Yes we are still alive and well. We had a few not so happy go lucky days (Sunday and Monday) but are back on track and it's business as usual. Alan had made so much progress careening around the house on his own but Sunday when he was headed for bed he hit a wall where his body stopped (there is actually a word for this in PT) and he took a spill. He was in the bedroom on carpet and did not hit his head or body on anything other than the carpeted floor. I was in the other room and heard him swearing. He assured me he was not hurt and we've found no bruises or bumps as a result. It's the first time I've seen Alan on his hands and knees since he had the stroke but we were able to get him up to the bed without too much trouble. We've been told everyone takes a tumble (or many) but of course it worries him he will fall now when his legs feel heavy which happens within 48 hours after his PT therapy. This is a normal part of the process and he was told today that the ups and downs of how his body feels will eventually be more consistently on the upswing with only an occasional down side. This news made Alan very happy; the therapists are very good at commending him for his hard work and accomplishments. Today he went on a treadmill for the first time but was held in place so no chance of a fall. There is noticeable improvement in his right hand and shoulder strength. We are leaving his wheelchair at home now when he goes to PT. 👏
Alan ate a whole tangelo with his right hand one day and held an ear of corn with both hands. I've been consistent with putting his compression glove on his hand and it's helped the edema go down (finally).
We have had some lovely visits with lovely people since I last updated and planned visits coming up to look forward to. I forgot to mention in my last entry that our most avid and dedicated neighborhood walkers, Ruth and Dale stopped in (while on a walk of course) and we had a nice visit catching up! So glad they took the time to stop.
We also had visits from Neil our computer expert friend who multitasked as Door Dash bringing us lunch. Alan finally got to enjoy John Hardy's but I refuse to eat because no one's barbecue or smoked meats are better than Alan's. My salad was delicious! While Neil was here he took a look at Alan's computer in our combo office/studio and Alan finally came in for the first time post stroke. We found Alan's stashed passwords lol.
Rosanne and Bill stopped Sunday night and we enjoyed a glass of Alan's fruitful endeavors (wine). They brought us a french silk pie capable of feeding 8-10 people!
Nick's family stopped over so grandsons were more than happy to eat a piece of pie. Zack said I was the nicest person he knew and Jacob piped up and said I won't argue that haha! 🥰 Alan is wearing his new Cheap Trick T-shirt today!
An old back in the radio days friend, Bill W. came to visit yesterday afternoon. He is a 15 year stroke survivor so it was very beneficial to get his perspective and hearing and laughing about the glory days. Bill saying the same thing I have repeatedly said (about this first six months and up to a year being crucial in recovery success) had much more impact coming from another stroke survivor. He told Alan that his success in recovery lays in no one's hands but Alan's and he needs to work hard and not give up! 👍 He also told me I was a great stroke warden haha! 😆
Last night we met good friends from Michigan Laurie and Joe for dinner at The Bleu Duck. So good to see them (they both looked great). Our waitress recognized Alan Reed and used to listen to him on the bus to school on the radio. You would not believe how many people we have heard this same story from! 😊
I always ask new and repeat visitors how they think Alan is doing and it is wonderful to hear the repeat visitors saying how much he's improved from the last time they saw him. It's harder for me to tell as I'm with him daily.
In speech therapy we recently found out Alan can do written simple addition and subtraction problem's and can write the correct number with his left hand. However it's not uncommon for the incorrect number to come out of his mouth. And he think he is saying the correct number that he wrote down. The brain is a wonderful but complicated organ. I asked the speech therapist about his reading comprehension because again, when he tries to read out loud incorrect words come out. She tested him and every level she increased to, he passed with flying colors. 🤩
Alan used to grill A LOT and I miss it. I also thought this is something he could probably do. Well I knew firsthand the way to get him to try and that was for me to go out on the deck and start grilling some chicken. Of course he took over! We had chicken breasts, mixed vegetables (you cook in a bag in the microwave) and instant 4 cheese potatoes (I rarely ever make instant) 🤢
and after dinner Alan said it was one of the best meals he had eaten in a long time! 😂
Thank you for your support, your check ins, reading this crazy long-a** blog and continued prayers. They are much appreciated during this crucial phase in Alan's recovery! God challenges Alan's faith at times but always comes out on top. His cross (the one we stole from St. Mary's) is currently on the nightstand by Alan's bed. God is good.
PS We stole it with permission! 😀
