July - Barbados

Well we started off July with the Olympic torch coming through Chipping Campden it was fantastic to see, I cried when it came through so fantastic to see, later in the afternoon we went over to Stratford to pick up Charles ready to go on holiday with us on Tuesday.

w/c 2^nd

Poor Ed had to go to school for the day whilst we were at home packing and stuff! We had an early night as we are up early to go down to Gatwick for our flight to Barbados!

We stayed at The Tamarind in Paynes Bay, an absolutely, fantastic hotel, with lovely caring staff, great water sports facilities for us all, we have had lovely food, fresh fish most days, delightful cocktails and rum punch. We hired a car for a couple of days and went round the island, over to the rugged east coast and Bathsheba. Stopped in Bridgetown and had a walk round, the hotel had kindly lent us a wheelchair, we went to the shop where we got my engagement ring and Nik bought some earrings to match it!

We jet-skiied by the beach where Nik proposed to me, Coconut Creek has gone and been replaced by condo’s.

We had an opportunity to go snorkelling over a shipwreck and swim with turtles, which was just incredible, we also went on the water taxi to the Colony Club, which is looking a little dated and need of an update.

w/c 16^th

Back to normality and shite weather, Ed back to school, Nik down to the office for 2 days, and I took Charles to Stratford to get a train back up North, reality hits.

I had an eye consultant check-up to see if all is OK, can’t see trainer Dan Fivey until next week as he’s booked up. I did see Dan from DM to sort out my orthotic glove, and get it shortened as I struggle to put it on. Eating a chocolate biscuit I managed to break my tooth, so into the dentist on Friday to get it repaired, he said he used like a small scaffold to build up new tooth! Serves me right for eating choc biscuits.

w/c 23^rd

Nik had a call in Manchester so I went up with him and called in to see my Dad, which was really nice, we met up with Charles at the Egerton Arms for lunch, went round to see Jenny and Lewis for a cuppa. I did an hour with Dan over at the gym, agility ladder work and some treadmill too. Went to see my befriendee at Broadwell, he’s looking well and his partner wanted a good chat too.

The Olympics started on 27^th, fantastic opening ceremony, and I watched it most days, some fantastic performances by Team GB. I’ve also managed to get tickets for us to go to the Paralympics in August.

I gave Dad a call on his birthday, then the day after we celebrated our 5^th wedding anniversary.

w/c 30^th

31.7. Went over to Cheltenham for a session with Dan I was on the alter G treadmill for 50 mins 1.8 -2.2km p hr I did over a mile. This was followed by our monthly Connect meeting to discuss who we’ve been visiting boy was I tired when I got home.

From Saturday we are dog sitting for a week a lovely 4 yrs old black Labrador called Molly her owner is going to Weymouth to watch the Olympic sailing. We had a drive over to Lower Slaughter and a walk alongside the river, the dog loved going in the river, then Bourton for a Mr Whippy ice cream, my left foot was really aching.

June - is this really summer?

I have decided that I am just going to write ‘stroke/rehab highlights' not my everyday goings on, are you bothered about those, you just want to know how and what I’m doing & trying with my stroke rehab !

Nice long Jubilee weekend ahead. Ed’s school finished early at 1pm because of the Dovers Hill Olimpicks. I went to visit my befriendee in Broadwell he’s doing well since his week in respite care in Gloucester, and his partner looked well too, I was with them chatting for a couple of hours.

Diamond Jubilee weekend and an early start for Nik and I to go over to Dan’s for a session, I went on the treadmill for 45 mins and then some Vibrogym work on my legs. Nik went on the new crossX bike and did all tracks/trails, we weighed ourselves I’ve lost almost another stone and so has Nik. We came home and took Matt and Ed to Scuttlebrook Wake where they both spent the afternoon. Andy and Kath called in to see us on the way back from Cher’s with Ed’s birthday card and present

Sunday was an awful day, it rained most of the day and we stayed inside for most of it watching the Royal Boat pageant on the Thames through London,’veggin out’ and not eating very much.

Monday we went up to the Jubilee celebrations going on near the shop in the village, the weather was a lot better today. The Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace was fantastic, there was a picnic/bbq on in the park in Blockley, Ed went over and met his mates, the concert was on, on a big screen and then they had fantastic fireworks which were just over the back of the house so we had a great view. Great day, & a lovely weekend.

Tuesday was the more formal events in London a thanksgiving service, lunch followed by carriage procession, we went to the Great Western for a champagne breakfast which was lovely we didn’t need to eat anything for the rest of the day.

Ed did some revision. I went to younger stroke group meeting in Cheltenham in the evening, it was good Tony did his Jubilant Stories as part of his role as convenor with Barnwood Trust.

Ed and I went over to Dan for a session and re-shoot of the video/ for the alter G with Charlotte, not a proper session however I did 20 minutes on the treadmill then sit to stand and some arm stretches on the elastics, stepping on and off squidgy cushion. Another rainy day, awful ‘summer’ weather.

w/c 11^th

Had my BP checked and all OK. Ed started his Year 10 GCSE’s or mocks we used to call them! Last session of community physio with Sandra looked at arm exercises, she told me about a former patient who had a Thera - trainer she wants to give away to another stroke survivor to use called her said I’ll go look at it.

Nik and I went over to see Dan, who wasn’t there, and was a tad disappointing, it was Dave, so did usual agility ladder work, some Vibro on my foot/leg, Nik did half hour on alter g. Dan from DM Orthotics was there to fit on my lycra arm sleeve, quite tight a bit like an evening glove.

Ed left school on Friday to do his bronze D of E expedition overnight to Symonds Yat, they got soaked and the teachers had to bring them in as the weather was so bad! We called in to see the lady with the Thera trainer and brought it home!

Nik did a 7 mile run training for his marathon, Ed and I cooked for Father’s Day, it was lovely, he did his own Eton Mess. I rang my Dad.

w/c 18^th

This week I am mostly doing Connect volunteer work!

I met my Connect younger stroke survivor in Moreton for a coffee, to see how he’s doing, where he’s up to with things.

I met with a new Connect stroke person today in Cheltenham, he is a fellow scally, quite entertaining as I couldn’t get up his stairs to talk he has a lift and we couldn’t find the remote! So I had to shout upstairs to talk to him. Afterwards I went on to Dan’s for a session, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, sit to stand and stand to sit, and some Balance Master work.

Connect meeting in Cheltenham, we picked up Mikey in Winchcombe on the way, good meeting with some light hearted banter and discussions, called in at the hospital on the way home to see Julie and Andi but they weren’t there, said bye to some of the girls, as the stroke ward closes on 26^th.

Got my haircut and coloured on Friday, Ed was off school. Later in the day Nik & Ed drove up to Manchester to see Bruuuuuce Springsteen, they got great spots close to the stage and had a great evening after queuing for hours in the rain.

I went to see my Connect chap in Broadwell, he’s doing really, really well with his sit to stand and car transfers, they’d had a good day in the sun on Wednesday and he slept a bit whilst I was there.

Saturday was a bit of a chill day, as the boys didn’t get back ‘til 3am, we nipped to Cheltenham to do some shopping then to the hospital saw Andi who gave me some flowers to say thanks for my help with Connect work, saw Emma & said bye to some of the others.

Sunday and the boys did their marathon training, it rained a lot!

w/c 25^th

A lazy week this week, compared to last, did mostly crm stuff, long day on Wednesday drove to J R at Oxford to see neuro chap from OCE just as a check-up before going on holiday next week, he upped my Gabapentin as he agreed that the botox hadn’t worked too well.

Another visit to my scally chap in Cheltenham, followed by an hour with Dan and I did 40 minutes on the treadmill.

The rest of our week we were pretty much getting all stuff ready for our holiday – 10 days in Barbados with Charles and Ed.

May - Birthdays month Ed 15 and me big 50!

On Tuesday I had a grip rail fitted in our main bathroom, with bath, as I am getting so proficient with my baths, instead of pulling on the sink I can grab the rail to help me get out, rather than the sink off the wall!

Wednesday I went over to Cheltenham hospital as an outcome of my GP visit and discussion around the continuing headaches which seem to be not as bad as they were since I’ve stopped chewing gum, GP thought it might be jaw drop, visit to dentist he told me my jaw was clicking but not enough to have a thing made for my mouth, maybe they are tension headaches after all. However I was getting these funny, bubbles on the left side of my vision, in tarmac, concrete, shale, not in the gym and not at home and no not any illegal drugs so Doc referred me to eye consultant!

Anyway two lots of eye drops one to measure pressure and one to dilate pupils and check both eyes, and guess what I can’t drive for 3/4 hours, so I make my way to the café get a cup of tea and a sandwich, do not fancy sitting in the hospital so go and sit in the car listen to the radio, phoned all and sundry, Kate, Charles, Dad, to while away the 3-4 hours, put my seat back have a snooze.

Thursday I met up with Rachel at Cotswold Conference Centre for lunch and saw John, Rosie, Jane and others, and got a guided tour round the new accommodation.

Friday Nik working from home I did some too, went to visit my chap in Broadwell, they’re both seeming better, Ed worked Friday night.

Saturday Ed working at the pub again Nik and I went to the cinema to see ‘The Lucky One’, it was good.

On Sunday, Andrew and Kath called in to see us, with some great news about Mike and Cher. We had had a late start to the day so went off to get our Sunday roast and later on the 3 of us went for a walk to bluebell wood near Snowshill, I managed to walk right the way through it and back onto the road, a good circuit really chuffed with myself, as the picture shows, pity the day didn't end too well.

w/c 7th

Bank Holiday Monday, pissy awful rainy day, Nik made some ginger biscuits which were very nice.

On Tuesday, I had a press day at the gym for the alter G treadmill, videoed and interviewed by Different Strokes and Richard Henman, brother of Tim, who’s looking after the alter G PR.

The rest of the week was pretty boring really, did some CRM stuff.
Friday Harry’s birthday today, when Ed finished school today he started to do his D of E bronze practice expedition walking from school to Mickleton and camping overnight, getting up at 6am on the Saturday, striking camp and walked back to school for 1pm via Hidcote and Kiftsgate gardens, and managed to lose his mobile phone out of his pocket!

We went out with Martin and Mo on Saturday night to the Wheelbarrow Castle at Flyford Flavell, nice meal, unusual pub, no atmosphere at all, and didn’t feel too well the following morning either, great night……..??

Feeling so lethargic and not too good didn’t do a great deal, we wondered if it had been the food from last night, went out for a drive in the car, I didn’t even feel like walking, and didn’t eat very much. Quite a nice weekend.

w/c 14th

Nik worked from home Monday morning then headed up to Gateshead for 2 days/nights. I had a really bad pain on my left side by my rib so looked forward to my hydro in Cirencester on Monday afternoon, it was a really good session. I called Harry to wish him all the best and make sure he’d received his birthday card & money OK, spoke to Jenny and Lew. Dad called me, and I spoke with Charles too.

Ed did after school French, then he went to the gym to do boxing with Henry & Matt.
Tuesday got physio with Sandra, negative about the new DM Orthotic splint, foot still inverting, she didn’t like the Extensor said it wasn’t good for my fingers, we did some hand/arm work, and then I went to the surgery for a blood test.

Wednesday an hour with Dan, I worked with Margarita and Jabier to start with did some agility ladder work, forwards, sideways, crossways, then Dan arrived and we did some stepping up and down on the Reebok step, sitting and standing, my left butt ached and I slept very well. Nik came back from NE, he worked ‘til late.

Thursday, I did some CRM stuff, took Ed to Shipston High School for a talk by a chap from the National Space Centre, I called round to see Lesley for a natter and a cuppa. Nik was in the office, back late.

Friday – some lovely ironing to do so that Nik doesn’t have too much to do over the weekend. He was in London for a meeting with Stuart! Ed worked at the pub.

Saturday - Ed went to the cinema in Stratford with Matt &Henry to see the new Avengers Assemble film. Nik and also went over to Stratford to get some bits and pieces for birthdays! Dad was in Kenilworth for an RMP reunion.

Sunday, nice lie-in, we skyped Charles and told both him and Edward where we are going on holiday in July, oh we’re going to Barbados’. Nik did the lawns I did tea, another nice weekend.

w/c 21st

I did all my usual Monday morning stuff, Tesco shop, catch up on emails, fbk, etc I thought it was going to be my last hydrotherapy session today, however as it is an odd day next week followed by a Bank Holiday they asked if I’d like to go next week, yes please, it seems to be doing my arm a lot of good, except there is no pool nearby for me to go to. Picked Ed up from cricket after school, they won and are in the County quarter finals.
Tuesday did some crm stuff, did some washing & ironing – exciting or what! lovely hot sunny day about 20c collected Ed from after school chemistry revision.

Wednesday – Ed’s 15th birthday, where did those years go? I am over to Dan for a session, whilst trying to dodge any Olympic torch traffic as its due in Cheltenham today. I went on the alter G for 45 minutes at 1.5km per hr a good session, I was knackered afterwards.

Thursday, didn’t really do a great deal a wee bit of crm stuff, and got things ready for tomorrow and the weekend.


Friday – and it’s my 50th birthday, I had a nice brekkie in bed up and off to Jannine’s to get my hair done for this evening. Nik carried on to Stratford to collect Charles from the station. We went out for lunch at Batsford Arboretum, and then home. Dad and Jen O arrived at about 4pm, they are staying at Arreton B&B for the night, which was really nice to see them both, so we opened our first bottle of fizz, had a good catch up with them, opened cards and pressies, lovely book to keep momentoes in. I phoned everybody, Alice, our Dave and Cath, Jenny called to wish me all the best, Kath and Andrew arrived, we opened some more fizz and the afternoon just flew by I think Charles was getting embarrassed, we sat outside the weather was so good! So into the evening and a great get together of good friends at the Great Western, except they did no food for us.

Saturday Nik and I went off to the Scarlet a hotel at Mawgan Porth in Cornwall for the weekend just the two of us, lovely hotel, just adults and no real mobile signal, except Nik did manage to have access to Facebook, yes sad but true, who really needs social media cyber friends when you are meant to be chillin aaawwwt wit ya womaaaaan! A great weekend away.


w/c 27th

Monday spent the morning catching up on e-mails and Facebook messages, in the afternoon I went to my last hydrotherapy session at Cirencester, I really feel it is doing my arm some good.

Tuesday the monthly Connect meeting in Cheltenham at Hesters Way resource centre, it went well and we met our new lady Julie who has taken over from Laura, afterwards I was off to Cheltenham hospital to do my Connect stroke ward visit, saw Emma and some of the other girls I know including Tash, spoke to 3 new people, the ward is looking very empty and quiet.

Wednesday – I had to postpone my session with Dan as I was feeling tired probably after yesterday, I can’t be superwoman all the time and must ‘manage my fatigue’, so I rested, dozed/slept and pretty much did sweet f a, except catch up on typing this!

Thursday, Nik took me over to OCE for more botox in my calf and bicep, it really seemed to hurt this time, I saw Jo the physio who told me the research results were out I had been most improved on step/stride, Fi who looked after me in the JR when I initially had my stroke, she started physio with me. I called onto the ward just to see how everybody was, and it was nice to see Wendy and some of the nurses.

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.