The Summit

Another mountain climbed and another step closer in my recovery. What a week! The past seven days have brought several changes and developments. First off I'm doing another type of cognitive therapy to help my focus and attention, and it does not require the use of medication. I'm beginning to grasp how everything is tied into my midbrain and how the bleed has clogged up some of my canals and as a result I have vision stablization issues, which ties into my focus and attention. I also understand that my brain has no awareness of space which is why I feel off balance, dizzy, and not even recognize when I'm laying down that my head is crooked. It is not a wonder why I have headaches! I'm using my neck muscles for several accomdations, and it is helping my world feel normal but at a cost. So a variety of therapies will happen including more eye excercises, which I dislike! They also discovered that my eyes do not like to gaze down let alone track. I have been able to read, but once again at a cost. I have depended upon my neck muscles to accomdate for the vision pathways in my brain that have been lost from the bleed. My eyes also do not like to shift from side to side so instead I move my whole head to read. Another headache trigger! However, I must say I consider this as another summit that I have reached and at least I know answers to several of my why questions that I have wondered about for the past year. I feel like I have been blessed with all of my medical professionals and their expertise. Another positive step also happened this week. I decided to teach art for Zachary's and Isabella's school classes. My friend Becky is going to help me. Becky and I have known each other since our kiddos were in preschool. Both of our children had some special needs and we were always able to offer support to one another. Ironically about 15 years ago Becky suffered a brain trauma. There are not enough words to express my thankfulness to her. She is the one who encouraged me to do this activity with her. I believe that I needed this push. I just needed the "right" person to push me and she perfectly fit into my shoes for this activity.

Mount Rainier

So our intention was to go to Mud Mountain Dam that my PT told us about; however, we drove passed it and decided to go to Sunrise at Mount Rainier. It was a very pretty day and we really enjoyed our time. In fact, we enjoyed it so much we bought an annual pass to Mount Rainier.

Our School Girl

Isabella started preschool and she loves it! She's a peer model in the same preschool Zachary attended a few years ago. She's quickly making friends and is having a good time! I cannot believe she's in preschool now!

Academically the hardest achievement since the bleed

My teaching credential for the state of Idaho has been offically renewed! Washington's still current. It was very challenging for me this time to renew but I did it. Another milestone meant!

"Owning my story"

"Owning our story can be hard not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Only when we are brave enough to explore the power of darkness will we discover the infinite power of light." Brene' Brown "The Gifts of Imperfection"

Cognitive therapy has been challenging! It has caused me to reflect of the many changes I now face in my life. I'm now developing an awareness of who I am now and whom I desire to become. It is truly embracing my brain and recognizing the changes that have occured during the past 12 months. This is the list that I shared with my speech therapist today.

1. I used to be able to juggle it all but those days are gone.

2. I need to sleep 10 to 12 hours a day now.

3. I shut down when there is too much stimulation. I lose my ability to form intelligent sentences, problem solve, and inteact with others.

4. I have to conserve my energy.

5. I know some of my abilities have changed but not my expectations and as a result I have melt downs.

6. I need short periods of activity alternated with longer rest periods.

7. Do not over plan my brain!

8. Recovery is life long not limited to two years.

9. Acceptance does not mean that I'm giving up. Accepting what happened means my life is different then it used to be.

10. I want to continue to build resiliency with positive emotions.

Neurologist Update

I saw my Neurologist last week here is the update.

1. Blood pressure good the beta blocker is helping a lot!
2. For part of my therapy I will be going to a clinic out in Issaquah called "My Fast Brain" to help me with attention and concentration issues.
3. Continued Cognitive Rehab with Speech. My deductive reasoning has improved from nine months ago we are now working on mental organzation
4. Continued neck therapy in PT. The bleed did effect my neck, which as a result contributes to headaches.

Currently reading a book called Scattered but Smart. This seems to describe my attention issues.

Doctor Updates

Saw Internal Med last week Blood Pressure stable and I got a call today my thyroid is high so we will readjust medication.

I see Speech tomorrow for cognitive rehab.

Still in PT working on becoming stronger and working with my neck.

I see my Neurologist on Thursday.

2nd Grade

"Mom not another photo" words spoken by Zachary Zach is now in 2nd grade. He said that he has "the best teacher" he really is enjoying it.

Ballet

Isabella is now taken ballet lessons. She loves it and is doing awesome! She has a recital in December which she is excited about!

Happy New Year!

For the anniversary of the bleed we took the family down to the Oregon Coast to celebrate our new year of life! Enjoy our photos!

Photos of the Coast