#252

Last night was relatively sleepless for Elaine. Today, she tried to make up for it by really getting some rest. She was able to get some extra sleep and spend the day relaxing. Elaine did mix in some arm therapy, but she opted to skip the gym. She is looking forward to another productive week starting tomorrow!

#252

This picture tells the story of how well Elaine is progressing with her shoulder! Its amazing. Her shoulder was sore today, but seeing how well it is moving, its understandable. We are so proud of her, and being over there for the morning round, it is evident how dedicated Fred is as well. He is in there encouraging her, cheering her progress, and making sure she does everything right! He found a new neck wrap for her while she's icing, and she likes it too. She skipped the gym, she was sore from yesterday and her arm was sore.

Fred and Elaine came to cheer on the butterflies(Taylor's team) this morning as well. The walk from the car to the field isn't a cake walk. They even dressed in the teams colors! Christi and Ben are away this weekend camping, so we missed the Green Machines game. Taylor was so excited to have everyone at her game though. Thank you Chirsty for the yellow hair clip and thanks Plote's for the shirt:)

Fred and Elaine enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of football and being home. Elaine even started her Christmas shopping this afternoon! Yes, she is still Elaine:) Don't we all wish we could be so organized!

#251

It was a restful night of sleep at the Smith house! Elaine had another great day of therapy as well. She used her arm for the first time today during pilates. This is an event even Elaine was excited about, and acknowledged that she couldn't have done a few weeks ago. It's wonderful when Elaine is able to see progress too! She rested this afternoon, did her stretcher and her home exercises.  Elaine went to the gym this evening before dinner. She is being very responsible about getting some rest too, even if she doesn't sleep, she is at least laying down. Admittedly, it is because she gets to take the brace off her leg when she rests, but whatever it takes to keep her down:)

#250

Elaine had a fun day today. She went to lunch with Shirley and Maureen. They took her to lunch at the Dock on the water. Elaine had never been there and loved it and was so happy to be out with her friends. After they finished lunch, they headed to Rogers Garden to look at the holiday decorations. Elaine was very tired and asked them to bring her home after that. They did forget to take a picture too!


She had a wonderful time and is so grateful for such great friends. The pain in her shoulder was a little better then its been the last few days today and she did her torture stretcher all three times today. She has grown to love icing her shoulder as well. It was definitely an acquired habit, that now she depends on. She skipped the bike after 40 minutes yesterday though! They were in bed early, watching the debates and heading to sleep!

#249

Elaine had another very productive day! She woke up this morning feeling a little down, and discouraged after someone telling her that it would take three years for her to recover from her stroke and her frozen shoulder. All of us that know her, and have watched her closely over the last 10 months, were quick to remind her of how far she has come. We have thrown stats and statistics out the door since the day this happened. She has defied all odds from the beginning and she continues to. There is no one that works harder or more diligently than she does!

Staci picked her up for therapy this morning and witnessed a great session. Her arm/shoulder are doing amazing and she continues to be able to move it more and more. Watching Little Darlin' move is truly a incredible. They worked a lot on her walking today. She is trying to keep her left arm straight as she walks, since it wants to curl up. It seems another revelation was discovered today. She is not confident baring significant weight on her left leg. She is going to work a lot over the next few weeks on balance, balancing on one leg, balancing on one leg while bending her knee, and balancing on one leg while kicking the other on in and out. The first few times she tried it, she was very unsteady, and she was gripping on to the counter with all her might, even with her left hand! As they practiced, and become more comfortable and confident, she eased up and also became much more balanced. As Staci watched, she was reminded again of how lucky Elaine was to have been in such good shape before this happened. Her muscle memory comes back as it gets triggered more and more. She works so hard, and never says no to an exercise.

After her workout, Staci and Elaine went to lunch. Elaine truly doesn't remember that literally her "dummy arm" was just that, and it didn't do anything! Elaine picked up a straw today and opened it with BOTH hands. Staci stopped her, to notice this accomplishment. Elaine didn't think much of it, but it was awesome. Its the little things we notice, and she really does get better and better. Elaine helped pick up Taylor from school today and even had a tour of the classroom. Taylor's teacher shared with her that she once had a frozen shoulder too and related to the pain!

Elaine went home to relax, do the stretcher. She then went to the gym and rode the bike for 40 minutes! Yes, you read that correctly. Fred is definitely wearing off her. It seems that the word, "moderation" doesn't apply to them!

#248

Unfortunately neither Fred nor Elaine slept very well last night. It didn't slow them down today though. They still made it to the gym, and also to the doctor. Elaine went to see a psychologist today as well. The doctor works in the same office as her neurologist. It was Elaine's idea to meet with her. Elaine has been offered to see one since her stroke, and decided not to. Last week, she decided to give it a try. 

Elaine really enjoyed her session, so much so that she is going back next week. The doctor lost her first husband to a stroke, and also had a frozen shoulder, twice. She can relate to the pain and frustration Elaine is feeling. She sympathizes and empathizes with her. She also encouraged her to cry, telling her that a recent study showed it is a way to release toxins from your body. Elaine feels so much better, getting to release some of her feelings and speak freely. She told Elaine to hang in there, that it is not an easy road, and that it is definitely a long one but there is light at the end of the tunnel. It won't happen as fast as we want it to, but with her dedication and work ethic, it will. 

#247

Elaine woke up feeling rested and ready to take on the world. She had a great night of sleep and was in a great place mentally, and physically today. Fred and Elaine went to see the therapist today and she had a great session. She continues to be very excited by Elaine's progress. Pilates went great, and she also had her best day of walking as well. Fred and Elaine walked out excited and encouraged.

They went to lunch, and a movie today, Taken 2, which they highly recommend:) They came over to the Francois house for tacos and football. Elaine was singing nursery rhymes on the couch with Brian. You can see that the kids notice Elaine is improving and they continue to engage her and get her more involved her their antics:)