This post may ramble on a bit - so be warned!!!
Pete had his Botox at 5pm yesterday and it usually takes a couple of days to start to work, but this morning I thought his hand seemed more relaxed and looser but thought it was just wishful thinking. However, when Suzanne came (at 10am this morning) she said she could definitely feel a difference and also Pete wasn't flinching like he has been. So, it has started working its magic already, and the muscles will continue to loosen over the next few days. Also Pete hasn't had the pain in his arm and hasn't taken any pain killers today. All good!! After all the usual exercises Suzanne said she wants now to take Pete outside to tackle kerbs (spelling?) and steps and slopes. We have to wait for a dry day with no ice or anything, but that is now on the horizon, hopefully next week. I am also hoping she will get Pete to turn the wheel on the w/chair himself, which, so far, he hasn't been doing, much preferring to use his left foot to pull it along!! We have also had to blow the gym ball up a bit as it had got a bit soft due to all the bouncing!! The FES has had a full day's use today - it takes several tries to get the pads in the right place but then he is away. Claire suggested tattoos to mark the spot!! Maybe - or not!!
After Physio we awaited the arrival of Bev and Jane who is the lady from Connect who is going to run the aphasia groups. What an amazing lady she is - so nice, but will stand no nonsense I think!
She had a stroke 11 years ago, right side affected, severe aphasia. It was a year before her speech returned, which gives me much hope for Pete. Then after 18 months she started driving again. Her speech is really good but she says it is still improving now. The aphasia group will be meeting fortnightly probably and they think there will be about 6 people there, but really don't know. It sounds like a nice number to me. Carers will not be welcome to stay!! This is because the people there will have to push themselves to communicate - but as they all are either in the same boat or have been there, they will fully understand how each other feel. I do admit that this worries me a bit, will he be ok without me? It is a bit like leaving children at school for the first time, will they be alright, will they make friends, will anyone be horrible to them, will they want to cry, how will they manage? Bonkers I know to feel like that, he is a fully grown man for goodness sake, but I can't help it. Pete often looks to me to answer a question if he can't, and this has to stop!! Bev and I have agreed that I won't stay for all of his sessions in future in order that Pete has to communicate with her on a one to one basis. Jane talked to Pete about her stroke and how she has progressed - it had taken a long time, but her advice is to never look back, keep looking forward and strive to do things and it will happen slowly but surely. She can do everything now with her left hand and doesn't even think about it.
So, all in all, an interesting day.
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