A few weeks ago, I was set to write about my left hand's progress, but my grandad passed away, so I did one about him, because it is more important.
The bleed occurred on the right side of my brain, which controls the left side of my body, so this has been one of the worst affected areas.
I'm constantly making lists in my phone's "notes" section, so I thought I would share the tasks I've written down, which are difficult. I had to write them down otherwise I forget them, as my powers of recall are poor.
What is difficult is it is many little things, which on their own, don't sound like much but in my day-to-day life can sometimes feel a little overwhelming.
One of the main annoyances is getting dressed. If I am ever left to do this by myself I end up walking out the door with my buttons done up wrong, my jumper on backwards and shoes untied. I can't tuck clothes in on my left side; so I always get cold there, which might not sound like the worst thing, but when your brain cannot control temperature, it feels twice as cold. The worst thing, however, is socks, man I hate socks! Putting socks on with one hand is so frustrating!
Before I go any further, I must, again, mention Amy, who helps me solve the issues I'm mentioning. She has been incredible; I could not have asked for a better girlfriend in such a tough time; as I've said before; this is the hardest thing I've ever experienced, but I'm lucky to go through it with the best thing to ever happen to me.
Right, enough soppy stuff because her head will swell.
I struggle to open, or pull doors and drawers with my left hand. I'm forever struggling to push, pull or hold open doors. If you are ever behind me, please don't judge me if I struggle to open, or hold open, a door for you. A lot worse if I am carrying anything.
These issues may not sound too bad, but, to me, they are a constant reminder of something I cannot do, which I used to be able to do without thinking about. So appreciation of my left side, and life in general, has increased.
When going up or downstairs, to improve my left hand, I try not to use, touch, or need any rails. I'm also convinced it will tighten my stomach muscles, and therefore, get me the washboard stomach I've been chasing all my life.
I have not been able to type properly with my left hand; this is a big goal, to get back to normal fast typing speed with both hands.
I can't wash up, to Amy's annoyance; as holding, wiping, brushing or cleaning with my left hand is difficult. This is not so bad for me though.
I haven't managed ironing, so Amy must do it, unfortunately, as she has enough on her plate. You may have noticed; she does an incredible amount for me.
Opening anything, like jars or drinks is difficult, so I tuck it under my armpit and undo it with my right hand. This may have seemed like a negative moan, but it isn't. Like holding jars under my armpit to open; it's a realisation of more creative ways around a problem.
I hope this filters through into other aspects of my life. I can see so many improvements in my left hand, there are certain things I can do now that I'm told I couldn't do just months ago. You never know.
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