The wedding is right around the corner. Michael and I are wrapping up details, finalizing plans, packing and getting very excited. Planning this wedding has been a nice distraction since March 2nd.
The past two weeks have been very encouraging with some visable signs of recovery. I don't know if I will ever regain full use of my left arm and leg, but I have to keep trying everyday.
Thank you in advance to all our friends and family who are helping us on our special day. We look forward to seeing you all again very soon.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wed 6/20 - 17 days before the wedding
This week has been full of little successes that add up to huge accomplishments for me. I love the thrill of finally being able to do something that I wasn't able to do the day before!
I have been walking around the house today barefoot. I'm sure my sister Lori, or my my friend Cheryl, or my Mom or my brother Curtis or Michael who all saw me the first week I was in the hospital and tried to walk after my stroke with the therapists would be the first people to tell you how huge this is! My sister Cindy saw me almost 3 weeks ago at home and she would tell you that I could not do this then. It took 3 1/2 months to show signs of healing but my foot is finally not pronating inward. I'm watching it carefully though.
I even took a shower today standing up in the master bathroom with glass shower doors. Prior to that has been in the guest bathroom sitting on a shower chair because I was unable to stand up. It's also a challenge because I have to wash my hair with only one hand.
Then I was able to hold the hair dryer in my left hand today for the first time and run a brush through my hair using my right hand at the same time. I was giggling and had to share this with Michael right away.
These little thrills for me make me anxious to see what I'll be able to do tomorrow.
I have been walking around the house today barefoot. I'm sure my sister Lori, or my my friend Cheryl, or my Mom or my brother Curtis or Michael who all saw me the first week I was in the hospital and tried to walk after my stroke with the therapists would be the first people to tell you how huge this is! My sister Cindy saw me almost 3 weeks ago at home and she would tell you that I could not do this then. It took 3 1/2 months to show signs of healing but my foot is finally not pronating inward. I'm watching it carefully though.
I even took a shower today standing up in the master bathroom with glass shower doors. Prior to that has been in the guest bathroom sitting on a shower chair because I was unable to stand up. It's also a challenge because I have to wash my hair with only one hand.
Then I was able to hold the hair dryer in my left hand today for the first time and run a brush through my hair using my right hand at the same time. I was giggling and had to share this with Michael right away.
These little thrills for me make me anxious to see what I'll be able to do tomorrow.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Monday 6/18
What a busy day full of new things for me! I have good days and better days. Today was one of those better days. I actually walked around my bedroom today with just socks on. Sounds stupid and what's the big deal? But if anyone has seen me try to walk barefoot or with shoes that are not very supportive (Cindy), you'd realize this was huge. My left foot has a tendancy to pronate or turn in due to the stroke. If I was to step the wrong way, I could snap my ankle very easily. I guess like all things, it may get better with time. So I've given it 3 1/2 months, and sure enough, with a careful and watchful eye, I walked barefoot for the first time since March 1st. I even tried on a pair of flip flops and walked around, but only for a little bit.
I also had a burst of energy this morning and tried ironing a few things. I don't do a lot of ironing, but I wanted to see if I could do it. So I did it sucessfully. It was challenging just like everything, since I'm primarily doing this with only the use of my right hand.
I did 4 loads of laundry. Folding was easier today too. It didn't take as long to fold as I've been able to control my left hand and arm muscles a little better.
They said with my recovery, that I would see a gradual uphill progession for the first 3 months or so. Then it would level off for a few months. And then I would see more of a recovery happening again. That cycle could repeat itself for years. But the biggest signs of recovery would be in the beginning.
My muscles still burn especially at night. I'm sure I'll feel the effects of all my work it tonight.
I also had a burst of energy this morning and tried ironing a few things. I don't do a lot of ironing, but I wanted to see if I could do it. So I did it sucessfully. It was challenging just like everything, since I'm primarily doing this with only the use of my right hand.
I did 4 loads of laundry. Folding was easier today too. It didn't take as long to fold as I've been able to control my left hand and arm muscles a little better.
They said with my recovery, that I would see a gradual uphill progession for the first 3 months or so. Then it would level off for a few months. And then I would see more of a recovery happening again. That cycle could repeat itself for years. But the biggest signs of recovery would be in the beginning.
My muscles still burn especially at night. I'm sure I'll feel the effects of all my work it tonight.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Sat 6/16 - Graduation Day
Graduation day for some....congratulations Krysti and Chris!
Michael and I just got home from our second graduation party for the day. The first one was for our niece Krysti and the second was for our neighbor's son Chris. I slept most of the car ride home from the first one. We then stopped by the neighbor's house for the second one. We got home about 10pm after a long day of traveling, and celebrating at graduation parties.
We are exactly 3 weeks away from the wedding. The official "I need more sleep countdown" has begun. I'm going to stock up on rest now more than ever while I can in preparation for the nights where my mind won't shut off.
I've been planning, making lists, taking notes, planning and more planning. I'm almost done. I have a few more details to iron out. We'll see if that big monster "I didn't think of that!!" creeps up!
Meanwhile, I'm going to bed as it is time...
Michael and I just got home from our second graduation party for the day. The first one was for our niece Krysti and the second was for our neighbor's son Chris. I slept most of the car ride home from the first one. We then stopped by the neighbor's house for the second one. We got home about 10pm after a long day of traveling, and celebrating at graduation parties.
We are exactly 3 weeks away from the wedding. The official "I need more sleep countdown" has begun. I'm going to stock up on rest now more than ever while I can in preparation for the nights where my mind won't shut off.
I've been planning, making lists, taking notes, planning and more planning. I'm almost done. I have a few more details to iron out. We'll see if that big monster "I didn't think of that!!" creeps up!
Meanwhile, I'm going to bed as it is time...
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
ponytail? 6/12
How'd I do that? It's been since March 1st, the day before my stroke that I was able to put my hair in a ponytail. I know, sounds stupid, but huge to me!
It may not be pretty, but it is functional during the day while I'm home with the cat. He doesn't seem to mind.
Curtis was happy for me. He thinks he's off the hook now.
I felt really good today. I even made cupcakes! Too bad Michael's been sick (bad cold) and can't enjoy them.
All of this is done with primarily using only one hand. I don't have enough control of my left hand yet to hold the bowl while I stir with my right hand, or the spatula while I use the hand mixer for the batter. Or to frost them.
To put my hair in a ponytail, I gather all my hair in my right hand with the hairband on my right wrist. I can hook my left index finger on the band and pull it off my wrist and over my hair. Then I have to grab the ponytail with my left hand, all the while using the mirror which gives a reflection that is confusing for my brain to process. My right hand grabs the bands, twists it, then wraps around the ponytail making it tighter. I repeat the process.
My therapist tried to teach me this while I was still an in-patient at the hospital back in March. That was way too advanced for me at the time. I wasn't even close. Now it's June and I'm just now getting around to being able to do it.
Something else to keep practicing.
It may not be pretty, but it is functional during the day while I'm home with the cat. He doesn't seem to mind.
Curtis was happy for me. He thinks he's off the hook now.
I felt really good today. I even made cupcakes! Too bad Michael's been sick (bad cold) and can't enjoy them.
All of this is done with primarily using only one hand. I don't have enough control of my left hand yet to hold the bowl while I stir with my right hand, or the spatula while I use the hand mixer for the batter. Or to frost them.
To put my hair in a ponytail, I gather all my hair in my right hand with the hairband on my right wrist. I can hook my left index finger on the band and pull it off my wrist and over my hair. Then I have to grab the ponytail with my left hand, all the while using the mirror which gives a reflection that is confusing for my brain to process. My right hand grabs the bands, twists it, then wraps around the ponytail making it tighter. I repeat the process.
My therapist tried to teach me this while I was still an in-patient at the hospital back in March. That was way too advanced for me at the time. I wasn't even close. Now it's June and I'm just now getting around to being able to do it.
Something else to keep practicing.
Monday, June 11, 2007
A few pictures taken during Cindy's visit to Seattle
Karen and Michael on the car ferry from Bremerton to Seattle 6/2/07
Karen and Cindy on the car ferry from Bremerton to Seattle 6/2/07
Cindy and Karen with downtown Seattle in background 6/2/07
Karen and Cindy on the car ferry from Bremerton to Seattle 6/2/07
Cindy and Karen with downtown Seattle in background 6/2/07
Monday 6/11
I'm recovering from two back-to-back weekends of being busy, busy, busy. Curtis delivered all my stuff over Memorial Weekend and converted the living room into a "room-of-doom".
Cindy was here the week after Curtis and we went on a 10-hour shopping spree. We got a lot of wedding details finalized. Mother Nature topped off our shopping spree weekend with fabulous weather. Michael, Cindy and I drove to Bremerton and rode the ferry over to downtown Seattle. Cindy and I had never done anything like that before. It was a very clear and warm day. We got to stand on the top deck of the ferry and enjoy the view from the top as we came across Puget Sound.
It took me a few days to recover from all the excitement but I wouldn't have changed any minute of it.
This past weekend we had lunch with some friends Keith, Trina and Jim after meeting them in another friend's driveway. Thanks guys, it was fun and memorable!! Seriously, how could we forget? We followed that up with a birthday dinner that same evening for Rex with Stacey, Tricha.
This upcoming Saturday we have two graduation parties to attend back-to-back. One is for Michael's niece Krysti and the other is for our neighbor Chris. It usually takes 1-2 days for me to fully recover from a full weekend. The fatigue sets in and it's hard for me to shake. I'm hoping this is just a stage that I'm experiencing from the stroke. Fatigue has been pretty strong the past few weeks. But then again, I've been busy!
I'm now back to focusing full-time on wedding details. I need to get plenty of rest while I can!
Next weekend is all clear on the calendar before it gets very full again for a solid month!
Cindy was here the week after Curtis and we went on a 10-hour shopping spree. We got a lot of wedding details finalized. Mother Nature topped off our shopping spree weekend with fabulous weather. Michael, Cindy and I drove to Bremerton and rode the ferry over to downtown Seattle. Cindy and I had never done anything like that before. It was a very clear and warm day. We got to stand on the top deck of the ferry and enjoy the view from the top as we came across Puget Sound.
It took me a few days to recover from all the excitement but I wouldn't have changed any minute of it.
This past weekend we had lunch with some friends Keith, Trina and Jim after meeting them in another friend's driveway. Thanks guys, it was fun and memorable!! Seriously, how could we forget? We followed that up with a birthday dinner that same evening for Rex with Stacey, Tricha.
This upcoming Saturday we have two graduation parties to attend back-to-back. One is for Michael's niece Krysti and the other is for our neighbor Chris. It usually takes 1-2 days for me to fully recover from a full weekend. The fatigue sets in and it's hard for me to shake. I'm hoping this is just a stage that I'm experiencing from the stroke. Fatigue has been pretty strong the past few weeks. But then again, I've been busy!
I'm now back to focusing full-time on wedding details. I need to get plenty of rest while I can!
Next weekend is all clear on the calendar before it gets very full again for a solid month!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Home alone
Karen's sister Cindy came up last night to visit with Skippy for the weekend.
I find myself home alone for the first time in 3 months and it feels strange not to have my best friend here with me.
She is out with her sister doing whatever sisters do. I am only told it is "Girl Stuff". Not really sure what that means. But she's out and about and in a mall so I know it's a good day for her.
Karen is doing so much better, with huge changes in just the last couple of weeks alone. Her control of her left hand increases every day. Her walking is getting more and more even and steady.
I am so proud of the attitude she has kept through this entire experience. I am not sure I could have stayed so positive. She always has a smile on her face and a good word to say.
She doesn't always tell you all just how hard she is working to get back to as close to normal as possible and how hard she works just living her daily life here in Washington. With the arrival of her belongings, thanks to the efforts of her Mom, Cindy, Lori, Curtis, and Scott packing everything she owns into a trailer borrowed from David, she has even more to keep her busy. Karen has not once complained about anything having to do with her situation or the need to unpack everything here.
As I stated before I am very proud of her and all of you should be also. She is a perfect example of keeping a great attitude when everything around you offers an excuse not to.
I am very much looking forward to becoming her husband and spending the rest of my life with her, also becoming part of a family who values so much what family is. That includes her extended family and all her friends who have shown me what the words family and friends means. I have never seen such outpouring of love and support and I wanted to take this chance to say thank you to everyone in California and our friends and neighbors here in Washington. You have all made a big difference in how we have been able to deal with this experience.
Thanks again, Michael
I find myself home alone for the first time in 3 months and it feels strange not to have my best friend here with me.
She is out with her sister doing whatever sisters do. I am only told it is "Girl Stuff". Not really sure what that means. But she's out and about and in a mall so I know it's a good day for her.
Karen is doing so much better, with huge changes in just the last couple of weeks alone. Her control of her left hand increases every day. Her walking is getting more and more even and steady.
I am so proud of the attitude she has kept through this entire experience. I am not sure I could have stayed so positive. She always has a smile on her face and a good word to say.
She doesn't always tell you all just how hard she is working to get back to as close to normal as possible and how hard she works just living her daily life here in Washington. With the arrival of her belongings, thanks to the efforts of her Mom, Cindy, Lori, Curtis, and Scott packing everything she owns into a trailer borrowed from David, she has even more to keep her busy. Karen has not once complained about anything having to do with her situation or the need to unpack everything here.
As I stated before I am very proud of her and all of you should be also. She is a perfect example of keeping a great attitude when everything around you offers an excuse not to.
I am very much looking forward to becoming her husband and spending the rest of my life with her, also becoming part of a family who values so much what family is. That includes her extended family and all her friends who have shown me what the words family and friends means. I have never seen such outpouring of love and support and I wanted to take this chance to say thank you to everyone in California and our friends and neighbors here in Washington. You have all made a big difference in how we have been able to deal with this experience.
Thanks again, Michael
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