Pills and Friends

Pills and friends have so much in common. They come in different colors, shapes, sizes and they provide different support and relief.

Pills

You know that feeling when your chest hurts so bad that you believe the heart and lungs that were placed in your body might have been a size too big, so the surgeons used all their might to squish them into your chest and then quickly wire it closed in hopes is doesn't spring open?...No? We'll I do, but thankfully I do not feel that so much anymore. I think with all this exercising, physical therapy and stretches I've been instructed to do seem to be making me stronger and feel much better. Some days I can't believe how good I feel. However, I can tell a difference if I skip a day or two of exercising. I'm hoping with all this work eventually I'll be able to walk more easily and smoothly, and perhaps run one days. The best way for me to describe how my stroke has affected my walking is that I feel like I'm trying to walk with cinder blocks attacked to my feet. My father-in-law who had a stroke 6 months before me described it as trying to walk through wet cement. I have to agree with him.

I still have a few weekly appointments for various reasons. I continue to be asked the same questions every time I go. We talk about the same things like progress I've made and if meds, exercises, etc. are helping.

I still get the opportunity to take several daily meds. Actually, I get to take meds six times a day. Some meds I can have with food while others need to be taken one to two hours before and after I eat. I take so many meds I feel like I don't have any room for food (that can also be contributed to the gastroparesis). Thankfully, I'm married to the worlds most organized man who has created several timers and reminders on my phone. My friends are even learning my routine. My alarm goes off and my friends start guessing what meal I need to eat or what meds I need to take. I always have my backpack with my filled pill cases with me everyday so I can still leave the house.

Friends

I never thought having a transplant and stroke would lead me to gain many new friends. I have people contact me through Facebook, Instagram, my blog and more. I love hearing about their journeys. I feel connected to many of them. Even ones I have not met. I would love to sit down with each one of them and visit for hours.

I had the opportunity to connect with Brook through facebook. She even lives pretty close to me. Brook had a stroke as well. Our strokes were different and have affected us in different ways, but we still relate with one another. Brook is amazing and so kind. I'm so thankful to have her as a friend.

This is Lisa. Lisa had a heart transplant. When I first started my transplant journey my former cardiologist, Dr. Poku, gave me her information. I called Lisa and immediately fell in love with her. She has an amazing spirit. We visited on the phone and through text. After a year and a half I got to meet her in person. I look forward to many more lunches and get togethers.

I look forward to meeting more people. I love it when people stop me and say they know of me. I love their kindness. I love hearing their stories. I love getting to know them.

I'm loving the progress I am making. It is truly a miracle. I am blessed. I am thankful for a kind and loving Heavenly Father. It has been a rough ride, but the reward is worth it. I am thankful for this last year. I have learned and gained so much. I never want to repeat any of it, but I am grateful for the experiences I've gained. There was no other way.