Roxy is so resilient. It's one of the things that amazes me about her. I just got off the phone with her and she sounds good. She's still shook of course from the stroke and she's been reading all your good comments about stroke and what she should do. She is following through with them and is really thankful for all the good thoughts that you are sending her way, especially finding information for her and passing it on.
The best part is the laughter in her voice again. She is so happy to be alive and Kelsey is such good support for her. There is so much less stress on her with Brett out of the house. She got to get out some and just enjoy the day.
She's reading your comments even if she's not up to posting so please keep up with the encouragement. I was greatly relieved to hear joy in my friend's voice tonight and I know so many of you feel the same way about her and I had to share that it was a wonderful visit and that our friend Roxy is still kicking and loving life.
You go, Roxy!
Deanna,
Thanks for the update on Roxy. I was thinking of copying the info on stroke detection for my older friends and relatives, but obviously gimps of any age are in danger too
Am pleased that she is now sounding a little happier. I hope the kids look out for her and take care of her as best they can.
Great to hear that Roxy is bouncing and forward looking. Keep up the good work Roxy - isn't it good that summer is coming for you (it is!! it really is - soooon)! You will be able to get out in to your beloved outdoors and just breathe life and energy back into yourself. Good vibes your way!!
Aren't I lucky to have a friend like Deanna.
Things have improved immensely. I needed distraction. My "aid" is one lousy housekeeper and is a mooch of my food BUT she is fun to hang out with
Yesterday I had to get a ride to doctor's office for my script. It was a beautiful sunny day. I begged her not to take me home. Kelsey was home and I am sure she was enjoying her privacy and it felt SO Good to be out in good weather. So after doctor we saw this big dog kennel near someone's trash. It was in great condition. Abby has major separation issues and when we leave her home alone for any amount of time (over an hour) she will diarrhea all over the house. She has ruined my carpets which is depressing. Anyway, I want to crate her when I am gone. So we decided to knock on the door of the house to ask if we could take it. This was a sleazy neighborhood. There were two doors. I knocked on one and she the other. OMG Angie, my aid, was going to her door and there was one of those porches with the half walls. As she went up the steps, a huge Rottweiller came around and literally jumped up on her and knocked her down. It was on a rope so she got away but she was scared good. It would have sent me to the hospital. Then the owner would not even come out. We ended up laughing like crazy and running back to the car. I felt so alive. We were laughing so hard just because of how absurd the whole thing was, just like Cujo. Anyway, I begged her not to take me home. We went to a thrift store and it just so happened everything in the store was half off. Kelsey has a really big belly because of her meds and I am always trying to cover it up as I am protective of her and she will go out in public with it showing. So we ended up going to the maternity section and we got her the cutest tops that she can wear with leggings and jeans. We took scissors and cut off all tags that said maternity and you cannot even tell they are maternity. SHE LOVED THEM. I mean, they were really really cute tops. So that was fun. Then I begged some more, I did not want to go home. We then went to a saltwater aquarium store which is one of my favorite things to do and Angie thinks my fish are really cool and I love talking about them and it was a blast showing all the different saltwater critters. Remember I was an ecology environmental science major so I love natural systems. We stayed there like an hour. Then we went out for ice cream and then we came home for a beer. LMAO I can't believe she was getting paid for all this but I totally forgot I had a stroke and I felt so grateful to be alive. Kelsey was in a really good mood when we got home.
Now no scolding, after Angie left, I was just high about being alive. Kelsey and I cleaned house, it looks better than it ever did when Brett was doing it and I got to relax in my beautiful home. (I refuse to think about losing it)
Last night I called a few people that have been very important in my life to tell them I love them. I am so grateful that I am alive I could do that.
So my dear dear friends. I AM ALIVE and I appreciate every minute of it. I prayed last night I would wake up this morning and I thanked God this morning for waking up. Maybe the stroke was good. Yes, I have RA and it really sux but I am so so happy to be alive and enjoy another day. My sweet Kelsey has been an angel and my sis and niece are coming down this afternoon.
Deanna has been the best of friends and checks on me regularly. I do not miss Brett and I do not harbor any negative feelings towards him. He is an addict. I cannot relate to that but I know it is a horrible thing to deal with and I don't want to judge him. We had many good times together and I wish him only the best. I will try to get him to help me with this house as he made that commitment but not out of maliciousness but because I think he should honor his commitment and I do not have it in me to move again.
LIFE IS GOOD. REMEMBER THAT
Dealing with a stroke can be very diffcult but you're handling it so very well. Keep up with the positive outlook.
Deanna, you're such a good friend to Roxy and she's very lucky to have you.
May the lord watch over both of you.
Roxy, I have been out of town for a few days. We went to Chicago for a little vacation. I have been thinking about you and hoping you were doing okay. I am so glad to read your post and hear the joy in your writing.
You have an amazing outlook right now for everything you have been through. That is great. Take care of yourself and keep feeling better!
Glad you're feeling a bit better Roxy.
Roxy; First I'd like to say; I'm thrilled you are feeling better....and I'm even happier you have this new aid and have help....and a new friend. That's what you need more than anything there Sweetie is a friend there. Hopefully the two of you will become such good friends that she won't just be there for her job and you'll be able to count on her in emergencies.
I'm going to say this as easy as possible....when I really want to scream it in bold large font: Please slow down. You go through this and I warn you every time....but you just had a mini stroke this last week my friend. That's serious business. You have not even yet determined what caused it. That could very likely have easily been a warning sign to a larger; much more serious stroke. The next one could leave you unable to move an entire side of your body. It could make you loose your speech. You need to take things easy. Go to one fun shop after the doctors office. Just take a short walk. Do not go dumpster diving with the irresponsiable aid (She should know this!) and have to run from unknown dogs! Just take your dogs for a walk. Save your energy. This is good advice if we were only dealing with RA BUT WE"RE NOT! You're not sure exactly you are dealing with yet.
What did the doctor say? What prescriptions did you have to get?
I'm really concerned for you Roxy. Please don't take offence to my fussing. I'd be saying the exact same things to my sister if we were talking about her.
Please take care....and get some rest. You've had an exciting day; and I'm glad you did. Really. After all your worries lately you needed a day to just have a good time and remember how much you do enjoy life. I just want you to be around for all of us here....and mostly Kelsey.
So glad to hear you sound so happy!!Roxy, I am so glad that you are able to see the beauty of life! I think your wonderful outlook is going to be a key factor in your healing.
Just reading your post about all the things you did while you were out, made me want to go out to my garden or, really just anywhere that life abounds!
In the spring, everything is so fresh and new. It's about life beginning it's cycle all over again. Everywhere there are baby creatures of all kinds. And the flowers are starting to bloom, and new plants are beginning to come up.
The dove in the hanging pot on my gazebo has already hatched 2 eggs and those babies are already gone from the nest. We just looked in the pot and she already has 2 more eggs! What a promiscuois little girl she is
I am so glad you have Deanna. She is such a dear sweet friend! She has been a friend to us all here. But I'm glad you are so close and have each other to talk to.
It sounds like Kelsey has really been good for you. It's good that you are not completely alone.
You sounded wonderful in your post and it warms my heart to hear you sounding so positive about life
Take care and try not to get too active, too soon. But try to do the things that make you happy.
Hugs and much love,
Nini
My family just left and my house looks beautiful !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I get to relax and enjoy it. You are right Lovie BUT I need to live life to appreciate it and have that positive thinking you are always talking about. I cannot believe how we have been here six months and Brett could not get the house clean once. It looks so gorgeous. It just took some women. Now I can relax..........
I had declined Easter dinner tomorrow but who knows - may be I will go. I don't know if it was a mini stroke Lovie. They didn't call it that but the scary thing is - so many of our RA symptoms are stroke symptoms. Breaking out into a sweat, fatigue and more but too tired to think now. I love you Lovie and I do listen to you. Don't worry about telling me to put the brakes on - you know it will never stop me but it does make me pause and slow down.
Yes, we are all very lucky to have Deanna and I am especially. I am feeling so blessed today. It would have taken a lot for me to kick Brett out and it has turned out to bring so much peace to this household. I have a guardian angel. I really do feel blessed which is amazing four days after a stroke.
AI - You are the best. What would I do without you
PS Only meds I was prescribed were aspirin. My bp stays around 110 over 70. I already take meds for high cholesterol. What amazes me is what a healthy lifestyle I lived before all this and all that has happened anyway Hey Roxy, I'm glad your feeling good but I have to agree with Lovie.
Please slow down! Then you get to enjoy life tomorrow and tomorrow and
tomorrow.
It is really rockin' you're enjoying yourself, though.
Thank you Roxy. You know what I say is only meant in Friendship.....and it's hard for some of us to be so close to friends here and yet so far away and feel so helpless when friends need us.
I'm so happy to hear that you are putting a positive spin on this Brett thing. His leaving was the best thing for you....and maybe in his own way he knew that. We all know he's not a bad man; despite my references to that; he did love you but he's got a disease of his own and maybe, just maybe he recognized the fact that it was killing you as well.
Has he even called to check on you? Does he know all that's happened with you? I only referred to it as a mini stroke because a major stroke would have left you bed ridden or worse. I certainly didn't mean to minimize what's happened this past week.
You take care; and enjoy a restful Easter.
You must be so careful as a mini stroke could lead to a major one.Have you been left with facial or limb problems as these are sypmtoms of a mini stroke( my neighbour works in a stroke ward) . My neighbour said you shold be checked out thoroughly by your dr. and should avoid running around. We worry about you Roxy.QUOTE FROM ROXY'S ABOVE POST "I don't know if it was a mini stroke Lovie. They didn't call it that but the scary thing is - so many of our RA symptoms are stroke symptoms."I should not waste my time on you but sick of drama, why in the world did you interpret I did not have a stroke. If you look up RA symptoms, many of the symptoms are similar but a cat scan does not lie. RA/stroke symptoms - break out in a sweat, suddenly weak, our meds cause headaches and disorientation. It is obvious you are here to cause trouble so I am only writing this for others to get a better understanding of what I was trying to say.
PS Lovie - Brett has not even called to check on me and when he mailed the keys back - there was no note. I guess he is happy it is over too. I am sure he feels some shame for getting violent in front of Kelsey and pulling his son out of school ONE MORE TIME, and ruining what the rest of us really wanted - to be a family. It is wierd, I still feel love for Brett but it feels distant because the peace around the house is such a relief.