Saturday 1st August
Anniversary of Driving Test: Oh my God! I realised this day was the anniversary of when I passed my driving test for the first time on 1st August 1977 at 10.00 a.m.! I will need to take another one in the future, when I’m more flexible and allowed behind the wheel of a car again. Needless to say, Colin was nervous of that prospect.
Disability Parking: Colin made inquiries about a blue disability badge for our car, to enable him to park the car closer to buildings for easier access for me. As we had sold my car, the badge would be for his car. I told him that, if he ever parked in those disability places with out me, he had better remember to limp when he left the car!
Social Drinks: We went for early door drinks and bumped into Denise, Alan and a few others, which had turned into a fun early evening giggle between us.
Sunday 2nd August
Time to Relax: We were disappointed to get a call from Lara, Colin’s sister, when she told us she couldn’t make the trip over to visit us. Shame, as I was looking forward to a reunion. We instead decided to visit and re-connect with a few businesses for the magazine on behalf of our company. We then ended up with a couple of quick drinks at the Dog House. While Colin mixed with his male friends I had a laugh with Rose, one of the Owners, and some girls. It was such a hot day Rose had placed one of those electric fans that sprayed out a cooling fine mist of water. I was in a naughty mood and asked Rose if any of the ladies with perms ever walked past it and ended up looking like human “candy floss”. I don’t know what happened but we all erupted in fits of giggles every time some poor woman walked past it.
A Slow Easing of Spasticity: After of two months of frustrating muscle stiffness, pains and spasms, I finally experienced a slow easiness some days. It was great to be able to do stretch exercises, walk and move in general with less of the usual resistance and struggle. Although I was still fairly robotic in movement, my left arm and leg felt a bit more flexible and free. It was also good to have had some peaceful nights sleep without the usual spasms, jitters and shooting pangs of pain or electric shocks. I still had periods of returning back to the spasticity, which were constant reminders of my limitations on the road of recovery ahead. Nevertheless, at least I had some good periods that gave me more encouragement.
Side Effect: Unfortunately, I discovered a great deal of itchiness on my left arm and leg, which included the left side of my face during some of these periods of ease. I know I should have been grateful for this new sensation, but I definitely wasn’t. Cooling moisturising cream and very cold showers were the only things that saved my sanity.
Monday 10th August
Things come in 3’s: Have you ever had that feeling of bad luck happening in a series of three? I tried to empty a plate of cooked noodles from the previous night into our bin. For most people it would have been a simple task. I somehow managed to get the heavy bin lid to bang down, which smashed the plate and created a horrible mess all over the place. It took me ages to clean up. I then tried opening a big bottle of fizzy water only to have it explode all over the kitchen counter and over me! I spent the rest of the day waiting for the third event to happen only to finally discover that, when I undressed, I stupidly had put on my knickers inside out and had been wearing the crotch on my hip all day! Think I’d been paranoid?
Lovely Photo Surprise: Denise cheered up my day when she sent me a photo that she had forgotten to send from our lunch the previous month. I loved it. It showed me in a happy and naughty mood – more important, looking more healthy since a pretty long time.
Lebanon News: The tragic explosion in Lebanon, earlier this week , was apparently caused by a Russian Oligarch’s company abandonment of dangerous chemicals in storage in the dock area, which caused death and devastation. There was an escalation of protests and violent clashes there, calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister and his cabinet. Another terrible incident to be added to our World’s history.
Tuesday 12th August:
Hand Improvement: At last I could bend my left hand back and actually feel the strain of the muscles from my wrist upwards to my finger tips! It was great to be more flexible again.
More Cooking: I began to get more adventurous with my chopping skills and made my version of spring rolls. I was really pleased with the final results.
Monday 17th August:
New Curfew Rules: We heard that there would be a blanket ban in Spain of bars and late night spots to close after midnight or 01.00 am last night. This was devastating news for many businesses in our area. Just as we thought we had a new found freedom, this decision will have a terrible effect on many businesses here again.
My Surprise Date Lunch: Colin told me to get ready by lunch time, as he had organised a surprise afternoon for me. I had no idea what he had in mind, or what I should wear. I guessed in the car when he pulled up into the golf club Car Park. Colin had bumped into some of my golf buddies earlier in the week and arranged for me to meet with them for drinks before he treated me to an Indian lunch date. My Darling hubby want to cheer me up after I had felt a bit housebound, isolated and had a hard time with my condition over the past few weeks. So thoughtful – I had such a lovely day.
Saturday 22nd August
My Back: I noticed that, as I did my daily chore of loading the dishwasher, my back hadn’t ached as much as usual. Yipee!
Colin’s Working Lunch: Colin had a business meeting later today at La Resina Golf club so we took the opportunity to have an Italian lunch with John & Anisa. It was such a beautiful and sunny day. We even saw a rainbow in the water feature! Good luck sign I wonder?
Monday 24th August:
Naughty Girls Reunion: As Colin had been kind enough to arrange for me to see the girls the previous week, we all arranged for me to have a reunion today. We met at the club house and I sat on the terrace while each group of 4 completed their round of golf. It was hard for me to watch them finishing off on the 18th hole, as I yearned to play. However, it was a lovely afternoon..
The 3 Amigas – A Promise Fulfilled: So grateful to my friends Julie and Karen for their patience when they walked slowly with me on the San Pedro beach promenade that morning. When I was first released from hospital I saw the photos of their walks on social media in February 2019. Not knowing if I could ever walk again, I jokingly messaged them and stated that if I was ever able to walk again, I would like to join them. This day marked a goal fullfilled! I actually managed to walk 2.5 km! I really appreciated their kindness.
Friday 28th August
END OF MY BLOG: Well I think I have said as much as I’ve needed to. My main goal was to raise awareness from half paralysis to walk independently and get more movement in my left arm and leg. It’s been a journey of frustration, aches and pains but it finally has been worth it to get this far. I hope my little victories have been helpful to both those who suffer and their care givers. The main reason for my blog was to show the lows and highs that can happen in recovery. It was also equally important to me to show some of the fun and laughter that helped me through some dark moments.
Bumps and Bruises: Everyone falls and bruises differently. I’m afraid that I have always bruised easily. I fell many times during recovery and ended with some awful markings, resulting with some extremely sore places. I guess my legs kept getting knotted, due to balance issues. The bruises, like the picture, were painful but never prevented me from getting up again. To be honest, I always had to be pulled up to my feet by someone else, as I couldn’t get up alone. Although I had lost my confidence at times, I always tried again eventually.
Fortunate: I’ve been lucky to survive with the never-ending help and love of my ever-patient husband, Colin. I will be eternally grateful for the aide of Della, Lara and the support and encouragement of my family and friends. I leave you with my final video clip below of me actually taking a full golf swing, which was another aim for me. I’m glad that I managed not to fall over then! Although I still have tightness of my head, a pronounced limp, my foot remained inflexible and I generally move rather robotically – I will always try to eventually overcome these several obstacles. However, I am happy to leave things at this point and, as the well known song title, “I’m feeling good”. Goodbye and Good luck with your dreams – Perhaps I might do an update when I hopefully will be able to move a bit more naturally ……. LINDA xxx
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I see you have chose the UK as opposed to the US version in spelling some words because it’s your Blog, oh well! As usual I like the attached graphics which brings out a better understanding of what is being presented. With this being your past posting on the Blog I am sort of choked up because there wont be another draft for me to review and comment on, that’s life. I look forward to the time when your body will finally recover fully in your left arm and leg allowing you to have natural movement for a change, which will improve your golf swing for sure! I’ve enjoyed your Blog and am wondering how you will get the word out when further improvement has been accomplished in your recovery. I’m sure this have been very helpful for others who have suffered a stroke and recovery knowing that recovery is possible with you as an example. Good Work!
Aawwwww – Thank you so much for your help and commments. As I have achieved my two main goals of walking with friends and swinging a golf club, I thought it would be great to end on a high. If, and when, I have improvements, I can always post on social media. It certainly has been a long journey. I never thought I would get this far so I am happy and gives encouragement to others. Please take care and we’ll stay in touch – LINDA xxx