The buoyant water was a real benefit, as I was able to get my legs and arms moving against the water resistance — it built my confidence.

The town of Carmel is magical, so this was a special Holiday with just Bob and I and our two fox terriers.  I focused on enjoying life and not thinking about therapies or strokes.

Bob had a business trip to London, and I was determined to go with him.  Our caregiver came with us, and I took my wheelchair and walker.  My therapists helped me practice exercises to prepare me for getting out of…

This was fun but hard, as I needed to navigate hotel steps, restaurants, crowds and a lot of mental stimulation. I did it, but it was exhausting.

Mentally, I needed to feel like I was getting back into the real world, and while sidewalks and curbs were tricky to navigate, Bob and my caregiver kept me safe.

Remaining limber was important, and I really wasn’t good at stretching, so I reached out for some acupressure massage and therapy which kept me flexible.

We hired a caregiver to help Bob and I with everything around the house; scheduling therapies, doctor appointments, she helps me with home exercises and drives me everywhere. She is amazing!

Getting dressed and ready was exhausting and thankfully Bob helped with my hair, false eyelashes and shoes… he was a champion!

The HBOT therapy was relaxing and I believe the oxygen treatment helped me immensely. It became part of my weekly regimen with three sessions a week.

Outpatient therapy at Good Samaritan Hospital was critical for improved mobility and the therapists helped me stay motivated. They are a gift from God.

I explored acupuncture for my stroke rehab with needles in my hands and feet to help the healing process.

It was great to spend the Holidays with Bob and our wire hair fox terriers in a calm environment.

I survived my second stroke, a TIA and spent 8 days in the hospital filled with endless tests. Yes, they literally took 19 vials of blood in ER when I arrived. The tests continued, but the root cause of the…

My blood pressure was constantly very low 40/62, making therapy challenging as I was always on the verge of passing out.

I experienced my first stroke and spent 37 days in the hospital with no use of my right-side.  Wow, what a life changer and this was only the beginning.