New Years Eve

I began my Monday morning at 6:10 by doing my upper and lower weight exercises. Once I had done so, I had gone out into the kitchen. My father had made me a ham and cheese omlet for breakfast. Onlong with a toasted english muffin, strawberries and my hot cocoa. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to get ready for my day ahead. At 8:00 I had gathered my lunch and my duffle bag and brought them to the door. While I was waiting for United to arrive, I practice my breathing and speech exercises. Upon my arrivel to WestSide for 10:15 I had meet with my case manager Piper. Today I talked about my frustarations with Piper concerning my stroke. She then had asked me if I had any questions or conerns reguarding my theropy. At 10:30 I then met with Deb for a support session. We discussed a few things in reguards to my theropy and a few things on the personal level. At 11:00 during my rehab session with Carol we played skip-bo while I was practicing relaxed throught breathing. By doing this, it will get my body use to breathing correctly while doing other things, for example, playing cards. At 12:00 I had a break so I had gone to the kitchen to eat my lunch. Once I had done so I had gone to the lobby to wait to meet with Carina for speech at 12:30. During speech Carina she had talked to me about seeing a ears, nose, and throught doctor. She also gave me some education on breathing and swallowing. How tucking your chin down before swallowing can help. At 1:00 I had gone to the kitchen during my break to do some breathing exercises. At 1:30 I then went to the gym for my P.T. session with Amanda. Amanda had me walking on the tredmill for 20.07 minutes. I had walked one mile on a speed of 3.0 in that time. At 2:00 Frank from United took me home. I my way home I had to go to Hebran to take another client home first. I had arrived home at 3:30. Once I had arrived home I had taken a shower getting comfortable for the night. I then went out into the kitchen to eat odderves with my parents. My mother and I then played a game of cribbage. At 5:45 I had called my grandmother before dinner. I then went to my bedroom to blog.

It sure is nice to dream

I began my Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m. by doing my weight exercises. After doing so I then went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. Once I had finished eating an egg sandwhich, I then went back to my bedroom to get ready to go to church. My mother and I had left the house at 10:00. My grandmother had called earlier to let us know that she would be watching mass on television today, do to the friged temperatures and wind chill. After mass my mother and stopped at the Pierce house to pay a visit to my grandmother. No matter what time we arrive, we always stay up until it is time for her to go have lunch. Once we had arrived home, I had a fish sandwhich for lunch with a glass of egg nog. Once I had finished eating I then lied down to rest at 12:15 and I had slept unil 3:00. Once I was out of bed I had then went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 3:40 I then had returned to my bedroom to do my speech and breathing exercises. At 3:50 I began to do my stretching. Once I had done so, I took my shower thus getting comfortable for the evening. "I knew when I had this stroke I would be in for a long hall. Knowing what I know now I see why a lot of stroke patients call it quits when they do. It is a lot of work. I don't know what keeps me going. Maybe because if I wasn't stretching, doing the weight exercises, and riding the swin air dine everyday. I would be out running eight and ten miles a day training for 5 and 10k road races. during the winter I would be on the slopes would on the race team with Maine Handicapped Skiing. Oh, I do miss it. I guess that is why I am working so hard and not giving up is hope, someday I will be back doing the things I LOVE to do, SOMEDAY." Sorry, I do get side tracked once in a while with thoughs. Once I was comfortable I then spoke to a friend on the telephone before eating soup for dinner with my parents. Once I had done so I then went to my bedroom to do none other then blog.

Meet with my sister at the Auburn turnpike

I began my Saturday morning at 8:20 a.m. by doing my weight exercses. Oddly enough, I am now able to do the things much better do to the muscle mass I have built up from the weight exercising I consistantly do everyday. For example walking. Although I still use my cane every now and then for stability, especially when I am away from home. At 8:40 I then preceded to do my stretching. I then went to the kitchen to eat some fruit and fruit dip while my mother had made me an egg sandwhick. Once I had finished eating I had brushed my perly whites before making my way downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then went to my bedroom to finish my workout by stretching. At 10:00 I then went to get ready for the rest of my day. Once I had my bathroom all cleaned, I then went out into the kitchen to start the dish washer. At 11:30 I had spoke to my sister on the telephone. Once I had done so, I then preceded to hang the laundry to dry. At noon I had gone with my father to Auburn to meet my sister to pick up her dog so we could care for it for a few days. I then went to drop some cookies off to my friend greg at Odd Fellows where he lives. We had arrived home at 2:45. I then went straight to bed and I had slept until 5:00. Once I was up I then did my breathing and speech exercises. Once I had done so I then sat down do blog before dinner.

Shovel, Shovel, Shovel

I began my Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. by riding for thirty minutes. I then went to the kitchen for a bowl of cream of wheat. I needed something hot and hearty. Once I had finished eating, I then washed the dish's thus picking up the kitchen. I then went to my bedroom to take the sheets off my bed. I then brought them to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. I then went back to my bedroom to put clean sheets on my bed. At 10:25(this is where the cream of wheat will come in handy.)I then bundled up and went out on the deck to shovel a foot of snow. At 10:25 I had taken a break and went inside to hang the laundry to dry. It was a break well deserved and the deck was not even half done. Once I had put the dry laundry away, I was back out on the deck shoveling at 11:40. It took thirty-five more minutes to complete the job. I then went inside to take a shower. I then had a bowl of pea soup for lunch, before laying down to rest at 1:00. I had slept for two hours, before getting up. I then went out into the kitchen to have some crackers and cheeze with a glass of egg nog. I then preceded to do my speech and breathing exercises. Once I had blogged I then went to the kitchen to eat my dinner. Boy goint back to bed, looks pretty good right about now.

A Huge Nor Easter Hits Maine

I began my Thursday morning at 8:oo a.m. I did not have to start my day any earlier do to the amount of snow we already had on the ground. Everything had been cancelled. Including United WheelChair the transportation company that picks me up to take me to WestSide everyday. Once I was up, I had put on my exercise shorts and made my way downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then went back upstairs to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating some of the egg dish my mother had made over the holiday, I then washed dish's that had been in the sink. At 9:25 once I had brushed my teeth, I then washed the tray the silver wear is in. Most of it was in the dish washer so why not. At 9:45 I then returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. At 10:00 I then called my grandmother to see how she was weathering the storm at the Pierce house. Once off the phone, I then did my stretching. At 10:15 I then emptied the dishwasher, thus putting the dish's away. At 10:40 I then washed my hair to help myself wake up. I then spoke to a friend on the telephone briefly before doing my speech exercises for thirty minutes. At 12:00 I then lied down to rest. After sleeping three hours, I then got up. While on my computer, my mother had brought me in crackers and cheese with a glass of egg nog. At 4:50 I then took my shower before going out into the kitchen to eat dinner. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to my bedroom to blog. THE SNOW IS STILL FALLING !!! If I only could go skiing, hmmm, Think Troy Think, There must be a way. Think! I know I could go on a virtual ski trip. To Colorado, Winter Park. Oh I can not wait. Sounds like fun!!! I have go wax those skis.

boxing day

I began my Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. by eating my breakfast. Once I had I then said good-bye to my sister as she left to go home. Once my sister had left, I then went to my bedroom to begin doing my weight exercises with my arms and my legs, which continue to become stronger every day. At 8:15 I then went through all the stretching exercises I have still given to me from when I was at d'youville. At 8:30 I then rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 9:00 I then filled my pill containers for the week. After taking my shower, I then continued to get ready for my day ahead. Larry from United had arrived at 11:30. I had arrived at WestSide at 1:00 Just in time to attend support group in the conference room. Pete, Dee Dee, Camie and I started the group with Jen bying saying once again, "Stay Positive!" Dee Dee then brought out some party mix she had made to share with the group. We then checked in. Dee Dee was feeling a little left out not bringing anything for Christmas, so she had made party mix and a cheeze ball to share with her family. Pete had an uneventful week, Camie hadn't anything to share. I remember when I was new the seen, I too was a little unsure on what to say or share with the group, so I too said not a word. At 2:00 I then made my way to the gym for P.T. with John who was filling in for Dan. Today John had me walking on the tredmill. I had walked 32.06 minutes, burning 241 calories, and walking for the first time 2.06 miles. At 3:00 Larry from United took my home. I had arrived home at 4:15. Once inside I had taken my shower before sitting down to eat my dinner. I then blog before calling it a day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I began my Christmas morning at 6:00 A.M. by getting up and going out into the kitchen to eat breakfast with my family. Along with my cup of hot cocoa my mother had made an egg recipe along with some ham. At 8:00 I then got ready to go to church. At 9:30 my mother sister and I left to go pick my grandmother up at the Pierce House to go to the 10:30 mass. After Mass we then went back home to begin the Holiday Festivities. Once I had changed out of my Church clothing, we all then sat down by the Christmas Tree at 12:00 to begin opening gifts. At 12:40 we then took a break to eat shrimp with cocktail sauce. At 1:00 we then continued to open gifts. At 1:45 I then lied down to rest. I had slept until 4:00 before getting up. We hung around for an hour before opening the last of our gifts. At 5:30 I then went to my bedroom to organize my gifts. Hanging clothing up and putting the hot cocoa I received in the cupboard, along with with other gifts I had received. Once I had done so we then sat down to eat spaghetti for dinner. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to my bedroom to blog the days events.

Christmas Eve

I began my Monday morning on the Christmas Eve at 5:30 a.m. by getting up to stretch. I then preceded to do my weight exercises. At 6:30 I then went out into the kitchen. My father had made me a cheeze omlet with english muffin. One I had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom at 6:50 to brush my teeth, make my bed, ahower and get ready for the Christmas Eve Day. Once I was ready I had lied back down and I had slept until 8:45. My bedroom is on the side of the drive way so I had heared Lou from United pull in. It awoke me, so I had quickly put my shoes on and out I went. I had arrived at West Side at 10:00 just in time to take my AFO off before meeting with Piper for case management. I had told Piper Dr. Dornboss would like monthly updates sent to his office on my progress at WestSide. Piper then had me sign a release form giving her permission to do so. At 10:30 I then had my support session with Deb. I had showed Deb some things I had been looking into for the future and discussed how other things are going. At 11:00 during my P.T. session with Carol who was filling for Dan. Carol and I worked on some yoga and breathing Techniques. At 12:00 Roger from United took me home. I had arrived home at 1:15, upon doing so I had a bowl of clam chowder before laying down. I had slept from 1:30-4:30 before getting up and going out into the kitchen to have odderves with my family. At 5:00 we then all sat down by the Christmas Tree to open up our stocking stuffers. Once we had done so I then took a shower before having a piece of meat pie. I then sat down to blog before turning in.

Christmas Day is drawing near

I began my Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. by doing my weight and stretching exercises. What else is new. At 8:30 I then took my shower before going out into the kitchen to eat a a toasted english muffin with pb&h. once I had finished eating, I then brushed my teeth before leaving for church with my mother. Once we had picked my grandmother up we finally arrived. Today was the last Sunday of Advent so all four candels were lit on the advent wreath. Once mass was finished we then brought my grandmother back to the Pierce House. My mother and I then made a few stops before arriving home. We arrived home at 12:25 Once inside, I then had a bowl of chowder for lunch. I then layed down to rest and slept for two hours. Once I was up at 3:00, I then played words with friends. At 4:00 I then brought my gifts that I had wrapped out to put under the Christmas tree with my sister. We then sat to talk before eating pea soup for dinner.

Life is like an open jornel just waiting to be read

I began my Satureday morning at 8:45 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had done so I had washed some dish's before I had brushed my teeth. I then put on what I once use to call my running shorts and a t-shirt so as to go ride the swin air dine for thiry minutes. At 10:00 I had returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises arms and legs. I then folded some laundry that was dry, thus putting it away. At 10:30 I did my stretching. At 11:00 I then took my shower thus getting ready for the rest of the day. At 11:25 I had started a laod of laundry. At 11:30 I had gone for my computer and worked on rewriting my poems into a notebook. At 12:15 I then hung a load of laundry to dry on the clothing rack. At 12:15 I then wiped some dish's that I had washed. I then continued to put my poety into a notebook off of my laptop. At 12:45 I then lied down to rest for an hour. I then got up and made myself a grilled cheeze for lunch. At 2:30 I continued to recopy some poems into my notebook. At 3:20 my grandmother had called. We spoke briefly. I then went back on line. At 4:30 I then ate dinner. at 5:00 I then did my speech and breathing exercises Once I had so I then went back to my bedroom to blog.

Lights Out !!!

I began my Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. by making myself a bowl of cream of wheat with toasted english muffin. Once I had finished eating, I preceded to pick up the kitchen before starting the dishwasher. At 9:00 I then went to the laundry room so as to get the laundry to hang to dry. At 9:15 I hopped on the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then continued my workout by going to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. At 10:15 I then Put some clean clothing away that was in my bedroom before stretching. Once I had finished my workout I had called my grandmother. Once I was off the phone I then went outside to shovel the snow off the deck. At 11:20 I had gone back inside to empty the dishwasher thus putting the dish's away. At 11:45 I had taken my shower to get ready for the rest of my day. Once I had cleaned my bathroom, I then began another load of laundry. While it was washing I had gone back to my room to organize. At 12:30 I then began to do my speech and breathing exercises. At 12:40 I then had folded and put away some laundry that was dry on the clothing rack. I then made myself a grilled cheeze for lunch before hanging another load to dry. At I had lied down to rest. I had slept until 3:00 before getting to check on some more laundry to put away. At 4:30 I had taken my shower Just in the nick of time, for the power had gone out for a half an hour do to the rain storm we were having. The power had come back on at 6:00. I then sat down to blog before eating my dinner.

Work me hard !!!

I began my Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I had a cup of hot cocoa, orange juuice, and a huge muffin. At 6:30 I went back to my bedroom to put my laundry away and to brush my teeth. Once I had made my bed, I then preceded to to do my weight exercises. Which are helping a great deal when it comes to my theropy sessions at WestSide. Once I had finished with my stretching, I then took my shower, thus getting ready for my day ahead. At 8:00 I then started a load of laundry, before going back to my bedroom to organize my pills for the week. I then brought my things to the door. United WheelChair had arrived shortly after doing so. Upon my arrivel to WestSide I had meet with Dr. Ablitz. He and I continued to talk about the thoughts of moving back out on my own and where and when to do it. I really would like to go to Portland, Maine. There is so much more to offer. They have a sister facility down there called Bay Side which I would be able to continue my theropy. We also spoke of places to live. At 11:00 I had a P.T. session with Amanda. She first had me walk around the lower level of WestSide where the gym is located. I then did some running on the trampoline. I did three trials. First trial I ran 2.0 minutes, second trial I ran 1.5 minutes , and the third trial I ran 1.0 minutes. I then did some walking on the tredmill for 6.16 minutes, at a speed of 3.0, Distance 0.307 before having to stop and take a break. I then continued and stopped once again at time 11:00 minutes Distance 0.521 keeping the same speed of 3.0. Amanda said be sure not to wear my AFO next week but to bring it with me. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch. John from United then took me home. I had arrived home at 2:10, thus going stait to bed. On top of the hour I already had slept on the way home, I had slept two more hours. At 4:30 I had got up to take my shower. I then went out into the kitchen to eat dinner. And I am still tired. What a day!!!

Christmas Party at WestSide

I began my Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. by doing my weight exercises. I then shaved before going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa while eating an orange. I then had a bowl of cereal with a toasted english muffin with peanutbutter and honey on it. At 9:45 I then took my shower thus getting ready to go to WestSide. At 11:00 I had called Kevin the dispatcher at United to make sure he was sending someone to pick me up today. He said yes and that Larry would be here in 15-20 minutes. At 11:35 I then called my mother at work to let her know that Larry from United would be doing just that. I had arrived to WestSide at 1:00 p.m. Upon doing so I went directly to the conference room for support group. Tina, Tod, Camie, Pete, Denise, and shared our weekly happenings with Deb and Jennifer. Upon checking in I started with the good news from my Drs. appointment yesturday, Tina having problems with the throbbing pain in her legs, Tod will be going to Hearth Land in Sidney for rehab with substance abbuse, Pete still settling in new home, Camie was letting us know how she would like more speech theropy added on to the one hour she already has. Camie was also thinking of joining the yoga group that I am currently in. It does do wonders. Deb then told us how yoga has helped her in recovery from her stroke, thus making great gaines after rehab by showing us how she is able to get up off the floor quickly. Denises father had an early Christmas gathering inviting twenty-two relatives. At 2:00 I then went downstairs to the gym for P.T. with Dan. Dan first took my blood pressure 102 over 74. Dan then had me walking on the tredmill at 3.0 mph. I had walked for 20.08 minutes, burning 111 calories, going 1.001 miles. My blood pressure was then 112 over 80. Dan then had me on a two by four piece of wood trying to keep my balance. I did so for 42 seconds. Once I had finished with P.T. I then went to my locker to get my clothing to change into for the Party. first I had used the bathroom with the shower in it to do just that, take a shower. I then went to the conference room. They had divided all of the clients into three teams. They then played a Christmas song. Each team took a turn to finish the Christmas song. If you did your team earned points. Which ever team had the most points earned a prize. My team happen to win. At 4:00 we went downstairs to the dining area to creat a Christmas seen Using a ginger bread house on a piece of cardboard. We had used frosting and other candies such as M&M's, gum drops ect. Once we were finished staff from WestSide judged our presentations. They then passed out lemon aid or iced tea for us to drink. We then each had a piece of pie made from Thankgiving dinner that was helled at WestSide. We then had dessert. At 5:50 to end the evening we had a yankee swap. I started with a box of candies and ended with some type of Christmas Ornament. Larry then took me home. I had arrived home at 8:30, went to my bedroom to blog, I then went to bed.

Dr.'s appointment with Dr. Auger

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. by doing my weight exercises. Once I had done so, I then made my way to the kitchen to eat a bowl of hot cereal and a piece of toast for breakfast. I then went back to my bedroom to do my stretching. At 7:00 I then began to get ready for my day ahead. Once I had taken my shower and shaved I then sat down to do my breathing and speech exercses. I have to say things are becoming a little easier it that area for me. I guess all that hard does pay off. I then took an air flo reading; 460, 460, 500. At 8:30 my father had taken me to Farmington Family Practice for my appointment with Doctor Auger. Once we were there, Marcia the Nures had taken me in to to get a Medication update and to take my blood pressure. I then saw Doctor Auger. The first words that came out of his mouth were, "Troy you are AMAZING!" He just could not believe how I had recovered after the stroke I had. He also made the comment that I do not have any facial droop. He then had asked me how the medication was doing that he had put me on for my headaches. I replied, "It is doing wonders for the pain." My father then took me home. We arrived home at 11:00. I then sat down to have chicken, potato's, and cranberry sauce for lunch. Once I had finished eating I had brushed my teeth. I then started in. I first emptied the dish washer, thus putting all the dish's away. At 11:45 I then started a load of laundry. While it was washing I had gone outside onto the deck to shovel the foot of snow we received during last nights storm. It took me fouty-five minutes to do so. Once I had finished shoveling, At 12:30 I had taken a shower and cleaned up. Once I had done so, I had hung the laundry to dry on the clothing rack. At 12:45 The time I have been waiting for "BED!" I had lied down and I slept until 3:45. I then got up and went out into the kitchen,toeat a bowl of soup for dinner. Once I had finished eating, I had gone to my bedroom to blog.

Winter Storm

I began my Monday morning at 9:30 by gettting and going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa while eating cantalope with fruit dip, while my mother had made me scrambled eggs and home fries. Once I had finished eating breakfast, while I was brushing my teeth, my mother had answered the telephone. It was Kevin the dispatcher from United Wheelchair. He was calling to let me know that he won't be sending a van up my way today do to the snow storm. Once I had found out I would not be going to west Side, It was kind of a let down, Oh move on. I was to go in for 3:oo for an hours worth of P.T. before attending a Christmas Party the Community Intergration Group was having. If you recall I use to attend this group weekly Prior to my stroke, every Monday Night. They invite me back every so often. It sure is nice to know that I am still thought of. At 10:30 I began to do my leg and arm weight exercises. At 11:10 I then made my way downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 11:40 I then hung a load of laundry to dry. I then started another load of laundry. At 12:00 I had returned to my bedroom to do my hand exercises. with the theropy ball, squeezing it with my palm and between my fingers. At 12:10 I then started another load of laundry. Wash, Wash, Wash!!! At 12:15 I then returned to my bathroom to fill my medication containers for the week. at 12:30 I then hung another load of laundry to dry. At 12:45 I had taken a shower. Once I had cleaned my bathroom, I then started another load of laundry. I then spoke to a friend on the phone until 2:00. I then layed down to rest and slept until 4:45. Once I got up, I had taken a shower before dinner. After my shower I had done my speech and breathing exercises. I then went to the kitchen to eat soup with my parents. At 6:30 I had returned to my bedroom to blog.

A day trip to Auburn

I began my Sunday morning at 7;45 a.m. by doing my weight arm and leg exercises. At 8:10 I then stretched. Once I had done so, next thing on my agenda was to shower and get ready to go to church. At 9:00 I then went out into the kitchen to eat a bowl of hot cereal and a cinnamon bun for breakfast. Once I had brushed my teeth my mother and I had left for church, thus picking up my grandmother along the way. Once church was let out, my mother brought me to the shop so that my father could give me a haircut. At 12:00 we began our descent to Auburn. Upon our arrivel to Oddfellows we had picked my friend Greg up to take him out to lunch at Pizza Hut. Once Greg, my father and I had shared a pizza we then went to Best Buy. At 2:30 we had brought Greg back home to Odd Fellows. My father and I had arrived home at 4:45. Once I had taken a shower, I then sat down to blog before eating a bowl of soup.

hanging t-shirts in my armoir

I began my Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa. Once I had done so, I had made my way downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes before eating my breakfast. At 10:00 I had made my way back up to the kichen to eat scambled eggs with cinnamon buns. At 10:15 I then went back to my bedroom to brush my teeth. After doing so I made my bed before putting my laundry away. Once I had done my leg exercises, I preceded to fix my armoir. In doing so, I had taken out the shelves and put the bar up to hang my t-shirts, and believe me I have some t-shirts to hang. At 11:30 I then helped my mother bake some Christmas Cookies. At 12:00 I then returned to my bedroom to continue organizing things. At 12:50 I then lied down to rest. I had slept until 3:00. I then got up and went out into the kitchen to eat half a bean sandwhich for lunch. At 3:20 I then did my stretching for fourty minutes. Once I had taken a shower, I then did my breathing exercises. At 4:35 I then sat down to fill out my WestSide medication update list. I then went out into the kitchen to eat dinner. Haddock, spanish rice, and asparagus. Once I had finished eating I then went to my computer to blog.

Lunch at the Pierce House with my grandmother

I began my morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast while watching the news. Once I had done so, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth before going to the laundry room to start a a laod of laundry. I then rode the swin air dine from 9:00 to 9:30. I then went back to the kitchen to eat an orange whilt drinking my cocoa. At 9:00 I then hung the laundry to dry. I then stared another load, my sheets. While waiting for it to wash, I continued to exercise. At 10:50 I then hung the second load to dry. At 11:00 My mother had called to let me know to call United Wheelchair to cancelle my transportation to WestSide that day for Tuesday the 18th do to a doctor's appointment. Another Doctors Appointment! Oh My. Does it ever end. I'm meeting with doctors I never new exhisted. I then called United and spoke to Ralph the dispatcher for Friday and let him know. I then finished hanging the laundry. Once I had done so, I then sat down to finish eating my breakfast at 10:00. At 10:15 I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and to start in with my arm weight exercises. At 10:20 I then made my bed, thus putting on clean sheets. At 10:30 I then showered, thus getting ready for the rest of my day. Once I had cleaned my bathroom I then Hung another laod of laundry to dry. At 11:30 my mother arrive home from work to take me to the Pierce House so that I could have lunch with my grandmother. When I had first arrived I went to my grandmothers room. After a brief visit, we went down for lunch. On todays menue they were serving Pop overs, Fish Chowder, with brownie and coffee ice cream for dessert. Once we had finished eating we went back to my grandmothers room. I had lied down to rest while my grandmother watched television in the other room. At 2:15 my mother picked me up at my grandmoters to go home. We finally arrived home at 3:00 p.m. I then called a friend to speak briefly. At 3:30 I then folded and put away laundry. At 3:45 I did my leg exercises. At 4:oo another friend of mine had called. We had talked for thirty minutes, I then went to the kitchen to speak with my mother briefly before taking a shower. I then went back out into the kitchen to eat oatmeal and a half of english muffin. I was still full from lunch, but needed a little something in my stomache. I then returned to my bedroom to blog at 5:30

Appointment with Dr. Dornboss the polmanologist

I began my Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. by getting up and going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had my english muffin, juice, and cocoa, I then went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then went back to my bedroom to do my weight exercises, I then stretched. At 9:00 United Wheel Chair had arrived at my door step but I was not schedule to go in to West Side today. Once I had spoke briefly to my mother on the telephone, I then started a load of laundry. At 10:00 I then began to get ready to go to my doctors appointment. Once I had taken my shower and was all set to go, I then cleaned my bathroom. As I was I doing so I said to myself, Stroke go away!!!!! The effects have been the hardest for me to get over. I'd like to believe that some day I would be some what close to the way I was prior to this stoke. Believe it is frustrating some days, and today is one of them. Every time I have on it robs me of my functions I once had. I don't want to sound like ungreatful, but it is torture. First my eye sight, then my memory, and now my mobility. WHAT'S NEXT!!! I would like to say get over it, but believe it is hard. My eye sight is one thing, that is easy because I have lived with out all my life, but now it is my mobility, rrrrrrrrrrrr! Where were we, oh yah, At 10:45 I then had made myself a glass of ice water, all that exercise makes me thirsty. I then hung the laundry to dry on the clothing rack downstairs. I then got my Christmas Cards ready to mail. At 11:00 I then put my laundry away my mother had set in my bedroom. Once I had filled my pill containers for the week, I then called my pharmacy to order more medication. At 11:45 I then did my tension identification and control exercises. At 11:55 My mother had called me to let me know that she was on her way home to pick me up to take me to the docters. I am going to see my polmanologist today. At 12:05 we had left for the doctor Dornboss's office in Livermore Falls. Once I had meet with the doctor he had mentioned how he would like a progress report from WestSide Neourorehab every month like all my other doctors receive. He doesn"t want to see me until one year. On my way home I stopped to get something to eat. Once we had put gas in the car we were on our way. I arrived home at 2:00, thus going straight to bed. I had slept for two hours before getting up take my shower. I then sat down to blog before dinner.

working out at Planet Fitness.

I began my Wednesday morning at 7:00 by going out into the kitchen to eat blueberry pancakes for breakfast. I had finished eatin at 7:40, thus returning to my bedroom to brush my teeth. Once I had done so, I had returned to the kitchen at 8:00 to start the dish washer. Once I had done so, I then made my way back downstairs to to start a load of laundry. It was mainly sweat shirts and sweat paints I wear each to WestSide. I then returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. At 8:20 I then began to do my stretching. At 8:30 I then returned to the laundry room to fold the laundry that was dry before hanging more to dry. I then had wrote out Christmas cards. After taking my shower, I then started another load of laundry, In the mean time my mother had called from work to let me know a former english teacher of mine in high school, Art Perry had passed away. It is funny every Christmas season he would give my father an extra tip after his haircut and be sure to give this to Troy. Thanks Mr. Perry for those many years of service as a teacher for the S.A.D. 9 community. You will be deeply missed. At 10:30 I had called my grandmother before sitting down to eat my lunch. Once I had finished eating I then gathered my things to bring to the door and wait for United to arrive. Larry had arrived at 11:30, thus getting me to WestSide for my 1:00 p.m. support group meeting. Upon my arrivel to WestSide Vicky had given me my Medication List which has to be filled be filled out anually. I then made my way into the conference room for support group. Today Denise, Camie, John, DeeDee, Pete, and I sat to share what was on our minds with Deb and Jen. Denise started by trying to remember all of our names. We then put our fists in the center and said "STAY POSSITIVE!" Camie let the group know how she is doing her internship to be a social worker. Denise talk about how she is keeping the dating seen on hold. Pete is doing well settling in at home. DeeDee has been tested for colin cancer. John's grandson is 13. Once we had checked in we then spoke about the holidays. Talking about Christmas trees real and fake. At 2:00 I then went to planet fitness. While there I rode the life fitness machine 75 minutes going 3.71 miles. The reason why I had gone with the gym group is because Dan had the day off. I had arrived home at 4:30 thus taking a shower before eating my dinner. I then sat down to blog at 5:30

Therapy really makes me tired

I began at 5:00 a.m. by doing my stretching and weight exercises. I then went into the kitchen to my breakfast. I then returned to my bedroom to get ready for my day ahead. Once I was ready, I then gathered my lunch and my napsack and went to the door to wait for United. Larry had arrived at 7:30. We then went to pick up Donald. We had arrived to WestSide at 9:00 just in time to go to the the kitchen to put my lunch in the refrigerator then back to the conference room for Yoga Group with Michelle and Carol. During group David, Donald, Matt and I did yoga using the wii. Some of the exercises. we did were lunges, rowing, twists, and half moon. We then finished the group with breathing exercises. At 10:00 I then stayed in the conference room for stretching and strengthening group. Don, David, Terry, Paul, Richard, Dave, Zack, and I with Florina, Michelle, and Nichole, each took turn naming a stretch to do, for the group to participate in. At 11:00 I had a half an hour break. During this time I had gone to the kitchen to eat my lunch. At 11:30 I then had my nursing session with Sally. We discussed doctors appointments and medication. At 12:00 I then returned to the kitchen to finish my lunch before going home. At 12:30 Bruce from United took me home. I had arrvied home at 1:30 and I went straight to bed. I had slept until 4:00 before getting up to do my leg weight exercises. I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner. Meatloaf, potatos and corn. I then sat down to blog before getting ready to go to bed.

Practicing my breathing during my speech session with Corina

I began my Monday morning at 6;00 a.m. by by doing my weight and stretching exercises. At 6;45 I then made my way out into the kitchen to eat hot cereal and toast for my breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I had made my way back into my bedroom at 7:00 to call United WheelChair to see if they were still transporting today do to the weather. Yes they were. Once I had found that out, I continued to get ready. John from United was soon at my house to pick me up to go to WestSide. Upon my arrivel to WestSide, I had gone downstairs to put my lunch in the refrigerator. At 10:15 I then had met with my casemanager Piper. Today I spoke to Piper about that new medication my doctor has me on for my headaches. After a brief break Piper had filled in for Deb during my Support Session. During this time Piper and I talked about The Maine Outdoor Adventure Club and what it had to offer. We also looked up the Iris network and what it has to offer for living facility. At 11:00 I then had a rehab session with Florina who was filling in for my P.T. session with Dan. Once in the gym Florina had a list of things for me to do which Dan had left for coverage. First she had me go through my leg exercises in the parallel bars three times. I then rode the stationary bike. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. I had sat with Paul, Courtney, Tina, and Dan. Once I had finished eating, I then made my way back up stairs for my speech session with Corina. Coina first had me walking with my AFO on in the halls downstairs practising my breathing. As I was walking my breathing would feal like it would skip a beat. Carina metioned seeing a ears, nose, and through specialist. At 1:00 I then left to go home. I had arrived home at 2:15. I was so tired I had gone straight to bed and I had slept until 5:15 before getting up to take my shower before eating my dinner. Once I had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom to blog. I then watched Christmas Movies for the rest of the night.

A baptism at church

I began my Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. by doing my weight exercises with my arms and legs. At 7:30 I then began to do my stretching. Once I had finished stretching I then made my way to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I had scrambled eggs, sausage, english muffin, and a sliced up orange. Once I had finished eating, I brushed my teeth before riding the swin air dine for thirty minutes from 8:00 to 8:30. Once I had taken my shower, I then started a load of laundry. At 9:45 my mother and I left for church. Along the way we picked up my grandmother at the Pierce House. There was a Baptism at church today. That is always nice to see. Once church was let out at 11:30, my mother and I had brought my grandmother home. My mother and I then went downtown to do some Christmas shopping. At 12:00 We then went to get an egg nog milk shake so that I could have it with my lunch, once we had returned home. We had returned home at 12:15. Once inside I had sat down to eat my lunch. Once I had finished eating at 1:00, I had returned to my bedroom so that I could continue to wrap my Christmas gifts. At 1:30 I then made a batch of coconut kiss cookies fot Christmas. At 2:00 I was feeling tired so I decided to lay down to rest. I had slept until 4:30 before getting up to put my laundry away. At 5:00 I had called a friend to chat for a bit before sitting down to blog. I then ate dinner at 6:00.

wrapping Christmas gifts

I began my Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. by getting up and going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. My mother had made me blueberry pancakes. Once I had finished eating this morning, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth before going downstairs to ride the swin air dine. After riding for thirty minutes I then returned to my bedrooom to first put my laundry away before doing my weight exercises. At 11:40 I then took my shower before I layed down to rest. I had slept from 12:00-2:30 before getting up. Once I was up I had gone out into the kitchen to get my egg nog milk shake which I drank for my lunch. It was filling enough to last me until dinner. I then returned to my bedroom to first call my grandmother, I then began to wrap gifts at 2:45. I had done so until 5:00. At that time I had gone to the kitchen to eat dinner. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to my bedroom to do my speech exercises for thirty minutes. I then continued to wrap Christmas gifts until 7:00. I then sat down to blog.

Having an E.K.G. at Franklin Memorial Hospital

I began my Friday morning at 5:30 a.m. by getting up and getting myself dressed. Once I had done so, My father then brought me to Franklin Memorial Hospital to have blood drawn. My father then brought me back home, before he then went to work. I had arrived home at 7:30. I then got myself a bowl of cereal, bananna, toast, hot cocoa, and a glass of orange juice. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. Once I had done so, I then went downstairs to the laundry room to get the laundry to hang on the clothing rack to dry. At 8:20 I then went back upstairs to pick up the kitchen and to start the dishwasher. At 8:30 I then began my daily workout. Once I had rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes, I then went back to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. Once I had stretched, I then took a shower. At 10:40 I then began a load of laundry. Once I had done so, I then had gone back upstairs to empty the dishwasher. Once I had the dish's put away, I went back to the laundry room at 11:00 to hang to second load to dry. At 11:10 my father arved home for brief period. In doing so he had made me a sandwhich and a bowl of soup for lunch, before going back to work. At 11:30 I had lied down to rest. I had slept for an hour, before getting up and getting ready to go to my doctors office at Franklin Memorial Hospital to have an E.K.G. As I was getting prepped for the E.K.G. I felt like I was in the movie "The Fourty Year Old Virgin" as I was having my chest shaved to put the sticky things on. After the E.K.G. I had met with the doctor. The Doctor wants to put me on this medication called Nortriptyline. It is suppose to help contol my headaches. I start by taking one pill per night for a week. I then take two pills per night. I hope it works. After my Doctors appointments my mother, grandmother and I went to Dunk-N-Doughnuts to coffee and chi. Once we had left Dunk-N-Doughnuts, we stopped off at Hanaford so that I could pick up some medication. We then brought my grandmother back to the Pierce House. Once I had arrived home I had taken a shower to get comfortable before dinner. I then sat down to blog.

Day TWO going to WestSide without my AFO on

I began my Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat a bowl of hot cereal, english muffin, hot cocoa, and o.j. Once I had finished eating I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. Once I had done so I started in on my weight lifting exercises. At 7:00 I then did my stretching before taking a shower, thus getting ready for my day ahead. At 7:45 I then started a load of laundry. Once I done so I then called the pharmacy to order my medication. I then gathered my things and brought them to the door. At 8:20 I then hung the laundry to dry, just in the nick of time to. United had arrived ten minutes after doing so. I had arrived at WestSide at 10:15, Just in time to put my lunch in the refrigerator and hang my coat up. The ride had gone by quick. The United Driver and I had talked all the way. Well they did most of the talking, I mainly did the listening, Although I did have a few good responces. I usally meet with Dr. Ablitz at this time, but he was out so my speech theropist Carina filled in. She and I had taken this extra half an hour of time this week to do some walking around the facility while practicing my breathing. At 11:00 I then made my way down to the gym for my P.T. session with Amanda. Upon my arrivel to the gym there had been a change of plans, Amada had to work wih another client so I had meet with Dan instead. Dan first took my blood pressure reading; 112 over 76. Dan then had me walking on the tredmill at an incline of 2%. I had walked one mile in 21:30 at 2.8 mph. Dan then took my blood presure reading once again, this time it was 110 over 76. Dan then had me in the parallel bars with the gate belt on doing some balance exercises. With my feet together on the erix quishing and my arms crossed, Dan first had me see how long I could stand without moving. Then Dan had me standing on the parallel bar wooden floor with my arms crossed. He then had me look to the right, to the left, look up, straight ahead, ect. These are visual scanning exercises. At 2:00 I then put my AFO on before making my way to the lobby to meet my ride. I had slept all the way home. Once I had arrived home at 2:00, I was still exhausted, so had gone straight to bed. I had slept until 5:00 before getting up to take my shower and eat my dinner. I then sat down at my computer to blog at 5:45 before calling it a day.

Walk a mile in my shoes

I began my Wednesday morning at 8;00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat toasted muffins and drink my hot cocoa for breakfast. At 8:25 I started the dishwasher once I had the kitchen picked up. I then called my grandmother up, to chat. At 8:30 I then went to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. While downstairs in the family room I decided to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 9:05 I had returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises, both leg and arm. Once I had done so I had gone to the laundry room to hang the laundry to dry. At 9;45 I had returned to my bedroom to do my stretching. At 10;10 I then took my shower continueing to get ready to go to WestSide. Once I had cleaned my bathroom, I then returned to the laundry room to start another load of laundry. At 11:00 I had hung the laundry to dry, leaving me just enough time to grab a bite to eat before leaving. Oh I almost forgot, I don't have to wear my AFO to WestSide today, I just have to bring it with me, along with my cain. Larry from united had arrived at 12:30. I had arrived to WestSide at 1:45. Upon my arrivel I had gone into the conference room for my weekly support group meeting. Now that I am pretty much secure on my way to recovery, I just mainly am in the group to provide others support on their weekly strugles. Oh there are occassions I do get frustraited and wish that things were the way they once were' I know deep down inside there is hope. Denise, Tina, Pete, Dee Dee, and I listened to one another. Some of the things clients have to go through. For example Tina who is a mother of two finally received her own guardianship, after five years recovering from a stroke. And friendships are made, which help lift clients spirits high. For example Denisse meat a client at WestSide who had asked her out for coffee. But other clients who still struggle in hopes some day they too will meet there goals like Pete Who had his liscence revoked after a stroke. Pete was a truck driver and dependee highly on his drivers liscence for means of support. But this is why we go to WestSide to help reach those goals. to hopefully some day get back to doing the things we once did. But if things do not work out at least get us on the path that will give us a sence of meaning in our lives. At 2:00 I then made my way down to the gym for P.T. Once Dan had taken my blood pressure reading 112 over 78 he then had me walk outside. I had walked a mile today with no afo or the use of a cane. My blood pressure was then 110 over 80. After my walk outside, Dan then had me back in the gym at 2:30 in the parallel bars swaying back and fourth and side to side with the gate belt on. He wanted me to go a little beyond control but not enough so that I could not regain control. Dan then strapped leg weights on my legs to legs exercises. At 3:00 I then left to go home. I had arrived home at 4:00, thus taking a shower right off so as to get comfortable. I then ate dinner with my parents before sitting down to blog.

Blog catchup

Sun 12/2/12 I began my Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat breakfast. My mother had made me an egg sandwhich. Once I had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom to begin doing my weight and stretching exercises. It had taken me an hour before jumping into the shower to get ready to go to my sisters for a few days, while my parents did some Christmas shopping. At 9:15 we were finally in the car and on our way to Portland. We had arrived at my sisters at 11:30. Once I had brought my things inside, my parents were off on there Christmas shopping weekend. At 12:00 I had lied down to rest. I had slept for two hours before getting up. My sister and I then went to Angon's for an early dinner. At 3:30 we had returned home. My sister and I then made my ged up. At 4:05 I then took my shower getting comfortable for the evening. At 4:30, I then helped my sister put my lunch together for tomorrow. At 5:00 my sister and I sat down to watch a Christmas Movie before going to bed. Mon 12/3/12 I began my Monday morning at 4:45 a.m.by doing my stretching. I was unable to do my weight exercises, do to the fact my weights were back home. Once I had made my bed, I then sat down to do my speech and breathing exercises. At 5:50 I then took my shower thus getting ready before eating my breakfast with my sister. Once I had finished eating, I then continued to get ready. Once I had done so I had sat down to read the newspaper. At 8:20 United Wheelchair had arrived to bring me to Lewiston to attend WestSide, for my daily theropy. I had arrived at WestSide at 9:30. I had gone directly to the kitchen to put my lunch in the refrigerator. I then sat at one of the dining area tables to do my speach and breathing exercises While waiting to go to my P.T. session in th gym which was on the lower level. At 10:00 I went over to the gym for my P.T. session with Amanda. Today Amanda first had me walk four laps around the lower level at WestSide. I had walked 650 feet without the use of my cain or with my AFO on for my warm up. We then went to the trampoline, which is placed in the parallel bars. Amanda then had me do four one minute trials running on the treampoline without holding on to the bars. There are just there for emergency. I then went on the tredmill walking 11:30, going .509 miles, at 2>7 mph. At the end of my workout Amanda had given me some exciting news, she wants me to start coming to WestSide starting Wednesday morning without my AFO ON. until after my P.T. session with Amanda from 2:00-3:00. Of course then My leg will or should be tired. Although she is allowing me to use my cain. Unless I feel otherwise tired. She would also like me to bring my AFO with me, just in case. At 11:00 I had a brief break before meeting with Piper my case manager for fifteen minutes. Piper had asked me if I would like some time off during the holidays. I replied, "I WOUld have to think about it." We then talkeb about my appointment down in Dartmouth. Deb then caught me in the hall to let me know of a Christmas Party that I have been invited to that the Community Intergration Group is having. This is a group I use to be part of before having my stroke. Deb had let me know everyone is to bring a dish or dessert of their chose and a $5.00 gift to swap. I then went to the dining area to eat lunch. At 1:00 I then had speech with Carina. She first spoke about relaxed throught breathing. She then had me practice breathing. We then did it while playing cards, so as to get use to it while doing something. Then United took me back to my sisters. I had arrived home at 3:15. I had lied down to rest for a bit before my sister arrived home. She had arrived home at 4:00. At 4:30 we sat down to some soup our mother had given to us and a grilled cheese. At 5:00 we had watched Twas The Night Before Christmas. We then went to bed. Tues 12/4/12 I began my tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. by getting up to eat breakfast with my sister. At 6:00 I then took my shower ect. thus getting ready to go WestSide. At 6:30 I then packed my things to take home which my parents will be picking up. At 7:30 UNited arrived to bring me to WestSide. I had arrived there at 9:00. Just in time for Yoga group with Michelle and Carol. Today during group Carol had Matt, Dave, I first doing the Downward Dog exercise, lunges, spinal twist, along with a few others. We then ended the group with shavasana. At 10:00 I had just stayed in the conference room for stretching and strengthening group. David, Terry, Richard, Paul, Donald, David, Zach, Rem, and I took turns naming off a stretch to do, with Carol, Michelle, and Nichole. At 11:00 We had a fire drill. Luckily it during my half hour break. Dan had told Greg and I first to get out of the building before the noise do to our siezures. so as to prevent one from happening. Once everyone was oresent and acounted for we then went back inside. At 11:30 I had meet with sally the nurse. Sally had called Dartmouth to get a C.D. of my M R I. for Dr. Ablitz to have. We then called Dr. Augers Office to get the prescription for my deadache meds. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch. I then went to the lobby to wait for my ride which did not show up until 1:20. I had arrived home 2:30. I had gone straight to bed to rest til 4:00. I then got up to take a shower before eating spaghetti with my parents before going to my bedroom to work on my blog. I then went to bed at 8:00.

Packing to stay with my sister for a few days

My Saturday morning began at 9;00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat scrambled eggs and a pumpkin muffin. Once I had finished eating I then brushed my teeth before going downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 10:05 I then returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises and stretching. Once I had finished exercising, I then began to pack to go stay with my sister for a couple of days. At 11:20 I then did my breathing exercises. Once I had done so I then took an air flo reading: 530, 500, 500. My lungs are surely getting stronger. I then filled my pill containers before finishing up with my packing to spend a couple of days with my sisters for a few days. I will still be going to WestSide. United will be picking me up from Scarborough. At 12:15 I then began to start wrapping Christmas gifts. At 1:30 I had lunch before laying down to rest. I had slept from 2:00-4:15. Once I had taken a shower I then wrapped some more gifts. At 5:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat english muffin pizza's for dinner. Once I had done so, I returned to my bedroom to blog before going to bed.