StrokeSurvivorBlog

Stroke pain is a constant, but unwelcome companion for my husband, a stroke survivor since February 2008. I call him a stroke survivor, not stroke victim because he is still alive and recovering. Steve has literally experienced stroke pain from head to toe, and it’s unlike ordinary pain. Regular pain relievers are ineffective against nerve [...]

Since June of 2008, I’ve been thrown into the role as my husband’s caregiver plus being his wife, and it requires a balancing act. Since we’ve been married, I’ve been managing our household and finances, and as a wife and mother I know how to take care of others. But with caregiving, it’s a little [...]

High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke. Since Steve’s stroke in February 2008, his blood pressure has been averaging around 170/95. At times it was 214/104. He has a family history of high blood pressure and heart disease. But to be honest with you, neither one of us realized how much [...]

What are High Blood Pressure and Prehypertension? Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure rises and falls during the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it is called high blood pressure. The medical term for high blood pressure is hypertension. High blood pressure is dangerous because [...]

Many stroke survivors suffer from depression and lack of motivation that slows their stroke recovery. This often happens as a result of their high expectations for recovery not being met. When that happens, they often feel hopeless, useless and worthless. My husband Steve is experiencing depression and a lack of motivation right now. Shortly after [...]

We had a nice surprise the other day when we received lift chair reimbursement in the form of two checks. One check was from Medicare for the lift mechanism, which was expected. But a check for the balance of the cost of the lift chair came from our Medi-gap policy, which was totally unexpected. So [...]

Not all wheezing is a result of asthma. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) causes wheezing too, and because it sounds similar to asthma, it may go undiagnosed. A few weeks ago Steve got a cold. I got it next, but mine was over with in a few days. Steve’s went into his chest, and then he [...]