A little over two months ago I updated you on my stroke recovery. A lot has happened since then, not just on the physical level, but also on the emotional and spiritual levels. It has now been four months since my stroke.
The Physical
When I last wrote, I was moving around the house with a two-wheeled walker. I graduated to a four-wheeled walker that I could take outside. By late May I had switched to two canes. June brought a return to driving much to my delight and relief…
I continue with my rehab program, now driving myself, several days a week, but I had a setback in late May. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance with extreme pain in my right shoulder (the weak side). It turned out to be a full-blown case of Shingles. The antiviral treatment worked in calming the rash, but the pain (and the morphine) continued for another three weeks. The shingles episode certainly put a damper on my exercise program.
The use of a pen to write is still elusive, and I still need two canes to get around.
Note to self: buy a knapsack.
The Emotional
Despite the physical limitations, I have continued to work with a few clients, on a part-time basis. My clients have gained, and the healing work with them has helped me to stay positive. I’ve seen over the years quite a few people who have lost their confidence in what they do by being off work for too long. Fortunately, I seem to have dodged that bullet.
I admit to becoming very discouraged during the shingles episode, especially when well-meaning people would tell me the pain can last up to 10 years.
Various health professionals have pointed out that my recovery has progressed faster than is typical. Nevertheless, I have been finding regaining my ability to walk, lifting things and doing the normal things of everyday living to be painfully slow.
The admonitions to be patient don’t sit well with me. I couldn’t count the number of times that a health professional has said recovery will take a long time, perhaps several years. The question that flashes through my mind is why? Why does it have to take a long time? Why can’t it be instant? Yes, I know I have to grow new neurons and those new neurons have to learn to become functional, but…
Through all this my wife Eileen and other family members have been patient and extremely supportive. And I have received a lot of encouragement, prayers and good energy from you my readers and friends. Where would I be without you?
There has been an exciting and sometimes scary mental/spiritual side to my stroke recovery journey, but I’ve written enough for now. I’ll save the best for my next update. Stay tuned.
Love to all,
Neill
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Hello Neill.
Happy to hear your recovery is progressing but sad to hear about the shingles. My prayers remain with you for a complete recovery and you will not have to wait 10 years for the shingles pain to leave you.
Al
Dr Neill,
Thank you so much for sharing. Your courage and determination are such a good role model for us all. Don’t push yourself too hard. we can wait for you
Stephanie
So great to hear about your progress, Dr. Neill. I admire your strength and know you will do it. It is so good of you to write about it, and that I am thinking, aids with your recovery. Keep strong and hope each day is a better day for you! Shirley
You are inspirational! Sending lots of strength your way. Regarding:patience – Someone told me “when you feel like giving up, give a little more.” Maybe these words I pass along can be helpful. Take care, Rachel
So glad to receive this update since I have been wondering how you are faring. It sounds like you are doing as well as can possibly be expected, and the shingles are indeed a painful reminder of a weakened immune system. Please keep up the hard work of recovery and continue to enjoy all that has remained unchanged ( e.g. your wonderful mind, family love and support ) and all that is slowly but definitely returning to you by God’s grace and your own determination! Hope you continue to work with clients who need your professional attention- very therapeutic for you as well. Marian RN (cert advance practice psychiatric nurse and fan)
I am very sorry to hear about the stroke. It underlines the importance of living each day without anger and regret, instead with peace and wonder.
I do wish you well and send positive energy to the island; particularly your part of the island.
Best regards
Have faith, the help you give others God will surely reward you. God bless and stay strong. Hope you recover better than what you were. My prayers are with you…
“I am praying for a quick recovery for you, Dr. Neill. Get better and make my prayers come true.” Looking forward to hearing of your progress.
May the Lord continue to heal and bless you..
Best of luck with your recovery and physical rehabilitation.
Just reading a book called “The Healing Power of Sound”. I hope that you can use some music to help you heal. It’s scientifically proven to work miracles!!
http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Power-Sound-Recovery-Life-threatening/dp/1570629552
Neill,
I wish you well. You have been such a rock for me over the last year. Without you I would have left my husband of 12 years.
Four months ago my husband “heard himself’ out in our yard late at night, drunk and yelling abuse at me. The next morning he was very quiet and stayed pensive for a few days. Since then he has stopped all wine drinking and now very rarely has a beer and has one alcoholic cider when he comes in after work in the afternoons.
I have been able to talk to him. He did not know that alcohol had gone from a social activity to an abusive one in our house but he does now. My life is back on track and the living is easy.
Thank you for giving me the strength to ‘hang in there’. Your coaching, your wise words and your support has saved my marriage and I’ve no doubt many other marriages as well.
Please know that my prayers are with you while it is your turn to heal.
Much regard
Yvonne
Very sorry doctor. I’m dealing with pain management in cancer patients whose situation is usually more hopeless than yours. I think i understand what you are going through. My advice to you Dr. Neill is to bridge that gap between your reality and expectations. The shorter the gap the more calm you will be,. Let the years be 10, less or more but have expectations that are within the state of your conditions.
Liz
Thank you so much for sharing your story and with such honesty. You are an incredible inspiration, Neill.
Sending love and healing energy your way from the Sunshine Coast!
Big hugs,
Wendy
Hi, Happy Independence Day, the holiday and to you. Great that you are progressing so well. I am glad you are keeping your spirits up. I can understand about the shingles, I had it before, thought I had poison ivy. Very painful!! I hope it keeps getting better. Hope to hear from you soon. Best Wishes
I wish you well in your recovery.