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.