StrokeSurvivorBlog

Steve has been home for 6 days and things have been going amazingly well with his stroke recovery.

The first night was a little rough, and I didn’t get more than an hour of sleep. His restlessness and erratic breathing kept me awake all night. The sleep apnea doesn’t allow him to fall into a deep sleep, so he constantly wakes up gasping for air. When he has shortness of breath, he tries to reposition himself in order to breathe better. He will try to roll on his side, but sometimes his left arm falls behind him and gets stuck under him.

The second night I decided to sleep in a different bedroom within earshot in case he really needed me; and I only got up once that night. Every night has been better since then, and I know once he has the sleep study done on June 24, his breathing will be corrected and I can rejoin him.

So far I’ve been getting enough rest, so I feel energized to care for him for the rest of the day. It’s been going much easier than I expected, and I have enough time for myself and chores when he naps.

There have been so many people who offered to make meals or help in one way or another, and I thank each one of you too. So far, everything is going well so I don’t need any help right now. But there may be some days in the future when I will need some respite care, and I may call on you at that time. I firmly believe that things are going so well because you are praying for us…for me especially. Please continue to pray that I will be strengthened and energized, because that is the secret to my success as a caregiver.

May God bless you richly.

Love, Kathy