…Except to you of course… you’re right now wishing I’d croaked so that you could pretend to mourn 😛
I hadn’t planned to say anything at all about this because other than when trying to get a laugh, I prefer not to call attention to myself but a couple of dear bloggie friends convinced me that I could use this for good and not evil :-p. .
So here goes. I had a mild stroke Sunday. Obviously I’m not dead. My left side and my speech were effected (affected?). I can talk but it takes a bit for the words to get from my brain to my mouth so I sound like I’m drunk which makes me laugh to be honest… thus making me seem more drunk and creating a vicious giggly cycle that will probably end with my getting committed soon. :-p
I’m weak, I get tired easily, I have no plans to run a marathon any time soon. Ok, I had no plans to do that anyway but it sure gives me a good excuse now. But I’m alive and have no reason to believe that that will change anytime soon. Of course, I had no plans to have a stroke either, so if I die, I expect you all to mourn me for at least an hour or so… then carry on and eat copious amounts of Cheetos in my memory.
Again… I’m ok. Am I enjoying this? Heck no. Turning over in bed is a bitch and a half because when I want to turn, my left arm and leg laugh at me and say “ain’t happ’nin biatch!” which means I’m not sleeping much, if for no other reason than having my limbs cuss me out tends to cause night terrors.
Doing all those little things one takes for granted, like say, taking a shower, are rather interesting to say the least. I can’t wash my right arm because I can’t lift my left arm to do it so this could get smelly over time :-p And putting on deodorant? Omg… I stood there laughing my butt off. I can’t lift my left arm to do my right and can’t lift my left arm…again… to use it under my left.
All of this is why I want to use this on the blog. All the sites I’ve seen about stroke recovery are as depressing as a life w/out Twinkies would be. So I want to be that place someone recovering can go to and laugh and say “oh God yes, same here!” and others who read my blog can see that nope, not even this is gonna make me stop cracking jokes and making food that makes your arteries cringe in fear.
There. Told everyone… so how ’bout them Yankees?
You did not mention any medical attention. There is help for this…. Speaking of help….you do have some at home?
Tricia, I’m married to a rehab nurse :-p. Cant ask for better help than to be married to someone who works with it everyday:-D
So, in my real (non-blogging) life, I just so happen to be a Speech Pathologist. And I’ve worked with lots of people who’ve had strokes. The only reason I’m telling you that is to let you know that in a way, I totally understand. It’s usually my job to swoop in and teach your mouth to work again.
But, darlin’, I’m serious as a heart attack now (heh…little joke)…
You have the best brain I’ve ever “seen” in anyone who’s had a stroke. I friggin’ LOVE your humor.
And just for and because of that, you’re going to be just fine.
May you be back to enjoying cupcakes and caviar again very soon! *hug*
P.S.- Kudos for using the word biatch in a food blog post. That was amazing!
*hugs*
Jen
Lol… thanks Jen You’re a sweetheart. And I will try to use the word biatch again just for you hehe
Jan, I am so sorry to hear this! but I am glad that you choose to speak out about it. Kudos to you. I wish you a full recovery and living a long life full of the little things you have come to appreciate.
Cheers,
Heidi
Thanks Heidi! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this, Janet, and you know I wish you the fullest, speediest recovery in history. You will, of course, recover and both sides of your body will function with equal grace…assuming they functioned gracefully before, of course 🙂 Clearly the parts of your brain responsible for humor, cursing and cookie cravings were completely unaffected although I’m not sure that last one has any benefit 🙂 Be well and keep writing, if only to keep us all entertained.
Thanks Anita. Grace was never my middle name. I wonder if I legally changed it now if I would suddenly start walking like a ballerina though as opposed to a mutant from the black lagoon? Ya think?
As for cussing, hey there wasn’t much in there! I don’t usually cuss at all lol, but I thought I’d use this as an excuse to be raunchy 😀
Janet – you know I wish you hugs and love and laughter….as well as healing. I love your humor and I think using your blog to chronicle your journey is wonderful and will be a GREAT help to others.
Love you, biatch!
*Snorts laughing and inhales tea and chokes to death*
Ok, last thing I ever expected to read from YOU, Ann! LMBO!
Love you, woman!
So sorry to hear this! So glad you are ok, and have a sense of humor about it! Can’t wait to hear how FAST you recover and are back to eating Cheetos and Twinkies at the same time!
Thanks Erin! And Cheetos and Twinkies together!? *GASPS* Never!! There are laws against that I’m sure. They are to be savored individually
Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry to hear this! But your fabulous sense of humor will get you through this. Thanks for sharing something so personal, but food bloggers are such a nice lot, you will only get good thoughts and support! Keep on laughing and keep on fighting the fight. Take good care, my friend.
Thanks Liz! And you’re right; food bloggers ARE wonderful. You’re a perfect example 🙂
Yikes! Take care of yourself! My uncle had a pretty serious stroke 3 years ago, and he was a surgeon. Not so much anymore, but he’s developed an interest in Whisky collecting 😉
Anyways. Love you, get better, and your sense of humor and spirit are a wonderful thing.
Thanks Kiri! I hope your uncle recovered somewhat? And hey, whiskey collecting sounds like a great hobby! I wonder if I could do that with snack foods?
Love you too and thank you my friend 🙂
Oh My Word. I am so concerned for you. Know that I will be praying for your recovery. Reading this is so you – so authentic and you even bring out laughter as you write something so serious. Take care
Thanks Steve, and thanks so much for the prayers. That means a lot to me.
As for the post, I don’t think I’m capable of being any other way lol
I am sending you every healthy vibe I can through the internet. I am so sorry you’re going through this but I think you are absolutely correct that sharing your story can help others. I’m glad you have your own private rehab nurse! 🙂
Me too Jessica! Helps that he is adorable too:-D And thank you!! <3
Hand!
Be nice… remember; the other hand still works fine and can pinch your butt
You need to do that with your affected hand… it counts for range of motion exercise 🙂
But I want to be able to enjoy it too… not count it as work :-p
I am so sorry you are going through this and wish and pray for a speedy and smooth recovery for you! I am inspired by your attitude and continued love for life!!! You are AWESOME!
Awww, thank you Megan!
I am so sorry to hear this! I wish you a full recovery!
Thanks Christine!! I wish me that too! 😛
Okay first in all seriousness I’ll say this first…I blame the coke.
I am so happy you are okay my darling twin. I have every faith you will recover and do so with your wicked sense of humor intact. We all love and adore you. So glad you shared this with us.
You can beat this mother down girl. I’ll be right there with you wiping the sweat from your brow like all good minions do. xx
Wait. YOU’RE the minion?! All this time I thought I was the minion! Someone coulda told me! And nahhhhh, the Coke (the drink folks, the drink) is what held it off THIS long 😛
<3 <3 <3
Oh Janet – I really hope you feel better soon. xo
Thanks hon. I’m actually doing well, all things considered 🙂
I am so sorry to find that this happened to one of my favorite bloggers. For someone that has brought us humor and great recipes to make our day a little brighter, I wish this sunshine to return to you 100 fold so you will have a speedy recovery. May this incident become just a passing memory.
Be well my sweet friend!
Awww, thank you Tina. That “favorite bloggers” part choked me up. Or that may have been the apple I was trying to swallow whole… I don’t know 😛
<3 <3 <3 *hugs*
Jan,
Your positive attitude and delightful sense of humor will go far during your recovery. You were brave and selfless to write this post. Thank you for being you! You never how many people will benefit.
Thank you Jackie. You’re very kind. 🙂
OMG! I’m glad you’re able to laugh at it, which is about all you can do. I’ll be praying you have a speedy recovery, and in the meantime if there’s anything I can do please let me know!!
Jen, I extend that same offer right back to you. You’re my hero 🙂
OMG! You are so stoic (and humorous) about this. I have a co-worker who had a stroke last year (and we are the same age) who is the fittest person I know. He still plays full-court basketball five days a week! He is perfectly fine now and fully recovered. Keep playing Billy Squire and smiling and keeping your great attitude! Will be sending good thoughts your way!
Thanks Eliot. And thanks for the info on your co-worker. it helps when I hear about people who have made it past a stroke. You’re awesome!
Oh Janet, I’m so glad that you are okay and I’m wishing you a speedy recovery! I love your positive attitude! I think you should eat more chocolate. No liver.
Steph, this is why I adore you. Just for you, though it will be a sacrifice, I’m gonna go eat a pound (or six) of chocolate. 😀
Your post certainly made me laugh with your humor. I am so happy to hear you are already home and on the mend. I wish you the quickest recovery. Best wishes!
Thanks Emily! And I’m glad I made you laugh… that makes me happy 🙂
Hoping you have a speedy recovery! Positive thoughts and prayers for you, and some chocolate too 🙂
Thanks Kris! And…woohoo!!! Another friend wishing me chocolate. Gosh, I love you guys!
OMG Janet….I’m so sorry! I can’t even believe what I’m reading! I hope things improve really soon. But I’m proud of you for using this information in a positive way to support others! You are truly amazing and often in my thoughts. Let me know how I can help!
Thanks Anne. And it’s ok… really. I’m doing well. My rehab nurse hubby keeps braggin on me on how well I’m getting around hehe. he says I’m completely stubborn and if that’s what this is, I’ll take the title 🙂
You are seriously amazing! Sending you some positive vibes and looking forward to you being able to put on deodorant again. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this with us, we’ve got your back girl!
Thanks Sandra! And I’ve figured out the deodorant thing so at least now I don’t have to worry about being kicked out of the state for stench issues 😛
I hope you’re feeling better, Janet. To bring a little extra sunshine to you, I am passing on the Sunshine Award to you. I hope it makes you smile the way your writing always makes me smile.
http://hungrycouplenyc.blogspot.com/2012/03/i-am-bubbly-and-full-of-sunshine.html
Awwww thank you Anita!! I just saw this and am heading over to your blog right now to check it out. You’re so cool!
Oh my goodness…not the news I was expecting to read, but am so glad you’re okay and that your sense of humor is intact.
And this may by TMI, but if I couldn’t lift my arm for just one day to put deodorant on, there would be serious problems. Yikes…lol.
LOL!!! Thanks for sharing, Karen. 😛 *Makes mental note to send Karen a case of deodorant*
I am so sorry to hear this Janet. I’m glad you’re okay & I know that your humor will get you through this. I think it’s great you’re blogging about it, you will offer inspiration to so many people! Sending you lots of positive thoughts : )
Thanks Meghan! And thank you so so much for the positive thoughts 🙂
Great attitude. “Vicious giggly cycles” gave me a cringing chuckle. Thanks for sharing. Hoping you get better with each day.
…I have an idea for washing your good arm. Install a scrubbie onto the wall of your shower, about 4 feet up. Pour liquid soap on it and then rub against it like an itchy cow rubs up against a tree in the pasture. 🙂 Silly and sick (and part genius), right? It’s all in the attitude! You’ve got that in spades!!
Denise, my vicious giggling cycles give ME a cringing chuckle. Then of course I cringe and chuckle over that and it all starts again. See? Vicious cycle 😛
And I love the deodorant idea!!
Oh Janet, I’m so sorry to hear this. You are just amazing. Not only will your story help heal others, but your wit can cure pretty much anything. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
Thank you so much, Alida! And I hope I can help others… that would be awesome