My condolences on your loss of Paco. It sounds like you are facing enormous changes but you seem to be coping with all the different areas that need your attention. I am glad your husband is supportive, and hope you will continue to come here so we can give support also. I think recovery from such life changing incidents has a lot to do with the spirit and efforts of the person involved, and you are rising to meet your challenges and not avoiding them.

So sorry about Paco, it really does seem like he was waiting for you to come home, huh? I hope you continue to do well. I'm sure it's frustrating but sounds like you and your dh have good attitudes and trying to make the best of it all.

Well, you dont sound confused. You sure are going through a challenging time. i’m so glad your husband is doing a good job. Im glad little Paco waited for you.

keep up the good work.

You are communicating fine. You've had a real ordeal but have a great attitude which will serve you well. I am so sorry about the death of Paco. He waited for you.

Rhizo,, thanks for sharing additional details about your situation. It is good for those who are feeling well to really think about how wonderful it is just to feel normal— something we probably don’t appreciate frequently enough.

I’m spending time with my mom who is a great 101 but she will occasionally share how doing many little things is just a challenge ( moving about, trying to see an image on someone’s phone, just all the little things one might have previously done without thought).

I’m sorry that everything is harder for you right now and perhaps less dignified feeling than you are used to being. Hang in there on the daily struggle for progress. It’s great that your DH and you can find humor in the frustrations of unwelcome change. Don’t know if your message took awhile to put together but yes, you do write cogently and lucidly so revel in that!

Condolences on the loss of Paco.

Thank you for updating us-Sorry you're dealing with those changes and for the loss of your Paco.

I will chime in here and say your posts are totally articulate and interesting to read.

I look forward to more of your posts.

Still praying for you. So sorry for the loss of Paco. Thanks for updating. Please update again soon.

My sympathies to you on the loss of your Paco. I applaud you for facing the challenges and I’m happy that your recovery is progressing. A helpful spouse, family and friends are blessed gifts to us all.

You read just like *you* here. (I have always been able to 'read and write' better than I 'listen and talk'.) It has to be extremely frustrating to have to do a work around with your thoughts to get them into words. It will gradually improve. I'm sure your DH is absolutely grateful to have you 'back' and be able to share your battle back from this terrible insult to your mind and body.

I want to thank you for being honest with us.

Oh, regarding incontinence, some of that is just the aging body, one of the topics I want to see covered in my imaginary advice column for senior women.

You sound good. It means you are all still there, just slightly disarrayed for a time. People come back but it means lots of work. It sure looks like you are willing and ready to do that. I suggest mental exercise in addition to physical. I had to recover from Chemo-my memory was shot and I read somewhere to do things like crosswords and anagrams. I had to look up the answers when I got stuck but stayed with it and it really helped my mind make connections, brought logic back into my life and so on. Easy sudokus and any sort of word puzzle. When I started I couldnt read as I would forget what I had just read. It really helped. Good thoughts on a speedy recovery.

I'm well pleased you are making progress. Sounding more like yourself.

I'm very sad over the loss of Paco :(

Oh my goodness! I am so sorry to hear about Paco. It is good to hear that you are making progress. Take care.

Rhizo, please give yourself some time - and keep fighting. This is still a new event of just a few weeks, and I'm going to bet you've noticed we don't heal as quickly as we once did. Are you getting regular PT still?

You have a wide range of function that can still come back to you, and it will. Progress may feel slow to you, but it's progress - so all good.

You are loved and valuable, and I'm thrilled to see you posting. I'm also very sorry about your cat. I'd suggest a kitten but you probably don't feel like taking on a new project just yet. 😊 You will one day. ((((hugs))))

Wishing you continued recovery, and solace over the loss of your furry companion.

And whether you're typing or dictating, I don't see any mistakes at all 🙂

Rhizo! Thanks for the update. You sound good — clear and with your same personality and clarity. Bu I am not discarding or diminishing your injury or loss and the effort you must make to do some of the things so many of us take for granted.

Thank gooness you wonderful husband is supportive and also has a great personality and sense of humor. Give him a big smile and extend our appreciation.

I am so sorry to hear that Paco passed. I am glad he was able to wait for you to return home. That must be comforting — that you got to cuddle him and say goodbye.

You have been through so much. You have our love and support and I do hope you stop by as you're able and inclined. xox

Sounds to me like your communicating skills and reason are still in tact, but most important is your sense of humor! Thanks for filling us in.

My condolences on losing Paco. Never easy to lose a fur baby, but especially when you're already inundated with challenges.

Sending you thoughts of healing and patience...each day a step forward.

So good to hear your healing is progressing, even tho I'm sure it's not as fast as you would wish. How lucky you are to have a loving husband to help and to be able to laugh at some of the rougher challenges. Sorry, too, about your kitty.

Sincere wishes that your progress continues.

Thank you for taking the time to check in here and letting us know how you are faring. It is rough, especially losing your cat too, but take it easy on yourself. Progress might be slow but it happens. I'm glad you felt like posting an update.

I am amazed at your progress, rhizo! I can only imagine how frustrating you must feel with the things over which you have no control. Thankful you have such a loving and supportive DH and have had good rehab available. I just know you will continue to make progress. So sorry the loss of Paco added to your distress.

I wish I could help you out in some way.

i can't say it any better than what has already been said. i do admire you for your approach to going forward in your healing. a sense of humor is invaluable when dealing with these sorts of challenges.

while this can't compart to what you are experiencing, i remember when i had my hip replacement surgery and had to wear those awful ted hose when i got home. my husband had to struggle to put them on me and after a few days of struggle and frustration (although he was such a good sport about it), he threw up his hands and exclaimed "this is like stuffing 10 pounds of sausage in a 2 pound ziplock bag". we both cracked up and the next couple of weeks were met with much hilarity every time he had to do it.

wishing you continued success as you navigate your healing and sending comforting hugs to you! 💞

Well again it seems like I missed something here. You have my prayers for a complete recovery. I think your message sounds fine. It's a game changer to have someone by your side through the good and especially the bad. I'm sorry for the loss of Paco

It's good to see you posting Rhizo!

I'm sorry about Paco. He must have missed you terribly!