soul’s year of recovery

Thanks for your reply @Former-Member. Wasn't sure whether you want to take the conversation elsewhere but whatever is okay.

My Mum was always the kind who didn't want to make waves. She was caring and loving in her own way but found it difficult to express it. Likewise we never had "deep" conversations. I never wanted to trouble her with my woes and basically all she would ask is a simple "How are you?" to which I would answer "Fine" and we left it at that. She never knew what happened to me over the years and maybe that's for the best.

I, too, know what it is like to be outcast and betrayed. My siblings spread many lies about me including implying I had misappropriated money from her accounts and when I proved myself, no apology was forthcoming. I was told that her account passwords had been changed, told to hand over her house keys, I was not to visit unless it was approved by them and the list goes on. Some of the lies were absolutely shocking.

I had taken care of Dad and Mum for many years. Using up family leave, long service leave, going part time at work and then quitting my job but their excuse was that I wasn't allowing them to assist. the fact was that they were selfish and unreliable and it was the last thing my parents needed. My sister's response was that doing too much for them would make them too dependent. What the??? She was perfectly fine with her taking a taxi to her chemo and radiotherapy sessions even though they left her absolutely deleted. Well, I wasn't going to let that happen so I assured Mum that I would be there for her.

I don't expect to ever have anything to do with them. To my knowledge her house stands vacant, unsold - has been for eighteeen months. When they decided she would go to an aged care facility, they quickly stripped it of everything.

"Being part of the comunity" - I wondered if you were familiar with the locality. Knowing about the services, how to get around, perhaps even the neighbours or some friends.

I can't really talk. I just wave or have a brief convo with my neighbours. Of course the accident has made me a bit of a recluse, only venturing out for medical appointments. Hope to change that soon.

When I get my car, I'll make it a goal to reconnect. Sort of reluctant to explain my absence. maybe I can just say I was abducted by aliens and they wiped my memory of that time. If only. I guess I'll just be brief and focus the talk on them which is more than likely a more pleasant topic anyway.

Take care @Former-Member. You are often in my thoughts.

Hi @soul

Have not been in a position to keep up with everyone at the moment but trust everything is ok for you at the moment.

@Faith-and-Hope @Appleblossom @Darcy @lapses @utopia @greenpea @-Enigma- @Determined @outlander @CheerBear @Maggie @TAB @Snowie @Sans911 @mohill @frog @Niqueeta1 @Bimby2 @Bubbles3 @Hamsolo01 @Adge @Ant7 @Phoenix_Rising @SunShower

@Shaz51

Life doesn't mosey along in one straight line. It's filled with ups and down and a lot of bends as well.

Since I last checked in, I have continued attending appointments for physiotherapy both in and out of water and occupational therapy. The latter told me that my hand grip strength was good enough for me to drive - a score of ten which is apparently the minimum they recommend. By comparison my left hand rated 25.

In any case, my car was delivered and nervously (hadn't driven in four months) I took my first trip ... to the doctor.

I had been having problems with balance and also extensive bloating and weight gain issues since starting nerve pain medication a couple of months ago. At first I was massively zonked out but I did get kind of used to that, taking the capsule earlier in the evening. Then during the past several days, I began to feel really unsteady and also had blurred vision along with increased bloating ( felt hungry but after eating just a small amount my belly in particular would swell up uncomfortably)

So off to the GP who told me to stop taking it. She prescribed some other broad spectrum pain meds but I am trying to keep them to a minimum. Now my metabolism is attempting to reset and I have been alternating between struggling to keep my eyes open and feeling crazily alert. More pain in my hand but it's preferable to the other side effects.

Hopefully, things will sort themselves out. I don't feel confident driving around at the moment - perhaps in a week or two.

I did have lunch with a friend last week and went out with my daughter over the weekend. I also have a hair appointment booked for next weekend and then a get together with three other friends who I have not seen for at least six months.

So, I am putting an effort into being more sociable and as the weather cools, I hope to get out of the city (in my new car) and enjoy the natural environment. Have been loving some of the photos put up on the Forum especially from @Bubbles3 this weekend.

Would also be nice to have someone to share these walks with. I may try to seek out some common interest groups for that purpose.

I spoke to my older brother for an hour on the phone today. We both talked about our respective health problems, our kids etc. Hope to visit him when the weather turns milder.

Sorry that I have been a bit out of touch with the goings on in everyone's lives. I turn off notifications now and then as it can become a bit much but feel free to tag me to your own thread. I do care and I am interested.

@soul good to hear from you.

@soul Good morning to my fav jelly wishing her a beautiful Monday 😄 xx