April - Many showers!

No April Fools today, Sunday saw Nik and I heading off to Stow for a French Fair we got some food and sat in the square and ate it. Ed was working at the pub doing some painting for them. I dropped Nik off for a walk back into the village from near Moreton Cricket Club, as it was such a nice day, cold wind though.

w/c 2^nd

Ed is doing football week at Chipping Campden with Jamie Roberts. I went to see physio at the new hospital in Moreton, it’s very nice, we concentrated on my leg exercises. Spoke to Dad tonight he rang to see how I was doing.

Tuesday I’m over to see Dan and we did more strengthening and balancing 16 reps in total, 4 types and 2 of each, I was knackered especially after yesterday’s session with Sandra. The alter G press ‘day’ is hotting up for 23^rd April. Spoke to Charles today.

Wednesday, asthma check-up in the morning, all OK, and also dentist appointment in the afternoon to check my jaw, there are some slight clicks on both sides of jaw I can get an oral surgeon referral if I wish! Did washing and ironing.

Thursday, bit of a lazy day well rested anyway, Nik in London, Ed on last day of football week, he won Sharp Shooter and came 3^rd in crossbar Challenge.

Good Friday and we had a nice lie-in, I wore my new DM Orthotic sock for 1/4 hour and it was OK. We went over to Stratford and had a chippy tea. Ed was working at the pub, and Nik and I went to the Western for a drink later, met Austen and had a good natter with him, and also saw Caroline after.

Saturday we went over to Cheltenham did some shopping at Sainsbury’s and came home. I wore my new DM Orthotic sock for 1/2 hour so I can get used to it slowly. Austen came round to have a chat and a drink and Ed was working again at the pub.

Easter Sunday we had a nice roast lamb lunch, and even did garlic with it, I wore my new DM Orthotic sock for 1/1/2 hour. Andrew and Kath called in to see us. I text Jenny and Dad.

w/c 9^th

Monday rainy and not too nice, mooched around at home. The three of us went to see Titanic 3D which was good, all in all not too bad a weekend really. Dad called.

Tuesday, Ed came over to Dan’s with me, he did agility ladder work and went on the new bike and I did 40 mins on the treadmill with my new splint on at 1.5km per hr and 800m. Ed went to the barbers whilst we were over at Dan’s when we came back he went to the gym with Matt! So I wore the new DM leg splint all day.

Ed is off to see Marcus today and I did some crm stuff.

We are both over to Stratford to go to Specsavers for Ed and me to return shoes to Clarks, they wouldn’t take them back as they were from a retail outlet! We had a Costa coffee and then Ed had his eye test and sorted out new glasses.

Friday, Andrew is here to help Ed with his photography for his D of E. We went up round Snowshill area and Ed took some good photo’s with Andrew’s guidance and we went for a cuppa and a cake at Broadway Lavender farm. I came back and did all the ironing. Ed worked Friday night at the pub.

Saturday and we went over to Stratford to do some shopping, picked up Ed’s glasses then came back to watch the Grand National, my horse and lady jockey came 3^rd.

Charles’s 20^th birthday today, we rang him to wish him all the best. Ed played rugby over at Leamington, Nik went out on his bike.

w/c 16^th

I picked Charles up from Stratford station came home had lunch, then off we went to Cirencester for my hydrotherapy, a good session doing all my exercises and not as achy this time, I love it.  We went to Broadway and collected Ed’s work experience form. Then we collected Matt and Ed from afterschool French.

Tuesday nothing much today, Charles did some revision I did some crm.

Wednesday over to Jannines’s for a cut and colour, and I got the day wrong should have been Thursday, however, Jannine managed to fit me in she’s a star. Charles revised again it was quite a rainy day today.

Thursday I went over to Cheltenham for a Connect meeting, took Charles with me he revised in the car again, then we went to Starbucks in Sainsbury’s for a coffee and lunch, and got Charles’ birthday pressie. It was lovely to spend time with him. Charles helped me cook tea, chilli and rice, afterwards we took a photo of the four of us, and unfortunately it didn’t go quite as planned……however the pictures turned out ok, I thought.

Friday, I went over to Dan for a session, I did 40 minutes on the alter G treadmill I did over 1000m at 1.5/2km per hour wearing my new DM leg splint and then did some agility ladder work, a good session, we came home for lunch and I took Charles to Stratford station. Ed worked at the pub and Nik and I went for a meal there, it was a nice evening.

Nik is off to the States today on business until Friday, an early start for him, Ed and I had a clear up/out in his bedroom, went shopping. In the evening Ed was babysitting 7 – 11pm up the village.

Sunday, unfortunately at 10.54 I fell again in the kitchen and fell on my left side I think my left foot gave way as I was trying to get strawberries out of the fridge, Ed helped get me up I used the sink as I did previously, I bumped my head on a cupboard again, no dizziness, no broken skin just another egg on head. Ed was revising his Spanish for his oral exam on Monday, Andrew and Kath called to see us and we had a really good natter, Andrew sorted out the bathroom sink and wardrobe for us. Charles headed back to Uni from his Dad’s. A very nice weekend.

w/c 23^rd

Monday I had hydrotherapy at Cirencester, did my usual exercises, I was knackered today and my leg ached after the fall yesterday, it looks like a good bruise is coming on my leg too! Ed went to boxing and he did a really good Spanish talking assessment at school today, teacher graded it an A, one mark off an A*.

Tuesday I went to Cheltenham hospital stroke ward for my Connect visit 2.30-4pm, met some lovely people. Ed went to rugby training in the evening. Nik flew from Virginia to North Carolina. Dad called when I was taking Ed to rugby training so I called him back.

Wednesday, there’s a Gloucs. younger stroke survivor group meeting at the Norwood Arms which I didn’t go to because Ed has after school astronomy, the weather not so good, really bad wind and rain, rained all day.

Friday Nik is back early at 7.30am. Nik and I went to see Dan for a session and I did some agility ladder work I also got onto the Wattbike and managed to do 410m at 11km p hr. my god did my butt ache weighed myself 13.7 stone! Nik went on the new bike.

Ed went off on rugby tour to Hilston Park on the Welsh border for the weekend, he had a really great time, he went canoeing, played archery, great outdoor activities, a fantastic time, they played a game against Crickhowell on the Sunday and won 71-0 with Ed scoring the winning conversion.

Good lie-in for both of us on Saturday, I had a bath, we did some shopping, washing and ironing, usual stuff. Nik and I went to the cinema on Saturday night to see ‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’, a good film and evening.

Sunday, I helped Nik finish off the ironing, then we went to ASK for lunch and Simon brought Ed back as we were still eating! Austen called in to see us, and a flood was discovered next door.

w/c 30^th

Bit of a downer today, feeling quite low in fact. So I looked forward to the afternoon as I went to hydrotherapy at Cirencester it was good, enjoyed it, needed it, good floating and exercises. Ed went to boxing class in the evening,  and we tried to get some Olympic football tickets.

March 2012- speech and beach!

1^st – 4^th

So we start with St David’s Day, Ric in Florida’s birthday, and I still have my f’ing headache, got an appointment at 5pm tonight with own GP. Thankfully she is at last referring me for a CT scan, God knows when but hey it’s in the system.

Ed had a Physics exam on Friday. Nipped over to Stratford on Saturday. Last minute invite next door to have a lovely meal with Gavin and Stuart, Mark and Sharon, lobster and prawns to start with followed by sea bass and butterscotch tart – a very nice evening, after a crappy day.

Up early Sunday to get to Ed to rugby for a game at Barker Butts, came back and had a bath, my second in a week and they get better, easier, each time!

w/c 5^th

Jenny’s birthday, Nik in London for two days, I saw Sandra, community physio and we went through my leg exercises and also tried my electrodes on my right leg, there was some good movement from my ligaments/muscles, whatever!  Ed has after school French. Spoke to Jenny, wished her all the best, spoke to Dad and skyped Charles.

Tuesday over to see Dan and I did more strengthen balance work using the agility ladders, side stepping, backwards, forwards, left, right I did 24 reps where I normally do 18, I was knackered. I sat on a chair and did some arm stretching, up, down, side to side. Again I was knackered. Ed went babysitting up the village. Nik came back from London. We got good news about the Gloucs. younger stroke survivor network being one of 30 finalists for the Gloucestershire Echo Wish to get some funding for us.

Wednesday follow up asthma clinic to see if my blow has improved and it has slightly so keep using my becotide! Then running around for Nik, dry cleaners, cash, euros, ready for the rugby weekend away, then on to Fosseway Garden Centre to meet Caroline Seguro for a coffee and lunch with little Phoebe.

Thursday – didn’t do a great deal, well in fact actually I did, washing and ironing so it didn’t need to be done over the weekend, leaving it free.

Friday, over to Broadwell to see my new befriendee, he is doing OK, a little more speech and had a good chat with his partner. Nik went over to Gloucester on a quick call. When we were both home we went for lunch at Batsford, I told Nik about my funny vision and the ‘molehills’ I see, have seen at the doctors and on our car park, so that was it he said right we’re going over to A&E at Cheltenham to get it checked out once and for all, no scan, but I am in the system should know within next 2 weeks I had a complete check over again, and came away with some Co Dydramol to take for my continuing headache, Nik checked with the doctor if he was OK to go away for the weekend.

So off Nik went to Stuart’s for the night and then tomorrow they get Eurotunnel across to Calais and then on to Paris for the rugby England v France. Ed was working at the pub. I went to Sharon and Mark’s, with Gavin and Stuart, for Mark's birthday and their housewarming. It was lovely, I had a really nice evening.

Saturday and Ed and I heading over to Bicester Retail outlet for some retail therapy mostly on his part, spending all his hard earned cash. We had a really lovely day, no hassles, no arguments or shouting,  in fact we had a great laugh, he pushed me round in the wheelchair and stopped off at shops he or I wanted to go in, he paid for lunch and it was all just great, a lovely, lovely day with my young man.

Sunday and we’re both up, dressed and off to the rugby club for 10, picking up Henry on the way, it is achievable. They were playing against Worcester and won 24-0, Ed played for about 15 minutes, it was nice to watch him play, as we’re always too late to watch by the time we get there. Saw my ‘molehills’ getting out of the car at the rugby club. We stayed after the game and had a chat, good natter with Maree, Milly and Jayne. We came home to watch the England game and managed to see Nik and the boys on TV. Ed helped me do the tea, steak, mash and tarte au citron with cream. We skyped Charles, Dad called to see how I was. All in all it was a very nice weekend.

w/c 12^th

Monday and not a great deal on, Nik was travelling back from Paris arriving back home at 9pm, Ed at school and afterschool French.

Tuesday and I’m over to Dan’s for an hour’s session, I did some balance and strengthening over the agility training ladder again, 6 reps of each exercise, and then 10 minutes on the TechnoArmbike.

Wednesday I got a call from Gloucs Echo wanting a picture of the younger stroke group for the Wish launch issue on Monday. Called at doc’s to collect my prescription they asked how I was, told them headache still there and about my ‘molehills’, saw them again on the car park.

Thursday, I was due to go back to the Doctors for yet another headache check-up, but they called me to let me know I have a CT scan appointment tomorrow at 12.00 at Cheltenham. I did some telephone calls and updating on d/b.

Friday, Nik is working from home, off to Cheltenham for my CT scan and it went well need to follow up results with my Doc, did some ironing, and collected Charles from Stratford station as he is coming down for Mother’s Day on Sunday, it was really great to see him, haven’t seen him since Christmas.

Saturday, Nik went out on his bike, Charles helped me on my presentation for Wednesday night. I finished the ironing, we went to Fosseway Garden Centre and I walked the full length of the car park without my stick, approx. 100 metres.

Sunday, breakfast and pressies in bed then nipped over to Stratford for some shopping, Annette was my personal dresser in Next! We then went to Ask in Moreton for my Mother’s Day meal, and it was great, took Charles back to the station so he could head back to Lancaster. A nice weekend.

w/c 19^th

I worked on my speech and Powerpoint presentation for the gala dinner on Wednesday night and got it sorted and finished.

Tuesday a follow up appointment at the Doctor’s after my scan, it showed nothing untoward, Doc gave me complete checkover, jaw joint, eyes, temperal artery, thinks possibly jaw drop, told him about my ‘molehills’, so he’s referred me to see an eye specialist, he suggested I see my dentist about my jaw, blood test on Thursday. From there a whizz over to Cheltenham to meet Dan from D M Orthotics and try on my new lycra leg orthosis, , demo’d the lycra leg to Dan S doing some of my ladder work. So no real session as such with Dan Fivey. 

Ed had rugby training

I went over to Jannine’s to get my hair done nicely for tonight, it’s the gala dinner at the ‘Striving for Stroke’ event at the Bristol Marriott for the Avon. Gloucs, Somerset and Wilts Stroke network, and I talked about my stroke story:

http://www.youtube.com/user/SueStroke2010

Thursday night was Ed’s Parents Evening and it went well, if he cuts out the chat and general tomfoolery he is quite capable of getting A, and A*. On the plus side his English is much improved and his coursework has been good too.

Friday Nik had a call out to a customer on Anglesey with a complaint, so I decided to go with him, we went to Cable Bay and said hi to Mum, a bit of fun getting off the beach!

Saturday, was a strip the beds, do the washing and ironing day, lovely weather for it too, 22c, which was fun, not, but just doing ordinary everyday stuff.

Sunday, Ed has an away game at Towcester, I dropped him down to the club for 9am, and he came back at 1.30pm they won 44-5. Nik caught up on the gardens and he mowed front and back. Spoke to Andrew Keeling, Helen’s brother,  he’s had a brain haemorrhage and 3 strokes. Myra’s birthday today.

w/c 26th

oooo very excited I went off to Cirencester this afternoon to try hydrotherapy, and it was far more successful this time, I enjoyed it, I ached however it did me good, I was knackered and my gluts ached. Spoke to Dad. Did some CRM stuff.

Anne-Marie’s birthday today, sent her good wishes. I should have seen Dan this morning, however, he hadn’t written me down so thankfully after yesterday’s session at the pool we postponed until next Tuesday. I did go to Cheltenham to the hospital stroke ward to do my Connect work, met 3 lovely people, 2 men and a lady. I did some CRM stuff.

A bit of a lazy day caught up on some t.v., did some washing, hung it out, then went and picked up younger Connect chap and we both went over to the younger stroke network meeting in Cheltenham at the Norwood Arms. Louise had asked me to do my speech from last week! We had a good meeting lots going on at the moment.

Thursday, Nik in the office, Andrew and Kath came up to take me out for lunch and we went to Batsford arboretum, it was lovely we sat in the sun on the verandah and got a bit of a tan.

Friday and Nik was working from home, I should have seen my chap in Broadwell however it got postponed due to illness. So I did some CRM stuff. Ed worked at the pub, Nik and I nipped up to Tesco and the garden centre to get a few bits and pieces.

Ed’s rugby team played at the VP’s day against a touring Welsh side from Narberth it was a good well matched game, Ed got some good tackles in.

Today is a year on from me leaving the Oxford Centre for Enbablement, and hey look at me now!

February - Valentines month and snow!

1^st – 6^th I had my last visit to my older Connect chap, we played dominoes a few times, and went through his photo-book which we haven’t done for a while, and he did really well. Ed had Astronomy after school I picked him up.

We had to get the carpet man back to re-clean the carpets, especially where I had thrown the roll-on deodorant to Ed, he missed it, and it smashed across the floor in the hall, carpet man did a good job.

Friday and Nik was in London. I went for a Gastro check up at the J.R. Oxford, all went well and I nipped up to the stroke ward to see the staff there, Alice, Bev and Rocel were pleased to see me and see how well I’m doing.

Very cold this weekend and we had snow on Saturday. Henry came over to do the Astronomy work with Ed, then mid-afternoon snow started to fall, and it carried on through the night so we awoke to about 1.5” of snow on Sunday, no rugby and Kate unable to travel down for a sleepover. I was envious of people out and about in the snow, walking, sledging, so Nik took me up to one of our fave spots near bluebell wood to go walking in the snow, it was fab loved it, another tick

w/c 6^th I went over to Dan’s for an  hour’s session and did strengthening and balancing work, walking through the ladder, side stepping, and diagonally stepping. On the Vibrogym we did some work on my left hand and arm with arm up above head and to the side  some one-legged squats and lunging using both legs and no hands holding on!

I did some Bonwyke stuff on Tuesday, txt Dan and Jen to say I was thinking of them both as it’s 5 years since our lovely Mum passed away after a very brave battle against oesophagus cancer. Dad called me later on. It’s also two years since Kate Allatt had her brainstem stroke, and just look at her now.

Trip to Doc’s for an asthma check-up managed to blow 290 but need to improve to over 300, so I’m back again next month and take my salbutamol each day.

The weather took a turn for the worse today, we had snow and it was -3 this is our winter I think. Friday was colder and we hit  -10 and more snow overnight, school was still on and thankfully Nik at home so he cleared the path before heading off to Malvern. I was out with the girls for a Ladies Curry night at the rugby club, it was great and live music had a dance. Ed worked at the pub. On Saturday for Andrew’s birthday met up with him and Kath at the Village Pub in Barnsley,  http://www.thevillagepub.co.uk/  It’s part of Barnsley House Hotel and Spa http://www.barnsleyhouse.com/ we all had a lovely meal, lovely pub too.

On Sunday Ed was due to have rugby coaching but it was cancelled as the ground was too hard due to weather, so off he went to the pub to earn some more monies! On Sunday Nik and I met Kate and Mark Allatt at the Saxon Mill for lunch http://www.saxonmill.co.uk/ they are staying near Warwick for a couple of days R&R together, which is nice for just the two of them, with Mark’s parents looking after the kids and taking them away too for the weekend. What a nice thought.

w/c 13^th

Ed’s on half term this week, Nik has taken Monday and Tuesday off. We had a nice lazy start to Monday, recovering from the excess of food and drink over the weekend - and then went out for lunch at Batsford Arboretum I had a lovely meringue and got whipped cream all over my jacket sleeve! Tuesday was Valentine’s Day Ed was working at the pub in the afternoon. Nik and I went over to Stratford to do some shopping went tor M&S Simply Food to get our Valentines meal food, saw some of my old workmates whilst I was there. We had a lovely meal, and a lovely evening together. Ed walked next door’s dogs and this was the day that Milly went missing when Shirl walked them at lunch.

Wednesday was another test of my stamina, after some lovely long lie-ins up early as I had to be in Evesham at the dentist and hygienist for 9.20am, then whizzed over to Gloucester for our monthly Connect meeting and I made it in time. We had a good meeting Laura discussed the idea of the localised co-ordinators. I was slightly tired when I got home but coped well. I went to the doctors later on to get my spotty face checked over, got some cream to use for 3 weeks.

On Thursday Ed came over with me to do an hour’s session with Dan, we both did some ladder work strengthening and balancing, Ed went on the treadmill for 20 minutes and I was on the Vibrogym getting my arm and hand going, it was fun I think Ed was knackered! Skyped Charles.

Friday was Lesley’s birthday, Nik was in Essex. I did a pile of ironing and Matt came over to play on PS3. Ed worked at the pub.

Saturday we pretty much did bugger all, Ed and I played on my PS3 move game thing which was fun, and ‘Start the party’- not, at lunch we also had a terrible fit of giggles Nik wasn’t amused! I tried the FES on my leg see if it might help my foot drop as Kate had. Nik was going to go out on his bike and in the end left it too late to go. In the evening we went to Lesley’s Pasta Party, to celebrate her birthday, more eating and drinking a good evening.

Sunday I took Ed to rugby for 10 for his first game back after his broken collar bone, and he played a short time, they won 45-5. Nik did go out on his bike whilst I took Ed to rugby. We went to pick him up and an almighty scrap had taken place between the Under 17’s and a touring team from Preston. Not a good show at all for our younger rugby players.

w/c 20^th

Ed back to school today, he had his polio and tetanus booster jabs, and Nik down to the office, he has a new starter for telesales. Dad called.

Pancake Day Tuesday, and 2 batches, 1 for Ed before rugby training and 1 for Nik and I of which I ate most bless him, I just scoffed. I had my first visit with a new befriendee in another local village. They have not had as good an experience as me with regards to the NHS, and community care that I had. I’ve had a headache today, which doesn’t seem to want to go away.

Wednesday haircut and colour with Jannine, a good chance for a natter and gossip, and my highlights back in new lady!

Headache no better today stayed in bed most of the day, Nik was on his way into the office, called him, having such a headache for almost 3 days now, got me thinking what happened to Kate and its scary, Nik turned back and came home. I called 999 and they said NHS Direct will call me back, waited 40 mins and nothing, Nik had also rung our surgery and left a message for our GP to call me, tried 999 again they will chase up my logged call, called our surgery and spoke to GP, he suggested I went through some exercises for dropped jaw! Still not happy with prognosis rang out of hrs service and ended up seeing a GP at Cheltenham hospital at 8.15pm he checked me over suggested it might be a tension headache,  he suggested I get an eye test, he asked if I had cataracts in my right eye, keep taking paracetemol, codeine OK to take too, feeling much relieved headed home to bed and a good night’s sleep excited about tomorrow.

Friday Nik and I went to London and had afternoon tea at the Ritz, I had tried to arrange this surprise for his birthday, however, you need to book 3 months in advance! So it was a Christmas pressie surprise. We drove straight to the steps and the valet/doormen arranged valet parking, we went and sat in the reception area and as we were early had a cuppa tea and a coffee.

We went for a small walk up Piccadilly which was nice to do, so busy I had to get in line and follow the pavement traffic! We got back inside the Palm Court and sat down for afternoon tea at 5.30pm, We were given a tea menu and chose which type of tea we wanted from it, the waiter brought a cake stand along with a selection of sandwiches: salmon and cream cheese, cucumber and dill, cheese and pickle, chicken and horseradish, we couldn’t believe how small the sandwiches were! The cakes were lovely as were the fresh cream scones with clotted cream and jam. The waiters did come round with seconds and we were both quite full, given the size of the sandwiches! Nik then took us for a tour of London by night, right up to the Tower of London area, saw the Shard all lit up, through the West End, Piccadilly Circus, and then home, I fell asleep surprise, surprise, it was a lovely day.

Saturday no lie in as Ed did a table top sale at the school and managed to make £35. Nik and I went over to see Dan had a 40 minute session, we were late and he was heading off to Kingsholm for a 10k charity walk, I did more ladder work, strengthening & balancing, and the it’s the first time Nik has seen me do it, he went on the Wattbike and cycled 17k.

Sunday able to have a nice lie in as Ed got a lift with Sam to rugby, local derby game against Stratford and they won 22-10, Ed played on the wing for about 15 mins enjoyed it too. Nice Sunday roastie chicken lunch. Charles called to see how I was.

w/c 27^th

Monday and I’m off to Gloucester to meet with others from Connect, Sally-CE, Mel, Laura and Tony to meet with the commissioners involved in funding Connect and discuss our stroke experiences and our befriender work. It was a good and interesting meeting to take part in. I rested in the afternoon, as I still have a headache. Dad called to see how I was.

Tuesday Nik is up in Scotland – Glasgow measuring up a job. I rested in the morning and then off to Cheltenham hospital stroke ward to do my Connect work, met and spoke with 3 lovely people.

Wednesday, quiet morning, resting as I still have my headache, it ain’t going away, in the afternoon I collected my young befriendee from Moreton and we went to our Gloucs younger stroke survivor group meeting at the Norwood Arms in Cheltenham, Chris gave a very good talk about understanding brain injury, he had attended a Headway training day and it was very informative, then Louise did a picture quiz which was fun, we teamed up into three’s, results to be announced!

January - New Year New Goals

January 1^st saw us driving back from Tonbridge where we’d spent New Year’s Eve with the Peacocks and friends, and we pretty much lazed around.

Nik back to work and Fareham overnight whilst Ed and I took down all the Christmas decorations, lights and tree. I had a natter with Kate, told her all about the chat I had with the General Manager for Europe for the alter G treadmill and promoting it.

Ed back to school on Wednesday, so back on my own again. Went over to Cheltenham for an hour’s training with Dan, boy was it hard getting going again, I started doing 20 minutes on the alter G at 2.2km p hr and on a sneaky incline and my AFO was hurting so stopped, sorted and started again and did a further 15 minutes building up to 3km pr hr. I met another of Dan’s stroke patients, a slightly older chap but nevertheless willing to work at it. Told Dan a goal for this year, it would be good/nice to run, and to give boxing a go, so at the end of the session he bound up my right hand, I sat down and we had a go at ‘sitting boxing’, it was good, enjoyed it, different cardio exercise.

I saw my younger Connect chap in Moreton, asked how his Christmas and New Year was they’d had a good time he had very limited use of the I-pad to help his aphasia, big meeting on Monday to see how things are progressing for OCE, and otherwise.

Leisurely Saturday morning, then went over to Cheltenham to do some shopping and get car washed, spoke to Dad later on. Sunday Ed had his staff lunch from the pub at the Thai in Moreton and had a lovely afternoon, no rugby for us today. Nik and I did some gardening, well I watched him! Then we went for a walk up by Bluebell Wood, and I walked 200 yards without my stick!

w/c 9^th

Well a year ago today I went to the Oxford Centre for Enablement, and my God look how far I have come thanks to my determination and their excellent neuro. rehab facilities, we need more centres like this, specifically for younger stroke survivors.

I went to see my older Connect chap today to see how he is doing, he had had a good Christmas, he has been playing dominoes so we had 3 or 4 games, he seems more chirpy talking a little more, they have at long last heard about his SALT therapy which starts next Monday at Moreton.

I had a good session with Dan, we did lots of stepping, side steps, up and back down a step with left then right leg driving up through each leg both times, boy did my gluts ache, I also walked up and down the exercise ladder on the floor, like Ed used to do at football, Dan timed me walking up and down the gym approx. 10/15m with and without my stick – without 24 paces in 26 seconds, with stick 15 paces in 16 seconds. Dan sorted out my elasticated lock laces into my trainers.

I went to our Connect meeting and Christmas party at the Bumble Bee in Quedgley near Gloucester, Nik took me on his way to Bristol. It was a good lunch nice to see Caroline, Tony and the others. We then went to see Mattie and family in Bristol and went round to Andrew and Kath’s.

Breakthrough this morning, I was able to put on my own ankle splint and do up my trainers with my lock-laces and come downstairs without any help from Nik or Ed. I had a meeting with Andy Caudell who is the General Manager for Alter-G in Europe, he has asked if I and possibly Kate will be a ‘brand ambassadors’ for them with regard to the NHS and possibly TSA – to be discussed further.

And another little breakthrough whilst I was watching TV I was stretching my left hand fingers and thumb, and whilst holding my 4 left hand fingers with my right hand was able to move my thumb on its own.

Nik and I went to Jimmy Spice in Stratford and then to the cinema to see ‘Warhorse’ and both cried, nice food, good film, good date night. Ed worked at the pub.

Saturday Nik went to the barbers, cleared some air over dodgy post. Ed and Henry did some leaflet delivering for Tim at the gym, and Ed stayed over at Henry’s, minor eruption and demolition derby followed.

w/c 16^th

Paul’s birthday, forgot to send card so called him and spoke to Jen, spoke to Dad today too. Met Annette for a coffee and lunch at the Swan in Broadway, it was really great to catch up on everything.

I did some of my telesales stuff, there was apparently 10/20 days-worth, and I did it  in 2 hours!

Physio with Sandra she said my walking is improved, I haven’t seen her since September, I did a 10m walk with my stick in 13 seconds, 16 steps. 10m walk without stick was 18 seconds and 20 steps. May need to see her to improve my gait, saw Steve the orthotist for a chat discuss orthotics see how the splint is going.

Gloucs. Younger Stroke Group Network meeting at a new venue, the Norwood Arms in Cheltenham, I picked up and took Kim, we discussed our sponsored ‘Step out for Stroke’ walk at Sudeley Castle in May or June, it was a good meeting in the pub.

Thursday I did some of my telesales stuff, caught up on some calls as well as some database cleansing.

Friday off to see Dan and I did a lot of stepping work, sideways, on and off stability cushion, stretching arms with long elastic stretch band swinging from side to side. Then I did some ‘seated’ boxing and some abs work moving backwards and forwards on seat. My ass really ached on Saturday morning. Ed worked Friday night.

Nik and I stripped all beds, then washed and ironed the new bedding, what a fulfilling day! Ed went out beating helpless birds!

Sunday, Nik and Ed worked in the garden tidying it all up and much trimming, filling up 3 bins! because they also did next door which hasn’t been touched since she died.

w/c 23^rd

Catch upon weekend e-mails then off I went to see my older Connect chap, his SLT meeting was only really an assessment to see what he can do and where he is up to, so we played dominoes 5/6 times, he didn’t want to look at magazine or do his photo-book. On Tuesday I went to see Dan for an hour’s session, 40 minutes on the alter G treadmill at 3.1km per hr and walked 2km. Had a good natter with Jane W.

25^th - Today would have been my lovely Mum’s 75^th birthday, I txt Dad and Jen to let them know I was thinking of them, I often think what she would have thought of all this stroke lark, thank God I get my stubbornness from her, it wouldn’t have got me where I am today, I do so miss her being on the end of the ‘phone for a chat and see how I’m doing, how we’re all doing.

Mary called in on the way from her Mum’s in Bournemouth to the training day at Tewkesbury on Thursday, we had a coffee and a really good catch up

Thursday and I am back to OCE for more botox, I didn’t see the Prof I saw another chap, and had more in my leg this time. Lovely to see all the staff, Corinna, Alison, Ali who’s now looking very big, leaves in March and due near my birthday in May.

Friday I had a nice trip out with Nik, Saturday and it’s getting very cold now I think we are having our winter, so wrapped up and went over to Stratford to do some shopping.

Sunday went to the rugby club, still cold, and nice to catch up with everybody have a beer and Ed to start back at training on Tuesday.

w/c 30^th

Nik in the office for 2 days, I went to see Sandra for an hour’s physio concentrating on my gait and got some new exercises. Ed had a Spanish coursework assessment as 15% of his GCSE coursework.

Test of my stamina today, I left home at 11.30 to go and see Dan for 12 – 1, calling for petrol on the way, I did 30 minutes on the alter G treadmill, my left leg/foot aching in either new trainers or splint because of my hypersensitivity who knows which! I rested and had some lunch then drove round to the hospital to do my Connect befriending work on the stroke ward, I saw Bernard my scally friend , he’s doing so well since I last saw him, he is much improved, I saw physio Rachel, so so good to see her, I cried as I always do, she always made me cry, and good to see all the other staff too, Claire, Emma, Sandy et al. So I was there until 4pm drove home and then took Ed and Henry to rugby training.

Dad had called so I rang him back he told me about Elaine’s Kev having had an injury to his thumb and fingers on Sunday and was in hospital so I gave her a call to see how he’s doing, we had a good natter and a giggle, it was really lovely to catch up with her.

December

1^st – 4^th

Ed has a mentoring day at school which went well a whole day off for 15 mins WOFTAM He did some dog walking for next door.

Back to school Friday and I went over to se Dan to do an hour on balance and strengthening, we haven’t done it for a while and boy did I ache afterwards, good for my arm though. Nik worked from home and had his car serviced.

On Saturday Ed went beating, first time in ages cos of his collar bone.  I had a nice soak in the bath before heading off down South to Fareham and Nik’s Christmas ‘do’  at a place called Estrellas in Lee, it was nice however, a lack of dancing and music made it quite boring. We stayed at Andy and Alison’s and on the Sunday we went into Portsmouth, had a look round Gunwharf Quays which was nice and went up the Spinnaker Tower.

w/c 5^th

Well hopefully news this week regarding Olympic torch bearing. I went to a hypertension appointment at Doc’s. all OK. I then went to see my Connect chap in Swell we had a good natter and went through his photobook a few times which did him good.

Spoke to Jen, Lew had enjoyed Gang Show a good but tiring week, boys all OK.

Ed went ten pin bowling at Leamington, with school after school, and had a good evening.

Went to see my Connect chap in Moreton he had enjoyed the stroke group meeting and we went through his SALT folder to see the work he is doing. Picked Ed up from Astronomy.

Thursday, news received through that I hadn’t got the Olympic torch gig, disappointing really, nice to be nominated and I’m sure there are far more worthy people than me who will be doing it, it would have been good to highlight/raise awareness of stroke in younger people and the Fighting Strokes charity http://www.fightingstrokes.org/

I had an hour’s session with Dan, 50 minutes on the alter G treadmill did 2.25km at 3km p hr. – knackered!

Nik and I underwent Sage CRM training at home, another string to my bow.

On Saturday Ed is on a school astronomy project and sleepover at Henry’s. Nik and I had a nice day together just the two of us. We did some food shopping then went to get the Christmas tree and other bits and pieces.

Went to the rugby club collected Ed, he’d watched the team play and win against Earlsdon, Henry’s first game since doing his shoulder. Kath and Andrew called in to see us and ended up helping us with the decorations, which was fun……..!  It seems that some of our little furry friends attacked some of the berries on wreaths in the loft so we had to ditch some decorations. I wrote all our Christmas cards.

w/c 12^th

Posted our Christmas cards. Then off to see my Connect chap at local village, and today we went through his photo book and pictures of vegetables, which I’d prepared for him plus using their Gardeners World magazines he did very well.

It is now 6 weeks since Ed broke his collar bone so on Wednesday I took Ed to hospital for an X-ray on his shoulder to check how it’s mending, consultant very pleased its mending well, still no rugby until end of January. We then went to see Dan for an hour’s session doing strengthening and balancing. I did some painful work on my arm on the Vibrogym, weather cold, arm/shoulder needed warming up, it hurt, then did some two legged and one legged squats for 1 minute on each leg, also did some lunging.  We then came back to Moreton for an hour’s physio for Ed, and then took him back to school. Spoke to Dad and discussed Xmas presents. Another interesting and varied day!

Went to see my younger stroke survivor in Moreton we discussed how he is getting on and their plans over Christmas. His SALT lady is sorting out an I-pad for him to help with speech, which will be really great for him, we will meet again in January.

On Friday I arranged to meet up with some of my fellow inmates at OCE, to see how we are all progressing, Anne Marie, Rob, Gaenor, Phil, and Stuart, and have a natter, a cuppa and mince pie with the staff. We all look very well and are progressing brilliantly, many of the staff commented on how well we are and how we look. Lots of great comments from everybody. Then in the evening Martin, Mo and Becky came over and we went to the Great Western for a meal.

Saturday we went over to Stratford to do some shopping, and finished with a Christmas coffee and cake in Costa. Sunday, final game of the season at rugby and for the mini’s their Christmas party.

w/c 19^th

Over to Jannine’s for a haircut and colour for me and a trim for Nik. Home for lunch and then Ed had one of his cleaning jobs in our road, Ed the ‘Odd Job’ man, very entrepreneurial of him, he’s put card through our neighbours doors to see if they need any little jobs doing. He’s putting the money towards an I-pad!

Keeping up with my training, went over to Dan with Nik who did 40km on the Wattbike, I did some I minute 1 legged squats on each leg, then 1 minute lunging on each leg on the Vibrogym, some leg squeezing using the thick elastic band to help and increase muscles in knee/leg. Then I did 30 minutes on the alter G treadmill at 2.7km per hr. Doc’s appt in the afternoon to get some more blood from me.

Ed went beating, Nik and I did some present wrapping, domesticated stuff, beds, washing, ironing, all that sort of crap! Then we went up to Burford Garden Centre to get some more bits n bobs, spoke to Dad whilst I was walking round ! We went to the gym in the evening for drinks and nibbles, which was good to see the other trainers and clients, met the chap from alter G, Andy, who may want to use me as a brand ambassador, which will be fun, he will contact me in January.

Did further present wrapping and then went into Moreton to do some banking whilst Nik went for a walk to gather what he needs for fireplace decoration. Spoke to Charles to see what train he’s catching down for Christmas with us. Jenny O’s birthday today, left her a message and sent her a text. We collected Charles from Stratford rail station, he’s here with us for Christmas which is just great as he hasn’t been for a few years I am well pleased.

Christmas Day was a nice relaxed morning opening pressies, then round to Stuart and Gavin’s for bubbles with Shirl, Andy and the girls. Afterwards we went up to the Western for drinkies met Caroline Austen, Alec and Delia. Back home got the dinner on and then Stuart and Gavin came round for some bubbles and nibbles, we didn’t have a repeat of 2 years ago when I drunkenly forgot to do the roasties! We were so stuffed we didn’t have dessert until 9pm!

On Boxing Day we all went to Andrew and Kath’s along with Mike, Cher and Defur for a sumptious feast of roast beef, Yorkshires and all the trimmings, it was lovely we played some great family games, film quiz, Catchphrase and Articulate, it was great fun, we stayed over and had a lovely cooked breakfast the following day.

Wednesday and unfortunately Charles had to go back as he had visitors on the Thursday, at night we went to the Great Western for the Christmas quiz which was in aid of Fighting Strokes and we managed to raise £310 from the quiz entry fee, raffle, and selling the FS wristbands. Stuart and Gavin did it, and of course it was Sharon and Mark’s last one.

We didn’t do a great deal on Thursday, bought the ingredients for the curries we were cooking for New Year’s Eve at the Peacocks in Tonbridge, Kent.

So we spent Friday morning cooking curries, the house stank, Ed went to the shop and on the way back said he could smell the curry at the back of Gavin and Stuart’s. – nice!

We drove down to Peacock’s Friday afternoon and met up with two other couples; Chris and Linda, Mark and Lou, and their kids. We had fireworks it was great we had a lovely time, got to bed at about 2.30am, drank lots of fizz and slept very well, drove back after our roast pork and cheese with port getting back at 11pm and here endeth December and 2011.

A very challenging year at times, personally, mentally, physically  and emotionally, but hey I/we got there and can look forward to more goals and challenges in 2012.

November - A Year on from leaving hospital

w/c 31^st - 4^th

Ed back at school this week + sling. I went over to Cheltenham Hospital, to do my Connect work on the stroke ward met some lovely chaps, a Scouser and a chap twice my age! Giving lots of encouragement and that there is life beyond stroke.

Back to hospital again for Ed and the fracture clinic, it’s a definite broken collar bone, no sport for 3 months, no beating and no job at pub, so Ed not a happy bunny, gutted in fact. I had an hour’s training with Dan and did 2.3km at 2.9km p hr on the alter G treadmill, really great going, really helping with my walking immensely.

Spoke to Dad on Skype. We’ve had to get community care in to help me with my trainers and splint in the morning, ‘cos this is a little job that Ed does for me before he goes to school. I said to Nik, these little bits and pieces Ed does for us, to help us, you don’t realise until we have a situation like this. On Friday went over to Jannine’s for haircut n colour.

Fireworks at pub cancelled ‘cos it was raining and they’d gotten wet anyway!

w/c 7^th

Went to see my Connect chap in Moreton for a natter and catch up to see how they all are and how he’s progressing, talking is improved.

Over to Cheltenham hospital again for a Connect meeting with Tony, Laura and Julie to discuss way forward with hospital visits. I had a half hour training with Dan on the alter G 1km at 3.3kmp hr on a 5 incline.

Following day back to O C E for a 6 weeks follow up on baseline measures after having botox in my leg. Friday night we went to Mark and Sharon’s evening wedding reception at the pub, lovely time great to catch up with people.

At the weekend we went shopping in Stratford, walking good around the shops, improving each time. Great weather, nice and sunny. Went to Rugby club on Sunday to watch Shippo versus Stow, good result 27 – 10 to us, again great weather sat outside the club having a beer or two.

Received letter from work Educare regarding Ill Health Capability Hearing, and just decided to resign, called LF, discussed and parted very amicably.

An hour and a half training with Dan today on the alter G treadmill, 2.39km at 2.9km per hr. in an hour and then some Vibrogym work on my left hand and arm. Then as I left lovely to see Caroline on my way out for her next session.

At weekend whilst Nik went to barbers, I hoovered round upstairs to the best of my ability well I thought so anyway….! Then in the afternoon, we defrosted the freezer, that's living isn't it 4 yrs worth of ice, we can’t find where it’s plugged in so had to use a hairdryer and other implements to do it but got there in the end!

Sunday we planned to go down to Westonbirt but the car got warning light/message so we abandoned that idea and went to the Snowshill for lunch instead, which was nice.

w/c 21^st

Off to meet a chap at Dan’s, another Dan from DM Orthotics  http://www.dmorthotics.com/products/  my foot  was measured up for a lycra sock which may help the dorsiflexion in my foot. It went well looks good, no funding from NHS though towards it.  So need to look at other options if possible maybe charity funding.

Afterwards went to meet Jane W for a cuppa at the Little Chef near work.

Connect meeting in Gloucester, went very well, we had some new befrienders, discussed our Christmas ‘do’ - in January!

Took Ed for a check-up at Cheltenham hospital on his broken collar bone, all going well, got to go back in 3 wks for a further X ray, got more physio exercises to do. Afterwards went for an hour’s session with Dan on Wednesday 40 mins on the alter G treadmill, over 2 km at 3 km p hr and 10 minutes on the Balance Master.

Went to visit my young family in Moreton, speech much improved, all things/help going much better, very positive meeting, he is looking forward to stroke group meeting next week.

Friday, well herein lies a story, trying to get into cupboard under the sink to get the Viakal to do the sinks, squatted/crouched down lost balance and fell backwards banging my head on a cupboard drawer handle. I managed to stand up holding onto the sink right leg underneath bum and driving up through my left leg, Dan’s work paying off!

Nik was in London with SP, so I pressed my monitor/alarm told them what had happened and they called an ambulance for me. I had to wait for half an hour, she came all the way from Cheltenham near the airport at Staverton. She checked me over no dizziness/ drowsiness or vomiting. I went to bed and slept ‘til Saturday morning. Hell of an egg on my head. However this didn’t deter me from going to the Northampton Saints v Saracens rugby game, Jon Clemmo has a box there and asked us along with Ed and we took Matt too. We met for lunch at the Turnpike, went to the ground, great game, Saints won, great company and back to Jon and Jude’s afterwards – FAB!

Sunday didn’t do a great deal, caught up on stuff, lazee Sunday, Dad called from Spain to see how I was after my fall on Friday. We did go for walk later on up by Bluebell wood, then I was knackered!

w/c 28^th Nov

First really cold frosty day today, winter poss here at last! Monday and a new befriendee to meet in a nearby village, lovely chap and his wife too, we had a giggle, he has stroke Tourette’s worse than me. We went through his talking photobook, and discussed a goal with him to do some homework get him motivated, he used to go out beating so we said let's aim to get him out there again. Spoke to Jenny at last, to see how Lew was getting on with Gang Show.

I went over to Cheltenham hospital to do my Connect work saw some of the staff and had a natter, and spoke to 2/3 patients. Quite windy and rainy today.

Ed’s school closed today ‘cos of public sector strike. Gloucs Younger Stroke Survivors group meeting at Waitrose in Cheltenham. Picked up and took my young Connect chap from Moreton with us to the meeting. It went well there was about 20 of us there in all, we discussed the filming and TSA sponsored walk event in May, and where to do it.

October - an Indian Summer

w/c 3^rd October starts with great temperatures, 29c and Nik recovering from his leg op doing a mile a day, in between working! which he shouldn’t be. Nice to sit out in the garden too.

Charles has headed back up to Uni for the start of Fresher’s week and is off campus and sharing a place with two others in Lancaster, near the bus station and not far from Sainsburys.

On Tuesday I had my first stint at Cheltenham hospital doing my Connect Befriending work on the ward, lovely to see some of the staff again, patient I saw was a bit of a moaner but hey I’ve been there hospital isn’t the nicest of places to be.

Chris came to see Nik and I to chat through a few things with us…..

Busy after school week for Ed, French, rugby training at Shippo, Astronomy, rugby training at school. On Thursday I went for a session with Dan took my rigid AFO and managed to do 800m on the Alter Gtreadmill in half an hour at 3km per hr, good walking session.

Andrew came over and we went to the RSC in Stratford, had a walk round the new theatre and had a coffee there, it was very windy we almost got blown over!

w/c 10th Didn’t start too well for me, had really bad headache and felt sick, and you always panic and think the worst, is it going to happen again, do we call 999.

Ed had another busy week school rugby game against Balcarras, Henry did his shoulder in and ended up at Warwick hospital. Ed then went to Shippo for training. He had sports leaders helping with cross country for the local primary schools.

On Wednesday, one of my old school friends, and I don’t mean that in a derogatory way, Karen Sibilia, came over to see me from Nuneaton, less than an hour away, for a natter, catch-up/ gossip, we hadn’t seen each other for about 12 years and it was just like old times, with a possible follow up at Champneys spa!

It was Kath’s birthday, so we called and sang HB to her and sent some lovely flowers. I had a meeting with Connect in Gloucester, Nik drove me, first time he’d driven since his op, he did OK. The meeting went well and it was nice to see everybody again. Spoke to Dad briefly, but he had to go ‘cos Joan and Bob arrived, tried Jen left a message with Lew.

Friday back again to Gloucester to the Job centre(joy) first time Nik has ever been in one, boy did he love it! Anyway my medical assessment for ESA went alright I guess, they may/may not write to me. I went to see Dan afterwards and did a really good session, Balance Master for 10 minutes, Vibrogym for 10 minutes doing one legged squats! Lying on my back pushing Dan up with my feet it was fun, hard work but good.

Saturday morning at Ed’s school for my flu jab, one of the Doc’s came up and said it was great to see me walking in as I’d gone in my wheelchair last year. Ed worked at Mrs Weir’s doing her garden.

Sunday rugby game at Old Leamingtonians, boys played well and they won.

w/c 17^th Nik back at work today down at Fareham for 2 days, it’s been nice having his company whilst he’s been on ‘sick leave’ (in between working!).

I have excelled in the kitchen managing and coping with making a cottage pie on Tuesday, then on Wednesday cooking salmon fillets on the grill and dealing with it using one hand, very pleased with myself indeed! Ed had an away school rugby game against Chipping Norton and they won, no injuries to their year a broken ankle in the year above! Spoke to Jen for a really good catch up as we hadn’t spoken for a few weeks, in fact since before Dad returned from holiday on 30th.

A really great session with Dan, using rigid AFO on treadmill, 2km in 45 minutes at 3.1km per hr, well pleased. Ed went beating on Saturday, missed rugby on Sunday as he wasn’t feeling too good.

w/c 24^th – Ed on half term, he went to Mrs W’s to do some more gardening, then we went into Moreton in the afternoon. Ed went to a Disco at the Rugby Club on Monday night went to Lesley and John’s for Lesley to take and then pick him later, as I am not overly confident in the dark yet.

An interesting day, Ed and I went into Broadway then later on in the day Maxine and Lesley called in after a day of spend, spend, spend in Swindon giving the cards a hammering!

Wednesday, Nik had a day off, he should have had the whole week off but with having 2 weeks sick leave thought it wouldn’t be appropriate to have the whole week off! So we decided as it was a nice day to go to Clevedon, good practice walking for me along the front, where I used to go roller skating with my Jenny and our cousins, who lived in nearby Nailsea. We had a nice lunch at Tiffin,and a good laugh, then walked until the rain came. We called in at Kath and Andrew’s on the way back for a cuppa. Nice family day with my men.

Gloucs Younger Stroke survivors meeting in Cheltenham discussed filming and sponsored walk for TSA next May, unable to go as we were in Clevedon.

Ed did 2 lots of car washing at the pub, then we went to Cheltenham to do some shopping, postponed Dan until Saturday as Helen gave birth to lovely little Daisy. Then we went to see Johnny English Reborn, hilarious, best bit was when my stick fell and made the kids in front of us jump! Came back and Ed straight to work at the pub.

Saturday morning and Ed is up early to go beating, earning pennies for an iPad. Nik and I went over to see Dan for a session, Nik went on the bike. Warmed up leg and arm on Vibrogym and did 10 mins of squats on Vibrogym, splint off and then 10 minutes on the Balance Master and walked up and down the gym splint less holding Dan’s hands.

Sunday, training session at rugby and Ed sustains a shoulder injury after a tackle, so home we come and get changed then Nik and Ed whizz off to A&E at Cheltenham to see what he’s done, quite a few there with rugby injuries, queue of about 30, painkillers, x ray outcome being torn ligaments, then guess what the hospital ring home 2 hours later, Doc has had second opinion and there might be a slight break between collar bone and spur he needs to go back to the fracture clinic on Wednesday!

So Ed went to school on Monday – Hallowe’en with sling on and that was October for us.

An observation I have made, and I don’t know if my fellow stroke survivors have found this:

People are really not fully aware, and do not realise the full extent of having a stroke and how it can affect a family unit, the things you are unable to do, simple things, clothes on a hanger, tearing toilet paper when you go to the loo, ironing one handed, cooking one handed, pulling out a grill pan with one hand. 

There is additional pressure on the partner/carer who is perhaps holding down a demanding job, as well as running the house, whilst looking after a now disabled partner. They get on with their own lives as if nothing has ever happened, it may be there in the background, but, I wonder do they ever think about this, do they ever think, this life changing event, could I do anything to help, ever. Or maybe, perhaps, they find it hard to cope with and therefore, brush it aside and get on with their own busy lives.

A stroke survivor may have come home from hospital and is trying, striving to get their lives back on track, however, it doesn’t mean that help and support is no longer needed.