2020 - A Year of 40ths and Lockdowns

 Well, after quite an abscence, here I am again!   2020 is certainly stacking up to be a most memorable one in all respects. 

A year when Coronavirus came into our daily lives and caused disruptions and a year of 40th celebrations. (Or what should have been celebrations.)

Our Ruby Wedding came first, and we were so lucky to be able to go on holiday for a week to Tenerife. The sun shone from morning until night, the sun and warmth were just what we needed after a gloomy winter. It was a time for total relaxation & to this end we had a daily routine of walking along the seafront, stopping for a coffee, then lunch before heading back for a relax by the hotel pool.                    We hired a Mobility scooter for two on the last two days.  What fun this proved to be - we could go further afield and had a great rapport with local business owners who would shout, wave and joke with us as we passed by! I got quite adept at "giving the Royal wave"!

The next celebration was a family gathering that we could enjoy with our family, cousins and friends. We had a pleasant afternoon and little did we know at that time, that this would be our last visit to Lancashire for the remainder of the year. 

Our final Ruby Wedding celebration came in March, when we stayed overnight in a nearby five star hotel with an evening meal.   A fantastic experience, but little did we know what was coming! Two days after our return the country went into Lockdown.   So, it was from luxury to supermarket shopping to prepare for any impending closures or any restrictions that may be being imposed. 

Lockdown came on March 23rd and how strange and surreal it all felt. School closures, noone passing by, peope were advised to work from home. All of this meant no traffic and it seemed eerily quiet. Everyone seemed to start off by painting garden fences before swapping to garden and DIY projects. Thankfully, the weather was really good, probably unusually so for the time of year.

Our town quickly had a good support network up and running. Local shops delivered their produce,  found inventive ways to market their businesses, and two new organisatons have been born out of this. We stayed around home for the first three or four weeks until we felt comfortable with the new situation that we had found ourseves in. We would buy take away coffees and sit in one of the town gardens and while away a couple of hours each morning. The weather was perfect, it was a very quiet place to do all kinds of relecting. My stamina was good at this point and we ventured out for walks where we knew that it would be quiet. Eventually, we had an occasional drive out to local quiet places -trying all the time to support as many local independent businesses as posible. 

We "moved" into the conservatory and watched the flowers come and go and also watched fledglings grow and fly the nest.  Nature at its best. We got to know our closeby neighbours more, so the beginning of Lockdown, although a diffrent way of living, proved beneficial in many ways. It was as though everything had temporarily stopped and made us look at things in a different way.

One of the downsides to this is that we haven't been able to see or celebrate our eldest son's 40th birthday or that of a neice and nephew.   We only take comfort in that everyone remains fit and healthy.

All of this has meant that my support network had to tempoarily cease; No acupuncture, massages or seeing my MSK person from March until the end of August/September.  My stamina became less and as much as I have tried to do small walks it became very difficult.  This was very disappointing after my good run of health.

Our family from London came to visit at the end of August, before the schools were allowed to reopen for the Autumn term.  This is the first time that we had seen any family members since February and it is whilst they were here that I had a fall.                                                                                                       I awoke one night needing the bathroom and fell on the way back. I must have gone down with some force as I have probably broken a toe on my right foot, displaced some joints and am bruised. It is far from ideal, but tell myself that it is a "sideways move". Not a backwards one. All of this means that walking and puting my right foot down can be quite painful.  

Thankfully, the people who treat me have been allowed to restart practicing and I am now once again having acupuncture and being able to receive MSK treatment.                                                                    The Lockdown has had an adverse affect on my stamina and muscle tone. I have quite a stiff back and my affected arm requires continual stretching and exercising.   The unfortunate fall means that I now walk in a way to compensate for my walking difficulties, which in turn can affect my muscles and posture.

I have now found a new person to do my body massage, which will greatly assist with relaxing my muscle tissue and relieve tension. A couple of times I have had the additional  Daoyin Tao treatment, which restores body balance and uses Accupressure treatment for the face, scalp and ears. This treatment is remarkable, so gentle and I could feel the immeadiate difference.       

Quite a mixed year of fortunes so far this year. However, my mantra has always been to:

                                             Look forwards and not backwards.       

      "What If" or "Why Me" will never solve anything, and just wastes too much precious energy.                               

Ten Years On...

This Summer saw the tenth anniversary of my Stroke.  Each year the date rolls around on the calendar, but I never have looked back, and am only grateful that with a lot of support from family, friends and professionals I have been afforded the opportunity to make the best possible recovery.

Pre-Stroke we always ate healthily, infact I had a fruit bowl at the end of my desk at work, and went for a daily walk at lunchtime.   Others had cans of pop, chocolate and sweeties in their desk drawers.
Recently, with all the increased awareness of our planet, global warming and the like we are constantly re-thinking our way of life and diet to be as healthy as we can.
We have red meat only once a week and eat a lot of fish and chicken. Although we still eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, we have tipped the balance to be more vegetables than fruit on a daily basis, as fruit contains natural sugars.

A lot of lessons have been learnt over these ten years - a lot of advice freely given and accepted and some I have chosen to ignore. Some people have made, (in my opinion), crass remarks to which I have smiled at for a while, then decided that if these things had perhaps  been said to someone of a different disposition or temperament could be hurtful. So, I have engaged in a conversation about it.

I have sat and made a Personal list of structures which have helped me over the years:

*Never look at yourself as being disabled - look at all the things that you can do.
*Strive to complete daily achievable targets - make a tick list if necessary.
*It is ok to accept help - but do try first - don't give in.
*Do exercises as directed, if not, you are wasting the professionals time and taking someone's place.
*Wear your appliances eg: foot up splint or knee brace. People only see you for a short fleeting moment.
* What you can do on one day - you may not be able to do so on another. Don't let this bother you, and don't punish your self for this.
*If you are tired it is ok to go to bed early to rest.
* If you make arrangements to go out, it is ok to cancel.
*Never start a sentence: "I'm sorry"
*Never feel embarrassed.
*Talk to people, don't bottle things up.
* Don't listen to people who say You Can't.

"Do just once what others say you can't and you will never pay attention to their limitations again."
Captain James Cook. 

Michael Johnson - Olympic Athlete

Stroke knows no boundaries. They can happen to anyone.

Michael Johnson, athlete, superfit, healthy eater and the list goes on. How refreshing for such a high profile person to share, so publicly, his personal experience. Hopefully, this will give encouragement to others to follow his lead.

Whilst I acknowledge that every Stroke is different and affects people in different ways, the common goal is to make the best recovery possible.

For someone, who at the top of his game, who ran 200 metres in 19.32 seconds to find the reality of covering the same distance in hospital took 15 minutes must have been devastating - -
"tiny incremental" improvements gave him hope.

For me also, any small improvement brought great joy. This kept me focused to achieve the best possible outcome of such a devastating happening.

My mantra has always been: Recovery is a marathon and not a sprint. Just keep working .....

Read an interview with Michael Johnson:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/46234803

Wall Ball for Stroke

After the initial reality of disability after a Stroke, it can be difficult to keep focused on the road to recovery. Valuable work is immediately undertaken with a physiotherapist, either in hospital or in the community, and it can be hard to keep motivated once this contact comes to an end. I have tried all manner of exercises:  with my husband, doing some alone with simple objects that are found around the house and making a tick chart and also exercises within a group.

I read with interest about Wall Ball and the potential benefits that it can bring. Below is the most recent information that I have read regarding this form of exercise.

These particular kind of activity sessions are not only imperative for regaining control over coordination and body movements, but are also a wonderful opportunity to bring together people who have suffered strokes to help them support each other through the recovery process.

Coaches Shareen & Kamran have been tirelessly delivering weekly  sessions to two stroke rehab groups.  The aim of the trial, designed by our very own President and doctor, Daniel Grant, sees us use wallball as an adjunct intervention to community stroke rehab sessions. We hope that by  gamifying some aspects of rehab, wallball can help improve stroke outcomes. Stroke rehab depends heavily on community sessions, often run by volunteers,  and wallball is a cheap, simple and safe activity that can be introduced.

Phase 1 of our trial completed in October, with the team joined by London Sport’s Callum Whitton  to help with the trial recordings.

Phase 2 completes in January  when we re-measure all the tests and see if wallball has made a positive impact on stroke rehab.

We hope to unveil our results at the UK Open in February.
https://ukwallball.co.uk/stroke-trial-update/


A second link to WallBall information and the Stroke Association:  https://ukwallball.co.uk/stroke/

Clot buster operation for Stroke.

Clot-buster operation that 'brings stroke sufferers back to life': Treatment could help 8,000 patients by removing blockages using three-foot wire

• * Up to 8,000 stroke sufferers a year will benefit from the revolutionary technique 
• * Process works for more people and is far more effective than traditional drugs 
• * Procedure involves removing devastating blood clots which cause strokes

A treatment for strokes that can bring patients ‘back to life’ on the operating table is becoming available across the NHS.

Up to 8,000 stroke sufferers a year will benefit from the revolutionary technique, which works for more people and is far more effective than traditional drugs.

The procedure – called a mechanical thrombectomy – involves carefully removing the devastating blood clots which cause strokes from deep within the brain using a three-foot long wire.

Up to 8,000 stroke sufferers a year will benefit from the revolutionary technique, which works for more people and is far more effective than traditional drugs

Until now, doctors have mainly used drugs to dissolve the blood clots – but the chemicals can have severe side effects, and do not work at all in about 15 per cent of patients with the most severe strokes.

Patients treated with the new procedure have an 80 to 90 per cent chance of success, compared with 30 per cent using clot-busting drugs.

For further information, follow the link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4400014/Clot-buster-operation-brings-stroke-sufferers-life.html

** I am still maintaining progress and although I don't always see it,  people who have not seen me for a while notice the difference.

In the main I keep reasonably well, but there are still things that I cannot do which can cause me frustration rather than despondency. 

I am more active, which is good, but this in turn still causes exhaustion and sore limbs, muscles and joints. Although I shower daily, I occasionally use Epsom Salts in a bath which relieve the tired muscles.  It does feel as though it  can be a vicious circle at times but that is the consequence of progress and wanting to conquer the effects of my Stroke.

I still cannot blow my nose properly and it has been suggested that I could improve on this situation by trying to extinguish a candle by blowing down my nose! Well, I'm prepared to try anything and will have to see what happens!

New Year & Fresh Start

We are now three and a half weeks into the New Year, and what once again will be a fresh start with the whole year ahead.

I have been "off air" for a few months, but it hasn't been without incident. I fell in September and, to my dismay, fell in exactly the same place at home a couple of months later. I shook myself up again, but thankfully did not hurt my bad arm the second time. I spent much of the time sitting around, reading and preparing for Christmas, but now feel that it is time to put effort into my recovery particularly my stamina levels which have significantly dropped. A hard lesson to learn - no matter what - you must keep up with exercising and doing as much walking as you can manage.
It is the old adage: Use it, or Lose it.
I am back on track and managing to walk a bit further each day, thankfully the weather has been mainly dry and not too cold.

Sitting, gave me time to reflect on what a different way of life I now have. I have never been angry about what has happened, just extremely thankful for all the support that has been given to me, unconditionally. If I do lay awake at night in bed, I sometimes think about some simple arm exercises that I can be doing and Yes, I do them!! I owe such a lot to the professionals set got me on the road to recovery and I owe it to them not to give up.

I still:
Can be forgetful,  get muddled,  soon tire easily,  still type certain letter groups the wrong way round eg: ht instead of th. and thte for the
Cannot get in or out of the bath.
Cannot blow my nose!
Can be full of intention one day and have no intentions the next.     The list goes on . .

However, I can:
Walk,  how far depends on how I am on any one day
Get dressed and washed,  have only some anxieties about going to new places,
Have no anxieties about ordering food which I want to eat and not what I know that I can manage.
Eat left handed
Write, (of a fashion), left handed
Put clothes on the washing line - using my teeth to hold the pegs!!
Fasten zips and tie shoe laces - these needed hours of practice.

I miss:
Driving the car & being able to go where and when I want.

Reading this back has re-inforced my determination to conquer my Stroke and for this I have two role models: one a cousin of mine and the other the amazing
Jill Bolte aylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU

A new year, a new set of challenges to be set and overcome.

Snap! Shut the Box . . .

The following was taken from BBC News/Health 28th June 2016:

Playing simple card games, such as snap, can help stroke patients with their recovery, say Canadian researchers.

The scientists found it improved patients' motor skills.

Playing Jenga, bingo or a games consol like Wii worked equally well.

They told the Lancet Neurology that the type of task used for motor rehabilitation might be less relevant, as long as it is intensive, repetitive and gets the hands and arms moving.

The researchers designed their study to test whether virtual reality gaming, which is increasingly being employed as a rehab therapy for stroke patients, is any better than more traditional games for honing upper limb motor skills.

The Canadian team recruited 141 patients who had recently suffered a stroke, and now had some impaired movement in one or both of their hands and arms.

Approximately half of the patients, at random, were then allocated to the Wii rehab, while the rest were asked to do other recreational activities, such as playing cards.

All of the patients continued to receive usual stroke rehabilitation care and support on top of the 10, one-hour sessions of gaming or card playing for a fortnight.

Both groups showed significant improvement in their motor skills at the end of the two weeks and four weeks later.

Importantly, both groups fared equally well, say the researchers.

While it's not clear from this study how much of the improvement was from the regular stroke care the participants received, other research suggests adding in more therapy is beneficial.

Investigator Dr Gustavo Saposnik, from St Michael's Hospital in Toronto, said: "We all like technology and have the tendency to think that new technology is better than old-fashioned strategies, but sometimes that's not the case. In this study, we found that simple recreational activities that can be implemented anywhere may be as effective as technology."

Alexis Wieroniey of the UK's Stroke Association said the findings were particularly encouraging because they suggest that inexpensive, easily accessible activities can help some stroke survivors in their recovery.

"Thousands of stroke survivors are left with mobility problems, and this can lead to a devastating loss of independence," she added.

** When I was an in-patient and as soon as was able to after my Stroke, I took delivery of a daily newspaper and tried to complete the crossword. This was always done prior to me reading the news.
I played "Shut The Box" and simple card games with friends and family to stimulate my brain.
Early participation, I strongly believe helped me to "kick start" my brain and motor skills. These days I use a Colouring Book - start with simple and progress. There are also Apps  to download.

It is a challenge, but that is what recovery is all about -
KEEP CHALLENGING.

Trial of device to aid Hand Movement

Stroke patients are starting a trial of a new electronic device to recover movement and control of their hand.

Neuroscientists at Newcastle University have developed the device, the size of a mobile phone, which delivers a series of small electrical shocks followed by an audible click to strengthen brain and spinal connections.

The experts believe this could revolutionise treatment for patients, providing a wearable solution to the effects of Stroke.

A miniaturised device which delivers an audible click followed by a weak electric shock to the arm muscle to strengthen the brain's connection has been developed. Stroke patients in the trial wear an earpiece and a pad on each arm, linked by wires to the device so that the click and shock can be continually delivered to them.

Research is vital to aid recovery of many conditions and this seems really positive and must give hope to Stroke sufferers. It is now more then 7 years since my life changing Stroke and my hand has not yet recovered. I am still keeping up with exercises and the use of the SaeboGlove and remain optimistic that one day I will fully recover.  This research must give fresh and renewed optimism to the thousands of people who strive to recover.

To read more - follow the link

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/news/2016/10/strokerecoverydevicestuartbaker/

Temporarily Switching Tactics

Today I have had an appointment with my Neuro-physiotherapist at hospital and as always we started with an update on my condition.
As my right arm and hand are still recovering from my fall. it has been decided to temporarily suspend the wearing of the SaeboGlove until they are both fully fit and able to start exercising again.

In the meantime another set of exercises and appliances are to be used to aid my walking gait. I have often thought that it may be beneficial to use two "walking poles" so that there is better equilibrium. This in turn may help the continual cycle of sore neck and shoulders and even hips.

Firstly, I used a trolley, as shown, just to exercise with. It was quite amazing how much better my arm felt after stretching.

The exercises were to simply push the trolley forwards and backwards: firstly in-front of the body and then out to the right and left side - performing each task a number of times before changing direction. the fourth exercise was to move the trolley in a sweeping manoeuvre in a semi-circle from side to side.  No walking is required, but you must allow the body to move with the trolley. This has to  be done only in the house. No walking outside with one.

So, this will be my next routine over the next six weeks, before moving on to the next progression of Fischer Walking Sticks.



I tried out a Fischer Walking Stick, as shown below.  It was fitted so that the handle was elbow height, if it is any lower it can cause the shoulder to drag downwards. This again felt comfortable and used as a pair it will aid walking quite significantly. The affected arm still needs reminding that it has a purpose. I try at every opportunity to use the right hand, but it is not always cooperative.

The next progression after the Fischer sticks will be to use Leki, (walking), poles. See right.

All of this will take time, however, the result will mean that my walking and posture will be significantly improved and this can only be a positive outcome. Another few months is a short time.

One step forwards - two steps backwards

As you may know, if you read this blog regularly, I never look back at what I have previously written about. I write when I feel "the need to" or when I would simply like to update my progress in relation to what I have been doing.

This year is proving to be somewhat of a roller coaster regarding my health issues and whilst I may not always like what is happening, I have to keep reminding myself that I do not have any control of how my body will react to situations. Frustration still pays a large part of my emotions, but it is all too easy to "get bogged down" or to concede defeat.

In June we had a great family time together, something which is a rarity at present, but since then my health has been somewhat indifferent. I am still sporadically troubled with fatigue and neck pain, which can cause headaches.
.
The last six weeks have been eventful - some of it in a good way and some not. All of this has left me very debilitated once more and meant that my right arm and hand has not been working to a standard which I had achieved. My stamina levels have dropped, it is almost as if my body has just shut down to concentrate on helping me to recover again.   Once more I am travelling around the circle.

Over the last month and a half to aid my recovery I have again had acupuncture almost weekly to help to combat the fatigue and headaches. This has really assisted me and after a block of five sessions my stamina has improved. I have also required treatment on my neck and to  re-align my body.

I have been told that: "I am running on determination" and in a way I guess that I am, but I couldn't have got to my current level of recovery without solid support from family, friends and professionals.
However, I know that I have still some way to go to recover as much as I can and that exercising is one of the key factors in achieving this.

I am sure that the weather can play its part in determining how joints, muscles and nerves "behave". In the winter months my arm and hand tighten significantly, whilst in the warmer weather everything is so much more relaxed.
I have noticed recently that changes in atmospheric pressure can make a difference in relation to headaches and "swimmy heads".

Update: Yesterday I fell whilst getting out of the shower, my left foot slipped on the bath mat and I slid and banged my right shoulder on the washbasin. Sadly, this is my affected arm and it has left me not only a little shaken, but also feeling bruised around the shoulder and neck area. I have also possibly overstretched my neck muscles and right leg muscles. So, it is now enforced rest once again.

**Eating and drinking properly keeps energy levels up and in the colder months will assist the body to cope with colder temperatures and also trying to stay active will improve circulation.

Once my current levels have stamina have sufficiently  improved I am considering a return to the Chairobics classes.

Merry Go Round

Here I am, back again.

I am currently in a rather "unsettled" phase once more.  I am experiencing neck, back, upper leg and knee problems which I cannot seem to be rid of. Whilst this is disappointing, I cannot do much about it only rest and put into practice what I tell others to do, which seems quite a tall order on some days.

I am not despondent about things - more frustrated - that I cannot fully shake off what has been with me now intermittently for some months. It is hard knowing that I have previously been so much better, but I have to accept that I will recover.

I have had weekly acupuncture appointments for the last four weeks and these have helped in some way with my stamina levels. Deep tissue massages have assisted with the pains in my legs - but only on a temporary basis.
I find that when I sit down for any length of time that my hamstring muscles seem to be affected as do the muscles at the back of my knees. I can have a sensation of "prickliness" at the top of my leg. Going up and downstairs can cause a sharp pain in the front of my knees.

It is very easy to sit and contemplate all kinds of scenarios that may be incorrect, but I have never contemplated looking at the internet for possible causes. I am assured by the professionals who look after me that I have not got cellulitis or that I will need knee replacements!!! See how easy it could be to contemplate issues that there are no signs of!

Maybe it is "nature's way" of slowing me down and aiding my recovery from this temporary blip.
As frustrating as it can be, if I don't listen to what my body is telling me my recovery from this will only be prolonged.

It has been a busy family time with more trips than usual to Lancashire to see them. In three weeks we travel to London to have a family weekend with our sons and celebrate our grandson's first birthday.

I do not like taking more medication than is prescribed for me and I have been recommended the use of Wood Lock Oil which is an analgesic made from menthol, camphor,turpentine, cinnamon and peppermint. It is widely used for a variety of pains and strains and can temporarily increase circulation. I use this for tight muscles as an aid for relaxation. As in  traditional Chinese medicine terminology it increases the heat of an area which can soothe soreness and improve the flow of energy. It can be rubbed into the affected area by pressing the oil down into the skin. It must be used sparingly two - three drops only - and a spot test should be done prior to use to test for allergies.
I must stress that I find this product to be of benefit, however it may not be suitable for others and I accept no responsibility.

Over the years I have not only had the help of professionals but have also devised my own version of exercising. I am coming up to the 7th anniversary if my Stroke and although it is not always "plain sailing" I am still Work -in-Progress towards my goal of combating it.

4th SaeboGove Check and Further Exercises

This week I had an appointment with the Neurophysio at the hospital, after a lapse of eight weeks. I knew that whatever I had to do would leave me tired.

Two days before this appointment I had a leg massage to help with my painful legs and knees and also to boost my stamina. I do find that these treatments are beneficial especially after a period indifferent health which I have been experiencing recently.

As usual the session with the physio started with a discussion about the SaeboGlove, what not to do with it and further exercises were discussed and undertaken.  One thing not to do is wear it for long periods or overnight.

The tensioners remain as before  except that the middle one on the third finger has been re-installed.(Not shown) The SaeboGlove can be used in two ways: for exercise and for stretching.
The optimum time has to be personally worked out but should not be used for periods of longer than forty to forty five minutes.
The double bands are used when stretching is required and this can be undertaken whilst simply reading or having a period of quiet time.
One band only should be used for exercising.

The first exercise was to make the affected wrist "crease or wrinkle" and in so doing, re-align the wrist.
 By holding on to the walking stick handle, applying pressure through it and flexing the wrist in a downwards movement this can easily be achieved.It is surprising how much better this felt
afterwards.

Triceps

I also was shown how to bring my affected shoulder forwards over my stick to give the triceps a stretch. This has to be done whilst keeping the body straight and ensuring that the shoulder does not cross over my body.
Any time you spend standing or exercising it is good practice to pull in the tummy and bottom which will give better posture.

The second exercise was to hold a pen or pencil in the affected hand with the point facing upwards. Then, reach forwards as far as possible, maintaining the pen in the upright position, If necessary "nudge" the arm out with the good hand to get the arm  to full stretch -  making sure that the arm is straight and take it across to the side whilst maintaining the position of the pen. Quite a task. One to work at.

I do not return to see the Neurophysio until after the summer and I have one last challenge to try:
Disable my good hand, by putting a mitten on it and for a period of time eg: an afternoon or morning if it is a time when feeling refreshed after sleep, and do everything with the affected hand.

It seems that I am about to embark on a busy period during the next few months, but t is another set of challenges that I will undertake in what are the last pieces of the jigsaw of my journey to recovery.

February to May 2016 Varied Health

It is nearly almost three months since I last made an entry, this time has been one of mixed fortunes health wise.

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.

Brno - Cabbage Market Square

Brno - Cathedral

Brno - Astronomical clock, Namesti Svobody

Brno - Favourite underground restaurant

Brno - Kninicy Reservoir

Brno - Ossuary, under St. James Church

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.

Prague - Castle

Prague's narrowest street, with traffic lights!

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

3rd SaeboGlove Fitting - - - and 9,000 Views

Over the last week the Blog statistics indicate that it has been viewed 9,000 times and rising. To those who are reading it, I hope that if you are a Stroke survivor, you will gain some kind of insight and encouragement to know that with a good positive outlook and a good support network or sheer determination we can "all get there" however long it may take.
I wish you all the very best in your quest.

Yesterday I had my 3rd appointment with the neurophysio for an update of the SaeboGlove. I am pleased to say that all is going well and as usual, further new exercises were introduced and general advice regarding posture/stretching and the wearing of the glove and resting splint were given.

The tensioners on the SaeboGlove were altered and an extra one has been put on the ring finger, this finger is the only one that I still cannot get fully straight. Using this formation makes it more comfortable whilst wearing the glove and also means that I can now bend over the ring finger and push it back to being straight.  Something to work at.

Up to now I have been wearing a resting splint overnight to keep my fingers straight and it was decided that it is now the correct time to try without it or use it for a lesser amount of time. Last  night was the first night in more or less six and a half years without it. I had a disturbed sleep as it did feel rather "weird" without it and I kept checking the state of my fingers! I am pleased to say that the fingers were nice and long and straight when I got up in the morning and I hope that this will continue.
A discussion ensued about the wearing of the SaeboGlove overnight and I am prepared to try this, although I would not like to do this on a regular basis as this would entail not wearing it for any length of time during the day when exercises are undertaken.

Have you ever paid much attention as to how you get out of bed? I admit that it isn't something that I've given much thought to, however, there is a simple exercise which can be done at this time that can become second nature. By placing your affected hand flat onto the mattress and pushing it down, then swinging your body round to put your legs over the side of the bed you are actually giving a stretch to your wrist. Again, something which is quite simple can be effective.
If you still need to stretch the wrist other suggested ways are:
* Open the hand and try and stretch it over the corners of a wall
* Try and put the palm of the hand, fingers down, flat onto a wall - I find this quite difficult and have not yet mastered this technique.

Trying to keep the affected elbow straight sometimes proved to be a challenge earlier on in my recovery. These days this is quite good and I have found that the wearing of the Glove and just simply walking about has helped tremendously. I also challenge myself by pushing both hands, palm upwards at the back of me, then swing both arms backwards and forwards freely.
I have tried without too much success to push out both arms, keeping elbows straight, in front of me whilst keeping my shoulders down. (If you are not too sure what you are achieving do exercises in front of a  mirror, and then you will see which techniques need improving.)
The following methods were suggested:
* Sit on a chair that has arm rests, put both straight arms onto the rests and push the elbows down - to measure your effectiveness place a squeaky toy under the arms and wait for the noise!
* Get your partner to place their palms uppermost and place them underneath your elbows, keeping your arms straight and shoulders down press the elbow into their palms.
* Place your good arm across your body, palm upwards, hold out straight the affected arm resting the affected elbow in the palm and press down. Hopefully these can be achieved without raising the shoulders.

Lastly, as I am now more active and do more walking I can sometimes experience back, neck and knee pain. A simple, but nonetheless effective way of correcting posture was also discussed at the appointment and this is to use a Pilates technique:
Stand with your back to a wall - feet not too near - pull in the core muscles and roll the shoulders back until they touch the wall.

This can be done as part of a daily routine eg:
After breakfast, lunch and evening meal or if you return from a walk.

All of these exercises do not incur any expense and in the long term will be beneficial.

In another few weeks it will be the annual group trip and I look forward to letting you know how I survived and what techniques were used.

Make May Purple for Stroke

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What is Make May Purple?

Make May Purple is the Stroke Association's annual stroke awareness month, which takes place every May.  Friends, families and communities show their support for their loved ones who have been affected by stroke and help to raise awareness and essential funds for the Stroke Association.

Why don't you try one of our three ‘purple’ ideas to show your support and raise money to conquer stroke? Check out these simple ways to wear, bake or plant May Purple.

Whatever you choose to do, whether it's holding a bake sale, signing up to an event or getting sponsored to dye your hair, there are many easy ways for everyone to get involved. The main thing is to have fun, get people talking about Make May Purple and raise vital funds for our work supporting people affected by stroke.

Get involved

Sign up now for an action pack. You’ll get a free Make May Purple magazine full of great recipes, stories and fun ideas to share with your family, friends and colleagues. You will also receive an order form for Make May Purple materials including leaflets, stickers, bunting, a collection box and balloons which will help make your fundraising really stand out. You can also order these items in our Make May Purple online shop.

#MakeMayPurple

Follow #MakeMayPurple and #StrokeMonth hashtags on social media to share activities and successes.

To find out  more: www.stroke.org.uk/take-action/make-may-purple

ke.org.uk/take-action/https://www.stroke.org.uk/take-action/mhttps://www.stroke.org.uk/take-action/mahttps://www.stroke.org.uk/take-action/make-may-purpleke-may-purpleake-may-purplemake-may-purhtion/make-may-purple

Always Look Forwards

Well, at long last I seem to be on the road to recovery after the virus. I am sleeping a good and solid eight hours and although I awake refreshed I am still mindful not to overdo things.
The weather conditions are currently quite varied, but I have decided to try and walk when it is not raining. We are lucky to live in such a picturesque place with numerous coffee shops dotted around town.  I try and go a different route each day and the length of my walk will depend on my stamina levels and "which aches and pains" I am experiencing.
I was once given the valuable advice of never  finish a walk by having to go uphill. With this in mind I do try to plan my routes and if I walk alone I always have points of contacts with me in case of any difficulties. It is hard trying to regain stamina again and after the walks I just "chill", however, these days I am lucky that I can recover overnight or quicker on some days.
I have re-started to wear and exercise with the SaeboGlove and sometimes walk whilst wearing it. I have noticed that my fingers are starting to relax and be long once more and that my wrist is not as tight has it has been. Whilst wearing the glove I will put my hand flat on the dining table and see how far I can push it forwards and then turn the wrist over. I am currently working towards getting the palm uppermost. I can also build a small tower of blocks this tests my motor skills and at first was very tricky to achieve.
Two of my long term goals are to be to be able to put shampoo on my hair and wash it whilst in the shower and to be able to cut my own toe nails!!!

I am now beginning to hold a fork in my right hand and eat using this method and can now also drink from a small cup. A first these tasks felt hard work and high concentration was needed to place the fork which seemed to be heavy. I practiced with a fork and bubble wrap and by constant repetition found that I could place it where I wanted. - - You don't need expensive aids!!

Walking in the sunshine

Ring Out The Old, Ring In The New

Here I am at the beginning of a New Year and just like the end of last year, this new one has come in like a lion.

In December we assisted one of our sons and his wife to prepare for their move to Australia. This entailed packing the contents of their house and getting the house ready to market. A busy time and on Christmas Eve the move cube arrived to collect their goods for shipping. Later, when we had been home for around 3 hours our other son and family arrived to spend Christmas with us and this proved to be a welcome diversion to all that had been going on. Both families met up a few days later for a farewell meal which proved to be both a happy and sad occasion.
Add to this, that around this time, my mother in law fell and broke her hip and has been in two hospitals and is now in residential care it has been pretty much "full on" and probably quite stressful.

It didn't take long before everything caught up with me and on New Year's Eve I succumbed to a flu type virus. This usually happen most years post Stroke, but this time it has been particularly aggressive.
I seem to lose a symptom and gain one but am hopeful that it has virtually "run out". I have experienced lower back pain, hot and cold sweats,tiredness and a cough so bad that it made my ribs hurt! One night I needed the bathroom, but was completely disorientated when I woke up and when I was helped out of bed could not get my legs to move. This was fairly distressing, but a trip to my G.P. reassured me that everything was ok.

It is now taking quite a while to fully recover and as usual it has meant that my progress and sadly the use of the Saeboglove has been put on hold. My hand, arm and fingers have tensed, my walking is currently limited and I'm very lethargic.

Whilst I am now wearing the glove to extend the joints, I cannot realistically undertake any of the set targets to any purposeful outcome. Practice and more practice is required and I currently do not have the stamina. With this in mind I have asked for my next appointment with the neurophysio to  be postponed, I am not concerned or "hung up" about this ,more frustrated that it is interfering with my progress. However, I know from previous occasions that once fully recovered it will be like nothing ever happened and I will just pick up the pieces and continue. These days I do accept that there will be blips, some more testing than others and as a Stroke survivor you have to work doubly hard to get over them.

One of the new targets was to hold a fork in my right hand and repeatedly "stab" PlayDoh or bubble wrap as a "target". This will be a pre-cursor to being able to use both my knife and fork, sometimes it is the simple ideas which can be most effective. You do not have to have lots of expensive aids.

I will fully restart as soon as possible and look forward to sharing my progress.

Saebo Glove updates & Exercises

21st December 2015

I have now had two further appointments with the Neurological Physio - to assess my progress in demonstrating what I can now achieve, discuss long term goals and to set new interim targets.
I find these sessions really beneficial and take on board the information and tasks which I am assigned.

The middle band has been removed on the index finger and I have noticed that the band on the middle finger has become slack and before too long will require a shorter length to make the finger work harder. The long term goal is that eventually bands will not be required.

I now walk with a long straight arm and can grasp a soft ball and put it in a cup. The unit comes with four small shapes to test manual dexterity - I was thrilled to be able to grab each one in turn and place it on top of the other.(Photo taken from web-site) One useless task that I can do quite easily is to put my index finger in my right ear!! Useless, I know, but there has to be a fun element. Cleaning my teeth has also become easier as I now no longer have to virtually keep my arm still and move my head, but can do this in the usual manner. I can put shampoo on my right hand but do still require the aid of my left and to lift it to my head. All in all things are going in the right direction, but it is now a case of building on these things and keep testing out things that I always took for granted. General light housework I have been doing for some time, but we've invested in a lightweight vacuum cleaner which enables me to do more chores and has the feeling of achievement as I can push it with the hand that was affected.

As each target is achieved and can be done "second nature" new ones are worked on. If aids or equipment is not readily available in the house I try and improvise with the materials that are around me.

ULTIMATE GOALS: Ideally I would like to be able to use both hands to:

Eat, Wash/Shower, Drink and Use Hair Drier (these are subject to change)

Exercises set at 2nd visit:

   Raise arms and counter balance but keep arm straight

   Pick up ball

   Move and lift both arms to side and then open fingers (splay) - - keeping elbow straight

   Drink from cup

   Hand flip

BEFORE EXERCISES: KEEP TAIL BONE IN AND PULL IN CORE as in PILATES

Exercises set at 3rd visit:

To loosen the arm before exercising - put the right hand  on the top of the bathroom tower radiator and do a knee bob.

Make the hand lead - even if it means flexing wrist upwards and then giving the appearance of pushing off..

I have tried to eat by "stabbing" food with a fork, not always successfully - so I am now trying to "stab" bubble wrap or plasticine/Play Doh doing this up to 30 times a day until I get confident, then I will try a plate of food!

I next have an appointment at the end of January, it will soon be Christmas and the New Year and on top of this family time there are a lot of extra events taking place. I have been advised not to "get hung up" about being 100% diligent. I have previously  noticed that if I don't or cannot succeed due to tiredness or too many commitments my hand is still affected and will not cooperate! 

1st Saebo Glove fitting

 

On the 12th November I had the first fitting of my newly purchased Saebo Glove with the Neurological Physio at my local hospital. It is very important to learn how to ensure that it is fitted correctly, otherwise it may be pressing/resting on incorrect joints which could do harm.
Once confident with this, I was taken through a series of controlled exercises that must be undertaken once a day. As I progress updated exercises will be given, but always under the expertise of professionals.

I have found it useful to take initial photographs so that I can see where to place the tension bands. As the tone improves the bands will need to be changed.

Updates on progress will be published.