Day 659-662
Where has November gone? Wow, I don't have a chance to get caught up! The botox seems to be helping quite a lot, so we are really going to be diligent about his hand splint. He uses his right hand to push his glasses up now, and I told him to try to reach with it more often too. He pushes on it more when he is getting out of the chair, and generally tries to use it more all the time. We are also trying to be more diligent about walking with the walker too. Slowly it is getting better. His balance has improved, I mainly steady him now, and he can turn a mean corner! He just has to let things become organised before he starts to move, and that makes a big difference.
He bought another laptop computer to help run the power point shows we make. It came without a hard-drive, so he bought one of those too. It will cost about $300.00 when all the pieces get here. For now he is running it with Linux, and it seems to be a very good machine. Theoretically this is for me, but so far I haven't touched it!
Glenn was also able to finish reading a book. He was a bit surprised, I think, but also very relieved. We don't know if the new galsses made the difference, or if it is just time to be able to do it. Probably both. That is one more thing he has back, and now we can let him read in the corner!
Health wise, we are both a bit snuffed up, but so far this hasn't developed into anything more than that. We are still going for acupuncture, but will take a break for Christmas, then decide if we should continue. Perhaps after the wedding, as January will fly by too. No wonder I'm feeling a bit tired!
'Til next time,
Louise
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
November 16-25
Day 649-658
I am happy to report that the acupuncture really seems to be helping Glenn's speech, and he admitted last night that he thinks it is helping his arm and leg too. I asked if we should continue, or if he would call it a good try and stop. At first he said he didn't think it was making a difference, then he said that yes, maybe it was. Our friend came to watch the procedure and was fascinated by it. It is amazing to see him stuck with 15 - 20 needles, and he falls asleep! The needles are inserted, then left for 1-1 1/2 hours. We will continue for now, and see where it takes us.
We went out a few times this weekend, (birthdays and the Grey Cup) and Glenn was happy to be out and about. I think the speech improvement has helped him to become less self conscious, and in fact, he told me on Friday that he could have stayed out later. Usually he wants to leave as soon as we are finished eating, so that is a huge change in attitude. I was the one who was tuckered out! Friday was a big day in that we were in Regina from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. We had botox, did the weekly blood work, had an acupuncture treatment, shopped for a tractor, and stayed for supper with the kids for Johnny's birthday. That is impressive when you are not in a wheelchair, so he is definitely getting better! I faded though!
This week should not be so hectic. Glenn got botox to help relax the ring finger on his right hand. It curls up, and sometimes hurts when we straighten it, so he thought it would be good to relax it for a while. I think it is starting to take effect, it is easier to put his hand splint on. We took the power chair in to therapy on Thursday last week to reprogram the drive system. He wants it to move more quickly when he moves the joy stick. It is a bit of a trick to load it myself, but we got there and back without incident, and he is happier with how it responds now.
I don't think I have to do anything over and above therapy and treatments this week, so hopefully I can catch up with house work and have a good go at Christmas shopping. My dryer still needs to be unplugged, so my "to do" list is still not done! C'est la vie!
'Til next time,
Louise
I am happy to report that the acupuncture really seems to be helping Glenn's speech, and he admitted last night that he thinks it is helping his arm and leg too. I asked if we should continue, or if he would call it a good try and stop. At first he said he didn't think it was making a difference, then he said that yes, maybe it was. Our friend came to watch the procedure and was fascinated by it. It is amazing to see him stuck with 15 - 20 needles, and he falls asleep! The needles are inserted, then left for 1-1 1/2 hours. We will continue for now, and see where it takes us.
We went out a few times this weekend, (birthdays and the Grey Cup) and Glenn was happy to be out and about. I think the speech improvement has helped him to become less self conscious, and in fact, he told me on Friday that he could have stayed out later. Usually he wants to leave as soon as we are finished eating, so that is a huge change in attitude. I was the one who was tuckered out! Friday was a big day in that we were in Regina from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. We had botox, did the weekly blood work, had an acupuncture treatment, shopped for a tractor, and stayed for supper with the kids for Johnny's birthday. That is impressive when you are not in a wheelchair, so he is definitely getting better! I faded though!
This week should not be so hectic. Glenn got botox to help relax the ring finger on his right hand. It curls up, and sometimes hurts when we straighten it, so he thought it would be good to relax it for a while. I think it is starting to take effect, it is easier to put his hand splint on. We took the power chair in to therapy on Thursday last week to reprogram the drive system. He wants it to move more quickly when he moves the joy stick. It is a bit of a trick to load it myself, but we got there and back without incident, and he is happier with how it responds now.
I don't think I have to do anything over and above therapy and treatments this week, so hopefully I can catch up with house work and have a good go at Christmas shopping. My dryer still needs to be unplugged, so my "to do" list is still not done! C'est la vie!
'Til next time,
Louise
Saturday, November 15, 2008
November 9 - 15
Day 642-648
How do you keep going when it just keeps piling up? Get a bigger shovel I guess! We had water issues, my dryer is still plugged, an appointment went overtime, so I missed a few lessons, and so on and so on... I left yesterday and went to a sewing ladies get together, but poor Glenn just has to be at home those days, and really doesn't catch much of a break. All we can do is our best, and hope for the best.
That sounds a bit forlorn, really it hasn't been bad. The extra trips to Regina take more coordinating, thus the fowl-up with lesson time. I won't do that again though either, so live and learn.
Chelsey and Colin came for a visit one evening, and announced that she had won a trip to the Dominican Republic! She had a good week that week! They will go in January, and Glenn was trying to convince her to take him instead of Colin. She looked a little startled at first, but Colin's remark that the acupuncture has perked up Dad's "smart ass" button, got her laughing.
We got the invitations to wedding 1 pretty well completed, and posted, so that is a huge job done, and the party is on I guess. Jackie is getting into the details now, and is really enjoying most of the shopping. The wedding jitters will hit after Christmas, I think, and it will be interesting to see what sets them off. Hopefully the weather will be mild, that makes life so much easier.
Wedding 2 is in the future, as they have a few major things to finish ( a college major!) and Colin's comment is that they are in no rush. It will be nice to watch that one take shape, as they are both pretty organized, and particular about things they do and don't like. More on that as time goes.
I was commenting to one of my students that the rabbit must be 3 years old, as it is almost 2 since Glenn's stroke. Holy cow, that sort of stopped me. I know I have been counting days, but really how amazing is that? Once you start living again, the time picks up speed, and here we are 2 years down the road. My, it's hard to believe.
'Til next time,
Louise
How do you keep going when it just keeps piling up? Get a bigger shovel I guess! We had water issues, my dryer is still plugged, an appointment went overtime, so I missed a few lessons, and so on and so on... I left yesterday and went to a sewing ladies get together, but poor Glenn just has to be at home those days, and really doesn't catch much of a break. All we can do is our best, and hope for the best.
That sounds a bit forlorn, really it hasn't been bad. The extra trips to Regina take more coordinating, thus the fowl-up with lesson time. I won't do that again though either, so live and learn.
Chelsey and Colin came for a visit one evening, and announced that she had won a trip to the Dominican Republic! She had a good week that week! They will go in January, and Glenn was trying to convince her to take him instead of Colin. She looked a little startled at first, but Colin's remark that the acupuncture has perked up Dad's "smart ass" button, got her laughing.
We got the invitations to wedding 1 pretty well completed, and posted, so that is a huge job done, and the party is on I guess. Jackie is getting into the details now, and is really enjoying most of the shopping. The wedding jitters will hit after Christmas, I think, and it will be interesting to see what sets them off. Hopefully the weather will be mild, that makes life so much easier.
Wedding 2 is in the future, as they have a few major things to finish ( a college major!) and Colin's comment is that they are in no rush. It will be nice to watch that one take shape, as they are both pretty organized, and particular about things they do and don't like. More on that as time goes.
I was commenting to one of my students that the rabbit must be 3 years old, as it is almost 2 since Glenn's stroke. Holy cow, that sort of stopped me. I know I have been counting days, but really how amazing is that? Once you start living again, the time picks up speed, and here we are 2 years down the road. My, it's hard to believe.
'Til next time,
Louise
Saturday, November 8, 2008
October 26-November 8
Day 628-641
I did well posting 4 days apart, now here it is, 2 weeks later, and I finally will post again. I am thankful for my readers, although I would probably still post if no one kept up with us. I had a few people tell me I hadn't posted for a while, and asked what was the problem was, but there is no problem, just busy life distracting us.
October 27 is Christopher's birthday (he turned 28!), and we tried all week to choose a day to have supper or cake or something. Finally, we decided to go Sunday afternoon, at the farm, because it is easier for Glenn and me to be at home. During the week, I finally called to set up and appointment with an acupuncturist . The mail box was full, but she called the next day and left a message. I called back and asked how soon we could see her, and she said to come the next day! That was a surprise, so we were off to the city the next day again. We have had 3 sessions so far, and I can't say I see any huge improvement, but we'll give it a bit more time.
Jackie called Wednesday before Hallowe'en, and said she found a dress, should she buy it? She couldn't get anyone to come and look at it with her, so she went for it anyway. It was on sale, and pretty well what she wanted. It needs a bit of altering, and she has an appointment with a seamstress today, so I think she is happy with it, and quite relieved. She and Johnny came to the farm to work on their invitations, and pretty well finished them on Saturday night. We stuffed the envelopes, but didn't have the correct labels, so didn't get the reply cards or addresses done, but for the most part, they are ready to send.
Sunday rolled around, and I was glad to have them there to help get ready for the birthday party. We cooked and cleaned, and generally puttered to catch up to the house work. I had decided to cook a ham for supper, so everyone could have a ham bun before they left, I felt like I was pretty well on top of things, for a change. Colin phoned from Medicine Hat, where he and Chelsey had attended her cousin's wedding. Little did I know that Colin was planning a big surprise. The afternoon went well, it was a beautiful day, and I was wishing I had bought wieners, we could have had a fire. Around 5:00 , I looked out the kitchen window and noticed a couple going for a walk down to the slough. I thought it was Jackie and Johnny, taking the dogs for a run, but it was actually Colin and Chelsey, who hadn't come into the house to let us know they were home. When they did come in , Johnny noticed they were all flushed and excited, and wondered to Jackie what was up. We soon found out. Jackie and Johnny were hand delivering invitations to the family, and when she handed one to Colin and Chelsey, Colin said, "We'll soon have to do this again!" and held out Chelsey's hand. Yep, there was a big old diamond ring on her left hand, and she was totally delighted to have it there. He had proposed to her down on the rock by the slough (their look out spot I guess) and that was why they were so excited when they came in. Trust Colin to spring such a surprise, and for setting the stage for the announcement too. He was happy everything turned out so well. It turned out that while they were at the wedding, she had caught the bouquet and he had caught the garter! Guess it is meant to be.
Glenn had to rib her and tell her outlaws had to eat on the deck. Johnny said he was glad he had another prospective outlaw to keep company with.
Glenn is working on walking, yesterday we went across the kitchen and back. I didn't do much to keep his upright, but do still have to help his right leg bend at the knee and move his foot forward. That night we were watching a movie, and when the credits came on I noticed they had an animal wrangler. I told Glenn that 's what I feel like, and he said I wasn't a very good one. He sure can keep up the remarks! It keeps me laughing. He transfers himself into the recliner and pretty well handles going to bed. There are more improvements, but not such dramatic ones. This is just getting on with life, and becoming more self sufficient. He likes his glasses, and was helping with the bookwork. We have a new computer, so he is busy transferring data. Yesterday we noticed some data was missing from the farm books, but he hunted most of it down, and now I think I can catch up without too much trouble (famous last words!)
I think that is all the exciting news. I'm working on a few sewing projects to catch up with that, and knitting, because I just can't sit and watch TV that much. Piano lessons are going well, and the extra cash is nice to have to cover things like acupuncture. November is flying by, and I haven't thought much about Christmas shopping. We will handle that as it comes along, just like everything else.
'Til next time,
Louise
I did well posting 4 days apart, now here it is, 2 weeks later, and I finally will post again. I am thankful for my readers, although I would probably still post if no one kept up with us. I had a few people tell me I hadn't posted for a while, and asked what was the problem was, but there is no problem, just busy life distracting us.
October 27 is Christopher's birthday (he turned 28!), and we tried all week to choose a day to have supper or cake or something. Finally, we decided to go Sunday afternoon, at the farm, because it is easier for Glenn and me to be at home. During the week, I finally called to set up and appointment with an acupuncturist . The mail box was full, but she called the next day and left a message. I called back and asked how soon we could see her, and she said to come the next day! That was a surprise, so we were off to the city the next day again. We have had 3 sessions so far, and I can't say I see any huge improvement, but we'll give it a bit more time.
Jackie called Wednesday before Hallowe'en, and said she found a dress, should she buy it? She couldn't get anyone to come and look at it with her, so she went for it anyway. It was on sale, and pretty well what she wanted. It needs a bit of altering, and she has an appointment with a seamstress today, so I think she is happy with it, and quite relieved. She and Johnny came to the farm to work on their invitations, and pretty well finished them on Saturday night. We stuffed the envelopes, but didn't have the correct labels, so didn't get the reply cards or addresses done, but for the most part, they are ready to send.
Sunday rolled around, and I was glad to have them there to help get ready for the birthday party. We cooked and cleaned, and generally puttered to catch up to the house work. I had decided to cook a ham for supper, so everyone could have a ham bun before they left, I felt like I was pretty well on top of things, for a change. Colin phoned from Medicine Hat, where he and Chelsey had attended her cousin's wedding. Little did I know that Colin was planning a big surprise. The afternoon went well, it was a beautiful day, and I was wishing I had bought wieners, we could have had a fire. Around 5:00 , I looked out the kitchen window and noticed a couple going for a walk down to the slough. I thought it was Jackie and Johnny, taking the dogs for a run, but it was actually Colin and Chelsey, who hadn't come into the house to let us know they were home. When they did come in , Johnny noticed they were all flushed and excited, and wondered to Jackie what was up. We soon found out. Jackie and Johnny were hand delivering invitations to the family, and when she handed one to Colin and Chelsey, Colin said, "We'll soon have to do this again!" and held out Chelsey's hand. Yep, there was a big old diamond ring on her left hand, and she was totally delighted to have it there. He had proposed to her down on the rock by the slough (their look out spot I guess) and that was why they were so excited when they came in. Trust Colin to spring such a surprise, and for setting the stage for the announcement too. He was happy everything turned out so well. It turned out that while they were at the wedding, she had caught the bouquet and he had caught the garter! Guess it is meant to be.
Glenn had to rib her and tell her outlaws had to eat on the deck. Johnny said he was glad he had another prospective outlaw to keep company with.
Glenn is working on walking, yesterday we went across the kitchen and back. I didn't do much to keep his upright, but do still have to help his right leg bend at the knee and move his foot forward. That night we were watching a movie, and when the credits came on I noticed they had an animal wrangler. I told Glenn that 's what I feel like, and he said I wasn't a very good one. He sure can keep up the remarks! It keeps me laughing. He transfers himself into the recliner and pretty well handles going to bed. There are more improvements, but not such dramatic ones. This is just getting on with life, and becoming more self sufficient. He likes his glasses, and was helping with the bookwork. We have a new computer, so he is busy transferring data. Yesterday we noticed some data was missing from the farm books, but he hunted most of it down, and now I think I can catch up without too much trouble (famous last words!)
I think that is all the exciting news. I'm working on a few sewing projects to catch up with that, and knitting, because I just can't sit and watch TV that much. Piano lessons are going well, and the extra cash is nice to have to cover things like acupuncture. November is flying by, and I haven't thought much about Christmas shopping. We will handle that as it comes along, just like everything else.
'Til next time,
Louise
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