Category: Support

Thank You Good People

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I’m not feeling too great today, not horrible, but not good. I did an ad for work, wrapped Dave’s Christmas gifts so
I can put them somewhere out in the open and that pooped me out.

I grabbed the basket I had on the kitchen island where I put, and was putting, cards and letters I had received in the mail all the way from the initial days in ICU to after I got home.

Let me start out by saying, I haven’t cried since this all began. I’ve teared up, but nothing drastic. Some cards got
me emotional in the hospital, but I knew I wasn’t supposed to get upset then so that my blood pressure and blood flow to my brain would be steady. Well…after reading the cards for a 2nd time…I DID get upset. In fact I sobbed and sobbed.

I received SOOO many cards and well wishes. Of course from my immediate family and Dave’s family, from other relatives throughout the country, as well as friends back in NY and co-workers, but it was the cards I received from people who I haven’t spoken to in years or seen in years that got me. Such heart-felt words. It just means so much to me and makes me wonder what I did to deserve it.

When I receive word that other people are sick or in the hospital, I don’t always take the time to send a card, much
less two or three cards! How awful of me, especially after seeing the outpouring of concern. The fact that people took the time to go out and get a card is one thing, but to include such nice sentiments and prayers…..

So many emotions going through me. Joy; because I survived. Pain; because some of the card made me recall my stay in the hospital; Gratitude; for so many people. Love; for the outpouring of love I felt from so many, and was I really worthy of that? Inadequate; because even though everyone says my surviving is their thanks, I just don’t feel I can say
or do enough to thank everyone…especially Dave.

I recall reading on the brain community message board that crying isn’t a good thing when you’re recovering from a rupture or surgery on an annie…well, now I know why!! I feel like crap!!! LOL

But, this cry was a long time in coming. I’m glad I finally did it…I just hope I can stop! The waterworks have begun! LOL Dave isn’t home today, so maybe I just felt it was “safe” to let it out I guess.

Thank you to anyone who’s reading this who sent me a card. It meant more to me than you’ll ever know.

Two Months Ago

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Two months ago, my brain aneurysm ruptured and all hell began. This morning, I awoke to bright sunshine, my kitties in bed with me and my Maine man ready to cart me all over again. LOL

I had two appointments in Waterville and Winslow, then a planned trip back to the dreaded Rite-Aid. The drive in wasn’t bad and my appointments didn’t poop me out too bad.

We stopped for lunch, then hit Rite-Aid. I was very apprehensive, but it wasn’t bad. Well, not NEARLY as bad as it was the first time I went in. Things were still a little dizzying, but not too bad. I was pleased. Had a slight head-ache when I left, but it didn’t leave me feeling horrible the rest of the afternoon like it did last time. Progress or a fluke? Time will tell.

On this day I was reminded of the days that have gone by and how much Dave has done for me and how he has been by my side every step of the way. I feel so inadequate in my thanks to him. I just don’t seem to think of anything or any words that can adequately express how much I love and appreciate everything he’s done. I’d do the same for him, so I guess we’re in this together.

I did it!

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Okay…so it’s not rocket science and didn’t require a tremendous amount of physical exertion, but I made my trip to
the gas station/grocery store. Dave drove and stuck with me in case I started to feel ill and needed to run out. We went in for two things: orange juice and ice cream.

I zeroed in on the ice cream, Dave picked it out, then I walked down to the orange juice. Luckily I kind of had an idea of where they were, so that wasn’t too difficult, but I did start to feel icky. Sick to stomach, eyes funny and headache right smack dab in the middle of my head. I still don’t feel that great, but I did it and was able to go into a store.

We might go back in tomorrow for a short visit again until I can feel better for a longer period of time. Dave may get all of his stocking stuffers this year from the gas station/grocery store! LOL

I know going into a gas station/grocery store isn’t a big deal, but it was to me. Not sure I’m crazy about how I feel at the moment, but I need to continue to get over this issue with stores. I’m depressed it didn’t go better though and disappointed that the short amount of time I was in the store still affected me that way.

Discharged @ Home

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I was discharged from my occupational therapy. Oh, I’m still participating in it, I just don’t need supervision anymore.

There was a different woman who came to discharge me and she needed to ask me a lot of the same old questions, then she ran me through a few tests.

One of them was turning around 360º. This went fine, a tad wobbly, but not bad at all. Then she asked me to do it the same thing with my eyes closed! Yikes! Thankfully, she kept her arms stretched out around me so I wouldn’t topple over. I didn’t topple, but sure swayed quite a bit. Not bad overall though.

She seemed very pleased with my progress, and I suppose I am too. I still don’t like bending over as there is some pressure in the are of my head where the aneurysm was. Not pain, just discomfort. Also sneezing is still horrible.

Another baby step on the road to recovery. I just need to make myself MOVE and get some exercise. Walking and stretches, possibly very low-impact yoga, are on my agenda for the first of the month.