Happy Easter

I began my Easter morning at 7:30 a.m. by by doing my weight exercises, both arm and leg. After doing so I then preceded to stretch. At 8:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. My father had made omlets, of which I had half with a toasted english muffin. At 8:45 I then went back to my bedroom to shower and shave and get ready to go to church with my family. At 10:00 my mother, sister and I went to the pierce house to pick up my grandmother. Once inside church, we sat in the front pew like always. At first it felt uncomfortable, but I am use to it now. We do it for my grandmother. Mass was a little longer today do to the easter holiday. We arrived home at 12:00. Once inside the house, I had slipped into something more comfortable before sitting down to play cribbage with my grandmother. After about three games, I then layed down to rest at 1:00. I had slept until 3:00 before getting up. My mother, father, sister, grandmother and I sat down to eat our easter dinner. We did so until 3:30. We then picked up the mess. I then said good-bye to my sister and grandmother. My sister had brought my grandmother home before venturing on to portland. I then did my breathing exercises before making my lunch for tomorrow. At 4:35 I then sat down at my computer to blog.

A visit from Bruce and Jim

I began my Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa while eating some fruit. At 8:45 I then had some pancakes for breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 9:30 I was back in my bedroom doing my weight exercises with my arms and legs. Once I had done so, I then stretched before putting my laundry away. At 10:10 I then filled my empty pill containers before vaccuuming my bedroom. Once I had finished dusting, I then went on facebook to play words with friends. I then started to feel a bit tired, so I had I lied down to rest. I had slept from 11:30-2:00 before getting up. I then went out to the kitchen to eat some lunch. After doing so I had brushed my teeth. I then did my speech and breathing exercises. After doing so, I went back on facebook to play words with friends. At 3:30 I then took my shower. I then went out into the kitchen to visit with Bruce, Jim, Mom, Dan, and my sister. Jim and Bruce had left at 5:20. I then played two games of cribbage with my sister before eating some dinner. At 6:30 I then went to my bedroom to blog.

Dinner at Grandma's

I began my Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. by getting out of bed to do my stretching. At 7:00 I then made my way to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to to brush my teeth before begining to do my weight exercises. I first did my arms and then my legs. My mother then called from work to let me know she would be picking me up at 9:30. I then rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At I started a loade of laundry before going up to my bedroom. to take my shower. At 8:25 I then cleaned my bathroom before putting away some clean laundry my mother had left in my bedroom. At 8:40 I then preceded to do my speech and breathing exercises, before hanging the laundry to dry. At 9:00 I then folded some laundry that was in the dryer. I then put them away. At 9:05 I then continued to get ready to go to my doctors appointment. To find out why my lungs feel like they are closing up when I am exhailing. I have been having a problem all along since my stroke but became more pronounce since my last skiing adventure two weeks ago at PineLand. While at Dr. Augers he had menssioned that it be accuring through strenuouse activity. He also would like me to keep a record of my blood preeure reading until my next appointment.While at the Doctors today I was also given a throght culturs. This is where I had a swob stuck down my throught. It was to check to seee if I had strep throught. The result will be in tomorrow. After my doctors appointment my mother had taken me to my grandmothers to have lunch. We had cod, brussel sprouts, rice, bread pudding with coffee icecream. At 12:30 we went back to my grandmothers room to play cribbage. My mother arrived back at the Pierce House to pick me up and take me home at 1:50. We had arrived home at 2:00. I then lied down to rest. After sleeping for three hours, I went out to the kitchen to eat dinner. Salmon pie, brussel sprout, and a salad. Once I had finished eating, I then went to my bedroom to blog.

Never give up each day is worth trying harder then day before

I began my Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat pancakes for breakfast. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth before going downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 9:00 I figured while I was downstairs and close to the laundry room, I would fold some clothing that was in the dryer. before starting a load of wash. I then put the laundry that I had just folded away. At 9:30 I then went back to my bedroom to make my bed thus putting on clean sheets. At 9:45 I had put some clean laundry away that my mother had put in my bedroom. I then began to do my weight exercises with my upper body. At 9:55 I then went to the laundry room to hang the load in the washer to dry. At 10:15 I was then back in my bedroom doing my leg exercises with my ankle weights. At 10:25 I then preceded to do my stretching. At 10:45 I then took my shower, thus getting ready for the rest of my day. At 11:00 I then cleaned my bathroom. My days are still filled with frustration, and the fact why I even had this stroke. I am in awe to as why I even had this this stroke, let alone my first two. I eat right and I exercise daily. The thoughts of me ever being able to run again grow faint with each passing day, but I never give up. I treat every day as though I have just got out of the hospital pushing myself to be the way I use to be. But I know things will never be the same. At 11:10 Grandma had called to remind me I would be going to have dinner with her tomorrow. At 12:00 I then made myself a sandwhich. I then sat down to eat while watching the news. At 12:15 I filled my pill containers for the week. I then did my speech and breathing exercises. At 1:20 I then layed down to rest. I had slept for two hours before getting up at 3:20. I then went on line for a while before going out into the kitchen to eat dinner at 4:30. Once I had finished eating, I sat down to blog.

Learning how to put an Icon on my Ipad during O.T.

I began my Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. going out into the kitchen to eat a bowl of cherios with a cut up bananna. I first drank my hot cocoa with a toasted plain doughnut. Once I had finished eating, I had picked up the kitchen before starting the dishwasher. At 8:30 I then went downstairs to ride the swin airdine for thirty minutes. At 9:00 I had returned to my bathroom to brush my teeth. I then made my bed before starting in with my weight exercises. At 9:30 I then stretched. Once I had finished with my workout I had gone out on my deck to clear it off while it was melting. At 11:00 I then emptied the dishwaher and put the dish's away. I then brought my things to the door to wait for United. While doing so I did my speech and breathing exercises. I had arrived to WestSide for 1:00 p.m. Upon doing so I made my way into the conference room for support group. Dee Dee, Linda, Denise, Camie, Tina, Peter, Chris and I shared our weekly thoughts with Deb and Jen. Denise first went around trying to remember everyones name. We then put our fist in the center of the table and said, "STAY POSSITIVE!" Tina was out last week do to an ear infection. She had made an appointment to see an ear, nose, and throught doctor. She is also spending more time with Andy. Pete had an uneventful week. Pete also shared how he has been fighting with his dog and enjoy's cooking when he has company. Dee Dee is anxious for Easter. I spoke of the breathing problems I had last week at Pine Land shiing. Chris is losing his appartment in Monmouth and looking to move to the Lewiston/Auburn area. Pete received his Brain injury After falling thirty feet from his appartment. Linda got a new cain. Today was the first day she was able to put jeans on instead of sweat pants. Linda found out her job has been terminated six months after her stoke. Linnda also shared with us she got a new Ipad. Camie trying to get work done around the house. Denise took her dog for a walk and has no plans for easter. Denise has a hard time remembering names. Dee Dee brought in an apple pie to share with the group. Yum Yum! At 2:00 I then made my way down to the gym for my P.T. session with Dan. Dan first took my blood pressures, 112 over 80 I then walked 25 minutes on the tredmill at 3.1 mph. I then walked two minutes on 2.5 mph. At the end of my walk I had gone 1.375. Dan then had me in the parallel bars working on my balance. While standing on an erix cushion Dan had me scan around the room looking for five red objects, five yellow objects, ect. He also had me look to the right and then to the left. At 3:00 I had my O.T. session with Nancy I practiced with Nancy adding a note just for today and not saving weekly on my Ipad. Nancy then showed me how to put an Icon on my Ipad for my blog. United then took me home. I had arrived home at 4:30. Once Inside I had sat down to eat dinner right off. I then took my shower before sitting down to blog.

Meeting with Cec for nursing

I began my Tuesday moring at 5:00 a.m. by doing my leg and arm weight exercises. At 5:30 I then put my weights aside so that I could begin stretching. At 6:00 I had taken my shower before going out into the kitchen to eat my bow of cherios with a cut up bananna in it. Along with my hot cocoa, some o.j., and a toasted english muffin. I finished my morning at 6:00 a.m. I then made my way into my bathroom so that I could brush my teeth. Once I had cleaned up my bathroom, I then preceded to put on my sweat suit. It would just a bit chilly to walk out the door in my gym shorts and a t-shirt. Although once I arrived to WestSide, The sweat suit comes off, and I walk around in my shorts and t-ehirt all day. United had arrived at 7:30. It was Larry. We then went to pick up Donald before continuing on to WestSide. Upon my arrivel for 9:00 a.m. I had gone downstairs to put my sweat suit in my locker and my lunch in the refrigerator. I then went back up to conference room B for Yoga group. Today Carol and Angella had David, Matt, Donald, and I first touching each finger with our thumb reciting sa ta na ma. We then did some strength training using the Wii. We then ended the group with Shavasana. this is a for of cool down in yoga where you lay down on a matt relaxing your body. At 10:00 I then made my way down to the gym for my P.T. session with Dan. Dan first took my blood pressure, 100 over 80. Dan then had me walk twenty minutes on the tredmill at 3.2 mph. I then did five minutes at 3.0. slowly winding down. I then did two minutes at 2.5 mph. At the end I had walked 1.345 miles. Dan then had me walking heel toe aroung in the gym. I then did some side stepping. Dan then had me in the parallel bars trying to balance with putting most of my weight on my right side. At 11:00 I then had meet with Piper my case manager for fifteen minutes. I then had a fifteen minutes break. For this I sat out in the lobby resting. At 11:30 I then had Nursing. Cec was there filling for Sally. She use to be a Nurse at WestSide at one point and time. While with Cec we had made telephone calls to my pcp Dr. Auger and my speech Doctor about my breathing. We then called my mother to inform her. Cec then took my blood pressure. 138 over 80. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 12:30 I then had met with Deb for a support session. She had helped me with my Ipad. After doing so John from United took me home. I had arrived home at 2:10. I went strait to bed. I had slept until 4:45. I then took my shower before going out into the kitchen to eat a salad then my dinner. I was back in my bedroom doing my blog at 5:40. I then soon called it a day.

HSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

I began my Monday morning at 5:15 a.m. by getting out of bed to do my weight exercises. First my arms, then my legs. Once I had finshed becoming herculean I then stretched. At 6:05 I then took my shower thus getting ready for the rest of my day. I thought it would be easier to start doing everything that I can while I am in my bedroom before going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Instead of going back and fourth. Once I was ready, I then went out into the kitchen to eat pancakes for breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. At 7:00 I then preceded to clean my bathroom. At 7:05 I then did my speech and breathing exercises. In through the nose and out with a hissing sound through my mouth. My father had brought my lunch and my duffle bag down by the door. I then sat to wait for United to arrive. I had arrived to WestSide for my 10:00 a.m. P.T. session in the gym with Carol, who by the way was filling in for Dan. Carol first took my blood pressure, 122 over 90.I then walked thirty minutes on the tredmill, at 3.1 mph. After going 1.408 miles, I went to the parallel bars to do my leg exercises. At 11:00 I then went to the conference room for laughter theropy group with Deb. During group Paul, Mat, Pete, Michelle, and I first sang the laughter song, we then let out a few chuckles of our own. We then watched a videa on utube of some comedy. We were then asked to walk around with a big smile for the rest of the day, to get others talking. At 12:00 I then went down to the kitchen to eat my lunch with other clients. at 12:30 I had made my way back up to the lobby to wait for carina. During my speech session Carina had me go down to the gym to walk on the tredmill to practice my breathing. In through the nose and out through the mouth. hsssssssssss. At 1:00 I then went back to Carina's office to grab my things. United then took me home at 1:00. I had arrived home at 2:45. Upon doing so I had lied down to rest. I had slept until 5:00 before getting up. to shower and have a bowl of soup. I then went to my bedroom to blog. I then called it a day.

Palm Sunday

I began my sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat fruit with fruit while drinking my hot cocoa. At 7:15 I then preceded to eat my breakfast. At 8:15 I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth before starting with my weight work out. Once I had streched. After doing so I took my shower thus getting ready to go to church. At 10:00 my mother and I had left the house to go pick up my grandmother at the Pierce House. We were soon at church. On our way in we had each grabbed a palm, for today was Palm Sunday. During Mass we had held our Palms up and they were blessed. The entire parrish was also envolved in todays reading. After mass We had brought my grandmother back to the Pierce house. My mother and I then went to ride aid, so as to pick up a few things. We then returned home at 12:00 noon. Upon doing so a friend had called before I sat down to eat my lunch. I let them know that I would call them back, once I had finished eating. At 12:30 I then did my speech and breathing exercises. I then preceded to call my friend. We had played words with friencds on face book until 2:30. I then called my grandmother up to talk briefly. I then continued to play words with friends. At 4:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner with my parents. Once I had done so, I then went to my computer to blog.

writing a letter a letter to Father Brisette

I began my Saturday morning at 9;00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cooa and eat some fruit, while my mother had made buck wheat pancakes for brakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to my bedroom at 9;25 to brush my teeth before going downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then returned to my bedroom at 10:00 to do my arm and leg weight exercises. Once I had done so, I began to strech. At 10:50 I then put my clean laundry away before sitting down to write a letter to Father Brissette to send in a easter card. Father Brisette is a priest that was at our church when I was a teenager. I have been keeping in touch with him around easter and Christmas ever sence. At 12:00 I then had lied down to rest. I had slept for three hours, before getting up. I then went out into the kitchen to have some cracker, cheese and some grapes. Once I had finished with my snack, I had returned to my bedroom to play words with friends on my Ipad. At 4:00 I then went out into the kitchen to have a bowl of soup for supper with some mama's crackers. At 4:30 I then returned to my bedroom to do my speech and breathing exercises. Once I had done so, I then took my shower before sitting down to blog.

A trip to the doctor for an EKG

I began my Friday morning at 8;00 a.m. by taking the sheets of my bed. I then brought them to the laundry room to start a load of wash. I then went back to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. A bowl of cereal with some fruit should do the trick. Once I had finished eating, I then loaded all of the dish's into the dishwasher, I then started the dishwasher. At 8:30 I went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 8:50 my mother had called me from work to let me know she would be picking me up 1:00 so as to go to take me to the doctors to have an EKG. Because of the medication I am on Amitriptyline to help me with my headaches, I have to have an EKG every so many months to see if my heart still beating. At 9:00 I then hung the laundry to dry on the clothing rack. I then went back to my bedroom to put clean sheets on my bed. Once I had done so, I then started in with my weight exercises. At 9:45 I then stretched. At 10:00 I had put some clean laundry in my bedroom away, before doing my speach and breathing exercises. At 10:30 I then went to the kitchen to empty the dishwasher thus putting the dish's away. At 11:30 I had eaten my lunch. After doing so I had taken my shower, thus getting ready to go to the doctors. My mother had arrived home to pick me up soon afterwards. At 1:45 we first stopped at Wal-Mart. My grandmother was with us along for the ride. Once we were finished at Wal-Mart, we then went to the Doctors for my EKG. Once I had checked in, Marcia the Nurse shaved my chest before giving me the EKG. My chest hair had grown back so quickly since my last EKG Marcia had said, "weren't you just in here a couple of months ago. Your chest hair grew back quickly." After my EKG we then went to Hanaford to pick up a few things. We then dropped my grandmother of at the Pierce House before going home. We had arrived home at 3:40. I soon sat down to blog for the day, before eating dinner.

SKIING BEYON MY CAPABILITY

I began my Thursday morning at 5:30 a.m. by getting up to do my stretching. Once I had done so, I then took my shower thus getting ready for my day before going to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. This morning I had a bowl of cereal and toasted english muffin. Once I had finished eating, I then packed my napsack to go skiing, I then grabbed my lunch out of the refrigerator. I then sat by the door doing my speech and brrething exercises, while waiting for United. Upon my arrivel to WestSide for 8:30 I sat and waited in the lobby with Diana and Wayne. Tobie soon went to get her car. Once we were all in, we had left for Pine Land. Upon our arrivel to Pine Land, we went in the visiter center to get our ski equiptment on. Oce we had done so, we had all met outside to ski. Being our last day, I decided to ski with the rest of the group with mike my Guide. We had skied back and fourth on a tail was not long at all. I then decided to venture out with the rest of the group. Bad Idea! The further I went out the worse it got. It is so wiered. My body physically is in shape but my air ways, not so great. Even thought I used my breathing strategies the entire time I was skiing, When it came to the end it got worse. I then began to gasp for breath. It was weired, It felt like my throught was closing up on me. Just because one of the flaps in my throught shut down because it is not strong enough. I did not pass out, but I was having the hardest time to get any air into my lungs to breath. Once I had regained some of my strength back we loaded in the van to go back to WestSide. Once back to WestSide, I had met with Carina the speech theropist to try to get my breathing back to some what normal. I then had my lunch. Once I had done so I was suppose to meet with Dr. Ablitz, but instead United took me home. Once I had arrived home at 2:50. I had gone straight to bed once I was inside. I had slept two hours before getting up at 4:50. I then took a shower before going out to eat dinner. once I had finished eating, I then went to my computer to blog.

Entering new information in my Ipad

I began my Wednesday morning at 8;45 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished my bowl of cereal, english muffin. hot cocoa, and O.J. I then went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. Once I had fished riding, I went to the laundry room to get the laundry to hang on the clothing rack. I then returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. I then stretched. After doing so I then took my shower. Once I had done so, I continued to get ready. At 9:10 I then brought my dirty laundry to the laundry room. While I was down there I started another load. At 9:30 I went back to my bedroom to gathered my things to bring to the door. I then did my speech and breathing exercises. At 11:00 I had hung the other load to dry. I then had a bite to eat before putting on my sweat suit. United arrived shortly after to bring me to WestSide. Upon my arrivel I had made my way into the conference room for support group. Dee Dee, Denise, Camie, Linda, Jen, Deb, and I first started the group by putting our fist in the center of the table and said "Stay Positive." We then shared. I began by saying how frustrated I am on my recvery process. No matter how hard I work at exercising. I am just not making the progress I would like to see. Camie shared how the days seam to fly by. She can't seem to do everything on her to do list. Dee Dee shares how she has no ambition. She spoke of how she feels she is getting older. Linda went out an bought herself an Ipad and new television. She also will be getting a new sling for her arm and a new cane to walk with. She too had a stroke, but seems very motivated in her recovery. Denise made her brother a carrot cake for his birthday which is tomorrow. She to had a stroke. Deb shared how she built a snowman on her deck with all the snow instead of shoveling. What a great Idea Deb. At 2:00 I then made my way to the gym for my P.T. session with dan. Dan first took my blood pressure. 102 over 70. I then went on the tredmill. I had walked 1.51 miles at 3.2 m.p.h. In twenty minutes. Dan then took my blood pressure 102 over 80. Dan then had me in the parallel bars with two pound weights on my ankles. Dan then had me doing all sorts of leg exercises. leg lifts, side to side, Step ups on a platform ect. He also had me cross my arms looking from side to side with one leg on the platform to work on my balance. At 3:00 I then had my O.T. session with Nancy Today we continued to work with my Ipad. We worked on updating my WestSide theropy schedule. Entering and saving new information. At 3:30 United then took me home. I had slept the entire trip home. I had arrived home at 4:45. After taking my shower, I had some dinner before sitting down to blog. Am I beat!

Another snow day spent at home

I began my Tuesday morning At 5:00 a.m. by engaging myself deeply into my weight work out, before going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Little did I know I would not be going to WestSide today. It had been snowing for several hours, but I did not think the roads were that slick. Never the less I had given United a call just to make sure. Sure enough I should never have stepped foot onto the floor this morning. Once I had confirmed that I was not to be leaving the house today, I then continued on with my day. At 5:45 I then continued with my weight work out with my legs. After doing so I then stretched my muscle. At 6:30 I sat in my recliner to watch the morning news for thirty minutes. I then went into my bathroom to fill my pill containers for the week. After doing so, I then went on line to wcsh6.com and the daily bulldog to catch up on extra weather and news. At 7:30 I then made my way downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 8:00 I had gone back upstairs to start the dishwasher before taking my shower, thus getting ready for the rest of my day. At 9:00 I then sat down to watch some more news for an hour. I then called a friend I had met at WestSide Neouroreab. At 10:30 I preceded to empty the dishwasher and put the dish's away. At 10:45 I then went back on line to play words with friends. At 11:30 I then made myself a grilled cheese for lunch. At 12:00 I then brushed my teeth before laying down to rest. I had slept until 3:00 before getting up. I then went out into the kitchen to eat my salad. I then played words with friends for twenty minutes before having a bowl of soup. After taking my shower, thus getting myself comfortable, I sat down to blog.

walking on the tredmill at 3.2 mph up from 3.1mph

I began my Monday morning at 5:30 a.m. by jumping out of bed to do my weight exercises, both arm and leg. I had done so for thirty minutes before switching to my stretching. At 6:15 I then went out to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave. Once I had taken a shower and was ready for my day ahead, I then sat down to do my speech and breathing exercises. I then watched the news while waiting for United Wheelchair to arrive. Frank from United had arrived at 7:45 to transport me to WestSide. Upon my arrivel I had put my lunch in the refrigerator, before hanging my coat up in my locker. I then went into the gym to wait for my P.T. session. While waiting Amanda came up to me and said she would be doing my P.T. session instead of Dan. The reason being is that it is suppose to snow tomorrow, and I might not be going to WesstSide. Amanda first took my blood pressure reading, 110 over 80. I then walked thirty minutes on the tredmill at 3.2 mph up from 3.1mph. After walking 1.6 miles. I then had a glass of water while resting. At 11:00 I then went up to the conference room for laughter theropy group. Allisa, Paul, Pete, Michelle, and I first went trying to name one benefit of laughing. We then practiced different types of laughter with Deb and Florina. At 12:00 I then made my way down to the kitchen to eat my lunch. Once I had done so, I then went upstairs to the loby to wait for my speech session at 12:30. Carina then soon came out to the lobby to get me. While meeting in her office She had told I only will be meeting with her two more times. Dan then can work with me on my breathing during P.T. We then went to the gym to walk on the tredmill while practicing my breathing. At 1:00 John from United took me home. I had arrived home at 2:20 Immediatly going to bed once inside. I had slept until 4:45. I then took my shower before going out into the kichen to eat dinner. At 5:30 I then sat in my recliner in my bedroom checking my e-mail on my I pad while Icing my foot which is still black and blue from the fall two weeks ago. At 5:45 I then went to my computer to blog.

Happy St. Patricks Day

I began my sunday morning at 6:30 a.m. by getting up to do my stretching. What else is new. But hey, it works. I then preceded to do my weight exercisss both leg and arm. At 6:25 I then organized my medication containers for the week. Once I had done so, I had found that I was running low on one of my medications, so I had called the pharmacy to get it refilled. At 7:30 I then went into the kitchen to eat a bowl of cherios with a cut up bananna. and a toasted english muffin for my breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bathroom to get ready to go to church. Once I had showered, and was totally ready, my father then took me to church. Mass had let out at 11:30 and my father then picked me up. He then took me to the shop to give me a haircut. At 12:00 my dad then took me to the pharmacy at hanaford so that I could pick up the medication that I had ordered. We had arrived home at 12:15. Once Inside I was having a hard time to breath, so I had used my inhailer, and that fixed me for the day. At 12:30 I had some lunch before laying down to rest at 12:45. I had slept until 3:15. Once I was up, I had done my speech and breathing exercises. I then went out to the kitchen to eat my dinner. I returned to my bedroom to blog at 5:15, then calling it a day.

Around town with Stacie

I began my Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. by eating a bowl of cereal with a cut up bananna in it. Along with I had a toasted piece of my mothers homemade brown bread. Once I had finished eating I had started the dishwasher. At 7:35 I had made my way downstairs to ride the swin airdine for thirty minutes. At 8:05 I had returned to my bedroom to do weight exercises with my arms. I then took a brief break to brush my teeth before doing my weight exercises with my legs. At 8:35 I preceded with my workout with my stretching. At 8:50 I then took my shower thus getting ready for my day ahead. Stacie had called at 9:30 to let me know she was on her way. At 9:50 I then unloaded the dish washer, thus putting the clean dish's away. At 10:00 I then did my speech and breathing exercises. Stacie had arrived at 11:00. WE then went downtown to have lunch at Amato's. At 12:15 we then walked around downtown Farmington. We then went to Narrow Guage Cinnama's to watch the movie, "Identity Thief" The movie let out at 3:00. We then went home. We talked for a bit. Stacie also hooked my DVD player up to my T.V. Stacie then left to go home at 4:00. I then had dinner with my father. At 4:30 I then lied down to sleep. I was so exhausted, I could not stay awake for another minute. I had slept until 6:45 before getting up. I then took my shower before sitting down to blog.

Scheduling an appointment to have a cardiogram

I began my Friday morning at 7:45 a.m. by making my out into the kitchen to eat a bowl of cereal, piece of toast, hot cocoa, and a glass of O.j. Once I had finished eating I then went back to my bedroom to take the sheets off my bed. I then brought them to the laundry room to start a load of wash. While downstairs I rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes. Once I was done, I had returned to my bedroom to put clean sheets on my bed. Once my bed was made, I then preceded to do my weight exercises, with my arms. At 9:10 I then put my clean laundry away. Once I had done so I returned to the laundry room to get the laundry in the washer to hang on the clothing rack to dry. I then started another laod of laundry before returning to my bedroom. Once in my bedroom I preceded to do my leg weight exercises. At 10:00 I then took my shower. At 10:20 I then went back to the laundry room to hang the next load of laundry. I then returned to my bedroom to vaccuum and dust. At 11:00 I then called a friend to talk for a bit. At 11:00 I then went out into the kitchen to make myself some lunch. At 11:40 I then rolled some coins. Once I had finished eating I then lied down to rest. I had slept from 12:30-2:30 before getting up. At 2:30 I then finished wrapping coins At 3:20 I then answered a phone call from my doctors office. I am schedule for a cardiogram next Friday. Due to some medication I have been put on, I have to have my heart checked. At 3:30 I then spoke to a friend on the telephone. At 4:40 I then put on some confortable clothing for the night. I then did my speech and breathing exercises. My father and I then ate dinner.

Working out at Planet Fitness during winter sports group

I began my Thursday morning at 5;00 a.m. by first stretching and then doing my weight exercises. At 5:30 I then made my way to the kitchen to have a bowl of with a cut up bananna in it for breakfast. While drinking my hot cocoa and a toasted piece of my mothers homemade brown bread. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to take my shower and get ready for the day ahead. At 6:30 I gathered my things thus bringing them to the door. United had arrived at 7:15. I had arrived at WestSide at 8:30. During winter sports group, since the cross country ski season is winding down Wayne and I went to planet fitness to work out and exercise. I had began my workout with the oliptical. I had done so for thirty minutes. I then preceded my workout with some of the weight machines. With my legs I did leg curls, leg extensions, and the calf press. With my arms I did the bicept curls, chest press, and the fly. I had done to sets of ten with each. We then went back to WestSide. At 11:00 we then went downstairs to the dining area to work on the resource board Wayne, Tobie, and I. At 11:30 We spent the last half hour in the gym using the Wii ski. At 12:00 we then returned to the kitchen Wayne and I to eat lunch with the other clients. At 1:00 John filled in for Dr. Ablitz. We talked about how I am doing in my theropy. John also mentioned that I should read chicken soup for the soul. At 1:30 Dick from United Wheel Chair took me home. Dick is the United Driver that was a patient at D'youville the same I was. I had arrived home at 2:50. Upon doing so I had taken a shower and got into some comfortable lounging cloths. I then did my speech and breathing exercises before sitting down to blog.

Holding my balance during P.T.

I began my Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen have bowl of cereal and a piece of toast. I finshed eating at 8:05 thus going into my bathroom to brush my teeth. I then went back out into the kitchen to start the dishwasher. I then returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises, both arm and leg. I sure am glad I have kept up with the exercises, because it sure does pay during P.T. Once I had finished working out, I then made my bed. Once I had done so I then stretched. At 9:00 I the preceded with my morning workout by riding the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 9:30 I then hung a lod of laundry to dry. I then started another load of whites. I then went to my bedroom to start getting ready for the day. Once I had taken my shower, I then went downstairs at 10:00 to hang another load to dry. At 10:30 I then went back upstairs to have a snack. Once I had done so, I had returned to my bathroom to fill my pill cases up for the week. At 11:00 I then gathered my things, and brought them to the door. while sitting there waiting for United to arrive, I did my speech and breathing exercises. I had arrived at WestSide at 1:00. Upon doing so I had made my way into the conference room for support group. Pete, Dee Dee, Denise, Linda, Camie, shared our weekly events with Deb and Jen. Denise first went around the room trying to remember everyones name. We then all put our fists in the middle and said, "STAY POSSITIVE!" We then preceded to share. Camie said she is doing fine and spoke a bit about having the same surgin as Dee Dee. Denise, doing well. She took her dog for a walk. She attatched his leash to her scooter. Denise also baked some brownies. Pete reports no excitement, He reports he had given his dogs away. He had done some snow shoing trying to change his anger into a positive. Dee Dee says how she feels she is getting old and takes it day by day. I then spoke about the pane in my head and what the doctors are trying to do. Linda said she has a taste of spring fever. At 2:00 I then made my way down to the gym for my P.T. session with Dan. Dan started by taking my blood pressure 102 over 78. He then had me walking on the tredmill. I walked for 25 minutes going 1.37 miles. at a speed of 3.1. I then did a two minute cool down at 2.5 mph. Dan then took my blood pressure. 104 over 78. Dan then had me in the parallel bars stepping up on a platform with my arms crossed. With increase weight on my right leg I lasted 39 seconds. With increased weight on my left leg I lasted 58 seconds. Then with one foot on platform Dan had me scanning around the gym looking certain colored objects. At 3:00 I then made my way back up to the lobby to wait for Nancy for my O.T. sessionn. During O.T. Nancy had helped me with my weekly Schedule into my Ipad. United then took me home. Once I was home, I had taken my shower to get comfortable. I then ate dinner. What a day!

A visit to the Neourologist in Bangor

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to do my stretching. Once I had done so I then took my shower thus getting ready for the rest of the day. Once I was ready, my father and I were on the road to Bangor to my Doctors appointment. Once we had arrived at my Neourologist office we went in to check in and wait. While meeting with the Doctor he was telling me that Amitriptyline, the medication I am taking for my headaches, counteracts against carbatrol the medication I am taking for siezure Prevention. I was speaking with my mother and she said I felt like I was having a seizure the other day. So what Dr. K. has decided to do is cut my Amitriptyline in half from four pills to two and give me a shot of medication in the back of my head. That is all I know for now. After my doctors appointment, my dad and I went to Governors restaraunt for breakfast at 9:45. At 10:30 we were then on our way home. We had arrived home at 12:30. Upon doing so I had lied down. Not being able to get to sleep, I got up to exercise. I had first rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 1:20 I then began to do my weight exercises. At 1:40 I then took a shower before laying down to rest. Now I was tired! I had slept from 2:00 to 4:30. I then went out into the kitchen to eat dinner. At 5:10 I then did my breathing and speech exercises. At 5:20 I had sat down at my computer to blog. I then called it a day.

Doctors appointment with my pcp

My Monday morning began at 5:00 a.m. by stretching and loosening up every muscle in my body from head to toe. I then did my weight exercises, both arm and leg. At 5:50 I then did my speech and breathing exercises. In through the nose. out through the mouth. At 6:15 I had made my way out into the kitchen to eat a bowl of cereal and a toasted piec of bread for breakfast. At 6:40 I had made my way back into my bedroom to take my shower and get ready to go to my doctors appointment with my PCP. Once I was ready, My father and I left for Franklin Memorial Hospital at 8:45. Once we were there I had met with Dr. Auger. He keeps telling me, Troy you are "TRULY AMAZING!" It is nothing a little hard work and a possitive attitude, is the key. Once I was through with my doctors appointment, United WheelChair was right outside the hospital waiting to bring me to WestSide. I had arrived at WestSide at 11:00, but my first Theropy did not start until 12:30. To pass the time, I sat in the lobby doing my speech and breathing exercises. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. While eating I talked with other clients Paul, eathen, and Dan and the Tobie a theropist at WestSide. Once I had finished eating I had made my way back up to the lobby to wait. At 12:30 Carina my speech theropist came out to the lobby to get me. While in her office we talked about my breathing during my P.t. sessions with Dan. We then preceded to do some breathing exercises. At 1:00 during my P.T. session, I had walked ten minutes on the tredmill with my right hand down by my side and left hand on the grip. I then did a one minute cool down. I had walked .431 miles. Dan then had me out in the hall doing start stop exercises. This drill is to see if I can stop with out losing my balance on command. I had asked Dan when will I be able to walk with out my cane at WestSide? Dan replied not just yet. with the cane in your hand he replied, It helps slow your walking down or otherwise I would be able to walk with out it. At 1:30 United took me home. I had arrived home at 2:30 . Feeling as tired as I did, I thought it be best to lay down and sleep. I had done so until 5:00 before getting up. Once I had taken a shower, I had gone to the kitchen to eat dinner before sitting down at my computer to blog.

staying home from church so as to nurse my foot.

I began my Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. by eating a bowl of cereal and a piece of toasted homemade brown bread. At 10:00 I had finished picking up the kitchen so I started the dishwasher. At 10:30 I had gone downstairs to start a load of laundry before riding the swin air dine for thirty minutes. when I finished riding I had gone back to my bedroom to make my bed and to pick up my bedroom. At 11:10 I then did my weight exercises with my arms. I then folded some laundry that was dry. I then hung the other load in the wash. At 11:30 I had skipped my leg exercises do to my foot that was black and blue. After my shower I had sat in my recliner to put ice pack on my foot and rest until 3:00. At 3:00 I had a milk shake. At 4:00 I has sat down with my parents to eat my mothers home made pizza. At 5:30 I then returned to my bedroom to blog.

Nursing that foot back to good health

My Saturday morning began a little later then usual, allowing myself a few extra hours of sleep. At 9:00 I then made my way into the kitchen. Once I was at the kitchen table, I had sat down to drink my cocoa and eat fruit with fruit dip, while my mother had made me some scrambled eggs and toasted muffin. Once I had finished eating, I had gone back to my bedroom to brush my teeth before sitting in my recliner to put my foot up with ice on it. The swelling is going down, but ever so slowly. At 10:20 I then got out of my recliner to get my speech and breathing exercises. I then preceded to do them. At 10:30 I then did my upper weight exercises. After stretching, I then sat in my recliner at 11:00 to put the ice bag back on my foot. I had done so for an hour, before getting up to go eat a bowl of soup for lunch at. At 12:30 I then lied down to rest. I had slept from 12:30-3:30 before gettin up. I then went on line to play words with friends on facebook. At 4:15 I had gone out into the kitchen to eat dinner. Homemade Beans and Homemade Brown Bread. At 5:00 I then went to take my shower before sitting down to blog.

having a fasting blood test

I began my Friday morning at 6;00 a.m. by jumping out of bed and putting on my clothing. I then splached my face with water and then brushed my teeth. My father then took m e to Franklin Memorial Hospital to have fasting blood test. Once I had my blood drawn, My father then took me home picking up breakfast along the way. I had arrived home at 6:45. Once I was inside, I sat down to eat. Once I had finished eating my breakfast, I had picked things up before sitting down to wrap coins. I had done for thirty minutes before brushing my teeth. I then went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 9:00 I continued to wrap coines. At 10:00 I then went back to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. At 11:00 I then continued to wrap more coins. At 11:30 I then took my shower before making myself a toasted peanutbutter and honey sandwhich for lunch. Once I had finished eating I had layed down to rest at 12:20 and slept until 2:20. I then continued to wrap coins for an hour. I then sat in my recliner with an ice pack on my foot. I had bruised my foot on the leg that was effected by the sroke. It is still dropping every now and then when I walk. Taking a 325 mg asprin daily doesn't help the matter any. At 5:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner. Once I had done so I went to my bedroom to blog before turning in for the night.

catching my breath while out on the trail

My Thursday morning began as early as 5:00 a.m. today by getting up to Once again stretch my bones. I thought I would skip the weight exercises and save my energy for skiing at PineLand. Once I had finished stretching, I then started to get ready. I then went out into the kitchen to have my bowl of hot cereal and a piece of toast. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and beging doing my speech and breathing exercises while waiting for United Wheelchair to arrive. Larry from United had arrived at 7:30. I had arrived at WestSide right on time at 8:45 to join the group to travel to PineLand. Tobie always lets me sit in front. It makes things much easier for getting in and out of the vehicle. Upon our arrivel to PineLand Tobie, Wayne, Diana, and I went into the lodge with our things. Once inside my volenteer Mike was eager to get skiing. To eager I think. He treats me as though nothing has happened. For me it takes juat a bit longer to get ready. Once I was outside Mike and Tobie got the outrigger set up so that I could ski. I wished I was bck to the way it was. with all of my strength training it will be some day. During the 2 1/2 hours spent cross country skiing I had to stop Once and sit down to take a break. At the end I had to use my breathing techniques to regain my breath and get breathing normal again. It felta as my lungs were not allowing the air in so I could breath. There again it was the week flap on the right side. At 12:00 Tobie, Wayne, Diana, and I left to go back to westSide. We had arrived back there at 12:30. This gave me just enough time to eat my lunch before going home. I had arrived home at 2:15. I gone straight to my bedroom to sleep, and that I did, unitl 4:20. I thhen took a shower before going out to the kitchen to have soup for dinner. I needed something to warm me up. I then went to my computer to blog.

Focuss Group at WestSide

I began my Wednesday morning at 5:00 a.m. By non other then doing my weight exercises. After I had completed my stretching routine, I then went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. A hearty bowl of cereal with some cut up fruit and a toasted english muffin, should do the trick. Once I had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom to shower and get ready for the day. Once I had done so, United was soon at my doorstep to pick me up. i had arrived at WestSide at 9:45 a.m. Just enough time for me to bring my lunch to the kitchen to put in the refrigerator. After doing so, I then made my way up to the conferenc room for focus group with Craig Anderson to discuss customer satisfaction. Questions were directed to the concerns of being a client of Goodwill. After thefocuss group at 11:00 I had joined my first cog skills group. During the group JIM, corey. Dan, Paul, Mike, Arnold, Diana, and I participated in a gome of Jepordy. We had divided up into two teams, then begain to answere questions. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat lunch. Once I had done, I was back up in the conference room to participate in support group along with Camie, Dee Dee, Pete, and the theropist Deb and Michelle. Dee Dee had mentioned going to the gym and volenteering. Pete was mentioning how he is working on his attiude, trying to be more postitive. Camie mentioned how she had a siezure two weeks ago followed by an e.e.g. to find out what is going on. She also mentioned how she is working but can not see any clients because she does not have a drivers liscence but is able to do intaks while at work. Denise mentioed how she takes her dog when she goes horse back riding. We then discussed self massage at a group toppic. At 2;00 I then made my way to the gym for my P.T. session with Dan. Dan first had me walking on the trdmill. I had done so for thirty minutes at 3.1 miles per hour. when I was done walking I had gone 1.366 miles. Dan had taken my blood pressure prior to my walk which 112 over 74 then after walk it was 114 over 80. Dan then had me side steping and start and stop exercise. At 3:00 I then had me O.T. session with Angella. Today we continued practicing, putting notes into my Ipad. At 3:30 United took me home. I had arrived home at 4:30, took my shower, ate some dinner before sitting down to blog.

Locating objects in the gym, while standing on an erix cuision

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m. by first making my bed. I then get right down to business. First on the agenda, weight lifting, arms and legs, geeeeet pumping. At 5:30 I then did my stretching. Once I had finished my workout I then went to the kichen to eat a peanutbutter and bananna sandwhich, made by the chef. At 6:30 I then returned to my bedroom to take my shower and get ready for the day ahead. Once I had my bathroom cleaned and things picked up I grabbed my lunch and left for Lewiston on United. Upon my arrivel to WestSide, I had gone to the conference room B for Yoga group with Michelle and Carol. Mat, David, Donald, and I begna the group with Sa ta Na Ma. Touching each finger one by one with our thumb. We then pulled out the wii. Todays workout consisted of strength training. At 10:00 I then went downstairs to the gym for my p.t. session with Dan. Dan started by taking my blood pressure reading. 104 over 30. I then stepped on the tredmill. I had walked for thirty minutes at 3.1 mph. I hsd walked a distance of 1.624 miles before doing a two minute cool down. Dan then had me in the parallel bars staning on an arex cuision. Once I had my balance he had me cross my arms. I then looked to the right then left and straight ahead and so on. He then had me looking around the gym for different colored objects and tings. For example the exit sign, or things that blue. At 11:00 I had my case management session with Piper. Piper had asked if I was taking any time off this year. For example the blind camps I had gone to in the past. At 11:15 I had a fifteen minute break. I had gone out into the lobby to sit and rest. After that P.T. session I think I deserve. it. At 11:30 I then had my nursing session with Sally. Together she and discussed my upcomming Dr's appointments. I then went over a form I had to fill out with her for my neourological appointment next week. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 12:30 during my rehab session with Deb, I put my weekly shedule into my Ipad. I then left for home. I had arrived home at 2:20, thus going straight to bed. I could barely make it to my room. But I am headed in the right direction. In my theropy and to my bedroom. I had slept until 4:30, before getting up to take a shower. I then went to the kitchen to eat my salad and english muffin pizza's before sitting down to blog. What A Day.

Ho Ho Ha Ha Hee Hee Hee

My monday morning started at 5:30 a.m. by jumping out of a bed, and pounding on those those weights. UP AND DOWN UP AND DOWN HEEEEEEEVE HOE!!! At times I wish my body would return to the way it was before my stroke. Now I say. If only magic was for real. At 6:20 I then continued my work out by stretching those bones of mine, while sipping on my hot cocoa. At 6:40 I then made my way into the kitchen to eat scrambled eggs and a toasted popover. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to get ready for my day ahead. Once I was all cleaned up and had my shower wiped down, I then sat down to rill my pill containers for another week. As I was doing so, I had to call the pharmacy to refill one of them. At 8:15 I then began to do my speech and breathing exercises. Hopefully in doing so it will be reparing the flap that was damaged from the stroke. I then took an air flo reading; 480, 470, 450. At 9:00 my ride from United had arrived two hours ahead of schedule. That was fine with me, I was ready to go. Upon my arrivel to West Side I had gone downstairs to put my lunch in the refrigerator. While I was downstairs I had sat at one of the tables to do my speech and breathing exercises to pass the time before my first theropy. I then made my way back upstairs for 11:00. I then went to the conference room for laughter theropy group with Deb and Florina. While in group we went on line and googled Dr. Madan Kataria. He is a doctor that specializes in laughter and the benefits from it. We then watched laughter before singing the laughter song. Ho Ho Ha Ha Hee Hee, Ho Ho Ha Ha Hee Hee, Ho Ho Ha Ha Hee Hee, Everybody is singing the laughter song, Hoooo Ha Ha He He, Hoooo Ha Ha Hee Hee, Ho Ho Ha Ha He He He, I said a Ho Ho Ha Ha He He He Alright, Very good very good Yeah Hey, Very Good Very Good Yeah Hey, We Love To Sing Laugh And Play!!! we then practiced different types of laughter. We then watched the laughter songs on YOU TUBE. A joyfull laugh along session. I then went to the dining area at 12:00 to eat my lunch. At 12:30 I then meet Dan in the gym for my P.T. session Dan first took my blood pressure, 110 over 76. He then had me walk twenty-eight minutes on the tredmill at 3.2 miles per hour. He then had me walk 2.5 mph for two minutes for a cool down for two minutes. At then end of the walk I had gone 1.533 miles. I am getting there, slow but sure. After the walk Dan then had me in the parallel bars doing some static standing. At 1:30 Dan was covering for my speech session with Carina. During this time we did some unscrambling of words and word Identification. At 2:00 United took me home. I had arrived home at 3:00 thus going straight to bed. I had slept until 4:45. I then got up took my shower, Ate my sa;ad and a bowl of soup, before sitting down to blog.

searching for Ankle Weights

I began my Sunday moring at 9:30 by going out into the kitchen to a pop over for breakfast. I then returned to my bedroom at 10:30 to brush my teeth and continue getting ready for my day ahead. Once I had showered and made my bed, my father and I had left the house. Along the way we stopped at the shop so my father could gve my a haircut. We then continued on so as to give Pepper my sisters dog back to her and to exchange my fathers truck back and give my sister back her car. At 1:00 we had met up with my sister and did just that. My father and I then went to pick my friend Greg up. We then went to Apple Bees for lunch. Once we had finished eating we then went to the Auburn Mall to purchase some ankle weights for me to use during my work outs. We had no luck! We then ventured on to a store called Gee & Bees a sporting goods store in Auburn. There we had luck. At 3:30 we then brougt my friend Greg home. My father and I returnde home at 4:45. I went right inside to take a shower and then sit down to blog. I then called it a day

clearing my deck of snow on a warm winters day

I began my Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa. My mother was making scrambled eggs with toasted blueberry muffins for breakfast. Once I had eaten my breakfast, it was now 10:00 a.m. I then ventured downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 10:30 I then returned to my bedroom to begin doing my weight routine with my arms and my legs. I still can not believe my right arm is not as strong as it once was, but believe me it has come along way since the stroke. At 10:50 I then began to do my stretching. Once I had finished with my workout, I was so tired. I had gone to bed and slept from 11:10-1:35. Once I was up, I had gone out into the kitchen to have a bowl of pea soup for lunch. I then went back to my bedroom at 2:30 to do my speech, breathing, tension and identification and control exercises. At 2:45 I then grabbed a shovel and began to clear off my deck. while it was a warm day I though I would get the snow while it was melting. At 3:00 I then did my hand exercises with the theropy ball. At 3:10 I then filled my pill containers. I have to say my headaches are now hardly noticable at all, since the doctor had put me on the amitriptyline. I then took my shower before sitting down to blog, before eating dinner.

Another day off ???

I began my friday morning at 7:30 a.m. by toasting some pancakes for breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then took the sheets off my bed and put clean ones on. I then brought the dirty ones to the laundry room to start a wash. At 8:50 I then rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 9:20 I then put laundry away that had ben dried. I then hung the load I had washed. At 9:50 I then began another load of laundry. At 10:00 I then went outside to shovel the deck. At 10:40 I then I then hung the sheets to dry. At 10:50 I then went back to my bedroom to do my arm and leg weight exercises. At 11:15 I then went out into the kitchen to eat my lunch. At 11:45 I then took my shower before laying down to rest. I had slept from 12:00-3:00. I had got up just in time to help my mother in with the groceries. One step at a time. I then went back downstairs to fold some laundry that had dried and put it away. At 3:30 I then did my tension Identification and control exercises. I then spoke to a friend on the telephone. At 5:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner. Once I had done so, I had taken a shower before sitting down to blog.