In January I succumbed to the 'flu type virus, as most local people did, and this laid me very low. I have become used to having something of this nature early in the year, and this year was no exception except that I did get it twice - most unfortunate. I was very lethargic and it wreaked havoc with my stamina and my legs!
Determined to get fit again, I spent a considerable part of February walking along the riverside - with refreshments of course. This proved very time consuming but always pleasurable on nice days. I tried to walk a little further each time building up my stamina levels. Apart from this, I didn't do anything, except for an odd trip to see family.
Also in February, I was invited to the Eye Clinic at the local hospital, whose care I have been under since my Stroke. This time, apart from the usual eye chart, I undertook a Field Vision Test, X-Ray and Pressure Test. Pressures, cornea thickness and field vision all proved to be good without evidence of progression or deterioration. I have now regained full sight in my left eye, which was affected by the Stroke. I have been discharged from their care and from their perspective there are no reasons why I cannot drive again. However, after a seven year lapse, I am not sure if I have the confidence for this. If I decide that I would like to pursue this, the Occupational Therapists would firstly carry out an assessment.
March was the month for the annual Cricket Club trip and this year was to be the Czech Republic to Brno and Prague. We flew to Prague and then caught a train to Brno in the South East near Vienna. We spent 5 nights at this resort before heading back to Prague for our remaining two nights vacation.
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| Brno - Cabbage Market Square |
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| Brno - Cathedral |
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| Brno - Astronomical clock, Namesti Svobody |
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| Brno - Favourite underground restaurant |
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| Brno - Kninicy Reservoir |
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| Brno - Ossuary, under St. James Church |
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| Brno -Spilberk Castle |
On our return, I really found things difficult once more: my stamina, walking, knees, hand and arm all seemed to be fighting to comply with my wishes. I am not sure why this has occurred and I have cancelled and re-arranged appointments twice in some instances. For good measure I had another bout of the 'flu type virus. It has been very difficult to accept that, after working so hard to get fit to the best of my ability, I was facing a bigger battle than usual and I am once more working doubly hard to achieve the levels where I was.
Currently, my knees are painful to walk any distances and to climb steps and stairs and my hamstrings are tight and painful.. I am having acupuncture weekly to aid my stamina and have only recently re-started with the SaeboGlove.
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| Prague - Castle |
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| Prague's narrowest street, with traffic lights! |
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| Prague - Astronomical Clock |
I have also had checks with my G.P. and thankfully all is in order. It is a reasonable assumption that I do get apprehensive when I get days of bad headaches, I know that every headache does not mean that a Stroke is looming but t is always a concern. My Doctor understands this and is happy to do blood pressure and other checks. It is coming up to the 7th anniversary of my Stroke and I have come a long way with work, determination and the support of professionals and family and I am on the last piece of work: to get my right hand and arm working as good as I can get it. It currently seems a hard task, but have accepted that I will have set backs, but this one is taking longer than usual to overcome.
Over the next few weeks I will remain focussed in my work so I will get as fit as possible before we head South to meet family for a few days. I am more frustrated than despondent - but have to once again, accept that this is now a way of life - and these things will and do happen. You cannot control the uncontrollables, so there is no time in wasting any energy worrying about it.
The last 2 pictures are of the Tugendhat Villa in Brno - a UNESCO World Heritage site
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Tugendha
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