Therapy

Its been a little more than 3 months since Martin had his stroke. He was in Mount Gould rehab for 2 months and while he was there I felt secure knowing that he was cared for and was learning to walk and care for himself again from experts. There was a fear that he would be sent home and it would be left to us to get him back to where he was before all of this began. I knew nothing about helping him relearn, so I was scared and overwhelmed. I was told over and over that he would have an early discharge team of OT, PT and a nurse to help him on his journey back, but that didn't help to hold back the fear. I figured he would have a therapist out to the house a couple times a week, and how much work could they actually do in a house so small. I'm very happy to say I was so wrong. He's been home 4 1/2 weeks now. The early discharge team come to the house sometimes three times a day, 5 to 6 days a week. They are Ursula; little and mighty, she can motive you to do anything and before you know it you are walking. Then there is our Irish Emma who is kind and funny and so supportive, she makes even the smallest accomplishments into large ones. Our gentle Emma who is getting Martin to think more like his old self again with her goals, tests and positive words, and she's gotten his hand and arm to move more than it has. And then there is Mo his nurse. She is honest and straight forward and caring. Between them Martin is walking with a cane on his own, walking up the stairs (with me) and is back to sleeping in our bed and getting himself ready for the day with some help and he is able to manage his meds with only having me to check. I couldn't have asked for a better team! Though he has a long way to go, he is doing things he couldn't 3 weeks ago.

Its time to...

Its been 4 weeks since my Martin had his stroke. There have been some improvement, but physically its still slow. He is having trouble keeping his knee locked in place, which is so important for learning to walk again. No movement with his hand and arm. I've not been up to doing anything these last weeks and I'm tired of it. I like DIY and am determined to have the bathroom painted and ready for when he gets home, though it might be a long time before he can walk up the stairs to actually see it or use it. Today I got up early and began sanding in the bathroom. We were working on this room when it all happened. He completed the tiling and I was in the middle of choosing the color for the walls and window frame. It something I want to finish for him and for me. Today I got up early and MADE myself start. I was up by 7am took care of the mundane and then started clearing out the room, fixed my second cup of coffee then plugged in the sander. It might take me a couple of days to get it right, but it feels good to actually DO something. Tomorrow Bob and Barbara are going with me to B&Q for the paint and putty, thank God for friends and family. I'm still reading my - learn to drive in the UK - book!

Life Changers

Sometimes in the everyday, things happen and life as you know it changes forever! About three weeks ago my husband had a stroke. We were sitting, watching TV together when I noticed he looked extremely tired. When I asked if he was ok, he told me in a slurred voice that he was exhausted. I could see from looking at him that his mouth wasn't right. After speaking to him a moment or two, I called the emergence services. Within minutes they were rushing into our home, asking questions and checking him over. Once satisfied, he was brought to Derriford hospital emergency room for tests, scans and medication. He hasn't been home since. I visit him every day and I miss him terribly!