Let me introduce myself........

[crettman1]

First time posting to this website. It's nice to know there are others who face some of the same challenges and are not afraid to talk about them. We are two years into a massive stroke leaving my 59 yr. old husband with paralysis of right side, aphasia, and significant cognitive and emotional levels diminished. He is doing well but quality of life is not what I would want for him. Our present house is not wheelchair friendly and there is no way for him to get back inside by himself if he wants to get fresh air. Eventually we may move into the city and closer to places he may enjoy going. The motorized scooters in the grocery stores have been a huge advantage. He likes them and enjoys the independence of zooming around alone. (Sometimes a little too much!) I am looking forward to meeting you all and chatting as much as possible. If you see me online, please say hello! THANKS!

[Dorothy Saunders]

Welcome to our safe haven, crettman! As we say, we're sorry that you need us but glad that you found us.
I know OK is a big state, but forum member Dizzy lives there and maybe you two can meet for lunch and have live, in person support.

[secretflower]

Hi Crettman1,

Welcome
I am glad your found us, but as they say "sorry you need us".....my IS also had a stroke with similar losses.....unfortunately he cannot negotiate his powerchair himself....has a tendancy to crash into things....motorskill & vision field cut.....he was always quite the wheel man, so imagine his frustration with me being the designated van & chair driver .....that being said, I can do a mean pirouette as I navigate with the joy stick through crowds ........

I look forward to getting to know you. This group has been wonderfully inclusive to me & I am sure you will find it the same.

[myonly]

Welcome, crettman! Hope you find a lot of support, information, and "Yes!" moments as you look through the threads.

It is good to hear that you're maximizing your husband's independence, sorry to hear that there are still roadblocks. Our house, too, is not fully accessible, so I can identify with your challenges.

Hope you find a welcoming home here.

[kitty]

Welcome crettman1! hope you are able to find some comfort and friendship here at WSA - It's been a life saver for me ( :

[LarryB]

(((crettman1)))

If you are anywhere near OK City contact Dizzy - he has started a support group there, he is an ex SG Leader from CT

Glad you found us - post often!

[qtrhrsemom]

Welcome to the family, crettman1!!! Stop by often!!

[wheeliezdryver73]

welcome to the group!!! feel free to come here any time!

[donita]

It is a pleasure to meet you, crettman. I wish it were under better circumstances.

Welcome to the WS family!

[SCIwife]

Welcome!

[maureen60]

Hello Crettman!
I have found this site and the wonderful people here to be a lifesaver. I hope that you do too. So nice to meet you.

Maureen xxx

[jacknsue]

Hello Crettman

My situation is somewhat similar to yours. I wanted to chime in and offer some suggestions and encouragement.

My wife suffered a massive stroke in June 2002, almost ten years ago. Susan was 58. Her stroke affected her left side, so she does not have aphasia. However, we have been going to the same stoke support group for years and I can report that our friends with aphasia continue to improve every year; the improvement never stops.

If your husband can drive a scooter, then he has about the same capabilities as Susan. I suggest that you consider getting him into therapeutic horseback riding. Riding is Susan's favorite hour of the week. The therapeutic riding places have all of the lifts and the skills to deal with your husband on a horse. I Googled "therapeutic riding Oklahoma" and found this link.

http://www.ohorse.com/stables/therapeut ... /oklahoma/

There are five therapeutic riding stables in Oklahoma.

I also recommend that you Google adaptive and then whatever sport might interest your husband. Susan was not athletic at all in her former life, but she has enjoyed adaptive kayaking, waterskiing, and canoeing.

All of these activities are appropriate for someone who needs a wheelchair, but can do a pivot transfer with moderate assistance.

These activities are either free or very inexpensive. The adaptive water sports only occur one day per year where we are, but they are worth waiting for.

Finally, at least in Susan's case, she has never stopped improving. She still needs 24/7 supervision, and she can only walk with a quad cane for very short distances. Otherwise she is in a wheelchair or a scooter.

Still, we have learned to have a life that is much, much more than just TV and doctor visits.

I'm in a hurry right now. We're just a few days from changing locations for the winter. Still, I wanted to chime in with some optimism. I hope we can get to know each other a little better in the coming weeks and months.

Jack

[Noelle]

Welcome, Crettman, to the club nobody wanted to join. I'm sorry to read about what you're going through. Your sense of humor will stand you in good stead. How do I know? Your signature is a kick.

[graybeard]

Welcome Crettman,

As many say here, glad you found this community, and sympathy that you have found yourself in these circumstances.

Over the past three years, I have found this to be a strong, supportive, caring, and understanding place - occupied by the best people I have come to know in my many years.

Grab a cup or glass of the beverage choice, pull up a chair, and sit with us for a while.

GB

[tundra lodger]

Welcome Crettman

Although I'm sad you've need of this place, I'm glad you found our little online haven for WellSpouses in need. May you find the support, friendship, and understanding you seek among us.

You'll feel right 'at home' very soon.

tl