First of all, you are not thinking me, me, me in an
offensive way. We all have had those feelings--and
yes you need to continue to think of yourself as only
you can determine how you are doing at any given
time. You are correct in saying that you have a loving
family who care, etc. but unless they know that you
have limitations on any given day they cannot help
you.
I think it is unrealistic to say that a full recovery can be
expected!! So little is known by the medical world about
tm. Each of us has our own level of recovery, some get
no response from their efforts for improvement to those
who do recover most of their previous capabilities. All
of us would like to be in the latter category but that is not
the way this seems to work.
A positive attitude and hard work go a long way toward what
recovery you will attain. Also acceptance of where you are
is a must. It is easy to become unhappy with the slow signs
of improvement but with time you learn that those signs come
rather unexpectedly and you are so grateful for each one. De-
pression is another bugaboo that hits many of us early on in
our recovery as we are having to deal with the losses we have
experienced and we don't know what to expect or our expecta-
tions are too much too soon. This is a long term recovery situ-
ation! for 99% of us. If you are experiencing depression you
should let your neuro know as meds can help you through that
tough time in your early recovery.
Caregivers have a big adjustment to make with this change in
your lives just as we as 'victims' of tm do! It's most important that
you let your hubby and other family members know that you are
trying and that you do appreciate all of their help and caring, but
that only you can tell where you are each day. Let them know that
you are doing the best you can and then quit worrying about them.
I've run on and on---hope that some of what I've said is helpful. Please
know that we all care, we've all been where you are and we understand!
Now, go to the rehab or whatever and give that treadmill a good try--it
gets better as you work at it. Keep a positive attitude about whatever
you have to do and it'll all be easier.
JanH