Chapter 10: Quirks

I thought I'd start out with a little humor.

Who knew what odd things would happen to you when you have a stroke?  Your body gets so many wrong signals from your brain.  Can you re-train that?  I don't know.  So far, not happening for me.

I joke and tell my brain, "No, this is wrong."  "Hey, up there, reboot!"  Mostly I have accepted, adapted, resigned myself to some odd quirks.

First quirk, I drool.
Drooling is for dogs, not people!  Luckily I am aware that I am creating more saliva.
So, I swallow more when I'm awake.  I only drool at night when I'm asleep.
Little pools of moisture all over your pillow the next day?  Not so attractive.
Lots of pillow case washing.

I found this very helpful at Christmas card time.  Licking envelopes?  Licking stamps?  No problem for me.  Never once got cotton mouth.  Now isn't that something to be proud of?

I finally went to the dentist about a year after my stroke.  For several months, when I was living in my fog, I didn't always remember to brush my teeth.  I know, gross.  Anyway, I didn't have any cavities!
I was very surprised.  My dentist told me saliva helps break down plaque.  So my saliva is good for some things. ;-)

I suspect I am just creating more saliva out of my left salivary gland.  I'm not sure; I haven't tested it.  But I do have supporting evidence...

My left eye often waters.  My left nostril is frequently flowing.  Yes, my left side must think I am all dried up!

So, if you need help with your mail, let me know.