StrokeSurvivorBlog

Last Monday was the last of 35 External Counter Pulsation (ECP) treatments Steve has undergone for congestive heart failure and angina. When each hour-long session was completed, he felt pretty good, and toward the end he was able to walk without a cane for about 275 feet just touching the wall for balance. His legs felt great from the constant pumping of blood through them, and he wasn’t short of breath like he was before he started the ECP treatments. Only the left ankle and shoulder bothered him. That ankle causes him more pain than anything. If he hadn’t broken it prior to the stroke, I’m sure things would have improved at a faster pace.

Now it’s important for Steve to keep up with his exercise. We have a recumbent bike, but he doesn’t want to use it. It’s hard for him with the ankle pain, but what’s hindering him the most is a lack of motivation and a negative attitude. I wish I could give him something to help that.

The ECP treatments 4 times a week since November really took it’s toll on us though. I felt especially worn out and it’s taken me a full week just to recoup. So I thought it would be a good idea to take a little vacation. We haven’t taken one for about 7 years and Steve’s been asking to go some place warm. I booked a 10-day vacation to go to Orlando, FL at the end of the month. It will be the first time traveling long distance since his stroke, and the first time we’ve flown in a plane since 9-11, so this will be interesting. I was able to get a direct non-stop flight so that will make things easier. I will give you a full report when we get back, and I’d appreciate your prayers that we’d have a safe and restful vacation.

This vacation is important to take now, because we’ll be starting a new stroke therapy in February called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). It’s not FDA approved for stroke, but holds great promise for improvement in stroke recovery. This therapy will be as intensive as the ECP was, and will last about 2 months. I’ll keep you posted on that as well.