Physiotherapy, Dentist and Winning.

One day earlier in the week (can't remember which day) Pete tried to go outside but came to grief on the step in that his right foot kept turning in and he nearly fell.  This put him right off and he wouldn't go out.  I have also noticed that when he walks he doesn't bend his right leg at all, so we decided to go back to the very beginning and do some of the physiotherapy leg exercises that he used to do.  They really seem to hurt him but this is probably because he hadn't used the muscles for weeks and weeks.  So we will persevere with them and try to get the leg working a bit better. 

Yesterday was the trip to the dentist again and Pete had to have a tooth out and have a filling.  For the first time he had to transfer to the dentist chair, but we did manage it fairly easily. It all went well and he doesn't seem to have had any after effects apart from a sore jaw.  I did tell the dentist that he had aphasia and got a very puzzled look in return!  So had to explain he has no speech but can understand everything - I don't like saying he has no speech as it always seems to emphasise the fact to him.  We have had a couple of times this week when Pete has desperately wanted to say something to me and I have not been able to get what he wants to say - this is so frustrating and I feel so sorry for him.  Incidentally, on the visit to the dentist I did manage to find a dropped kerb after walking the full length of the pavement and turning the corner - and there it was!! 

One bright spot this week is that I won a copy of a book called 'Locked In'.  It is written by Richard Marsh and describes his struggle, and eventual release, from locked in syndrome.  I am really looking forward to reading it.  I won it in a competition run by Chris Banting who has a website which gives details of all aspects of strokes.  (www.mystroke.co.uk) Chris is an amazing young man who had 2 strokes four years ago when he was only 29.  Through a lot of very hard work and effort he is making a recovery and does loads to help others.  Inspiration indeed.