living room - he caught his bad arm on something - he does that from time to time - he forgets about it and he can't really move it around or use it - it just hangs off his side - well - when he caught it - it pulled him to the floor - I heard this little noise and I wasn't sure what was going on - but I heard him say a bad word - so I went into the kitchen to see what was going on - I found him on the floor in a pool of sweet tea - he was totally wet from it - it was all over everything and he was sitting in the middle of it - so I got a towel - to wipe up the biggest part of it - he pulled a chair over close to him and started to wiggle around to get up - it was not funny - he was slipping all over the place - his socks were all wet and he just couldn't get himself up - but I had to let him - I can't manage to lift him - with my wrists and hands and bad back - so I left the room - he didn't want me in there - when I came back a few minutes later - he was almost up and he went into the bathroom - I thought to take a shower - so I moved things around and mopped up the floor and cleaned everything that I could see off - by then - I was hurting so bad - I was almost crying myself. He came out and he hadn't taken a shower and I asked him why - he said he had cleaned himself off and everything was fine - I thought my word - you will stick to everything that you touch - but that is up to him - not me - but it seems he is OK - but there you are - another one of the days in the life of Shirlene & Rick. Hehehehe! I do know one thing - if he is going to continue to be falling like this - I am going to have to go to the gym and build me some muscles and lose some weight - so I can help him. Love to each of you.
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that is almost a funny story, but I know it is not.. hugs to both of you.. if I lived closer I would love to go to the gym with you.. kathy
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by shirlener88
27 Aug 2011
Kathy, thank you - it is a funny story and he is my SWEETIE now and forever. I would love to have a gym and a friend to go to. Hehehe!
70767Dear Shirlene, thank you for your update.
Even if it is difficult, it is well tha tRick can do things by himself. Well that he has not hurt.But it is important for him to try, and often, he succeed.
I know that it is difficult for you to take care of both. Look that he has done many progress., and have always faith.
Love
Claude
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by shirlener88
27 Aug 2011
Claude you are a dear one - thanks you for helping me to see our blessings.
25533Shirlene, I am so sorry to read the latest on Rick. Thank goodness he was not hurt. Take care of each other. Hugs Sarah.
255050So glad he wasn't hurt! As for you it's frustrating and exhausting to try to do things when everything hurts. You don't want to get hurt. You have enough going on yourself. Please take care. As for the pool idea mentioned, I'm sure a floatation device would help him to some extent. Wish there was something in your area. Hugs
4 comments
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Romana, I bet there might be a floatation device - but where to find it and can we afford it - is the big question - then where do we go - a public pool?
by ramona
24 Aug 2011
Goodness....guess you'd have to get two! :-) Sorry you had such a day of it but glad no one was injured. Wish there was something in your area and that they supplied the floatation devices. Hope today is better for y
by ramona
24 Aug 2011
Goodness....guess you'd have to get two! :-) Sorry you had such a day of it but glad no one was injured. Wish there was something in your area and that they supplied the floatation devices. Hope today is better for you.
23222Shirlene, I am very happy you both are doing fine.
God protect them! hugs
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46919Sorry Shirlene...how awful for you both!! Happy to know Rick did not break any bones. Tell him after this if he wants to go skating to wait for ice in the winter...instead of cheating buy doing the ice tea skating in the summer. Just alittle light thought...as I know how serious this all is. God bless. H&*
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16434Oh My - what a mess. It brings to mind a story my daddy told me about my mother. As most know, she had Alzheimer's and would try to get out of bed. I purchased one of those child gates for the bed so she would not get out. Well he caught her slipping over the end of the 4 poster bed trying to get up (now, she could not walk, but she did not remember that) He caught her, and when he did, they both fell to the floor. She looked at him and started to laugh, and of course he got to laughing too. How he got her back up was another issue, but they survied and he got a chuckle out of it telling all of us about it. Bless your heart - Chin up, you two will make it. Hugs
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by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Beth, I love your stories of your folks - your Daddy was a great man to care for your Mother as he did - this made me laugh and I love you for that. Hugs!
44904Hey, Shirlene, just a random thought--I know money is tight and don't know about insurance, but when you mentioned "going to the gym" it sparked this idea. Could you get a Y membership for reduced price because he (and you) is disabled, and go together? Water aerobics or some kind of water exercise would help build up his strength without any fear of falling, and it might be something you can both do together, even if it isn't an organized class. He might also meet others who are in the same boat, and learn from them how better to cope with the results of this stroke. It's always easier to listen to someone who's been there, who really knows what is and is not possible. As wives, of course, we don't know anything, hee hee hee. Anyway, just a though. Love, Marji
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by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Thanks Marji, we don't have a Y in this area. But I do thank you for thinking of us. Rick had wanted to go to the swimming pool - but I am unsure about that - he can barely stand - he doesn't have use of one arm - I fear - the swimmer that he was - would be hard for him to deal with - that he wouldn't be able to manage without some professional help to get him started.
33451Glad that Rick is doing well and wasn't hurt. It is so hard to be in that position, to feel helpless when someone you love needs help. I can remember my hubby's service animal alerting me that hubby needed help. He was down on the floor in full grand mall seizure just 1/2 hr after receiving a flu shot. He is a big man and I have degenerative disc disease and weigh 130 lbs. Being on the phone with 911 and them telling me that I had to roll him onto his side had me in a panic. I really don't know where I got the strength to move him as he weighs 280 but I did it. I really think he had an angel helping him out that day. Just a scary situation that ended well.
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by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Oh my goodness - you have been through so much, too. It is never easy - when there is an emergency such as you had. I think the angel was you dear. Thanks!
8181OH dear Shirlene, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as I read your post.
I have to tell you though, it happens to all of us sooner or later.
A couple of years ago I took MIL shopping and we were walking through an outdoor eating mall when she somehow managed to fall over, taking me with her. For the life of me I could not get her up off the ground and it was only thanks to a very tall, very robust, lady coming to our aid or she would have been there until I called paramedics. I was so distraught realising how useless I was in that situation.
But it's all in how you look at things.
You know my Dad was crippled from Polio, well he had no use of his legs whatsoever unless he put on his iron legs (as he called them) which he hated doing because they hurt him so much. Anyway, most of the time he would slide himself onto this timber box that had wheels on it, (his "CHARIOT") and he'd sort of work his way through the house pulling himself along the walls with his hands.
Every now and then something would go wrong and he'd end up on his bum, on the floor. It used to take Mum, my sister and myself in a major team effort and sheer determination to get him up off the floor by all of us getting a hold of his pants belt. We all used to laugh ourselves silly while we were struggling to lift him, but now I think back I can appreciate how frustrating it must have been for him but I never heard him, ever complain about his affliction until the day he died.
After Mumsy passed away I inherited Dad's Chariot, you can just see it in the bottom right of the photo's below, Dad also used it to put his wasted, useless legs on. He also had restricted use of his left arm and you can see the difference in the size of his arms in the bottom pic.
I called him Buddha and if he had his singlet off you'd see why.
I hope you don't mind me sharing these photo's here with you, but your story brought back so many memories of Dad having falls. I don't know how we ever managed to lift him, thankfully Mumsy was a pretty strong and determined lady.
I hope you will share this with Rick and keep your spirits up.
Hugs and love, Meg
[2]
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by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Thank you my dear - it makes me feel better to know - that we are not the only ones having to deal with these issues - I know Rick isn't as bad off as some - your Dad looks like he had a good sense of humor, too. Rick does have a positive attitude and I am so grateful for that. He never complains - he will just keep working on it - until he had managed to do it. I am really bless that when the doctor did the surgery on his brain - that he took out the anger - Hehehe! Did I ever share that with ya'll. Thanks dear.
122864Well now I am just starting to think that Rick is a clutz, I bump into walls and fall down as much as he does, hehe. Seriously though, I am glad that he didn't get hurt and hope he isn't sore today. You poor thing, it must frustrate you to tears when you can't help him up. My hubby is over 260 pounds and I sometimes have to grab his hand and help him from a chair but I could never get him off the floor. He has lost 10 pounds so far though on Jenny Craig but it is slow because he cheats too much! Diabetic and eats ice cream and candy and donuts all the time and even sneaks so I won't know!
1 comment
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Debra, he just might be a clutz - I don't know - he seems to have a bit of a balance problem and when he has something that pulls him off - he can not stop himself from the fall - if it is toward his bad side. Rick is much smaller than he used to be but he is still too heavy for me to lift - I can't lift much these days - with this wrists and my hands seem to not hold on to much now, too. I hope that your husband realizes what he is doing - but you know - Rick is diabetic and he likes the ice cream, too. Thanks!
33580well it sure was a way to start your day. Thank God he's okay afterall. Perhaps next time he has to try to drink the tea first before start moving around.
But oh dear, hope your wrists and back doesn't hurt that much anymore. and a big hug for the both of you.
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by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Oh he figured it out - pretty good - he just asked me to get it for him - now.
My back and wrist are an ongoing thing - they will never really get better, I fear.
Hugs to you, too.
743293What a guy will go through for some good ole ice tea!
I've had you on my mind, I've been wanting to contact you to check up on you. I know all of this must be so frustrating sometimes, but you both are prayed for every single day!
I send you a hug!
1 comment
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Thank you dear friend - we sure appreciate the prayers.
I am sending you a hug - right back, too.
12821I'm sorry you have these things to deal with. But now you can call Rick "Sweet Thing" & it'd be true for sure!! Praying for you as you all face each day.
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by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Gerry, thank you - I do call him Sweetie now - so I will add this to the list. Hehehe! Thanks for the prayers. He is doing better.
35675Honestly Shirlene. Will it ever stop? I m just glad it wasn't too serious but you guys could really use a brake. I keep on praying that the tide will turn for you. hugs Angie
1 comment
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Angie, I think most of this is Rick and how he pushes himself - but then - what can you expect - at least he isn't sleeping on the couch all day - which he was before.
109774I am glad he was not hurt. It is really scary when things like this happen. I hope tomorrow is a better day for both of you. Hugs, Mary
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33871Oh Shirlene, just hope tomorrow is a better day for the pair of you
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115756Doesn't life throw you some punches now and then! Just glad you both are ok.
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18960He must really like your sweet tea. I'm just glad you are both ok. Take care
Bev
1 comment
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Bev, he is from the south you know. Hehehe! Thanks dear - we are fine now.
67271Shirlene, I am very happy you both are doing fine. God bless you.
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26714I agree, Shirlene; walk away and come back in a bit. Rick needs to keep some muscles of his own working, so getting up by himself, even if it takes longer, is better than someone always helping him. We all have to be able to laugh at life, because none of it is in our control, and it sends us some tough tests at times! I have found that laughter is just a good a stress reliever, as crying, and it lightens your heart and mood at the moment even more!!
Take care of your health, Shirlene. As women, we have a way of "trying to do it all", and that takes a toll on our strength and stamina! May God bless you and Rick with good days, and a sense of humor for things that try to ruin them!
Hugs!!
Angel
1 comment
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Angel, thank you ever so much - we appreciate it - we try to laugh at things - but at the time - I wanted to cry for him - but as I was thinking about it later - it really was funny - I haven't said anything to him about how funny it was - just to friends - but I am sure - as the days go by - he too will laugh at it. Today - he asked me to bring him is Sweet Tea. Hehehe!
12500sending love an light to surround you both.........soozie
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25169Shirlene and Rick, glad to hear that everything turn out okay. Please take care. Thinking of you both. Hugs Lynn
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51302Shirlene, I'm sorry Rick has so much to deal with and of course I know you do also. I can't imagine how upset he gets when he can't do the things he has done all of his life before is stroke. I will continue to pray for you both.
Hugs, Judy
1 comment
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Judy, he really has a good attitude - for all that he has been through - he was so active before - this is hard - but something will come of it - thanks so much for the prayers. Hugs, Shirlene
10530How on earth did you manage to maintain decorum with Rick sloshing around like a beached whale in sweet tea?
They say that life begins at 40 but the funny bits don't begin until a tad later than that!!!
I'm so glad that this episode ended up the way it did.
You and Rick can have a good laugh about it when the newness wears off and get on with tomorrow.
Have you been game to call him Sweetie yet????
AlmaG.
4 comments
by shirlener88
21 Aug 2011
Alma, you are so funny - I was laughing as I read this - I don't know - if Rick could - but I did have to leave the room - while he was trying to get up - for a minute or two - I just couldn't laugh at him - right then. And you know - I do call him Sweetie, a lot. Hehehe! Thanks dear one.
by marjialexa
21 Aug 2011
You're a saint, Shirlene, honest, I would have been busted up laughing. My late DH Richard only had one leg, and got himself into predicaments, and I laughed. Well, he laughed at me when I accidentally touched the wires together when I was jump-starting the truck and got thrown 10 feet & ended up with my butt in a dishpan of half-frozen water....I thought about killing him, but then realized it really was funny.... if you don't laugh, you're gonna cry.
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Marji, you are a hoot - you really gave me a good visual - Hehehe! How did your DH Richard get around - I often wonder how people deal with these things.
by marjialexa
23 Aug 2011
Richard had peripheral atherosclerosis, the PADD people are now being urged to get tested for, but Richard's was inherited. He had his carotid arteries operated on when he was 45 because they were blocked, and he lost his left leg to it, an above the knee amputee. He had an artificial leg, but it was both a pain in the butt (literally) to put on and drag around, and he still had to use a walker if he had it on, because his other leg was weak and his balance was off. So basically, he used the wheelchair or the walker without the artificial leg. If we were going somewhere like the symphony where he wanted to look good, because he was a vain man indeed, he wore the leg. But his arms were both strong, so the walker was no problem, less so than the leg, actually. And I used to wheel him everywhere in the mall, Sam's Club, etc. If he got away from me, he could outrun me in that wheelchair (manual), then the sucker would hide in the clothes racks and make me find him! There were times I thought we'd get ejected from Sam's Club for being 2 way overaged unruly 12 year olds. I swear, Richard could have made a statue laugh. He would get really blue a lot of times about the loss of the leg, because he was a skiier, mountain climber, athlete of all sorts, and couldn't do any of it any more. Sometimes he cried, Shirlene, wept in my arms for the life he had lost. But he was determined to make the best of what was left, and the hi-jnks and laughter are what I remember best, he made everyone around him laugh, whether you wanted to or not, sometimes.
17214oh dear this is not funny :(:( have you got a neibour that can help or a son or daughter that can be there in a few minutes lol (mine are hours away) Yep you better give Rick a big hug and maybe laugh if you can hugs for both CAROLYN
1 comment
by shirlener88
21 Aug 2011
Thanks for the hugs and the laugh dear - but we have no one - that helps either of us - but if we did - I doubt they would have been called on this occasion, either.
360644Dear Shirlene and Rick, so glad all is now o.k. You poor thing I hope your back is not suffering too much. It's hard as we get older all our muscles seem to clam up. Are you wearing armguards Shirlene as I see you say your wrists and hands are bad? At least Rick is being independant and trying so hard to accomplish things on his own. Good for him. You are always in my prayers. God bless you both love Chris
1 comment
by shirlener88
21 Aug 2011
Thank you Chris, I do wear my wrist braces most of the time - thanks. Rick is doing fine - he just caught that arm - and it pulled him down - what a mess we had. I took a long hot shower and I feel a lot better.
234498Such a bad feeling to feel helpless. When my mom started falling and getting hurt we went into baby mode and moved stuff around and wrapped legs of furniture in bubble wrap, found some styrofoam corners in a package and used swimming pool noodles cut down the center to cushion furniture and sharp corners. She would hit the bubble wrap and it would startle her but no more bloody toes. It is nice how hard he is trying to do things for himself you just have to keep that extra ear alert and let him keep trying. Hugs and prayers to you both. You made it through another incident.
3 comments
by shirlener88
21 Aug 2011
Yes, Anita - one more down - Hehehe! I don't think we need the bubble wrap yet.
by marjialexa
21 Aug 2011
Maybe you need to wrap Rick in the bubble wrap, at least it'd be a softer landing.
by capoodle
24 Aug 2011
If Rick is tripping it could be an uneven surface. My mom ask for an area rug to be removed because it kept tripping her. Also the sole of his shoes might be the problem if they are smooth or rubber and catch him as he pivots to turn. These are things the therapist probably went over with you but something to consider checking out if they didn't.
89895Hope tomorrow will be a better day for Rick and you. Think he feeled ashamed with that smell of ice tea around him but wanna keep his dignity and selfrespect. Sometimes it is hard to accept the help even from a loving hand...
Greetings and a big hug for you
Bettina
1 comment
by shirlener88
21 Aug 2011
Bettina, I really couldn't help him - he had to do it on his own - but he does fine - once he gets his footing - he has to lift his full body weight with the one good hand and hope he can get his feet right to get up the rest of the way. Thank you dear one.
33986I know how you feel. When my dad use to fall, I really had a hard getting him without help. I am so glad that he did not get hurt and you did not hurt yourself. Still keeping you and Rick in my prayers. DeVon
1 comment
by shirlener88
21 Aug 2011
DeVon, thanks dear - I know I would never be able to get Rick up - on my own. We appreciate the prayers.
72397At least Rick wasn't hurt. You are such a srong and caring person Shirlene. I know some don't like to hear it but I'm a firm believer that the Good Lord will never give you more than you can handle at a time. But each time the hurdle gets higher and higher. Hugs..Carol
1 comment
by shirlener88
21 Aug 2011
Carol, thank you - I am a firm believer in this, as well - I know He guides us and I see Him in every day - even if I don't at the time and I am sure in the end - we will know fully that He had a hand in all that we have done. Thanks!
12165Well sounds like today was a challenge, but tomorrow will be much better! We all should lift weights--been trying to start for months--maybe tomorrow will be better for me too!
1 comment
by shirlener88
21 Aug 2011
Daisy, I doubt I will every lift weights - but I do believe that tomorrow will be a better day - thanks for the Hugs & Kisses, too.
12707You just can't imagine how much liquid is in one of the huge mugs they give you in the hospital - until you see it all over everything and the floor.
2 comments
by shirlener88
23 Aug 2011
Rick figured out - how to get that big mug of tea into the livingroom - without falling down - HE asked me to bring it to HIM.
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