ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

Robert - Post Stroke - May 2012

My dears, Paul may not be a perfect photographer, considering what he had to work with, the snap turned out rather well.

If MOI keeps cake hole shut, the droop of the lip on the lower side is not noticeable.  Not sure if one can see when talking but it is blatant if the old geezer laughs or tries to open wide.  That might be a good thing in the future...

"THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL US, MAKES US STRONGER"

Of late, the old geezer has given much thought to the above quote and come to basic truths, in light of recent events.

No doubt, the past month will not be looked back on with undiluted pleasure.  It has been one hell of a ride.

In hospital and later at home, MOI has had much time to reflect and it has not been a trip round the pity pole.  Oddly enough, the old geezer believes there is much to be thankful for.  Allow MOI to share with you.

Twice in past year when things turned to custard on, the old geezer has been most fortunate to have someone who helped through the bad patch.  In Hilo, there was Scott, who helped get though the bad fall and was there when me right ear exploded.  Here, in Reno, there has been Paul.  Paul stayed with in ER, and has helped MOI recover in so many ways.  Am lucky to have my very own 'Nurse Ratchett'.  Paul will not let MOI drag leg, forget to take medicines and is constantly reminding to eat something.  Neither of there individuals had to do anything for.  They did or do because they care about the old geezer.

Which brings up the subject of being liked.  MOI knows deep down that there are folks who care if the old geezer is alive.  Bloody hell, when the old geezer left Hilo in a flash, it was Scott who would not allow the departure to go unnoticed and wanted to make sure that all was well.  Times past, it was convenient for MOI to feel that it matter naught if he lived or died.  Total rubbish that was and now full well that that not be the case.  There is no worry that MOI is going to 'deplete the population by one' by own hand, MOI is going to stay until check out time.

It might well be that the good Lord is telling the old geezer something.  Like slow down, you will not be taken any time soon.  Am learning that lame leg is not going to prevent the old geezer from living, just going to make it harder to get round.  Same with the hearing.

The silver lining,and there is always a silver lining, is the plus received.  The old geezer now takes the time to read the faces of folks met.  Get to know them better than a quick glance.  The loss of weight will no doubt help deal with leg and other problems, making the coming years easier to deal with.  Have not quite worked out what is gained with the drooping lip, but it will no doubt come.

MOI has no clue how long life will be.  Rather think that there is much left.  John was taken from 25 years ago and MOI is still here, Paul died in 2010, and if one makes it 25 years past that death, it adds up to a rather long life.  Tragic loss in the past has make MOI realize that life goes on.  The pain of that loss is less as the years roll by, but one does get on in life.  One of God's tests?  Telling us that we are stronger than we believed?

When the old geezer was in ER, the priest came and gave the Sacrament of the Sick, confession was made and the old geezer was at peace.  Truly.  MOI could not remember last time he had been evil to anyone.  Truth be told, confession was easy as there was not much to tell.  There be many who will never understand my being a Catholic.  It works for MOI, that is all that matters.

The lovely gentlemen in the orchestra are ready to play for you...

Truth be told, the old geezer is clueless where the path of life is leading MOI.  Rather think that there are adventures yet to be had.  Am quite sure that there be many more interesting folks to meet.  MOI thought he had it all figured out as to landing spot after ear surgery.  Now it has to be re-thought.  One hopes that the leg and arm will improve, am told that there is strong possibility of that.  The lasting effects of the stroke could be ever so slight.  What is known is that MOI will slow down and makes sure that each and every moment of life is enjoyed to the fullest.  There is no thought given to passing, that ill come when it is time, not sooner.

There you have it, my thoughts on what has happened and what might come to pass.  Truly, the old geezer is quite comfy and at peace.  How many can say that???

AVID READER OF BLOG SENDS WISHES

This old geezer loves wickedly cheeky humour.  Avid reader of me blog sent this to, to cheer up.  The minute MOI saw he went giddy.  The laugh would not stop.  Is it not deliciously wicked?

MOI shall laugh all of the day.  Many thanks to Alan for giving his most heartfelt wishes for recovery and making one laugh so very hard.

'OLD GEEZER' HAD A STROKE

Stroke turns Robert into Hillary

Friday past, the old geezer had a stroke, a Ischemic Stroke, to be exact.  However clever MOI thinks he is, when the first signs of the stroke hit in the am of Friday, they were ignored, it was not until the second wave hit round Tea Time, that it was taken serious and a trip to emergency was needed.

The staff at Renown Emergency were brilliant.  The old geezer was rushed in, stripped naked and hooked up to devices and a source for IV and blood draws.  Doctors and staff, did all the right things to calm down and start the recovery process.  Had the old geezer gone in at first signs, there are drugs to be got that can make other waves not happen and make the effects of a stroke less harmful.  That was big mistake on me part.

Quick as you could say 'Nurse Ratchett' it seemed the old geezer was made calm and stable and on way to room on ward.   Or so it seemed.  all Moi knows is that he no longer felt scared.

Right, most who follow me blog know that the old geezer tries to find a bit of humour in all things.  Mind, a stroke is no joke but one has to see the light side of tragic.  No, Robert did not turn into Hillary Clinton, is is a giggle, Hillary trying to show self as stroke victim.  I can relate, biggest fear was how one would look.

Rather think we need a little music to lighten the mood of the post and the gentlemen of the orchestra agree with me selection.

Before you roll eyes and this the old geezer has gone balmy, allow MOI to explain.  The staff at Renown were going to have to sort out the old geezer and one came to appreciate their support and positive outlook each day.

Now, pray read on...

Unless one is bizarre, no one wants to be in hospital.  My stay was for 6 days.  There are endless tests to be done, medicines to be taken, and doctors play detective and try to sort out why the stroke happen and how to prevent another from happening.  That is the sign of good doctor, he is also a good detective.

What can one say.  The staff on the ward assigned were brilliant.  Acting as as fine tuned ensemble, they completed one another in making sure that the old geezer was well looked after.  Had the old geezer the power, he would give the staff of the ward, The Golden Enema Gong, they flushed out the wicked illness and made one feel flush with new hopes....   For all of you wicked readers who are thinking of other meaning for the gong,  wicked you be.....

If the old geezer had to have a stroke, one had was not so bad.  The left side is a bit different.  Arm and leg seem to be most affected, with a slight droop in lip.  Much of the stroke is healing and if what one is left is most suffered, it is not so bad.  The old geezer got lucky.  VERY LUCKY.

Today at Tea Time, the old geezer was allowed to go home.  There is therapy down the road, and a good sign that symptoms of stroke could be even less than at present.

With undiluted pleasure, MOI waved good bye to Renown and is looking forward to being home.  If one thought there was going to be horrid details of past 6 days, you be so very wrong.  MOI is just ever so happy to be home.  There is something positive to come out of this.

Unless the plague of boils is next, there is going to no more said on the subject of stroke.