Occasionally I look at the statistics for this blog.
Amongst the statistics I can tell the countries where people are reading the blog and also which are the entries that have been read the most.
I have been amazed that it is being read from the USA & Canada to Australia & New Zealand. Other "top readers" are: UK, Spain, Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, Greece, Latvia, India, Ukraine, Germany, France, Malaysia and Chile.
The entries that have been most read:
Five Small Minutes, Stroke Awareness Day 2011 & 2013, Chairobics, Botox entries, Splints Discharge, Stroke Association fact sheets, Observations and Comments and the First Weekend.
I started the Blog as I needed to fill in endless hours of "not being able to do very much". I had been in full time employment for fifteen years prior to the Stroke and also had a busy social life and amongst other things - latterly with a small nucleus of friends fund-raising for our local theatre.
One of my children suggested that it would be a good idea to chart my progress to recovery and from that seed it has grown and has to date had 4,100 hits, which is truly astonishing.
To all of you people who are reading the blog, I would like to say thank you and I hope that it may either be helping with your recovery or giving an insight into what can be a very long road to recovery. I always advise people that you have to be prepared for a marathon and not a sprint.
After four years I am still showing signs of improvement and my
family and all of my friends have helped in my recovery, they have
been my inspiration and reason to want to conquer this temporary state as I call it.
Last week was my 60th birthday & I had an extended weekend of celebrations - more of this later!
I am still going to carry on writing but I still, so far, have not revisited several of the entries.
Monday, 15 July 2013
Friday, 12 July 2013
June 2013
June was a good month - although I got off to a rather difficult start.
I have no idea what causes my neck to become very painful, as it sporadically does, but when this happens it becomes very painful indeed. Not only did I have a re-occurence of this but I also managed to pop out my diaphragm. After two treatment sessions to rectify these problems I felt much better and just had to take things very steadily once more.
I still also continue with acupuncture and the needles are inserted for maximum effect of where I need the assistance most on any particular treatment day.
All of these combined treatments are helping me to recover in an all round way. Effectively I am being treated with skeletal, eastern and western medicine.
The last two weeks in June was time for our holiday and this year we have had an Adriatic cruise followed by a week at a small family run hotel in Corfu.
The cruise itinerary:-
Fly to Corfu to join the ship, first day at sea and then the following ports:
Kopor-Slovenia, Venice, Sibenik and Dubrovnik-Croatia and finally Kotor-Montenegro.
The cruise was chosen as the ship anchored for the day in all of these ports, except for Venice and Sibenik where it was transfer by tender. Organised day trips were not really necessary and that gave us plenty of time to wander around places at our leisure.
The scenery was stunning and the sail away from Venice was truly memorable as three members of the showteam were on the upper deck and sang Italian arias and songs in Italian as we passed by all the spectacular sights that only Venice can have. An event not to be forgotten.
After the cruise we stayed at The Costas Golden Beach Hotel, Aghios Georgios, Corfu for one week.
A small family run hotel where relaxation is everything. The family owners simply cannot do enough for you. A perfect place to relax after the schedule of a cruise.
http://www.costasgoldenbeachhotel.com/index.html
On the Monday whilst we were at the hotel I became slightly unwell, probably a combination of tiredness and heat. I went to rest at lunchtime and did not actually get up until the following morning! The hotel owner's daughter sent some plain food to our room and made sure that I was ok.
At this point I must mention that whilst we were on the cruise the weather just got hotter as the week progressed. Venice was particularly so, and in actual fact one person on the cruise collapsed in the heat and was taken to hospital by water ambulance. I seemed to manage in these conditions but once back on board my breathing was slightly shallow with no deep breathing. I drank lots more water and had eventually had to rest for a couple of hours. I did also see the ship's doctor one morning due to sunburn, he gave me a thorough examination and asked me to go back a further twice so he could check my blood pressure and sats levels. So this was reassurance that was particularly welcome.
I managed to keep my feet from swelling by wearing canvas lace-up pumps and more importantly wearing my foot-up splint. However, on three occasions I had really bad leg cramp overnight which disturbed my sleeping. Overall, a wonderful and memorable holiday with just a couple of minor problems.
At the UK & Corfu airports I had assistance: I still cannot cope with lots of people and the rigour of going through security. I still get the "racing" head and my emotions run high. Even after the assistance at Corfu, once I got in the departure area I had to sit quietly and once again shed a few tears. I cannot explain why this happens and I would like to think that I am getting better with regard to this - but am clearly not - not yet!
The weekend prior to the holiday proved to be an eventful one as it was the annual Bed Race in the town where I live.
I have no idea what causes my neck to become very painful, as it sporadically does, but when this happens it becomes very painful indeed. Not only did I have a re-occurence of this but I also managed to pop out my diaphragm. After two treatment sessions to rectify these problems I felt much better and just had to take things very steadily once more.
I still also continue with acupuncture and the needles are inserted for maximum effect of where I need the assistance most on any particular treatment day.
All of these combined treatments are helping me to recover in an all round way. Effectively I am being treated with skeletal, eastern and western medicine.
The last two weeks in June was time for our holiday and this year we have had an Adriatic cruise followed by a week at a small family run hotel in Corfu.
The cruise itinerary:-
Fly to Corfu to join the ship, first day at sea and then the following ports:
Kopor-Slovenia, Venice, Sibenik and Dubrovnik-Croatia and finally Kotor-Montenegro.
The cruise was chosen as the ship anchored for the day in all of these ports, except for Venice and Sibenik where it was transfer by tender. Organised day trips were not really necessary and that gave us plenty of time to wander around places at our leisure.
The scenery was stunning and the sail away from Venice was truly memorable as three members of the showteam were on the upper deck and sang Italian arias and songs in Italian as we passed by all the spectacular sights that only Venice can have. An event not to be forgotten.
 |
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dubrovnik |
A small family run hotel where relaxation is everything. The family owners simply cannot do enough for you. A perfect place to relax after the schedule of a cruise.
http://www.costasgoldenbeachhotel.com/index.html
On the Monday whilst we were at the hotel I became slightly unwell, probably a combination of tiredness and heat. I went to rest at lunchtime and did not actually get up until the following morning! The hotel owner's daughter sent some plain food to our room and made sure that I was ok.
At this point I must mention that whilst we were on the cruise the weather just got hotter as the week progressed. Venice was particularly so, and in actual fact one person on the cruise collapsed in the heat and was taken to hospital by water ambulance. I seemed to manage in these conditions but once back on board my breathing was slightly shallow with no deep breathing. I drank lots more water and had eventually had to rest for a couple of hours. I did also see the ship's doctor one morning due to sunburn, he gave me a thorough examination and asked me to go back a further twice so he could check my blood pressure and sats levels. So this was reassurance that was particularly welcome.
I managed to keep my feet from swelling by wearing canvas lace-up pumps and more importantly wearing my foot-up splint. However, on three occasions I had really bad leg cramp overnight which disturbed my sleeping. Overall, a wonderful and memorable holiday with just a couple of minor problems.
At the UK & Corfu airports I had assistance: I still cannot cope with lots of people and the rigour of going through security. I still get the "racing" head and my emotions run high. Even after the assistance at Corfu, once I got in the departure area I had to sit quietly and once again shed a few tears. I cannot explain why this happens and I would like to think that I am getting better with regard to this - but am clearly not - not yet!
The weekend prior to the holiday proved to be an eventful one as it was the annual Bed Race in the town where I live.
| Local branches of National organisations, clubs and individuals pre-plan for around nine months of the year to make this annual event a huge success. On the day after the bed race I attended a re-union of the area where I was brought up until being about ten years of age. A photograph of the local children had appeared in the local paper sixty years ago, marking the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11, and at the re-union the photograph was recreated by as many people as possible who were on the original. A buffet lunch was provided and ex-neighbours chatted, reminisced, took photographs and swapped contact details. How wonderful and unique this must be - but it was a unique time growing up in the '50's in such a safe environment in this little area of the town where I grew up. Another memorable occasion, one that we have decided to carry on and meet up every two years. So, to summarize, June proved to be an amazing month, with lots of treasured moments. My health is still improving & I still get the occasional glitch, however, I have finally learnt not to worry when it happens and be accepting of the fact that things cannot get back to where they were four years ago. Sometimes, this can be very frustrating: I would have liked to have gone on a couple of walks with my husband whilst we were in Corfu, but knew that it was not possible. He has been very accepting of the fact that we cannot go on long walks together and is understanding of my limitations and has also come to accept that some things he must do on his own. He now goes with a camera and takes lots of photographs and explains what he has seen, so I don't miss out too much.  |
|---|
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Weight: Gain & Loss
It is now seven weeks since I joined a slimming club and during this time I have managed a weight loss of 9.5lbs. Each week I have managed to lose a little weight and now I am noticing the difference, especially how my clothes are fitting!
I was spurred on to join a class because I knew that a group situation would prove to be valuable. I joined primarily when I was on the verge of increasing to another dress size, having already increased by one size since my Stroke.
I eat very well and do not "starve" myself or go hungry: I have learnt how to balance food and ways to optimise. Subtle changes can have tremendous results and if there is a "blip" one week then not to be despondent.
Breakfast usually consists of cereals with fruit, (raspberries and blueberries), or a bowl of fresh fruit or wholemeal toast.
Lunch can be a sandwich or jacket potato with filling.
Dinner/Tea is fresh meat/fish with plenty of vegetables.
It doesn't feel like dieting when you can eat unlimited fish/meat/poultry/fruit and eggs, however getting the balance is key and I have to be mindful to have foods that are high in calcium and fibre as well.
Occasionally I will menu plan, but I have found that it is a good idea to write out a list when we go shopping - and not to deviate!
During the first couple of weeks I kept a food diary which initially helped me until it became routine.
This would show at a glance what foods and combinations that I had been eating and also show me the initial weeks weight losses. More importantly - was it working, had I got it right?
I also charted my exercise, which differs weekly according to my stamina and how able I am. I can walk with the use of a stick, however, this can cause ankle, knee and neck pain. Some days I can have difficulty in walking up and downstairs and on days like this I have learnt not to "beat myself up" but just accept that on the following day I will probably be better.
Sharing recipes and information with group members is a very useful and free tool. I now feel healthier and I am sure that not carrying the increased weight can only be beneficial.
Monday, 27 May 2013
Stem Cell Rresearch
Stroke patients see signs of recovery in stem-cell trial
Trial patients will get progressively higher doses of stem cells
Five
seriously disabled stroke patients have shown small signs of recovery
following the injection of stem cells into their brain.
Prof Keith Muir, of Glasgow University, who is treating them,
says he is "surprised" by the mild to moderate improvements in the five
patients.He stresses it is too soon to tell whether the effect is due to the treatment they are receiving.
The results will be presented at the European Stroke Conference in London.
Complete paralysis BBC News has had the first exclusive interview with one of the patients involved.
They are taking part in a small clinical trial involving nine patients in their 60s, 70s and 80s at Glasgow's Southern General Hospital to assess the safety of the procedure which involves injecting stem cells into the damaged brain part.
It is one of the first trials in the world to test the use of stem cells in patients.
Results to be presented on Tuesday show that there have been no adverse effects on the patients so far and there have been improvements to more than half participating in the trial.
However, at this stage it is not possible to say whether the improvements are due to the close medical attention the patients are receiving. It is well documented that the feeling of wellbeing resulting from such attention, known as the placebo effect, can have a positive effect on people's health.
But it is thought that stroke
patients do not recover after the first six months of their stroke. All
the patients involved in the trial had their strokes between six months
and five years before they received the treatment.
The recovery of any one of them - let alone five - was not expected, according to Prof Muir, who is in charge of the trial."It seems odd that it should all just be chance and a placebo effect," he told BBC News. "We are seeing things that are interesting and somewhat surprising.
"We've seen people who now have the ability to move their fingers where they have had several years of complete paralysis," Prof Muir said.
"We have seen some people that have been able to walk around their house whereas previously they had been dependent on assistance and we have had improvements that have enabled people to recognise what is happening around them."
'Temporary change' These improvements have made it easier for the patients to do day-to-day tasks such as dressing themselves, walking and being more independent.
"My expectation had been that we would see very little change and if we did see change it would be a relatively short-lived temporary change. (But) we have seen changes that have been maintained over time," Prof Muir said.
Among the patients to have shown improvements is 80-year-old Frank Marsh, who had a stroke five years ago.
Frank and Claire Marsh on the "terrific small improvement" he has made
He needs a walking stick to help him move around the house and he can no longer play the piano.
After the injection of stem cells into the damaged area of his brain, his balance and mobility improved as did his hand strength. He can now also tie up his shoe laces.
Mr Marsh said he believed the operation had gradually led to improvements.
"I can now grip things that I couldn't grip before, like the hand rails at the swimming baths," he said.
Phase two trial His wife, Clare, also a teacher, said that the small improvements had made him more independent. "He had reached a plateau and wasn't really improving (after his stroke). But following the operation he is able to do things he couldn't do before, such as make coffee, dressing and holding on to things."
Mr Marsh added that he hoped the
improvements would continue: "I'd like to get back to my piano. I'd
like to walk a bit steadier and further."
However, Mrs Marsh felt that there would be no further
progress for her husband, but hoped that others might benefit from the
clinical trial that he is participating in."The great potential is what it is going to do for the future," she said. "I told Frank at the beginning that this may not help you, but it might help your grandson."
Mrs Marsh is right in that even if it is proved that the stem-cell treatment really works it will be a long time before any treatment might be widely available.
The results so far pave the way for a so-called phase two trial later this year which will be desirable to determine whether any improvement is due to the treatment.
If the phase two trial does show that the stem-cell treatment is the cause of the improvements, it could still take many years before it becomes widely available. Larger phase three trials will be needed to assess who the treatment is most suitable for and at what stage it might be most effective.
Ethical approval Commenting on the research, Dr Clare Walton of the Stroke Association said: "The use of stem cells is a promising technique which could help to reverse some of the disabling effects of stroke. We are very excited about this trial; however, we are currently at the beginning of a very long road and significant further development is needed before stem cell therapy can be regarded as a possible treatment."
The stem cells were created 10 years ago from one sample of nerve tissue taken from a foetus. The company that produces the stem cells, Reneuron, is able to manufacture as many stem cells as it needs from that original sample.
It is because a foetal tissue sample was involved in the development of the treatment that it has its critics.
Among them is anti-abortion campaigner Lord Alton. "The bottom line is surely that the true donor (the foetus) could not possibly have given consent and that, of course, raises significant ethical considerations," he said.
Reneuron says the trial - which it funded - has ethical approval from the medicine's regulator. It added that one tissue sample was used in development 10 years ago and that foetal material has not been used since.
To read the whole story follow the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22646103
Simple things . . .
After a hectic couple of weeks it is now time to slow down and rest wherever possible.
Whilst our extended family were staying with us we visited:
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Saltaire & Whitby: links attached
http://www.ysp.co.uk/page/visit-ysp/tc http://www.saltairevillage.info/
http://www.whitby.co.uk/whereiswhitby.html
It was a very full schedule as we showed our cousin some places of interest on the limited time that she stayed with us. The weather remained good and this helped enormously.
On the day that we returned Gill to Lancashire it was my mother-in-law's 96th birthday and so we all went out to celebrate at a local Italian restaurant, this meant a very long day with a 110 miles round trip. The following Sunday there was a family christening in Lancashire- again another long day, but so good to be part of all the celebrations.
The days that followed these events left me extremely tired and I visited the Doctor to make sure that everything was ok. - I had the "whizzy" head and found that I couldn't "switch off" and at times felt light-headed. After a good examination where my blood pressure was checked and other routine checks were also made I was prescribed medication for a kind of vertigo. I am now more relaxed, but know that I have to take things steady for a week or two.
During this time my friends have taken me out for lunch to help me to relax. Three different friends and on three separate occasions, but on each occasion to the same place!
It is a difficult balance, as I want to be active to feel useful around the house but on the other hand I must take it steady. Over the last couple of weeks I kept going to bed thinking of all the jobs that I wanted to do and achieve, and so with this in mind I devised a table. This has helped a great deal and now I feel more relaxed and less pressurised, ( which I have brought upon myself).
I will edit as necessary and the columns can be set as desired: morning and afternoon for example.
Inbetween all of this I still continue to set myself personal goals and I have achieved the next two:
I can now clean my teeth using my right hand and can also put my deodorant on in this way. So, after almost four years, I am still maintaining progress and this I feel that this is by setting myself realistic targets. I practice, practice and practice until it slowly becomes second nature.
My next one is to try and eat with my right hand again. One of my sons has bought me a "Spork": knife/fork and spoon combined. At the moment this is proving to be a challenge, but I can manage the spoon!
The weather continues to play its part also. The cold and damp is no good for recovery as it causes the tendons in my arm to tense and shorten and in turn makes my fingers start to curl again. Hopefully, as we move towards summer, this will cease to be.
I continue with my routine medication and still use the Dosset Box that the hospital supplied. I was shown how to use it before my discharge. It has now a matter of routine as I load up the daily compartments with regular medication on a weekly basis.
It is also very useful when we go on holiday.
In six weeks time it will be the fourth aniversary of my Stroke.
I still continue to remain focussed and "live in the knowledge that I am going to recover".
Recovery is a marathon not a sprint.
During this time my friends have played their part and continue to do so. I owe so much to them and to my family.
Whilst our extended family were staying with us we visited:
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Saltaire & Whitby: links attached
http://www.ysp.co.uk/page/visit-ysp/tc http://www.saltairevillage.info/
http://www.whitby.co.uk/whereiswhitby.html
It was a very full schedule as we showed our cousin some places of interest on the limited time that she stayed with us. The weather remained good and this helped enormously.
On the day that we returned Gill to Lancashire it was my mother-in-law's 96th birthday and so we all went out to celebrate at a local Italian restaurant, this meant a very long day with a 110 miles round trip. The following Sunday there was a family christening in Lancashire- again another long day, but so good to be part of all the celebrations.
The days that followed these events left me extremely tired and I visited the Doctor to make sure that everything was ok. - I had the "whizzy" head and found that I couldn't "switch off" and at times felt light-headed. After a good examination where my blood pressure was checked and other routine checks were also made I was prescribed medication for a kind of vertigo. I am now more relaxed, but know that I have to take things steady for a week or two.
During this time my friends have taken me out for lunch to help me to relax. Three different friends and on three separate occasions, but on each occasion to the same place!
It is a difficult balance, as I want to be active to feel useful around the house but on the other hand I must take it steady. Over the last couple of weeks I kept going to bed thinking of all the jobs that I wanted to do and achieve, and so with this in mind I devised a table. This has helped a great deal and now I feel more relaxed and less pressurised, ( which I have brought upon myself).
I will edit as necessary and the columns can be set as desired: morning and afternoon for example.
SHIRLEY
Fri.
24th May
|
Metro
Centre
|
|
Sat
25th May
|
Clothes
away
|
|
Sun
26th
|
Rawtenstall
|
|
Mon
27th (B.H.)
|
Iron
|
|
Tues
28th
|
Loft
|
|
Weds
29th
|
Collect
‘script
|
|
Thurs
30th
|
Collect
Debs
|
|
Fri
31st May
|
Dentist
12.35
|
|
Sat
1st June
|
||
Sun
2nd
|
H.C.
|
|
Mon
3rd
|
||
Tues
4th
|
||
Weds
5th
|
||
Thurs
6th
|
||
Fri
7th
|
||
Sat
8th
|
BED
RACE
|
|
Sun
9th
|
WOODCROFT
|
|
Mon
10th
|
||
Tues
11th
|
M&S
|
|
Weds
12th
|
Toilet/Bath’m
+ Floors
|
|
Thurs
13th
|
Sarah
11.15
|
Inbetween all of this I still continue to set myself personal goals and I have achieved the next two:
I can now clean my teeth using my right hand and can also put my deodorant on in this way. So, after almost four years, I am still maintaining progress and this I feel that this is by setting myself realistic targets. I practice, practice and practice until it slowly becomes second nature.
My next one is to try and eat with my right hand again. One of my sons has bought me a "Spork": knife/fork and spoon combined. At the moment this is proving to be a challenge, but I can manage the spoon!
I continue with my routine medication and still use the Dosset Box that the hospital supplied. I was shown how to use it before my discharge. It has now a matter of routine as I load up the daily compartments with regular medication on a weekly basis.
It is also very useful when we go on holiday.
In six weeks time it will be the fourth aniversary of my Stroke.
I still continue to remain focussed and "live in the knowledge that I am going to recover".
Recovery is a marathon not a sprint.
During this time my friends have played their part and continue to do so. I owe so much to them and to my family.
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Time is Brain
I have been "off air" recently as I have been having a very busy time:
Our cousin from Canada has been visiting and our immediate family have been to stay with us - a good family re-union. -- More of this to follow on my next posting.
In the meantime, here are two articles/videos to watch as I try to continue promoting
Stroke Awareness Month.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/13/my-stroke-of-luck/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130514
http://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html?source=facebook#.UZOyWSqT4-E.facebook
Our cousin from Canada has been visiting and our immediate family have been to stay with us - a good family re-union. -- More of this to follow on my next posting.
In the meantime, here are two articles/videos to watch as I try to continue promoting
Stroke Awareness Month.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/13/my-stroke-of-luck/?nl=health&emc=edit_hh_20130514
Jill Bolte Taylor got a research opportunity few brain scientists
would wish for: She had a massive stroke, and watched as her brain
functions -- motion, speech, self-awareness -- shut down one by one. An
astonishing story.
Brain researcher Jill Bolte Taylor studied her own stroke as it
happened -- and has become a powerful voice for brain recovery.http://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html?source=facebook#.UZOyWSqT4-E.facebook
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