Just back from first walk alone, without help, since my stroke early autumn (fall to you Americans) and a second, minor one month and a half later. Feeling incredibly good!
Physio- and speech therapies started finally to show some progress, I was feeling quite optimistic. Then, a few weeks back, I woke up in terrible flu, feverish and powerless. Physiotherapeut came same afternoon, and I asked her to call my doc, who finally came next morning. Covid test, and order to stay in bed. Quarantine five days, second covid test taken on day five came out as negative on day seven, quarantine over. Doc explained, that my immune system was in such a bad way, that my body could not resist almost everything, picking up any flu bugs.
Stayed mostly in bed next two weeks. Going to sleep on Thursday evening, I was feeling surprisingly good, reading and watching TV in bed. Woke up on Friday, and almost without noticing / realising, walked to bath and kitchen without my walking stick. Slowly but surely.
Yesterday evening I thought I must try if I can manage going out for a short walk alone, without help. Still somewhat ashamed about how I look, and especially how my walking with almost paralyzed right leg looks, decided to do "the test" at night. Less people to see me. Alarm today at 4 AM (it's now just past 6:30), two mugs of strong coffee, dressing up slowly (its still difficult), emergency number to speed dial 1 on phone, and out I went.
I really enjoyed it. Walked about an hour, had to take a few breaks sitting on benches on tram stops. But, I managed it. Feeling quite euphoric now, thinking if the issues with walking have been mostly in my head. Physiotherapist coming today, after a few weeks break. She texted me on Friday, saying that she will take me to walk today, that we begin slowly after the break. Have to brag, tell her I couldn't wait!
Kari
