Greek Island Cruise

Mykanos

Mykanos

Kusadasi, Turkey

The holiday was fantastic and all my fears were unfounded. Know your limits! I coped with the sun and heat and this has re-newed my confidence.
We both went on organised trips to Spinalonga - an island off Crete and The Corinth Canal. My husband went to Ephesus on his own as we both acknowledged that the walking would be too much for me.

Since returning I have been extremely tired and on the first night back I slept for 15hours! As my friend tells me:
There's no need for you to be super woman, learn to give yourself a break and sleep in until you're ready to get up! Wise words indeed.

Spinalonga

Corinth Canal

Observations & Comments

My husband and I have recently returned from a week's cruise around the Greek Islands.

We joined the ship at Corfu and our first day was at sea, which gave us the oportunity to familiarise ourselves with all the facilities on board and for my husband to chill after all the packing and looking after me whilst travelling.

There was a diverse range of passengers on board ranging in ages and from all walks of life - including disabled passengers.

Some of the disabilities included a double amputee, a lady with a full false arm, a man who had had a very bad accident some forty years ago which resulted in having a full calliper on one leg and one person with Parkinson's.
I talked at length with the man who had the calliper and found out that because of the way he walked and also the way in which the calliper fitted he has subequently required a hip replacement.

All of this seemed to make me look at my own disability in a different way.

I overheard a conversation on one day where two women were discussing taking disabled people abroad. Their conclusion was they wouldn't attempt it as it was too much responsibility.

Yes, it is a responsibility but I personally feel that is a selfish outlook. It does take that extra planning but why should these people not be given the same opportunities? We know our limitations and manage accordingly.

The carers certainly deserve a well earned break.

Mindful

During this temporary lull  inbetween all the weddings and anniversaries I seem to have become somewhat downhearted.

People I know and that I have met up with recently, tell me I look really well and have made fantastic progress.
Whilst I acknowledge that this is accurate, this is only my outward physical state.

My physio has recognised that I have two persona - the Outward and the Inward: my sub-conscious can control my inward fears and can take over my mental and physical state.

An example of this is that whilst on holiday last year I became unwell with a bug and as I am due to go on holiday soon I am becoming increasingly emotional that I could become unwell again. Although this is extremely unlikely I nevertheless am worried that this could re-occur.

In two months time it will be the second  anniversary of the stroke and I had always thought that I would be fully fit by now. I will never give up hope of achieving this and will continue to work to this goal.

My G.P. has taught me to recognise these anniversaries and has suggested that I name and talk about them  to prevent any possibilities of the onset depression.

1st May 2011 Ruby Wedding Celebrations

The week-end after the family wedding it was time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of someone who my my husband had been Best Man for, which meant another trip cross The Pennines.
 Once again the weather was glorious and it was a superb occasion held at the same venue that their wedding reception had been. More catching up to be done with familiar and the not so familiar faces. 
The day after I received the following email:
"I'm v impressed with all including especially your blog re your progress after your stroke.
 I know you will - but do keep it up, It must be a strong encouragement to anyone who finds themselves affected by such a devastating attack. I remember you saying about your dad visiting in hospital & saying,
"Shirley, you're going to get through this". 
Well, simply, you are, & your determination is paying solid dividends. I know that you have a very good husband, but with his patience & yours + your blog coupled with your 'let's do it' attitude, is paramount to the
pathway to complete success. And, you're getting nearer that goal all the time.
I also know a little bit more about strokes. Mum as you know had one, but whilst she is now like you now determined to carry on independently at home, mum had hers just after her 80th birthday. With respect the age gap does take away some of the necessity to completely recover & resume full physical activities."

Words of encouragement such as these do a lot for morale, especially when sometimes I give the impression that I'm ok about my situation which certainly has not been the case during the following week.
For the first time in a while I have been in "the depths of despair" and once there it is a long climb out. For two days I have been insufferable in my attitude and no amount of coaxing could bring me back up, although I am very pleased to say that I am back on track now.

In my mind I had decided that I had come to a standstill regarding progress with my hand and fingers and got myself all "wound up" about my situation. At my physio appointment at hospital this week, my Physio alleviated some of my paranoia as she told me that she can still see a slight improvement and I am lucky to have a further appointment with her.

This has given me the kickstart to intensify the relevent exercises which now include two pointed pen tops and an elastic band.

Recovery can be interesting work!