Just a little update. After the last set of bloodtests he is on an iron pill as his iron level was low.(cause still???)His daughter was here a week ago. He was laughing(at me almost dropping the Christmas tree) and smiling that old smile.We had a good time he did have trouble transferring to and from the car in the dark. The week since she left has not been good. He has struggled with transfer to the car, we have only gone out when we had to-no lunches, coffee etc. When I asked if he was giving up he said yes both Fri. and today but won't explain why. He hasn't been sleeping and is constipated either of which can make any of us feel off. Hopefully he will get over it-he has spent too many Christmases either sick or in the hospital. He was to the Dr. today-I got him in the van at home but couldn't get him out so the Dr. came to us in the car. He was ok getting out when when we got home(after a little persuasion about it being too cold to stay out there), ate lunch and is sleeping. He has a cough so he may have a bug. The Dr. said try Cold FX.Oops he is coughing again, Gypsy

Lynn-no such specialists around here don't know how far we'd have to go. Our Dr. seems to know what he is doing.
Today was the best day in awhile. He went to sleep when I went to bed and slept till 8 am. The district PT was here this am because someone had reported Mike was having trouble transferring???He did everything she asked so she was a little puzzled-I explained that sometimes he is less coordinated and you have to watch he doesn't get his feet crossed. Don't know if she is changing anything. Hope she doesn't say they can't shower Mike-they only do it on a good day otherwise it is a sponge. We went up to the pub for lunch and he had no problems in and out of the van. Tomorrow I have to go to the dentist yuck. Goodnight all. Gypsy

Gypsy, sorry to read of these changes in hubby.But, any changes with the blood can contribute to this.We all know changes are destine to happen but we are never prepared.You do so much to make hubby content.Please let us know if they find a change that could be attributed to this.

Do you have a hematologist you can take him to?they are the experts in blood related disorders.

Just a quick update. Mike went to the Dr. last week-the tests didn't turn up anything very helpful except for some reason he has a low hemoglobin(?) level and he has had more blood tests done to try to figure why. The Dr. did add Wellbutrin to his meds for depression. He started him on the smallest dose for 2 weeks then 2 a day. He didn't figure there would be much improvement for at least 3 or 4 weeks. We are still having poor sleep, not very coordinated(some diff.getting in the van) but nothing adverse that wasn't going on before so I can't blame things on the new pills. Think maybe if he figures out the low hemoglobin count we may see some change. I am back to trying to take one day at a time_hard at times. I think he is slowly losing ground but I don't always notice. It really was apparent when I asked him to sign a check I was depositing for him. He kept putting the pen down I finally had him sign a piece of paper first-just a wiggly line-when I asked if he knew his name he shook his head. When I said it he agreed it was his (he also didn't know mine but that has happened before) I don't know how long this has been going on for as he hasn't needed to sign(or even say) his name for awhile. When I asked if it was just that day or for a long time he said for a long time but I don't know. It was his 75th birthday today I kept reminding him but I don't think he really understood. It is almost 1 am so I should get to bed (he is still awake so don't know if I'll get to sleep)Till later. Everyone take care. Gypsy

Hi Lynne-he hasn't seen a neurologist since he was in the hospital in Victoria shortly after his stroke. We do not have any neuro specialists here-think the closest is probably Victoria. The Dr. we have is a GP but is the closest thing we have to a geriatic specialist-he is the Dr. for the extended care unit at the hospital and seems to keep very up to date with things(and willing to do research). Gypsy

When you go to a Neurologist to be tested all the tests you mentioned are done at that time.He hasn't seen a Neurologist?

Just a quick update here. The summer went way too fast. We were to Victoria for a few days in July then again in Oct. Mike has been mostly ok but doesn't seem to bounce back from down times like he used to. He had a Dr. appt. today thank goodness he can see what I am talking about-he is doing a full range of blood work-everything from blood sugar, thyroid, B12, cholestrol, and on and on. If nothing shows up he will put him on a mild antidepressant. The lab is coming out tomorrow am to do the blood work. I hope something works to get the happy camper back. He has another Dr. appt. next Mon.(if the results are back)We went for pizza for lunch-after almost an hr. he hadn't finished and didn't want dessert(unheard of) just wanted to come home and sleep.I'll let you know when I know anything. Gypsy

Gypsy, I am so happy to hear that things are "going along" for you and your dear hubby. Your post is full of remembering to "smell the roses" along the way and to be grateful for the day we are given, whatever it brings. It uplifted my spirits to read your post and I hope everyone got the same "good vibes" from it as I did.
Keep On Keepin' On...

Just realized how LONG it had been since I did an update here. Guess that is actually good-things have been rather non descript-mostly just moving along. Cant believe it is mid June. I don't even have the garden planted. The old roller coaster still has its ups and downs. The last week seems to have been a series of downs. fall, TIA??? tired, full moon, but we also had some good sleeps, out for dinner a couple of nights, plans are made for another trip to Victoria next month. The eagles nest has a baby(maybe 2-I have only seen one twice)I still get for my morning walk with the dog. Life just sort of goes on-there are good days, bad days and inbetween days. Think this one is an inbetween one BUT it is the full moon so you never know. Gypsy
PS-never did post picts of the last trip here. They are in my webshots-the addy is in my profile if anyone is interested in how life goes on. It will be 7 years the end of the month since Mike came home after his stroke(10 months in hospitals, rehab, etc.)So I think we have done pretty well all things considered. G

Hello there, Ms. Gypsy Lady Thank you for the update. I'm sooo glad to hear that Mike is sleeping longer. And, yes, my dear, I DO recommend that you get your hiney to bed a little earlier.

Oooo, cannot wait to see the pictures you will take when you and Mike go to Victoria!!! You always bring back such fantastic shots. Through your eyes, I feel I have been on many journeys with you and your Mike. Thank you so much!

Wishing you and Mike a very peaceful EASTER DAY and always ...

Just noticed I haven't updated this for over a month. They say no news is good news. Actually we have been having a fairly reasonable time. Mike seems to not be getting any message that he needs to urinate-esp. at night. The bed has been various degrees of wet every night for several months. There is an up side of it though-he is actually sleeping for at least 6 to 8 hours a night with no waking. Guess who else is getting more sleep(as long as I have the brains to go to bed). Our life has settled into a pretty routine mode. We are going to Victoria in 2 weeks for a few days so I am looking forward to that. Hope our weather is reasonable. I need to mow the lawn but just when I think I will have time it rains. The spring flowers are beautiful right now. Hope everyone has a peaceful Easter. Gypsy

Gypsy, with all that you do with Mike and for Mike, I can understand your needing extra rest.You are one tough and busy person.You do so much to stimulate Mike.You are to be congratulated for that.One is never prepared for the bad days.You have so much responsibilty that you are bound to become stressed.Seven years is a very long time for given all that you have.That can only happen when they is love and respect in the formula.I was telling someone today that I need to have a week when I do not wake up to the responsibilities of another.The same thing day in and day out.It makes the days less than positive to look forward to.To be able to do what you want or just do nothing would be like heaven.I do appreciate having both in bed by nine.I realized they do not have to spend every waking hour with me.Allos me a change to unwind and play catchup with things.Also allows me to sit and watch HGTV , one of my favorite programs.As the symptoms progress it becomes more difficult as it gives us more to be concerned.No matter how much you love the person the daily stress btakes its toll on the mind and body.When I am tired I am the worst person to be around.

Quick update for the last 2 weeks. Mike gradually improved the days following the last post. Went to the Dr. that Tues. He didn't think TIA but didn't have any real answers-just a reminder that there is alot of brain damage and that it could just be overtired. All other things PB etc. are fine. He goes back to the Dr. tomorrow. He was not himself on the weekend again-tired, not wanting to go out. Today after a better sleep he was much mo re with it wanted to go out for coffee after my respite. Said he felt better. Guess I am still having trouble with this old rollercoaster even after over 7 years-you'd think I'd get used to it but I always hate the bad days esp. if I am overtired and grumpy-yes that't what happens when I am overtired. It was a beautiful sunny day but the frost never melted in the shade. The poor flowers are trying to bloom. Gypsy

Thanks May, Mommyblock, He was still having difficulty standing, transferring the rest of the day but it did gradually improve. He ate a really good supper without any reminders to finish. He wasn't sleepy so let him stay up until about 10 gave him a cup of warm milk.He slept for 12 hours-only woke one time . Today he has no trouble standing was still a little hesitant walking but did do a little at the rail. I didn't have him use his quad cane yet. I am wondering if he had a TIA on Fri. night sometime. He is sleeping again then wants to go out for a late lunch(it is only 2 here)These kinds of incidents are always stressful since we don't have any idea how long we might have until the "bomb" goes off. (this is a reference to what the dr. said after his CAT scan-that he was a ticking time bomb that you didn't know when it would go off)Even I slept 10 hours last night-don't know when the last time I did that was. Should go get him up and see if he still wants to go out. Gypsy

Gypsy, I do hope Mike is having a better day.Please keep us informed.I do hope you were able to get some rest.Stress of concern wears you out

praying for some good nights this week for you and hope this is just a passing thing.
Best wishes.

I'm back again. This time I am stressed, worried. Mike was fine until last night. He couldn't seem to get to sleep. He had been to the pool, gone for coffee, had a good supper, did his bedtime exercises all the normal Fri. things. He was just antsy, said nothing hurt, didn't have chest pain wasn't wheezing or coughing. None of the usual reasons for not sleeping. He finally went to sleep about 5am we slept till after 11am. When I went to get him up he wouldn't/couldn't stand(he can usually transfer to commode without his brace. (said his right foot was sore-gout???I got him dressed, brace,shoe and managed to get him on the commode. He was fine washing etc. in the bathroom. Rolled back to the bed and couldn't get him up(this time his right ankle was hurting) it is his good leg so makes transfers difficult. finally got him onto the bed, gave him his morning pills and a granola bar(we had decided he should have a nap before we got him into the wheelchair. Had him drink quite a bit(he didn't drink alot yesterday but was wet 3 times during the night-dehydrated?. I asked him several times if he needed the ambulance and hospital=the answer was VERY CLEAR NO!!!use the hoyer if we have to but NO HOSPITAL. After he had sat, ate, drank, talked he lay down and fell right asleep. Think he is stirring now so should see if he needs up.-back snoring. This has happened before but it is always scary and always seems to be on the weekend when we have no help. Hope others are having a better day. I'll check in later if I have time. Gypsy

Just a little update from the last 2 weeks. Mike is doing better. Last Fri. was the first time we had been to the pool since mid-Dec. We have had winter the last week or so. Snow, cold, cold, snow, then rain. We had more cold days than we usually do all in a row. The last snow only lasted a day as it warmed up. It has warmed up so much in the last day that the ski hill had to close it is melting so fast. Thank goodness we don't have mud slide or flood problems where we are. Today was the first time Mike was out since the pool last Fri. We went for lunch with an old friend(she introduced us almost 29 years ago) Don't think Mike really knew her and he didn't say much(he really didn't have a chance ) At least he didn't say yak yak like he used to Gypsy

Hi-hope everyone had a good New Years. We just got back from the Dr. and lunch. it is the first time we have been for lunch since Boxing Day I think. Mike is alot better but still lacks energy to do much. Still coughing some at night. Today his blood pressure is actually low-good thing he went off the added PB med last week. The Doc. says this virus(coughing) is a hard one to get rid of. At least he's not in any pain. Gypsy