Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Chapter 15: Bizarre Experience


I mentioned earlier that since the stroke, I get overwhelmed easily.  Sensory overload. But, I also continue to try to not give up on things I enjoy.  Keep on trying, right?               
This lead to an experience I won’t try again for a while.
Larry and Devin got tickets to go to see Brian Regan’s comedy concert.  Devin invited his girlfriend, Lisa, and Larry wanted me to go.  I really wanted to go, too.  I enjoy Brian Regan, who doesn’t?  He’s hilarious and no potty mouth.  And I wanted to spend time with my family.
I decided that I wanted to give it a try.  It wasn’t music.  It wasn’t spiritual.  It wasn’t going to be deeply touching.  I kept telling myself that humor would be different.
Right off, it was overwhelming…big concert hall, lots of people.  But, I had considered this.  I waited in the hallway, away from the crowds, until the performance began.  When the lights dimmed and the warm-up act was introduced, I slipped in.
The opening comedian was good and I chuckled and smiled.  I started to relax.  Then Brian came on.  He was hysterical!  Everyone laughed and laughed, including me.
But here is where the bizarre came in…I was laughing and sobbing AT THE SAME TIME!  Who knew you could do that? The more I laughed, the harder I bawled.  I soon was very grateful that everyone was laughing so much, so they couldn’t hear me.
There was one girl sitting on the other side of Larry who noticed what was happening.  I think she watched me almost as much as she watched Brian.  Two entertainers at one time!
I didn’t leave.  I didn’t want the family to not enjoy their experience.  And finally I got to the point that I was so exhausted, that my body just shut down.  I felt a little catatonic.  It was time for my body to sleep and re-boot.
So, now I know, loud laughter is not my friend. Humor and strokes make for an odd mix.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Chapter 14: Sleep and Then Sleep Some More


After having my stroke, I was told the best healer for a stroke was sleep.  They told me to sleep often.  This in my opinion felt more like giving approval to sleep tons because I sure wasn’t struggling to get to sleep. 

Those first few weeks, make that months, after my stroke I was asleep more than I was awake.  Slowly it tapered off to a long afternoon nap and a very long night’s sleep.

I thought by now I would not need a nap, but no.  I am still napping, still sleeping the night away.  

I don’t know if this means my brain is still healing…I hope!   
But if I don’t get my sleep, I am in more pain.  I get overwhelmed easier.  I cry more. I'm no fun to be around.  I don't even want to be around me.

So I guess I just keep sleeping.  Just call me Sleeping Beauty. :-)