Stroke survey

If your life has been affected by stroke, please fill in this survey by 10 December 2012 to help The Stroke Association understand the impact of stroke on your everyday life:
http://www.stroke.org.uk/emotionalimpact

A report will be published based on the findings next May, and it will be used to push for improved support and care of people affected by stroke and in future campaigning work.

Answers will be treated confidentially.

The Stroke Association would like to hear both from stroke survivors and their families and carers too.

 

Please feel free to share this.

Life After Stroke: 2013

Nominations are now open for the Life After Stroke Awards 2013.

Whether they are a stroke survivor, carer, volunteer or professional, let them know how remarkable they are by nominating them for a Stroke Association Life After Stroke Award!

Visit http://www.stroke.org.uk/LASA to nominate.

World Stroke Day: October 29th 2012

Stroke Solidarity String

Join the global fight against stroke
One in every six people in the world will have a stroke. In the UK, someone has a stroke every five minutes. Stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. And it is devastating.
Saving millions of lives and preventing lifetimes of severe disability start with awareness. The Stroke Solidarity String is the new symbol of global stroke awareness.
The Stroke Solidarity String is a blue string that wraps around your wrist three times to form a bracelet. The string will make stroke visible to the general public and help to unify the stroke community. It says to people “if stroke is in your family, join ours”.
The Stroke Association is launching the Stroke Solidarity String on 29 October 2012 to mark World Stroke Day. Be the first to champion beating this killer disease that’s been ignored for too long and get your Stroke Solidarity String now.
Wear it, show it, share it.

You can get further details from: The Stroke Association web-site:  ttp://www.stroke.org.uk/


 or Facebook page.

October 22nd - October 30th

This period of time has proved to be a rather busy one for me. I have met up with friends, had appointments and also been out to the theatre.
Whilst all of this has been good for me mentally, I have begun to feel rather tired and am resting when necessary and going to bed earlier than usual.
This busy time began with a visit from an ex-work colleague, what a lot we had to catch up on and before we knew it we had chatted for three hours! I have to concede that this did leave me slightly light-headed and I needed to be quiet for a spell afterwards. After all this time, it is amazing that I cannot cope with the intensity of these situations.
The following day, an old acquaintance visited, but this time for a shorter period of time. I am a people person and I do miss opportunities to socialise but am not down-hearted about it.
I like to visit our weekly market and am now able to do light shopping without too much difficulty.
 (During December the town hosts a two day Christmas Market where local produce and crafts are on sale. The week-end ends with a firework finale.)
I have joined a local Chairobics class, which is a sit down low impact exercise class. This week was my first visit and it was customised to meet the needs of individuals. I coped very well and do not seem to have had any adverse effects.
At the weekend we met up with long standing friends at a town half way to where we both live. The day was gloriously sunny and after a pub lunch we wandered around the town's street market.
I had decided a few weeks ago that my next challenge was to do a supermarket shop on my own and I achieved this earlier in the week. I took a bus to the supermarket and managed to leisurely wander around all the store and look at what was on offer, this seemed to be a real treat for me and was the first time that I had done this alone since having my stroke. Once I had finished my husband collected me.
Yesterday I had an appointment at the Botox clinic. Once again a discussion ensued about my progress since the last injection. It is reasonable to say that over the last three or four weeks I have noticed that my arm and fingers are more relaxed than they have been at any other time: more relaxed for longer periods and as yet rather unaffected by the cold weather. So it was decided that this was not the right time for injection No. 4.
Each time Botox is administered it weakens the muscles and so it has to be given when absolutely necessary or it can cause adverse effects.
This period has been a satisfying one: I have caught up with friends, been out almost daily and achieved my first supermarket shop. I am not too sure what my next challenge or task will be . . I'm still pondering!

Summer to Autumn

The summer here in the U.K. was pretty amazing:

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of The Queen's reign, took place during the first week-end of June. Next came the Olympics, quickly followed by the Paralympics.

There was a feel good factor about the place and the Paralympians certainly raised awareness about the lives of disabled people and there seemed to be a shift in public attitude. Whilst I was shopping, just after the Paralympics had finished, I heard 2 youngsters trying to decide what my disability is. I hope that the awareness will continue.

At the current time I seem to be in an impasse, but I have learned over time not to worry about this. I continue to exercise, but have been remiss in wearing my "foot up" splint.
I have worn the splint most days since being discharged from hospital in August 2009. It is designed to keep my foot straight or better placed whilst walking. During the spring of this year, however, I decided that as my walking was vastly improved I perhaps no longer needed this aid. . . How wrong could I have been, after a few  months I began to experience pain in my right knee and began to be concerned that I would need an arthroscopy. My G.P. referred me for physiotherapy and after a few weeks wait attended my appointment. After a session of exercise, a discussion ensued where it became all too apparent that I had made the wrong judgement call regarding the splint. I began to wear it again and the pain ceased and I found that I could walk distances without any hassle. I did not connect the two actions at all.
It is not the most glamorous of "appliances" to wear, but I have learned a big lesson in all of this.

The weather has been pretty dire during the summer, being very wet and grey. My body does not seem to cope with the cold and damp and I find that my arm and neck can hurt, probably due to the effect on nerves and tendons. I now wear a scarf around my neck and to preserve body heat wear a hat. Also wearing sensible shoes and thick socks stops the cold rising up through the body.These simple ideas do seem to help and are the ones that I have recently found to be useful.

Nine Weeks: 15th June - 17th August 2012

These last few weeks have been pretty amazing:

First of all my holiday in Canada, which saw us travel from West to East. During the holiday we settled into a routine of geting up at 7.45/8 a.m. and travelling from around 10 a.m to 5p.m. except for our last week in Winnipeg which was more relaxed.

If anyone is interested in my holiday I am writing a blog:  http://canadianescape.blogspot.co.uk/

On our return I was quite poorly with a urine infection and had three consecutive courses of antibiotics before I finally got rid of it. This made me extremely tired and I had to just have some quiet relaxation. The pains began on the return plane journey from Toronto, so I know that I have been extremely lucky to have had one amazing holiday, which was a huge undertaking, without any problems.

On the 10th August, the town where I live hosts the 10 day FEVA festival. Festival of Entertainment & Visual Arts.  http://www.feva.info/
I am a great supporter of this event and duly made my choices of which events I would and support. My sister came to stay for a few days and amongst the events we visited some of the art exhibitions.
It was good to have the company and also share this festival with.

Although I am reasonably independent threre still places that are inaccessible to me on my own. I don't let this perturb me too much, there is nothing to gain by worrying about the uncontrollables. I am just grateful when the opportunity presents itself to do something different.

I am now feeling physically very tired, and have been spending my time reading, but rest assured that I wouldn't have changed anything that I have done or achieved over the last few weeks.
In my eyes this is a very small price to pay for all the enjoyment.

Thought For The Day . . .

I have just been reading about a 21 year old girl who had a Stroke 9 months ago, and how her life has been turned upside down.

She has relearned to walk and although she knows that life will never be the same she simply says that "she is lucky to be alive".

I wish her well and know that the 3 P's will get her though it:

Persistance

Patience

Perseverence

Post Holiday and Botox 3

This year, after discussing it for many years, we finally got to go to Canada.
Something has always got in the way, not least the Stroke which I have been unlucky enough to get. 

I spent the winter and spring planning the trip, laying out maps, highlighting prospective routes and then deciding where our overnight stopovers should be. I read guide books and made lists of the necessary items to take eg: three and a half weeks of medication.



We flew from Manchester to Vancouver on June 15th and spent two nights there before transferring to Victoria, Vancouver Island for two nights, returning to Vancouver for one further night and then collected a hire car. We had the car for twelve nights and travelled 1650 miles through Whistler, Penticton, the Okanagen Valley to Kamloops and then from Jasper to Banff before returning the car at Calgary.
Our last stop was a week with a cousin in Winnipeg. 

So we have travelled through British Columbia to Alberta, flown over Saskatchewan to Manitoba and flown over Ontario! A West to East Fest if you pardon my enthusiasm.  
Indeed, not quite a relaxing holiday, but all the preparation meant that the holiday went without any problems. 

My health stood up to the rigours of the travelling, which meant getting up around 7.45/8.00 daily and being on the road by 10.00am I have to admit that since our return on July 10th I have been extremely tired and have not quite got back to what constitutes normal these days.

The day that we flew home from Toronto was by coincidence the third anniversary of my Stroke. Who would ever have thought at that time that I would be able to undertake such a holiday. Certainly not me!


A Stroke can affect a person in a number of ways, but I always tell people that it is not the end of life, but the beginning of a new way.  Go for it!


I had a phone call more or less on our return inviting me to the Botox clinic again. This time after much discussion I had No. 3 injection, this time into my lower arm which will aid my fingers as they had started to "claw" again. Botox will never be a cure, but it relaxes the muscles enabling exercises to progress.
The Doctor stated how she had noticed the improved range of my wrist and arm: this in turn spurs me on to keep up with daily exercises. 
All is continuing to go in the right direction and I have to be prepared to take every opportunity that is given to me. 


Even on my holidays I kept up with exercises, although we did sometimes get odd looks from people as we did the exercises at bus stops, on the beach . . .

Holiday: 15th June - 9th July

I have had a temporary adjournment whilst I have been on my vacation, I am pleased to report that in the three and a half weeks that we were away I did not experience any problems and coped with everything that came my way.
I have, however, returned very tired and will be writing about my experiences very soon.

Thank you.

May 2012 Updates

Hand Held Vacuum Cleaner   

 

In my quest to lead as normal a life as I can at the moment, I have purchased a hand held rechargeable vacuum cleaner.
This enables me to clean the stairs steps and carpet edges and the like. It is only a small piece of household equipment, but it goes a long way to making me feel more functional.
I am slowly seeing improvements in my right hand, fingers and arm, but I know that even after nearly three years, I have a significant road to travel on my journey to recovery.



I seem to be busy doing something on most days now, well as much as my stamina will allow, I have been doing some of the paperwork for our local annual  Bed Race, and my husband & I have taken on the Membership secretary's role at our local Cricket Club. These are important jobs, but come without any pressures and can be done at my leisure.

I attended the eye clinic at the hospital in the middle of the month and this time I managed to get down to the bottom of the eye chart and read it correctly and the pressure is ok. I go back in November to have photo's taken behind the eyes and if things are as they are now I will be discharged.

The following week I attended the hospital again, this time to have my resting splint re-moulded. I have been slightly concerned that my fingers have been bending under again, and after all the hard work that has been done to straighten them out I got quite anxious about it. Now it is fitting much better and I'm happy again!

I have also had an appointment with the Physio, and although I don't receive regular treatment, it is re-assuring that she is only a phone call or email away. I think that it is possible that at some point I may be referred for a second arthroscopy on my right knee. I had the first one three years ago, that can be the optimum time it may last, but my new style of walking probably doesn't help matters!

I have new exercises to do for the arm muscles and these can be done with my walking stick:
Sit on a chair facing a chair or stool of the same height. In both hands hold on to the upside down stick, (handle resting on the stool), at arms length and move the stick backwards & forwards and also from side to side. My weak hand, the right, has to be placed underneath the left hand but this exercise must be driven by the right hand. Keeping my back straight will improve the posture in my trunk and help the nerves in my neck.

I have learnt over time that you do not require expensive pieces of equipment but can be resourceful with common objects that can be found in the house.

BBC News 1st May 2012

Stroke survivors 'being denied best recovery chance'

By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News

Stroke survivors often need a range of rehab after leaving hospital

Continue reading the main story

Related Stories

• Follow-up stroke care 'lacking'
• Stroke aftercare: your stories
• Care for stroke patients 'flawed'

Many stroke survivors feel abandoned after they leave hospital and are being denied the chance to make the best recovery because of a lack of post-hospital care, a report suggests.

The Stroke Association review surveyed patients and carers across the UK and found survivors were facing a struggle.
Some went without regular assessments, or had difficulties seeing specialists.
The Department of Health admitted there was work to be done, but the government was focused on "driving up standards".
The report concluded local government and the NHS must do more to co-ordinate care.
'Abandoned' Emergency hospital services, such as access to scans and life-saving treatment, are generally perceived to have improved in recent years. This has meant that more and more people are surviving strokes.

Continue reading the main story

Case study

Ann Frewer has had to rely on others since she had a stroke in November last year.
The 75-year-old former nurse, who is a widow, was released from hospital without a care plan or any follow-up appointments.
"I was told to ask my neighbours for help, and if it had not been for their kindness, I would be sitting at home on my own, starving to death, as I cannot walk more than 150 yards.
"Sometimes I hear this called 'care in the community'. The reality is that it's more like sending you to prison. If you are on your own, it's more like solitary confinement."

There are now more than 1m stroke survivors in the UK, but 300,000 of those are living with moderate or severe disabilities.

Jon Barrick, of the Stroke Association, said it was clear more had to be done to help them after the charity received evidence from more than 2,000 patients and carers.
"Many stroke survivors tell us that after all the effort to save their lives, they then feel abandoned when they return home.
"The NHS and local authorities are failing in their responsibilities."
Phil Gray, chief executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, agreed there was a problem.
He said: "We are really concerned about what happens to stroke survivors after they leave hospital.
"There is clear evidence that a significant lack of investment has led to a complete, or at least substantial, absence of services in many parts of the country."

Are you a stroke survivor? What has been your experience of post-hospital care? Please tell us your story using the form below.

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More on This Story

Related Stories

• Follow-up stroke care 'lacking' 12 JANUARY 2011, HEALTH
• Stroke aftercare: your stories 12 JANUARY 2011, HEALTH
• Care for stroke patients 'flawed' 23 APRIL 2009, HEALTH
• Stroke care 'failing the elderly' 16 APRIL 2009, HEALTH
• NHS 'has more to do over stroke' 15 SEPTEMBER 2008, HEALTH

Related Internet links

• Stroke Association
• Department of Health

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Step Out 2012

Step out Rowntree Park, York

27/5/2012

Venue: Rowntree Park, York, YO23 1JQ

Type: Special Event

Step Out is the national event to raise awareness and funds for The Stroke Association, and to have a great time in the process!
There are many ways to Step Out, and the events are suitable for all ages and abilities.

Visit Rowntree Park on Sunday 27 May for a free day of 20th Anniversary celebrations. The day will include a Zumbathon, live entertainment, blood pressure checks, cake sales and much more.

The main focus of the day is the sponsored charity walk. Put your best foot forward for stroke and choose to do a 100 step walk within the park, a 1.5 mile walk along the river (with a flight of stairs) or a bigger challenge on our treadmills within the park. To take part in the 'Step out' sponsored walk you can enter online for just £5.

The warm up for the walks begins at 11:30 am, ready for the walks to kick off at midday.
But it doesn't stop there, there are many other activities during the day to get the whole family involved, including face painting, children’s activities, blood pressure guidance and refreshments.

There will be Zumba dancing from 11:00am–4:00pm. This is an exhilarating, effective, easy to follow, Latin-inspired, calorie burning dance party!
'Sponsor a Balloon' (biodegradable) for £3 that will be released on the day, in memory or to celebrate life after stroke.
 
Step Out is a fun walking event for the whole family and will be at several locations throughout the year.

I am going to participate in the above event & hope to complete the 1.5 miles event.

Aftercare

Today I visited the Physio at hospital which is the first time in a couple of months. After a general catchup on my progress we discussed the difficulties that I am now experiencing with my right knee and how exercises may be of benefit.

The knee sometimes can feel very painful and at other times I can find it difficult to walk. I have noticed that when I am walking downstairs the knee can lean to the right. After a lot of effort, and at times pain, I have learnt to walk downstairs one foot in front of the other, but I have been advised to tempoary suspend this method that we all take for granted and return to the "one step at a time" method: bad leg first then place the good leg on the same step. This is obviously very disappointing, but I have to accept that it should only be as a temporary measure.

Exercises 20th April 2012

The Physio directed me through the exercises and then wrote them up for me for reference.

I have been advised how to test out straight leg raises in three different positions, noting which are difficult or prove painful, and also how to execute hamstring knee curls and exercises for glutes.

These are to be done three times a day and I return to the physio in around eight weeks to discuss my findings.

Stright Leg Raise at 2 o'clock

Exercise for Glutes

The Straight Leg Raises are to be done at three different positions: Straight, (12.00), 10.00 and 2.00 positions. My Left leg, good leg, has to be kept straight and flat whilst I complete a 2" raise with my bad leg, Right leg.
I must only do one of these exercises, (eg:12.00), at a time and have been advised to execute that one three times a day for three days, moving on to the next position for three days etc.
A hard bed or floor would be the best place to undertake this work.

Exrecises for Glutes (Gluteal muscles) can be accomplished either standing or lying:
To achieve these I can choose either option:
Stand at the kitchen counter or sideboard/table keep my good leg straight and move the bad leg backwards, keeping it straight and foot pointed.

Exercises for Hamstrings are to be done sitting on a chair with a pair of stretchy lycra tights tied around it and around a chair that is facing. The idea is to push out the bad leg and pull it backwards feeling the resistance of the tights. In a more conventional way these stretches can be achieved by using bands or simply holding out the leg straight and positioning the body over it, rather like "chin to knee".

I am in no way advocating that these exercises should be undertaken by anyone and they should only be undertaken on advice from a professional. These have been tailor made to meet my specific needs with improvised apparatus/kit as I do not use the facilities of a gym.
This form of aftercare is not necessary for every stroke patient, but this will help my muscles during a time when I can be more immobile than I would like or want.

 It will be three years in July since I had my stroke and recovery is still being accomplised, sometimes slower than I would like, but with the support that I recieve on all levels I still remain focussed to achieve as much recovery as possible.

Sip It For Stroke: 7th April 2012

Throughout spring, The Stroke Association are encouraging people to organise a Sip for Stroke event and help stroke survivors and their families.
With this in mind I decided to host a coffee morning on Easter Saturday.

Ten friends helped with the running of the event and a meeting was held beforehand to sort out job allocation. On the previous day we set out the room and priced all the goods which had been donated, stalls included: bring & buy, cakes, raffle, "guess the name of the dolly" and books. Three ladies were tasked with refreshments.
Our local M.P. agreed to attend in his capacity as Vice Chair of the All Paliamentary Group On Stroke.


More goods and produce were brought on the day and the event raised  £509.80.

 The organising of the event proved to be quite a stressful time for me, even though my friends were all there for support. Before I had my Stroke, I thrived on this type of event and fundraising and I felt that it should have been a very easy task. During the week leading up to it I found that I couldn't switch my mind away from it and my head started to "thud" again. I can only describe the feeling as if I had got off a fairground ride and although my body had stopped my head keeps travelling.


Thanfully, with all the planning and all the goods being donated, a magnificent amount was raised for The Stroke Association.
Thank you to everyone who attended or assisted in any way.


Every year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation.
Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.
The Stroke Association is the only UK wide charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages.
The Stroke Association funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation, and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its Life After Stroke Services.

March

Frozen beach & sea at Riga

Riga March 2012

Granny duties

March proved to be a busy month with trips to Riga, Latvia and to London.

Every year we go on an organised trip from our local Cricket Club and this year it was a party of 26 - the largest one ever.

The big challenge for this trip was the 4.30a.m. pick up something which I had never encountered before and this was of slight concern. In the days leading up to the day of departure I tried to get as much rest as possible and just had to look on as my husband got everything ready and packed. We keep a check list for such events so we do not forget essentials, making sure that I have enough medication.

I still find airports to be quite stressful, especially going through check in and security and moving from one queue to another along with a lot of other people. Although I am more mobile these days, I have made the decision to book wheelchair assistance, not only does this keep me more calm but aids my husband who has to sort out all the documents and make sure that I am ok.

Flying over Riga was pretty spectacular as the sea was frozen, and there was the last of the snow and ice in the city also, which meant that the main river was frozen over. We travelled to their seaside by train one day and marvelled at men sitting on the middle of the frozen river boring holes in the ice to fish!

Two weeks after returning from Riga we travelled to London to be with our family and new granddaughter for the weekend. On the Saturday afternoon we went to the theatre to see "Warhorse". A busy, but very rewarding weekend.

On the day we were due to return from London, I became unwell with swollen neck glands and sore throat, something which I have been experiencing for over 30 years when I get tired or run down. This laid me quite low for around a week and eventually I went to see my G.P. who gave me a check up but did not think that it was  appropriate to prescribe any medication for this. I have also been experiencing a problem with my right knee, which has meant that walking has been very difficult, I do not think that this is Stroke- related, but  rather something to do with a problem that I had surgery for only a couple of months before the Stroke. I am now waiting for a referral to see the Physio at the local hospital.

All in all a very good month, with lots of good memories.

As I have said before: "A Stroke is not the end of life but just the beginning of a new way of life"

Maintenance

As you will know, if you have read my blog in full, during the Christmas & New Year period I was experiencing great discomfort in my left shoulder and arm. This was particularly distressing as this side of my body is "my good side" and in turn meant that I couldn't assist during the festivities as much as I would like or have wanted.

I tried "over the counter" pain relief gel to apply to the affected areas, but to no purpose, and eventually went to see my G.P. who referred me back to see my physiotherapist at hospital. The appointment took a while to come through, but after one 45 minute treatment immediately felt the benefit.

After a general chat about my progress and the effects of the Botox, the treatment which involved a tennis ball began. Aids that are so simple, cost very little and are in every home can make all the difference if used in the correct way.
The treatment was to get me to rest over the treatment couch, with my head supported by my left arm whilst resting on a pillow. This opens up the shoulder blade, allowing the muscles to relax. Once in the correct position, the physio' rolled a tennis ball up and down each side of my spine and up each side of my neck going over my shoulder. My husband was shown this technique and it is something that we can confidently do as soon as discomfort may develop.

My husband and I have just returned from a four night break to Riga, Latvia as part of a group from the local cricket club. I have done quite a lot of walking, by my current standards, and have learnt to assist my legs in their daily recovery by applying a sustained jet of hot water on them and then massaging them.

The battle to recovery is still very much on-going, but I have learnt various techniques which I can put to good use to help me maintain a relatively pain free continuation.

 

NB: The right arm should be fully extended and straight and the body relaxed.

Addendum to Botox 2

I had my 2nd series of Botox on February 2nd and to date, it has not made any further significant  improvement to my fingers. However, since then I have been bemoaning the fact that I have had some pains and discomfort in the inside elbow joint. Then on March 6th I noticed that I could hold out my arm and this was a truly wonderful feeling. I have been practicing this movement daily since this latest milestone and I can now hold the arm out and straight for 10 seconds. I try to repeat this movement 2 or 3 times but do not get hung up about it if I can't. 

 

Determination does it.

I watched this interview on BBC's  "Breakfast" on the morning of March 14th.

How fantastic and what a privilege to hear of this lady's journey to recovery.

A Stroke survivor can take many pathways to recovery, but the one over-riding factor is the determination and the will to carry on, no matter how long.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17363584

Botox - 2 and Focus

Quite a bit has occured since my last entry, the main event regarding my Stroke being that of my second Botox injections on February 2nd.
As previously, I had two injections to my lower arm, the dose that is given is only small and is quick and painless to administer. There are no "do's and don'ts" to adhere to afterwards and I just carried on as normal but even so being mindful of banging the arm or avoiding doing anything energetic, (by my standards), immeadiately afterwards.

The following day I didn't feel too good and my arm slightly swelled and was red, something which had not happened previously. I felt very tired and went to bed at 2.15pm and drifted in and out of sleep during the afternoon and early evening and then slept right through until the following morning. I got up fully refreshed and I do not know whether the injection was the cause of this happening or whether I was just overtired.

Boosted by all the rest I felt more than ready to travel to London to meet our new granddaughter. We travelled down on the Saturday, 2 days after the injections, and returned the following day. The journies were uneventful and I managed without any problems.

The Botox, as I stated before,  has meant that my hand is not clawed and I was quite able to cuddle the baby without problems. As you can imagine our first grandchild has given me even more impetus to beat this state of affairs. I have continued to work the hand and fingers and this together with the injections has seen me now able to put on a pair of gloves, where previously I had to wear mittens, peel satsumas and fasten zips. All very simple things that we take for granted, but the pleasure at becoming more self sufficient is a tremendous boost and I am always looking for the next challenge.

Final fitting

Ready to go out

Dustpan & Brush

Success

I have invested in a long handled dust pan and brush set so I can now do that little bit more to help around the house. I still cannot bend down properly which means that I cannot clean the shower trays or the like, but on the positive side I can now iron most things using my left hand, clean windows and do other household chores. I have even mastered pegging out washing on the line, but that does invlove the use of teeth!!

I was somewhat "down in the dumps" at the turn of the new year: facing the prospect of another year of recovery, which probably would not see me back to full improvement. It can seem a long way back from the depths but the comments that have been made really make me think and understand more. These have given me fresh motivation, along with people who notice my improvement. Recently I was in the town where I live and had a really big boost to be told separately by 5 different people that: my walking is good, my speech is really good, "you look really good & are an inspiration" and the lady who I go to for acupucture tells me that," my pulses are stronger & everything is on the up".

I have acupuncture on my legs every three weeks and this I am convinced helps my stamina and aids my ability to walk increased distances.

All of this is such a boost, but I know that I still  have a long journey to travel, and I owe a massive thank you to everyone for assisting me in this journey & investing so much of your time with me.

Addendum to Botox 2

I had my 2nd series of Botox on February 2nd and although it does not appear to have made any significant further improvement to my fingers, I noticed on March 6th that I could hold out my arm and this was a truly wonderful feeling. I have been practicing this movement daily since this latest milestone and I can now hold the arm out and straight for 10 seconds. I try to repeat this movement 2 or 3 times but do not get hung up about it if I can't.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Action on Stroke Month

 About Action on Stroke Month

May 2012 sees the launch of the UK’s first Action on Stroke Month, our annual push to pack in as much awareness raising and fundraising as we can, and to encourage stroke survivors and families who may not know of us to get in touch.

Over 150 stroke clubs, groups and hospitals have so far signed up to join Action on Stroke Month they’ll be:

• running information days
• taking part in events and raising money, and
• celebrating the recoveries that people with stroke can make.

There will also be a very serious message. The focus of this year’s Action on Stroke Month is Life After Stroke.

This campaign will serve to highlight the everyday difficulties that stroke survivors and their families face and what needs to change to ensure stroke survivors are supported to make the best possible individual recovery.

Everyone can join in during Action on Stroke Month. Whether it’s hosting an information stand at your shopping centre, asking your health centre to put up a poster or simply wearing a badge, we need your help to get the message out there.

This information has been taken from "The Stroke Association" web-site:

http://www.stroke.org.uk/

Event: Sip for Stroke

Sip for Stroke

1/3/2012 - 1/5/2012

Venue: UK Wide

Type: Special Event

Throughout spring, we are encouraging people to organise a Sip for Stroke event and help stroke survivors and their families.

Sip for Stroke is a great excuse to meet up over tea or coffee and cake and an easy way to help raise money for those affected by stroke.
What better excuse to catch up with people over a cuppa and a piece of cake whilst doing your bit for charity this year.
You could Sip for Stroke anywhere, at work, home, school, village hall or even a local community centre that you are part of.
It's simple, quick, and a great way to do your bit for those affected by stroke whilst having fun and catching up with people.
If you cannot organise your own event, why not ask if your local coffee shop wants to get involved and donate a small amount for every drink or cake they sell on a particular day or week?
Registering couldn't be easier, simply sign up here fill in a few details and we will send a pack out to you. You can also email us or call 020 7566 1525.

Event contact

I am hosting one of these events at my local Cricket Club on Saturday April 7th.

Keep Calm & Carry On 2

The weeks over the Christmas & New Year period can always be that little more stressful, and this year I found it more so than in previous years. In the few weeks prior to Christmas I had been suffering with Vertigo and this had made me feel quite queasy at times and for some reason very vulnerable. Without any reason to do so, I felt a sort of insecurity and overemotional.
Thankfully, I only had to take tablets only for two or three weeks to combat the Vertigo.
I guess that because of this, there was a lot of tension in my body and at times I had terrific pains in my neck that would travel down into my shoulder and the top of my good arm. It was a miserable time and one that I have now overcome without prescription medication but with the help and encouragement from my husband.
I acknowledge that I have found it difficult over these weeks to be now going into a third new year without fully regaining the use of my right arm or hand. I remain resolute that "I will not be beaten" and try even harder to overcome the obstacles.
I attended the Botox clinic on December 22nd and we agreed that as my hand and fingers are still quite loose, that no Botox would be given at that time and I next go on February 2nd. I can still do a finger spread and maintain for a while and I can also rotate my hand from the wrist so the palms face upwards.
I have also been practicing getting hold of objects and can now actually get hold of things as you would expect and not "backwards" as I was previously.
I have an appointment at the Hospital Eye Clinic later in January for another Visual Fields test and to check the pressure. Depending on the latter result, I may have to be prescribed drops.
My friends and acquaintances tell me, "that I am coming on in leaps and bounds" and I am, but how I would love to be able: to clip my own toe nails, walk down a full flight of stairs one foot in front of the other, get in and out of a bath without assistance, drive, make a full meal but most of all be able to stretch and hold out my right arm.
Let's see what progress I make with regard to all of these in this next year.