Simple Pleasures

We are still dealing with some pain in Bettie's right side, though it is somewhat intermittent. It seems to be aggravated by movement, and is often better or gone in the afternoons. It is, however, greatly slowing her progress in most areas.

This week we visited the nutritionist, Raven, at Dr. Heide's Clinic and she gave us some good tips for altering Bettie's diet to minimize the work the gall bladder has to do, just in case that is causing some of the pain. We also had a couple of trips to the anti-coagulation clinic at Valley Hospital to monitor Bettie's coumadin level, to hopefully thin her blood enough to prevent future strokes.

Otherwise, we take things day to day. When she is feeling good, Bettie is lots of fun and we work together very well. Sure, being a caregiver is lots of work, but so is being a stroke victim. But it isn't all negative and we simply try not to dwell on the parts that are. From the beginning, I've leveled with Bettie about what happened: "I know this isn't what we wanted to happen, but it did, you had a stroke. You can't talk very well, and stuff is hard. But I'm here and we'll get through this together. The family is here and we all love and support you."

So she knows what the score is, and is not fighting it. There are lots of frustrating times, but overall, she has a resigned but cheery disposition (provided she doesn't hurt). While stroke is not a funny issue, we find lots of stuff to laugh about. Sometimes...well, actually a lot of times, she starts to say something and then can't find the right word and just rolls her eyes as if to say: "Oh brother, there I go again". Other times I'll say it: "Oh there you go again with one of your stroke words" and then I'll repeat which ever one of the dozens of new words in this language of hers that she just used, and we both laugh at it. (I wouldn't do this if she didn't laugh too, but it seems like it helps us both to cope.)

Another thing we like do is make funny faces, just to see who can make who laugh. We usually both succeed. Yea, simple pleasures, but you find 'em where you can.