke and all the medical complications. I just saw a video of me from two years ago when I was walking with my physical therapist. I was shocked at how unstable I was. I couldn’t stand up without someone holding me. I have changed so much in 2 ½ years. Just the other day, I stood and hugged my mom when we were leaving my parents’ house, and she said, “I forgot how tall you are.”

My Stepdaughter Turns 20 Today!

I am so very proud of Gillian. But this blog isn’t about her, it’s about me. Am I a good stepmother, did I give her good advice, did she like me? Step parenting is different than parenting and being a step parent without any children of your own is not easy. I couldn’t tell you how many times I cried on Walters shoulder over the years.

What does a stroke feel like?

I had a friend ask me that and I wonder how many other people want to know. I don’t remember the stroke itself but I remember the hour or so before, I was having pains in my stomach (I thought it was my lapband). I went to the emergency room, they couldn’t figure it out until my nurse saw my face drooping and said she’s having a stroke. All hell broke out.

Two Year Funk!

This is my two year anniversary being a stroke survivor. I am thankful to say that I survived a massive stroke. Unfortunately, I’m in a funk, both physically and mentally. I’m hoping writing this blog will help me rekindle my spirits.