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.

September - Driving again!

1^st Lots happening today, I get my car and therefore my freedom and independence back.

Dad and Jen are off to Canada, Boston and Bermuda for the RMP get together.

Third session of acupuncture went OK drove myself there! I don’t think it is working very well, spasticity not really changed but giving it a try.

3^rd Good session with Dan, half an hour on the alter G treadmill at 0.9km, 10 mins on Vibrogym, squats and calves work.

Rugby season starts again and Ed going back to Shippo, lots of good friends to meet up with again, people who have given us a lot of help and support in the last 14 mths.

Met Jane B for a coffee at Fosseway Garden Centre, ‘cos I can now. Ed had rugby training on Tues night with a game on Wednesday night result 53 – 0. I had my arm splint looked at again and my last session of proper community physio with Sandra.

Connect meeting in Gloucester, had to forego, cos of distance so early on with having car so maybe next time. Plus car had to go back to get the front sensors fitted.

Next session with Dan 10 mins on Vibrogym, 10 mins on Balance Master and worked on TechnoArm Bike, some good arm stretches.

Kate was on the new ITV game show ‘Holding out for a Hero’ and did really well with £3000 to swell the charity’s coffers.

w/c 12^th  On Monday I met up with Ranjit and Annette at the Swan in Broadway for a nice long 'ladies who lunch' lunch 10.30-3.30

On Tuesday I went over to Jannine’s to get a cut and colour. Then on Wednesday went down to Southampton with Nik for a day out on Julie and Bob’s boat, which was great fun, both Nik and I got to drive the boat.  And when I got home I had a bath in our bath, which was a new experience and fabulous, whole body felt great afterwards

I had my last session of acupuncture on Thursday, It hasn’t been successful for me, I may look to do it elsewhere, but using Eastern rather than Western version, we shall see. Also need to do more neck exercises.

17^th Good session with Dan, half an hour on alter G treadmill covering up to 500m at 1.9km, 10 mins warmdown on Vibrogym, and 10 mins on Balance Master.

18^th Ed  had an away game at Bugbrooke, met up with Johnny Boy Clemmo who brought the long promised bottle of pink bubbles. I managed to walk all the way across to the pitch they played on with my stick and walked back, though slight stumble, did OK. Our team won 64-0. Good result.

Beer and Cider Festival at Great Western this weekend, with Quiz night on Sunday and all proceeds going towards Fighting Strokes, we raised £255.

w/c 19^th – busy week for all of us, Ed with after school lessons and rugby games, Charles came down for the week. My first Connect person to go and visit. Attend Life After Stroke meeting in Cheltenham. Nik to Cheltenham Hosp for pre op assessment, I am to undergo an occupational health assessment for returning to work. And then to top it all an 80’s school disco at the Rugby Club in aid of a paralysed player from Stratford RUFC, I was full of cold/sore throat so we were unable to go, which was a pain as we were looking forward to it Also meant I wasn’t up to a session with Dan on Sunday.

On Saturday birthday time for Nik. Dad and Jen returned home from their US/Canada/ Bermuda tour today. Ed is off beating up at Northwick, and we are all out for a meal Saturday night with Andrew and Kath to the Horse and Groom. And what a night it turned out to be cos’ Max Clifford was there eating too. Ed said he looked at me!

Sunday morning, rugby game for Ed playing against Leamington and Shippo won, hard played game but good result. Took Charles to Stratford to return home, few tears, sad to see him go we had a good week.

w/c 26th Ed on 2 inset days, the teachers need a break after 6 whole weeks off! I went over too Cheltenham hospital to meet with Julie R and new locum lady, Laura for Connect meeting discussing befriending at the hospital, every 2 weeks which Tony G and I are sharing. Stroke group meeting Gloucs Younger Stroke Survivors Network at Waitrose Cheltenham. Ed has two Gifted and Talented days this week for English and Science.

29^th Nik’s turn to go to hospital, having put off having his veins done last year he’s under the knife today.

Andrew came up  to help us out, bringing him home then staying with him on Friday, as I had to go to OCE for more botox in my arm and leg. I am also taking part in some botox research with Jo one of the physio’s there, so she and Doctor Patrick did some baseline measures before I had the botox, in 6 weeks’ time I will go back to be measured again to see what/if any affect the botox has made. I am also to wear a gait monitor for 6 days. Whilst I was there I met with DHS to discuss O.C.E.A.N., getting a committee together, will it be a charity or not, there was a previous development fund which he will make enquiries about? Do some fundraising towards training, research, all to be discussed again, but he did like the acronym OCEAN (thanks nik).

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August - a very nice surprise - 2012 Olympic Torchbearer nomination!

Congratulations! Nik Sandars nominated you to be a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer through our ‘Moment to shine’ campaign.

We are delighted to let you know that you have made it through to the next stage of the process. The nomination provided will be reviewed by one of our 12 regional selection panels. They will be looking for 2,012 individuals with the most inspirational stories of personal achievement and/or contribution to the local community.

If successful, you will be offered a place as one of the 8,000 Torchbearers needed in total for the Olympic Torch Relay, joining those chosen through our Presenting Partners' public nomination campaigns.




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September 1st - New Car Day

A further step towards independence!

August - not a warm one!

Contacted Nik’s vein man with regard to getting him into hospital to get his leg sorted as he’s been putting off because of me. Appt now thro for 29.9.2011.

Saw GOL, OT lady from Cirencester to sort out arm splint and its better I don’t always have to wear it at night, thank God!

Teresa came here for me to sign Connect volunteer agreement, all OK she has somebody at Cheltenham she would like me to go and see. Physio with Sandra at home today looking to try FES on my leg see if it works/helps.

Then on Friday I had an 1.5 hrs familiarisation driving lesson with BSM chap from Cheltenham, it was great went well, dealt with steering wheel ball and controls fine, can’t wait for my car now!

Session with Dan on Sunday, Nik on bike Ed on Wii, I was trying the alter G with my new splint on, so started at slower speed so foot/leg doesn’t invert, so did 30 mins at 1km, find a happy medium that’s comfortable and doesn’t hurt foot, did 5 mins of squats, did some foot placement on squidgy pink cushion, and therein lies another story.

Ed and Henry out delivering leaflets for the pub’s Beer and Cider Festival in September with quiz night proceeds going to Fighting Strokes. http://www.greatwesternarms.com/index.html  Henry here for a sleepover. Then all 3 boys Matt, Henry and Ed went to the gym and Ed had sleepover at Henry’s.

Usual physio with Sandra we worked on my arm, fingers had been extremely tight the previous night, so we worked on my arm and hand.

Bev took me for a check-up at the dentist in Evesham they hadn’t seen me since December and could see a vast improvement in my walking, nothing done all OK.

An hour’s physio with Sandra, reviewing the goals we set in April and going through work I can do whilst she is on holiday and looking to reduce number of visits instead of once a week maybe once a month - good old NHS!

Jane and I went for a walk different route, we went towards the cemetery – dead centre of the village  – old joke Sue, and first time in my new splint and did OK, it started to rain a bit but we sat on the bench and sheltered.

It was my nephew, Lewis's 11^th birthday on 16^th he celebrated it on Anglesey, with the rest of the family.

The car adaption people – Disabled Care and Mobility – called to say they’ll be having my car in and where do I want the adaptions fitting so I’m going over to check it out.

We had to cancel a Sunday session with Dan ‘cos he was a poorly boy with gastric flu, so we’re seeing him on Wednesday evening. And I tried some more, slower walking on the treadmill with the new splint, and it improved, spent half an hour at a slower pace. Did some squats too.

Friday, checked out car and where the adaptions need to go. My old school pal Karen Sibilia, was due to visit with her kids Macy and Sam but had to cry off because Macy had chickenpox so poss. meet in 2 wks time.  I start a 5 week course of acupuncture at our GP surgery, something that Kate tried and recommends, so I have nothing to lose doing it. It went OK, and as predicted I felt pretty tired so I slept well.

Saturday went to do some picnic shopping for tomorrow. I got a really bad headache in the same area as my stroke so we came home and I went to bed for a couple of hours. In the evening we went over to Stratford to see the final Harry Potter film in 3D.

On Sunday we met up with Kath and Andrew at the Oxford Air Show, Henry came with us. The boys had a great time on the fair rides. Nik and Andrew enjoyed the planes, Kath and I just chilled and people watched whilst eating and drinking!

Charles did well in his cricket final for the 2^nd team. Then he came down for the week, train to Stratford then bus to here, and arrived in time for lunch – easy quick journey!

We had a good week, good laugh, couple of walks, exercise for me. 2^nd session of acupuncture it went well, but I don’t see any real difference or benefit yet.

Ed did 3 days of football camp with Jamie R – District Sports. I had a blood test to check all is OK with U.C drugs.

Saw Dan on Saturday morning, he had enjoyed the V Festival the previous weekend, I did a good mixed session starting off on Vibrogym working on my hand/arm to warm it up, get the blood circulating, some good arm stretches above and to the side, and lifting/bending both left and right knees. 10 minutes of squats on Vibrogym, 10 minutes on Balance Master and 5 minutes on Technogym Armbike. Nik did a good session on the Watt bike. What bike?! http://www.danfiveypersonaltraining.co.uk/page/watt_bike and Ed did some work on his arms and legs using the elastic stretchy bands.

Great Bank Holiday weekend with family, went to see Kath and Andy, had a BBQ lots to eat and drink, Nik did some film work for them on windows. Went to Lower Slaughter Fete had a walk along the river and a nose at the ‘tat’ stalls!

Gloucs. Younger People Stroke Network meeting on 31^st at Waitrose, Cheltenham, meet Caroline’s maternity leave cover lady, Louise. We had a good meeting, some new faces, events info given out and I suggested we have our own Facebook page, so Mark and Tony going to look at it.

Countdown to car day!

July - holiday time!

1^st Off to JR today to see Prof Keshav in IBD Clinic for my UC. Pleased with progress had some blood tests likely to be on drug for at least 7 years.

2^nd Dan today and achieved personal best on treadmill - see separate post PB.

Nik off for 2 days leading up to hols, we went for a walk round the Batsford stud island and where I only used to walk 50 yards I walked all the way round, Oi what do I look like! Am I the child or the horse - no comments!

6^th HOLIDAY TIME off on our hols to Cyprus, fantastic customer service and disability assistance from BA at T5 Heathrow, we have never been through customs security, etc so quickly.

I have been in the pool most days doing hydrotherapy, with Kate's float and neck float,  I fell back first time into pool, neck float saved me banging my head on the floor, I walked around in sandals using my first OCE splint and walked in my neoprene shoes with no splint, Great to wear sandals, Nik said it was nice to see my painted red toe nails after 12 mths of trainers only.

We went to Nicosia to have a look at the old fortified town and areas that had been hit by the Turkish invasion, very hot day – temp in car reached 46 degrees, we were ready for the pool when we got back.  And we had a BBQ courtesy of some lovely pork chops from Piggy’s Butchers.

We went to Agia Thekla beach, so looking forward to being at the beach, Ed hired a canoe for half an hour, I managed to walk along the beach and into the sea using my stick. I looked like Moses ready to part the waters! 

Sometimes you have a reality check to all this bravado, I wanted to run into the water, I wanted to go snorkelling and canoe with Ed, I wanted to go diving in clear blue waters, why don’t the shits of the world have strokes, I’m a nice person, why me, but I can’t and that’s the really painful part, I can’t now but when can I, when will I be able to, when you are away from all that is familiar, your surroundings your comfort zone, reality and a cruel realisation that I can’t do a great/perfect dive with both feet together, kicks in big time, so there were some tears today.

I managed to finish reading Kate’s book “Running Free" ”, I know I didn’t have LIS but we have so many things in common and being able to relate to her experiences, watching food programmes, when the hospital food is shite, naming nurses and patients, being stubborn and bolshy stretching the boundaries in physio, even our hubbies relaxing by mowing the garden and going bike riding, and trying to maintain dignity when faced with toileting problems.

We had some lovely meals out : Blueberries http://www.blueberriesrestaurant.com/index.htm - thank you Paul for that recommendation! Nik and Ed enjoyed the views! Sage was another nice restaurant, http://www.sagerest.com/article.php?id=53 we went there on my stroke anniversary and raised a glass to me, and us for getting through an awful year. The Chicken Shack for kleftico and stifado + Greek salad. Zafiri was OK for a snack and their menu was slightly improved. Have we been Tango'ed.

Scary time first night, Ed rolled back his covers and found the mother of all spiders if he was scared God knows what Charles would have been like.

Fun times in the pool espec with Bob L’eponge and lets find Ed’s stuff in the hedge, over the wall and in the neighbouring gardens! You had to be there! We played volleyball and I came up with a great new phrase which will remain at PF, the boys know what I mean, a touch of stroke Tourettes!

We went a drive to Cape Greco and then round the coast to Protaras, down to the sea caves where some lads were tomb stoning, I was jealous, previously I would have done what they did jumping from cave top into clear blue water, not this year maybe next time.

On stroke anniversary I ended up in hospital. Won’t go into all detail let’s say I ended up seeing a Greek gynaecologist and leave it at that, I’m OK and seeing our own GP on return home.

We have chilled a lot, Nik has so needed this break in fact we all have, my stroke has been quite an impact on our little family unit, and we have had some good times and bad times, some very emotional and tearful times too, however that comes with the stroke, soul searching and being realistic about what I can achieve. I know I won’t get back 100% but I will try bloody hard to get as near as damn it.




After 6 loads of holiday washing and a trip to the launderette all holiday stuff sorted ironed, put away - how quickly and easy is it to get back into normality?!

Went to Andy and Kath’s had a lovely roast dinner with them.

First week back into routine Ed back at school for a week then breaks up for that most joyful time of year - school hols.

Had an hour’s physio with Sandra and saw orthotist Steve again to re-look at new splint and its OK, much better, sorted.

Dawn and Louisa came to update me about work and to see what my plans are regarding work.

Charles came to stay for a week, train to Stratford then bus to here – easy peasy. He’s had good results following his first year at Uni 64% and 67%, and is off to Kos for a week with his mates on 27^th.

I went to JR for a follow up with Dr HS, all is OK, he’s referring me to the Stroke Clinic following results of my 5 day ECG, to see if I can come off Warfarin. He would like me, as I had suggested when I was there, to help form a committee or Friends of OCE. Called into OCE saw Corinna and Ali.

Went to Trulife and tried out the Walkaide FES and it was OK, leg/foot worked well, just the cost of £2100 to consider!

23^rd – saw Dan for 1^st session since return from hols just needed to unstiffen everything, and good sess with new splint, used Balance Master and armgym, did some squats managed to roll onto tum and did leg curls.

Ed has worked 4 shifts over the weekend, Nik and I had a nice meal Saturday night and then we went for a lovely picnic Sunday afternoon, which had its own bit of frivolity, again I’ll spare the detail on that one – yes I am a nutter Kate! Takes one to know one!

Charles went off on hols this wk with Uni mates for a week in Kos, after much ear bending from me, take care, do this don’t do that typical Mum mode.

I had an hour of physio with Sandra at the hospital, just after I had breast screening which was super on my hypersensitive affected side!

Nik and Andrew went to Osmington reliving childhood memories and had a great time and lovely lunch at the Smugglers.

Dad’s 75^th birthday on 29^th followed by a party on Sat 30^th to celebrate it, and it’s also our 4^th wedding anniversary. Nice to be able to celebrate it properly this year.

At Dad’s party lovely to see all the rellies and friends, people I haven’t seen since the stroke, others I haven’t seen in ages, and new friends to make, great comments received on the day and after, really buoyed me up, Great to see you all on Saturday, so pleased Sue that you are doing so very well, we really admire your determination and we hope you will continue to progress and Nick's support has been paramount.

Lovely lovely food, good speech by Dad. Managed to take Ed to see Jodrell Bank which he liked given his interest in space and astronomy.

Came back to a session with Dan, in new foot splint, did 10 mins on the Balance Master, VibroGym 10 mins of squats then a go with the stretchy band on the wall pulling on it out in front, round to side getting arm working. Need to do leg curls lying on tum - fun!. Bend knee/leg to put foot onto cushion/pillows. 

 

PB achieved!

Yesterday Dan set me a goal to achieve my Personal Best (PB) so far and I did it -

45 minutes on treadmill at between 3.0 and 3.6 km per hr, and managed to do 2.3 km!

And suggested I do the 10km Race for Life today ho ho ho!

Thanks Dan for getting me so far.

Remember -

No matter who you are,

No matter what you do,

you absolutely, positively have the power to change.

Flaming June - or not!

Wednesday 1^st   Nik home early so we went for a walk round Lower Slaughter. Good weather.

2^nd Community physio with Sandra cancelled again cos of her back.

3^rd Nik had the day off and we went down to Clevedon, via Bristol picked up Andrew and went past Grandma’s house in Portishead. Kate Allatt’s birthday today she is a crazy Gemini like me!

A really good hour’s session with Dan, Dan training man, 30 minutes on treadmill at 3.3km and incline of 8, 8 minutes on Balance Master, then to get my pecs loosened I went on the Technogym arm bike for 5 minutes. Boy did my arms ache!

Didn’t want pub meal or chippies on way home, went for healthy salad from Waitrose!

4^th  We went to Big One Motability Car Day at Stoneleigh to try the cars I quite fancy, just getting in and out of them to see which has the best access and draw up a shortlist – Ford C Max and Focus, Mini.

Ed went with his mates to Scuttlebrook Wake/games.

Birmingham Sunday Mail/Mercury article appears and it’s very good, with a tad of journalistic license! http://www.sundaymercury.net/lifestyle-news/health-news/2011/06/09/real-life-at-48-the-doctors-said-i-d-never-walk-again-i-m-proving-them-wrong-66331-28817390/

5^th  Went out for a lovely belated birthday lunch with the girls from Educare at the Teddington Hands on the way to Tewkesbury fantastic food,  great time!. Nik went out on his bike 56.24 for his usual circuit.

6^th Should have had hydrotherapy today at Cirencester again, thankfully I hadn’t arranged transport as they cancelled it this morning! Ed has Maths tests today and tomorrow.
 

7^th Painter came to do the hall ceiling and I managed to walk from kitchen to Nik’s office carrying a cup of coffee for him and no spillage – another tick!

 Nothing very exciting really this week. There was a Gloucs Younger People Stroke Network meeting on Friday at Cheltenham but I was unable to make it cos' of a lift, really need to get a car sorted - maybe tomorrow! 

11^th – Car hunting, had a test drive of Mini in Stratford and went to look at A class Mercedes. We had a good look round the shops at Maybird and we picked up Nik’s bike. The Rugby Club had clean- up day but we didn’t make it- sorry Lesley at least the kids will have more sweets!

 

12^th – A visit to my favourite pain chamber with Dan,  30 mins on the treadmill at 2.4 -3km and at an incline of 10 (a bit like Blockley). 9 minutes of squats on the Vibrogym http://www.vgymuk.com/  Today Nik had a go on the treadmill for 12mins at 12 km, also spinning bike and Technogym arm bike, the boy done well!

 

13^th – First thing a physio appt with Sandra, we looked at arm and hand work with some exercises to do at home. Went to see Giles about dry/hoarse throat he upped the Omeprazole.

 

14^th/15^th  With the help of a lift from Karen B I was able to attend a Befriending training course run by Teresa C http://www.ukconnect.org/  in Cheltenham, met fellow stroke survivors who want to help other survivors.

 

16^th/17^th – INR Blood test by District Nurse and then some exercise, a walk round Blockley well not all of it but a circuit from house, past shop, round park and back home with a lovely lady called Jane B, who Tim had put me in touch with, she had her stroke 11 years ago. I had a good time and really nice to meet and talk with Jane and her experiences, she had been to Rivermead at Oxford, which merged with OCE.

18^th/19^th – Yet more car hunting on Saturday,  looked at Kia Venga and relooked at Ford’s again, and gas man to look over boiler, Charles has his last exam today. Sunday is Father’s Day, rang Dad wished him all the best.  Best news of the day I was able to get into my lovely Per Una jeans again - combination of diet and keeping fit who knows I was well pleased! Andrew and Kath came up and we went for a nice bit of lunch at the Snowshill.

A session with my pain trainer sorry personal trainer - Dan on Sunday afternoon and I did 25 mins on treadmill at 3.4km, 9 mins of squats and some good free walking without stick up and down gym.

20^th /21^st Nik starts his role as Sales Director, and another little milestone for us as he’s staying down overnight at Alison and Andy’s, his first overnight stay since I’ve been home!

He did have some bad news though as Clarence Clemons from Bruce’s band died over the weekend following complications after a stroke. Some of us are lucky and some are not, just like the turn of the dice so ‘carpe diem’.

Debbie took me to Moreton hosp, not in Landie this time I had an hour's physio with Sandra today and we did standing/weight bearing on my left leg and then lift right leg. New orthotic fitted today, it is a Sporlastic Neurodyn-Spastic, basically a neoprene sock with straps to help correct my drop foot, lighter than the plastic one and easier to fit into shoes. Aches like hell I guess ‘til I get used to it, just like learning to walk all over again.

22nd/23rd Should have seen Teresa but she cancelled due to illness so nothing very exciting these 2 days to report!

 

24th Should have seen Dan today but he was doing 20 miles of a 100 mile charity walk with a blind man, so we postponed ‘til Saturday. We were going to Cheltenham anyway to look at more cars and guess what I ordered one – hurrah wheels and freedom here I come!  

 

25th Bit of a downer and weepy today. Training session with Dan today explained probs with splint which is what has pissed me off & made me down I was hoping the new splint would be better than it’s been, easier than solid plastic one, so we put that aside we had a good session, 9 minutes on Vibrogym doing squats, some lovely barefoot side stepping with stiff thick elastic band round ankles to get the glutes going boy did it ache, and then on/off a squidgy textured cushion barefoot. 25 minutes on the treadmill at 3.6km Nik went on treadmill for 15 mins at and then on Vibro to warm down, walked stickless up the studio, as you can see below - nice pose!  Nice salad from Waitrose and home to watch Glasto on TV.

26th – Off down to Bristol Foodie Festival, met up with Andy, Kath, Cher and Mike, fabulous weather down by Bristol Harbourside, trying all sorts of food and drinks, gin and tonic, brandy on ice, wine, cheeses, sausages and then back to theirs for a fab BBQ. A great family day was had by all.

27th  Early start for me today as I was being picked up at 8am by Caroline Seguro our TSA Peer Co ordinator for Gloucs and then meeting up with Caroline M and Jenny and we’re off to the first ever Stroke Assembly at the Hilton Metropole at Birmingham NEC,  Followed by press release to Cotswold Journal.

http://www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk/news/local/chippingnorton/9127637.Blockley_woman_determined_to_help_stroke_survivors/

And Nik got to have a great day too he went out fishing in Bob’s boat they caught, mackerel, dogfish, black bream and smoothound shark. Charles at Uni all week to enjoy the end of year parties!   

 

28th New boiler day today I’m surrounded by dust sheets and chaos, hosepipes draining radiators, banging and drilling through and on walls, a nice thin layer of dust everywhere - and they didn't bother to clear up all the crockery taken out of the cupboard, great I really wished I was out all day and it had been done yesterday but hey c’est la vie!

29^th  New arm splint today, had the old smelly one rearranged into a grip style with more upright wrist, Bev took me and then I had an hour’s physio with Sandra, told her about the new leg/foot splint and it is causing me to invert my foot, so only wear in short spells. A week to go to our hollys – hurrah!

30^th Schools on strike today so Ed at home then Henry and him went into Campden. I had another good walk around the circuit with Jane B, she said I was walking a lot quicker, ‘got round like a ‘whippet’, all thanks to Dan’s work with the treadmill, we had a cuppa and cake back at ours. 6 days to jolly's!

 

May - Birthday month and a bath!

1st May and more socialising

A joint 40th /21st for Steve and 21st for Becky his daughter  – had my first bath since the stroke – dirty cow! Ed stayed at Henry’s overnight. Fab weather this weekend.

The Party was at Slug and Lettuce, I danced to Ce Lo Green – ‘crip or spacker’ dancing I call it cos I can! Met lots of Nik’s old Durable colleagues.

2nd to 8th May

Charles goes back to Uni on 3rd, blood test for me to measure INR. Visits from gas man, carpet man – how I live the high life! 

On 4th May I have a trial session with Tim Spittle - personal trainer at Rapid FX a gym in the next village, Draycott, slightly nearer than Cheltenham but hey give it a go.

7th May  – good session with Dan, 20 mins on treadmill, 5 mins of squats on Vibrogym and 10m ‘free’ walking i.e. without stick! http://www.vgymuk.com/  Dan has lent us the Vibro sphere so I can do some hand and foot massage each day to improve circulation and warm up both before going for a session with him.

8th – Nik out on bike ride – 51 mins. for usual circuit.

9th to 15th May

9th and 11th – Community Physio sessions with Sandra at home.

10th – driving assessment at RDAC centre, Eynsham, great to be behind a wheel again, nervous at first but all went well and I passed – hurrah! I now know what adaptions I will need on my Ferrari, but Motability don’t do those!

11th – I manage to peg out a whole line of washing, menial to many but an achievement for me, who would ever of thought I would be chuffed about this! Another tick for me.

12th – Claire K came to visit for a natter/gossip, catch up on ‘that place’!

13th – Nik has good news on the work front,  promoted to Sales Director, and very well deserved too, so off we go to the Western to celebrate that and my driving! Had some pink fizz from Gavin and Stuart and a good natter with them.

14th – Haircut with Jannine and then off to Matt Keyte for a trial massage.

15th – session with Dan 25 minutes on treadmill, squats but took it easy due to sore butt last week !

16th to 22nd May

16th Skyped Dad and Charles.  Nik at NEC for IFSEC exhibition most of the week.

Tuesday 17th   I had an orthotics appt at Moreton on to be measured up for a new splint of some description, Debbie R took me in her Landie – which was fun getting into! Nik and Ed off to dentist, and both had nothing done.

Wednesday 18th – Had another trial session with Tim S. It went well. We had the pleasure of Mr P here overnight. We went for a lovely meal at The Horse and Groom, then the boys went for a ‘lasy’ at the Western.

Thursday 19^th Back to OCE for some more botox to help keep the spasticity in my arm reduced. Nice to see everybody and they all thought I looked very well, showed the treadmill training pictures.

Friday 20^th Pam S came to see me for a cuppa and a natter and brought some lovely flowers and a birthday card, nice to catch up with her. We collected Charles from Stratford, he came for birthday weekend.

Saturday 21^st – yet more partying and dancing again! Maxine and Mark’s 100^th Birthday party they were/are both 50 so they had a ‘do’ at the Rugby Club with a band, pig roast and disco – great evening!

Sunday 22^nd  - Thankfully after last night an afternoon session with Dan, dropped Charles at station to get train back to Lancaster. 20 minutes on the treadmill at 3.6k and incline 9, and 7 minutes of squats!

23^rd to 29^th May

Monday 23^rd Ed’s Birthday 14 yrs going on 42! Major teenager attitude.  Something I had looked forward to hydrotherapy at a pool in a school at Cirencester, organised by community physio, got a lift there via North Cots Voluntary care, as this doesn’t count as NHS community transport it cost me £32 and I was in the water for 10 minutes, so I was well pissed off! 

We’d had a suspect leak from the wet room onto the hall ceiling, Mears plumber came out previously said it was something it wasn’t, so architect and manager came out to check it, ceiling to be opened up and check for leak, crap day all in all. But we did go to the Great Western for a meal for Ed’s birthday.

 

24^th Blood test for INR and telephone interview with Birmingham Sunday Mercury with regards to my stroke recovery, meeting Kate, discuss her book and how she has inspired me. Carpets cleaned.

25^th – My Birthday, lots of nice cards and pressies. Went out for a meal to one of our fave places, ASK in Moreton. 

26^th – Cancelled hour of community physio with Sandra – she’s hurt her back.

 

27^th - Photographer came from Sunday Mercury to take pic to go with younger strokearticle.

 

28^th/29^th – Andy and Kath came had indoor BBQ cos’ weather was crap. Ed went shopping with the boys in Stratford, and went to cinema to see Hangover 2.

 

Sunday afternoon an hour’s session with Dan, stretching me further 18 minutes on treadmill on different speeds 2.4 up to 4.0km and 8 minutes of squats on Vibrogym OMG! Sunday night hot date off to cinema to see Hangover 2, hilarious and some hair raising moments thinking of Ed and mates watching it!  Weight – 89.4kg.

 

30^th May – 5^th June

30th Half term week and Charles end of 1^st year at Uni exams start.  

31^st  Back to Oxford JR to get the heart monitor fitted again as they cocked up on downloading last time richard heads!