I've had a couple is negative-attitude days recently. My blood pressure rose for no apparent reason and it frustrated me. Then it started plummeting down, way down. I am already dizzy and feel high all of the time, but this low blood pressure made me feel like I was going to leave this earth. I continuously have low blood pressure after taking the medication. The dosage is extremely low and I take it in divided doses. If I skip a dose, trouble sets in; it shoots up. This will get reviewed on Friday when I see my GP. In the meanwhile, I drink a tiny amount of caffeine to surmount the problem.
So for the past three or four days, I have been a bit less than positive--blaming the doctors. In reality, they do not listen very carefully.
We went out to dinner to our friends' house last night. I faded after 1 1/2 hour. Sitting without doing is very taxing to my brain. Still, it was my first social event. We are going out again tonight. I am resting this afternoon in order to build up my strength to a longer visiting time.
This morning my dear Slava came to dance with me. I kept up for one hour. As long as I keep moving, my feet can keep catching my swaying body. If I stand still, or sit still, the brain has to work so much harder on the balance and I wear out. So we did a very brief warm up, a review of American Foxtrot, and Slava decided it was time to move on the International Tango in close contact. Wow did that strike a momentary panic for me. I had attempted some tango a few days ago and decided to ditch it. I could not balance myself in the link. Well, I surrendered to his suggestion and struggled a bit with the movement at first to see it smooth out with repetition and time. Same thing happened with the International Waltz. The biggest challenge is to dance in close contact as this requires a finer reaction to switching the weight around. I know it will improve by the time he returns from his multi competitions. Katya will work with me on syncopating figures.
It is amazing how music soothes the soul and how it helps the body to flow. It regulates spastic movement AND IT CERTAINLY SOOTHES THE SOUL.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Friday, August 22, 2014
Relationships
How many neurologists does one person need? I have six and none contacts the other! And I am about to see another one. You see they all have their specialty. You would think that they could work together to figure out your problem, like in "House."
When I was teaching, I wasn't teaching French or Spanish, or English. I was teaching some history, some science, some language skills, some geography etc. Those are all related! If I did not know some skills, I turned to a colleague for assistance.
How can there be so many isolated specialists that work with the nervous system? One was not interested in some facts until I pointed out they were relevant. Now I have to see a new one regarding the neuropathy on my whole right side which resulted from the stroke. Is this unusual? Why do the two big names at Hopkins not answer my questions or even address the issue? You would think that since the symptoms are related to the stroke or the medication that they could handle it. NO. There is limited communication between them.
It would never occurred to me to send my students to another teacher for answers. No wonder our medical system is failing eventhough we spend so much money.
I had a very good day today in spite of this relentless dizziness. Katya challenged me with more rumba, chacha, foxtrot and waltz. Tthe waltz was not too pretty! Adding the rise and fall to changing direction was most tricky. She will come back Monday. Slava is competing for three weeks. He will see quite a change from the first session when he returns.
After a recovery time, we returned to Whole Foods for some grass-fed meats. We ended up buying the latest Vitamix. I had one for 30 years and it wore out. We are about to enter a new phase in foods: the paleo diet. We will be enjoying more whole food smoothies. I must admit this trip was most challenging to my stamina since I had worked out this morning. But I feel good!
When I was teaching, I wasn't teaching French or Spanish, or English. I was teaching some history, some science, some language skills, some geography etc. Those are all related! If I did not know some skills, I turned to a colleague for assistance.
How can there be so many isolated specialists that work with the nervous system? One was not interested in some facts until I pointed out they were relevant. Now I have to see a new one regarding the neuropathy on my whole right side which resulted from the stroke. Is this unusual? Why do the two big names at Hopkins not answer my questions or even address the issue? You would think that since the symptoms are related to the stroke or the medication that they could handle it. NO. There is limited communication between them.
It would never occurred to me to send my students to another teacher for answers. No wonder our medical system is failing eventhough we spend so much money.
I had a very good day today in spite of this relentless dizziness. Katya challenged me with more rumba, chacha, foxtrot and waltz. Tthe waltz was not too pretty! Adding the rise and fall to changing direction was most tricky. She will come back Monday. Slava is competing for three weeks. He will see quite a change from the first session when he returns.
After a recovery time, we returned to Whole Foods for some grass-fed meats. We ended up buying the latest Vitamix. I had one for 30 years and it wore out. We are about to enter a new phase in foods: the paleo diet. We will be enjoying more whole food smoothies. I must admit this trip was most challenging to my stamina since I had worked out this morning. But I feel good!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
You gotta have a goal.
No matter what your afflictions or difficulties are you have to set a goal. You have to take some form of control. I don't care if you are hurting physically or emotionally or both. I don't care if some adversity is frustrating you. You must allow not adversities to defeat your spirit. Your spirit is what you need to get through these tough times.
So.. I've made tremendous progress over the past month. I'm steadier on my legs. My stamina has improved. I'm even dancing a little. This was my goal. What hasn't improved is this neuropathy as one doctor seemed to label it casually, without listening to me with interest. This is one aspect of my discomfort that has steadily progressed since I was in the hospital. Last night I woke up several times with pain in my shoulder, my torso, legs, feet and hands. What concerns me more than the intensity is the gradual spread to the left side. This is not part of the initial damage to my brain. The stroke was on the left side. Whatever damage was done was over. This is something else. Is it a further reaction to the drugs? Is this a new manifestation of a nerve disease?
I do know that when I take Lipitor religiously, my brain is in a fog and my focus is handicapped. Twice I forgot my dose at bed time and the next day I was much clearer headed to fall back into my stupor the next day when I resumed the medication. Last night I decided to stop the Lipitor. I am hoping it is affecting my central nervous system. I'm hoping the damage will not keep progressing and that it will resolve itself over time. If you remember, I was initially prescribed twice the present dose and we had to cut it in half because it was really causing me serious problems with my consciousness.
I have also resolved to intensify all the cholesterol busting foods and supplements and to reintroduce meditation in my daily routine. We are also dividing my blood pressure in such a way that it will not hit me so hard. An hour after taking it, it plummets down so low as to threaten passing out! Good thing I have the where-with-all to look out for myself because these top notch docs are so short sighted. They are great when it comes to a life threatening emergency but for continuing care! So I have a plan.
Next week, I get a blood test. Hopefully the cholesterol will be in an acceptable range after having taken Lipitor for a month as well as eaten all the good stuff. I never ate bad stuff! But now, I am zeroing on extras like: cia seeds, flax seed oil, flax seeds, rice bran. sunflower lecithin, nuts, fresh berries, oat meal. I will add red rice yeast.
I am also coming off the blood thinner next week. That is not my decision but I am looking forward to it. I will not bruise so easily. My left leg is black and blue from sleeping on it or laying the blood pressure cuff there. All I need to do is squeeze my skin and it bruises. AND maybe stopping it will improve some symptom as well.
The pharmacist just called to tell me they had to order my low-dose blood pressure medication, that they did not normally carry it. So patience... I will continue to open the capsule and remove some of the powder so as not to take too much. Tomorrow will be easier.
In the meanwhile, I keep researching. I read books on the brain and nutrition. Now I must meditate to restore some peace.
So.. I've made tremendous progress over the past month. I'm steadier on my legs. My stamina has improved. I'm even dancing a little. This was my goal. What hasn't improved is this neuropathy as one doctor seemed to label it casually, without listening to me with interest. This is one aspect of my discomfort that has steadily progressed since I was in the hospital. Last night I woke up several times with pain in my shoulder, my torso, legs, feet and hands. What concerns me more than the intensity is the gradual spread to the left side. This is not part of the initial damage to my brain. The stroke was on the left side. Whatever damage was done was over. This is something else. Is it a further reaction to the drugs? Is this a new manifestation of a nerve disease?
I do know that when I take Lipitor religiously, my brain is in a fog and my focus is handicapped. Twice I forgot my dose at bed time and the next day I was much clearer headed to fall back into my stupor the next day when I resumed the medication. Last night I decided to stop the Lipitor. I am hoping it is affecting my central nervous system. I'm hoping the damage will not keep progressing and that it will resolve itself over time. If you remember, I was initially prescribed twice the present dose and we had to cut it in half because it was really causing me serious problems with my consciousness.
I have also resolved to intensify all the cholesterol busting foods and supplements and to reintroduce meditation in my daily routine. We are also dividing my blood pressure in such a way that it will not hit me so hard. An hour after taking it, it plummets down so low as to threaten passing out! Good thing I have the where-with-all to look out for myself because these top notch docs are so short sighted. They are great when it comes to a life threatening emergency but for continuing care! So I have a plan.
Next week, I get a blood test. Hopefully the cholesterol will be in an acceptable range after having taken Lipitor for a month as well as eaten all the good stuff. I never ate bad stuff! But now, I am zeroing on extras like: cia seeds, flax seed oil, flax seeds, rice bran. sunflower lecithin, nuts, fresh berries, oat meal. I will add red rice yeast.
I am also coming off the blood thinner next week. That is not my decision but I am looking forward to it. I will not bruise so easily. My left leg is black and blue from sleeping on it or laying the blood pressure cuff there. All I need to do is squeeze my skin and it bruises. AND maybe stopping it will improve some symptom as well.
The pharmacist just called to tell me they had to order my low-dose blood pressure medication, that they did not normally carry it. So patience... I will continue to open the capsule and remove some of the powder so as not to take too much. Tomorrow will be easier.
In the meanwhile, I keep researching. I read books on the brain and nutrition. Now I must meditate to restore some peace.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Good times and struggles
I have been most particular about house keeping y whole life, and about cooking, and about everything I do-as most of my friends know. I plunge into whatever task and give it my all.
One of my likes,which verges on fanaticism, is freshly ironed sheets! Well I decided to iron mine. You should have seen me trying to smooth out the folds and wrinkles. My lack of coordination slowed me down, I just kept on struggling with all of that material which would slip out of my grasp. I was determined to do it. I finally completed the task after many attempts. What a struggle! (Did I mention we have a king-size bed!)By afternoon, I have used up all of the energy required to create smooth muscle coordination. I must keep those challenging tasks for earlier in the day.
Still, this stroke has taught me to be somewhat patient. I know that tomorrow will be even better than today: I will accomplish more and better.
So far we have had two separate guests stay for a casual dinner. My good friend Diane has visited me at home a couple of times and I managed to cook a complete meal-nothing but grass fed meat, and veggies from our garden. Yesterday Robin came to help me repot my indoor plants. I really enjoyed the challenge of spaghetti and meatballs. She is a vegetarian and I had seen the "jazzy vegetarian" on TV prepare veggie balls. I used bread crumbs, mushrooms, onions, fresh herbs, and walnuts.Thank goodness as I had forgotten that Robin does not like mushrooms! I really like to cook for others and am glad my stamina and balance allow me to do it.
One more pleasure, dancing. Yes, I had a one-hour lesson with Slava this morning. He knew just how much to push me. We danced rumba, chacha, samba, and foxtrot. My balance was improving all along, not without some difficulty. Stepping back and rocking took a few attempts to smooth them out. Samba was the most challenging because of the timing, but I finally managed to perform at a low level. I certainly did not expect to move on so much. It was fun.
One of my likes,which verges on fanaticism, is freshly ironed sheets! Well I decided to iron mine. You should have seen me trying to smooth out the folds and wrinkles. My lack of coordination slowed me down, I just kept on struggling with all of that material which would slip out of my grasp. I was determined to do it. I finally completed the task after many attempts. What a struggle! (Did I mention we have a king-size bed!)By afternoon, I have used up all of the energy required to create smooth muscle coordination. I must keep those challenging tasks for earlier in the day.
Still, this stroke has taught me to be somewhat patient. I know that tomorrow will be even better than today: I will accomplish more and better.
So far we have had two separate guests stay for a casual dinner. My good friend Diane has visited me at home a couple of times and I managed to cook a complete meal-nothing but grass fed meat, and veggies from our garden. Yesterday Robin came to help me repot my indoor plants. I really enjoyed the challenge of spaghetti and meatballs. She is a vegetarian and I had seen the "jazzy vegetarian" on TV prepare veggie balls. I used bread crumbs, mushrooms, onions, fresh herbs, and walnuts.Thank goodness as I had forgotten that Robin does not like mushrooms! I really like to cook for others and am glad my stamina and balance allow me to do it.
One more pleasure, dancing. Yes, I had a one-hour lesson with Slava this morning. He knew just how much to push me. We danced rumba, chacha, samba, and foxtrot. My balance was improving all along, not without some difficulty. Stepping back and rocking took a few attempts to smooth them out. Samba was the most challenging because of the timing, but I finally managed to perform at a low level. I certainly did not expect to move on so much. It was fun.
Friday, August 15, 2014
My Brain for now
You have all seen how a baby's development progresses, from the center out. In other words, he conquers his use of his extremities last. Well, I do not have to learn how to use my whole brain again, but I do have to create new pathways to reclaim all of my right side. The stroke destroyed those pathways that give me full feeling and strength from the head to the toes. The strength is not too bad. I am working on improving it. Thank goodness, I was quite strong prior to this episode.
In addition to having lost some feeling I have acquired new ones. My arm and leg feel as though I have been sleeping on them.You know that feeling of ants crawling on you? In addition, after some exertion, I feel like I have a series of tight rubber bands around my shoulder, my elbow,and my hand, as well as around my waist, my hip, my knee, and my calf. The neurologists did not have any explanation for this. They call it neuropathy. This does not comfort me, but at least I can still use all of those parts! Those closer to the heart have the least.
I had a massage yesterday to improve the circulation.BIG mistake. Those rubber bands tightened up to a very unpleasant degree and persevered into today. Lets hope this is my body's attempt to be reconnected to my brain. Michelle assured me the muscles were very relaxed. The feeling only existed in my head.
My balance keeps on improving. I walk without a cane outside. I will keep it for downhills and for crowds. I am still ditsy,but maybe equivalent to one strong drink now! I never could drink. On an amusing note, relating to infant development: I was down on the floor, dusting my coffee table when I decided to crawl around it. I could not keep my balance- nearly fell on my face. So now, crawling will be part of my routine PT.
In addition to having lost some feeling I have acquired new ones. My arm and leg feel as though I have been sleeping on them.You know that feeling of ants crawling on you? In addition, after some exertion, I feel like I have a series of tight rubber bands around my shoulder, my elbow,and my hand, as well as around my waist, my hip, my knee, and my calf. The neurologists did not have any explanation for this. They call it neuropathy. This does not comfort me, but at least I can still use all of those parts! Those closer to the heart have the least.
I had a massage yesterday to improve the circulation.BIG mistake. Those rubber bands tightened up to a very unpleasant degree and persevered into today. Lets hope this is my body's attempt to be reconnected to my brain. Michelle assured me the muscles were very relaxed. The feeling only existed in my head.
My balance keeps on improving. I walk without a cane outside. I will keep it for downhills and for crowds. I am still ditsy,but maybe equivalent to one strong drink now! I never could drink. On an amusing note, relating to infant development: I was down on the floor, dusting my coffee table when I decided to crawl around it. I could not keep my balance- nearly fell on my face. So now, crawling will be part of my routine PT.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Bless a good hair beautician!
I braved going to get my hair done today eventhough the dizziness was awful. I feared having to sit for one hour to have my hair color processed. It seems that just standing still or sitting still without a focus renders me anxious. I have to keep moving or do something all of the time. This is not new. I have always had this problem. I can concentrate for long periods of time when I'm interested and this has not changed. But to sit and have my hair done! Well, I did it, but must admit there were moments of brief panic. Both Irena, who colors my hair, and Phil, who cuts it, were most accommodating and helpful. Irena used the natural color that I purchased at Whole Foods- against her good judgement. I assured her that I would not hold her responsible if it did not last. Both she and Phil pampered me and saw to my every need: I was escorted, I was dressed, and I was not hasstled into buying their products. I certainly do not want to introduce any foreign chemical in my body when my brain is recovering and after I was exposed to so much radiation from the scans.
Needless to say, I went home very tired but with an excellent cut and a good color. Got a quick lunch and a short rest before Jenna arrived. Jenna is my physical therapist. She was so delighted with my progress that she piled on the exercises. Oh no! Can't I get a brake?
I braved going to get my hair done today eventhough the dizziness was awful. I feared having to sit for one hour to have my hair color processed. It seems that just standing still or sitting still without a focus renders me anxious. I have to keep moving or do something all of the time. This is not new. I have always had this problem. I can concentrate for long periods of time when I'm interested and this has not changed. But to sit and have my hair done! Well, I did it, but must admit there were moments of brief panic. Both Irena, who colors my hair, and Phil, who cuts it, were most accommodating and helpful. Irena used the natural color that I purchased at Whole Foods- against her good judgement. I assured her that I would not hold her responsible if it did not last. Both she and Phil pampered me and saw to my every need: I was escorted, I was dressed, and I was not hasstled into buying their products. I certainly do not want to introduce any foreign chemical in my body when my brain is recovering and after I was exposed to so much radiation from the scans.
Needless to say, I went home very tired but with an excellent cut and a good color. Got a quick lunch and a short rest before Jenna arrived. Jenna is my physical therapist. She was so delighted with my progress that she piled on the exercises. Oh no! Can't I get a brake?
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Reclaiming the kitchen
It is time for me to gradually reclaim my position in the kitchen. I have cleaned the table and the counters up to now. I suddenly found the urge to plan meals and to participate in the preparation.
It all started when we made a trip to Whole Foods to buy me a new hair color. Yes, I am not a red head! My beautician, Irena, agreed to my bringing a natural product so that I don't have to use chemicals for a while. I was not too steady since I still had some of the old meds in me, but I braved the crowds. Thank goodness for shopping carts. Mine was my support. I wouldn't dare drive one of those motorized carts for fear of speeding down the aisles and running down little old ladies. We left with tons of foods. It was fun, a real joy. On top of that, we now have a handicapped sticker so we parked next to the store in the pouring rain.
I prepared and cooked our dinner: chicken on a spit, quinoa with leeks, kale with mushrooms and tomatoes. It was quite good. Peter fixed the salad and dessert. Gotta give him some credit. And now he is cleaning up the dishes.
Today was a good day eventhough I did not sleep well last night. The new meds electrified me! Still, they promise to be better than lisonipril. I feel so much better focused.
Tomorrow, I am off to the beauty parlor.
It is time for me to gradually reclaim my position in the kitchen. I have cleaned the table and the counters up to now. I suddenly found the urge to plan meals and to participate in the preparation.
It all started when we made a trip to Whole Foods to buy me a new hair color. Yes, I am not a red head! My beautician, Irena, agreed to my bringing a natural product so that I don't have to use chemicals for a while. I was not too steady since I still had some of the old meds in me, but I braved the crowds. Thank goodness for shopping carts. Mine was my support. I wouldn't dare drive one of those motorized carts for fear of speeding down the aisles and running down little old ladies. We left with tons of foods. It was fun, a real joy. On top of that, we now have a handicapped sticker so we parked next to the store in the pouring rain.
I prepared and cooked our dinner: chicken on a spit, quinoa with leeks, kale with mushrooms and tomatoes. It was quite good. Peter fixed the salad and dessert. Gotta give him some credit. And now he is cleaning up the dishes.
Today was a good day eventhough I did not sleep well last night. The new meds electrified me! Still, they promise to be better than lisonipril. I feel so much better focused.
Tomorrow, I am off to the beauty parlor.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Dr Ratchford
There is so much to report that I had some trouble selecting a topic for today. I decided on Dr Ratchford who is my vascular specialist. I saw her for the first time two years ago when a bruit was discovered in my carotid arteries. I had ninety degree turns in mine but they were clear of plaque! I was released from her care after two years of no change in my status. I was extremely impressed by her courteous and friendly demeanor. She actually gave me her e-mail and we corresponded several time. I had never encountered this in a doctor, especially one who is the director of the department of vascular medicine at Johns Hopkins!
Since no one wanted to depart from the "protocol" of meds following a stroke, I had been basically stuck with all of their non life-threatening side effects. I do not tolerate people who do not think ouside the box. I decided to e-mail her to explain my situation. She immediately responded on Sunday! We exchanged a few more mails and she arranged to see me first thing this morning, the very next day.
I had to get up early in order to prepare myself. We got up at 5:30 AM to leave at 7:20.To make along story short, she spent one hour with me and reduced the aspirin to 81mg. She feared a brain hemorrage since I'm also on plavix until the month is over. She switched the blood pressure med and lowered the dose by 1/2 again. I must stay on Lipitor for one year and then she will review the possibility of switching to a natural means. At least she knows of alternatives. It turns out her present research is blood flow in the brain following a stroke. What luck! She also like controversy. She is not afraid to stand up to the neurologists at Hopkins, of which her hubby is one.
One interesting fact: St Joe's great neurologist read one of my test wrong and reported that I had a 70% blockage in my carotid artery when it was the famous bend!
So tonight I try one of the new big guns. Some of the dizziness will go but I have been told that it will take time for my body to be used to be on so many meds. I was one none prior to the stroke. As far as the awful tight feelings I sense from head to toe on the right side, it is due to neuropathy. I fear I may be stuck with it. So be it.
So this was my first real expedition away from home- a bit tiring, but rewarding. As a result, I missed the PT person by 10 minutes. We rescheduled. And Heather got me in with one of her speech therapists this afternoon. We worked on strengthening the tongue, swallowing, and pitch. Heather is my daughter who did not think the home speech therapist had done a thorough enough job.
After such a full day, going out twice, I am pooped but thankful.
There is so much to report that I had some trouble selecting a topic for today. I decided on Dr Ratchford who is my vascular specialist. I saw her for the first time two years ago when a bruit was discovered in my carotid arteries. I had ninety degree turns in mine but they were clear of plaque! I was released from her care after two years of no change in my status. I was extremely impressed by her courteous and friendly demeanor. She actually gave me her e-mail and we corresponded several time. I had never encountered this in a doctor, especially one who is the director of the department of vascular medicine at Johns Hopkins!
Since no one wanted to depart from the "protocol" of meds following a stroke, I had been basically stuck with all of their non life-threatening side effects. I do not tolerate people who do not think ouside the box. I decided to e-mail her to explain my situation. She immediately responded on Sunday! We exchanged a few more mails and she arranged to see me first thing this morning, the very next day.
I had to get up early in order to prepare myself. We got up at 5:30 AM to leave at 7:20.To make along story short, she spent one hour with me and reduced the aspirin to 81mg. She feared a brain hemorrage since I'm also on plavix until the month is over. She switched the blood pressure med and lowered the dose by 1/2 again. I must stay on Lipitor for one year and then she will review the possibility of switching to a natural means. At least she knows of alternatives. It turns out her present research is blood flow in the brain following a stroke. What luck! She also like controversy. She is not afraid to stand up to the neurologists at Hopkins, of which her hubby is one.
One interesting fact: St Joe's great neurologist read one of my test wrong and reported that I had a 70% blockage in my carotid artery when it was the famous bend!
So tonight I try one of the new big guns. Some of the dizziness will go but I have been told that it will take time for my body to be used to be on so many meds. I was one none prior to the stroke. As far as the awful tight feelings I sense from head to toe on the right side, it is due to neuropathy. I fear I may be stuck with it. So be it.
So this was my first real expedition away from home- a bit tiring, but rewarding. As a result, I missed the PT person by 10 minutes. We rescheduled. And Heather got me in with one of her speech therapists this afternoon. We worked on strengthening the tongue, swallowing, and pitch. Heather is my daughter who did not think the home speech therapist had done a thorough enough job.
After such a full day, going out twice, I am pooped but thankful.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
I have been inspired to blog my journey into recovery from a stroke. Perhaps this will be of some help to someone. it is a good idea for each personto keep a record of all minute detail in the recovery so as to measure progess.
A little over two weeks ago, I woke up unable to use my right side very well. My speech was slurred and I was unable to stand. I immediately knew and we called 911. I must have panicked with this thought that I had lost my independence as I passed out. I was taken to St Joe's and was released with no meds after three days. The next morning I felt things were deteriorating and asked friends to drive us to Johns Hopkins where I would receive top-notch care. A total of 6 neurologists received me. I was put on meds and watched for three days. I began to walk with my Cadillac of a walker, pushing the limits so as to avoid being injected with the notorious heperin shot in the belly. It was most challenging and tiring. Did you know that the brain used up some 40% of your energy?
As soon as I had returned home, it became evident that I would have a serious reaction to all of these meds: plavix, lipitor, lisinopril, aspirin, and prozac. I was up all night with the runs. It isn't fun to run when you have no balance. Prozac has demonstrated a speedier healing of the brain. I would have to do it on my own. Then there was this massive dizziness. We cut the Lipitor in half without sufficient results.Next, my blood pressure dropped too low. We cut the lisinoril in 1/2. The pressure came up. This spaciness, lack of focus,or dizziness, seems to start a few minutes after taking the lisinopril and tapers off in the late afternoon. Of course one of the side effects of all the meds is dizziness. We are still working on regulating them. In the meanwhile, I push through all the exercises and activities.
I bruise very easily now. Hopefully, I can get rid of the plavix in a couple more weeks.
I have regained a lot of stability. Taking showers is much easier. I can even walk faster. By the way, I graduated from a walker to a cane in a few days, and to no cane the next day. I am to use a cane on my daily walks outside, just in case.
I stupidly thought I could sit on the porch step while I was on the landing. I squatted down, as I could do that, but did not figure that putting my right leg folded under me to sit would create a dead weight. I landed on my R hand ( only from a few inches high) and felt a sharp pain in my little finder. I must have fractured it. Ouch! The pain only occurred when I tried to bend it; so I didn't. In three days the pain was completely gone. I still have a bit of swelling and redness. This is the result of fuzziness in the brain due to meds!
Now how did this stroke come about, you may ask. For years, I have been working on controlling my blood pressure through diet and supplements. On the whole I was successful. Those of you who know me well know what a health nut I am. I've grown my own veggies for over 40 years- all organic. I only buy grass fed meats, and little. We eat salmon from Scotland organically raised.I take tons of supplements. I avoid dairy,except for goat products. BUT, I have not been able to manage the tons of stress that have come my way. That cortisol is a killer.
I began to have daily migraines, as well as ocular migraines. I saw a multitude of neurologists who prescribed meds that made me sick. Then I met a famous doctor who could cure migraines through diet. He was associated with Hopkins, so I tried. We eliminated many foods and supplements. It did the trick .No more headaches! The problem was that my blood pressure rose silently and my blood thickened until bam, I had a stroke in my sleep.
Now I am headache free since I blew a gasket and I am eating those forbidden foods. I have reintroduced those supplements that are safe with my meds. You would think that someone would have suspected the migraines were a precursor.
Now on a good note, I am getting stronger and have more stamina each day. Until today, I have religiously done the exercizes prescribed to me. Now I will substitute some for more meaningful tasks such a working outside a little in the flower beds, or cleaning in the house. And I plan to reintroduce dancing within a week. We will start with American rythm in tennis shoes at the very basic level.
All in all, I am doing vey well thanks to my friends and family and the many of you in facbook land. Thank you, all.
Typing this blog became easier as I wrote along!
A little over two weeks ago, I woke up unable to use my right side very well. My speech was slurred and I was unable to stand. I immediately knew and we called 911. I must have panicked with this thought that I had lost my independence as I passed out. I was taken to St Joe's and was released with no meds after three days. The next morning I felt things were deteriorating and asked friends to drive us to Johns Hopkins where I would receive top-notch care. A total of 6 neurologists received me. I was put on meds and watched for three days. I began to walk with my Cadillac of a walker, pushing the limits so as to avoid being injected with the notorious heperin shot in the belly. It was most challenging and tiring. Did you know that the brain used up some 40% of your energy?
As soon as I had returned home, it became evident that I would have a serious reaction to all of these meds: plavix, lipitor, lisinopril, aspirin, and prozac. I was up all night with the runs. It isn't fun to run when you have no balance. Prozac has demonstrated a speedier healing of the brain. I would have to do it on my own. Then there was this massive dizziness. We cut the Lipitor in half without sufficient results.Next, my blood pressure dropped too low. We cut the lisinoril in 1/2. The pressure came up. This spaciness, lack of focus,or dizziness, seems to start a few minutes after taking the lisinopril and tapers off in the late afternoon. Of course one of the side effects of all the meds is dizziness. We are still working on regulating them. In the meanwhile, I push through all the exercises and activities.
I bruise very easily now. Hopefully, I can get rid of the plavix in a couple more weeks.
I have regained a lot of stability. Taking showers is much easier. I can even walk faster. By the way, I graduated from a walker to a cane in a few days, and to no cane the next day. I am to use a cane on my daily walks outside, just in case.
I stupidly thought I could sit on the porch step while I was on the landing. I squatted down, as I could do that, but did not figure that putting my right leg folded under me to sit would create a dead weight. I landed on my R hand ( only from a few inches high) and felt a sharp pain in my little finder. I must have fractured it. Ouch! The pain only occurred when I tried to bend it; so I didn't. In three days the pain was completely gone. I still have a bit of swelling and redness. This is the result of fuzziness in the brain due to meds!
Now how did this stroke come about, you may ask. For years, I have been working on controlling my blood pressure through diet and supplements. On the whole I was successful. Those of you who know me well know what a health nut I am. I've grown my own veggies for over 40 years- all organic. I only buy grass fed meats, and little. We eat salmon from Scotland organically raised.I take tons of supplements. I avoid dairy,except for goat products. BUT, I have not been able to manage the tons of stress that have come my way. That cortisol is a killer.
I began to have daily migraines, as well as ocular migraines. I saw a multitude of neurologists who prescribed meds that made me sick. Then I met a famous doctor who could cure migraines through diet. He was associated with Hopkins, so I tried. We eliminated many foods and supplements. It did the trick .No more headaches! The problem was that my blood pressure rose silently and my blood thickened until bam, I had a stroke in my sleep.
Now I am headache free since I blew a gasket and I am eating those forbidden foods. I have reintroduced those supplements that are safe with my meds. You would think that someone would have suspected the migraines were a precursor.
Now on a good note, I am getting stronger and have more stamina each day. Until today, I have religiously done the exercizes prescribed to me. Now I will substitute some for more meaningful tasks such a working outside a little in the flower beds, or cleaning in the house. And I plan to reintroduce dancing within a week. We will start with American rythm in tennis shoes at the very basic level.
All in all, I am doing vey well thanks to my friends and family and the many of you in facbook land. Thank you, all.
Typing this blog became easier as I wrote along!
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