ZAP! What's My Name Again..........?
By Sparks
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
Regina, Saskatchewan
July 22, 2009 5:31pm CST
A few days ago, I suffered a small stroke. One of many I've been subjected to over the last few years. This one was worse though, in that it affected my right arm, scared the living daylights out of me, and worried the hubs to the point where he actually came home to check on me in person...and of course wanted a home cooked meal! LOL
Several of my old and new friends(big hugs and much love to you all) have expressed concern at my absence. Now you know why. Now you know that my excuse of having a 'menopausal memory' is not a joke.
Between the big M and the small strokes, my brain is slowly turning into swiss cheese. Let's hope it takes absolute eons though to get so moldy it should be thrown out!
Physical therapy is helping with my arm and my ability to type, though it will never
be back where it was, is at least doable now.
Now THIS will really tickle you all...
Today I had an MRI to map the lesions on my brain. In the post procedure interview with the doctor, I was given a whole lot of instructions about how to handle the aftermath of these strokes.
The first and foremost was to read! The second was to write! During the course of our conversation, the doctor asked me if I belonged to any online forums that required not only concentration, but writing of a kind that really made me think.
Well, a few came to mind, but it was the lot that really caught his attention. He told me it would be good mental therapy to spend as much time as possible!
His reasoning was that, the interplay, the posting and responding to discussions, requires focus, and QUICK THINKING! LOL He feels that in exercising my brain this way, I'll keep the blood flowing and the oxygen fresh and the nerve synapses just clicking along happily! I have my suspicions that my doc may be a lotter! LOL
Have you ever considered the lot therapy?
His reasoning was that, the interplay, the posting and responding to discussions, requires focus, and QUICK THINKING! LOL He feels that in exercising my brain this way, I'll keep the blood flowing and the oxygen fresh and the nerve synapses just clicking along happily! I have my suspicions that my doc may be a lotter! LOL
Have you ever considered the lot therapy?24 people like this
47 responses
@mysdianait (66005)
• Italy
23 Jul 09
Yes yes YES it IS therapy and that's myexcuse for being here.
My nother does the crossword in the daliy newspaper every day since as long as I can remember - and she is almost 91!
Things have progressed so instead of doing crosswords I'm a Lotter! 
Sparks I've not kept up to date with all your discussions and I wasn't aware of all your problems. I thought you were moving etc. and had no idea that this had happened 
With your positive attitude you'll pull through and probably the sparks will still being flying when we're ALL on the pension here! 
Sparks I've not kept up to date with all your discussions and I wasn't aware of all your problems. I thought you were moving etc. and had no idea that this had happened With your positive attitude you'll pull through and probably the sparks will still being flying when we're ALL on the pension here! 5 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
29 Jul 09
LOL, Alice, I've moved so many times I can do it in my sleep. No brain strain there! LOL But it looks like we're here for another winter, so no worries, I'll be all ready and fully functional by the time the moves actually comes around....
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
I've posted here about my son's health, but never about my own because, frankly, I'm pretty healthy for an old broad with a bad back who just happens to suffer from mini strokes now and then. I mention the back and the migraines from time to time in responses when it fits the discussion.........
But today so many people were worried about where I was, that I felt it would take less time to post a discussion then respond individually. LOL Had no idea I'd get so many responses which is more than the email/pm enquiries I got! LOL
Thanks for the kind words.........and the house hasn't sold, so not moving yet. Damn!
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Jul 09
OMG--a whole bunch of us were wondering where the heck you were and missed you In fact a certain mylotter even did a discussion wondering where you had gone and sorry to hear you had a small stroke...hope nothing but the best and you get stronger and stronger. MyLot as therapy? Why of course it is for everything...our rants, our ravings, letting steam off in general. Mmmm..your doctor a MyLotter. Hey that would be a new one for the medical profession, instead of that line "Take two aspirin and call me in the morning." Maybe the new one should be "Spend at least two hours at MyLot." Or how about "MyLot a day keeps the doctor away?
In fact a certain mylotter even did a discussion wondering where you had gone and sorry to hear you had a small stroke...hope nothing but the best and you get stronger and stronger. MyLot as therapy? Why of course it is for everything...our rants, our ravings, letting steam off in general. Mmmm..your doctor a MyLotter. Hey that would be a new one for the medical profession, instead of that line "Take two aspirin and call me in the morning." Maybe the new one should be "Spend at least two hours at MyLot." Or how about "MyLot a day keeps the doctor away?5 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
LOL Pye! The way this site is growing, "Mylot a day......" is pretty sound advice. Even my doctor prescribes it! ROFL
Hey Oreo........no sweat. Things happen, get worse, and then get better. The cycle of life. No worries. Hugs sweets.
2 people like this
@Riptide (2755)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Welcome back!!!
I'm glad you're allright! I gots to find me a doctor who will precribe mylotting LOL.
I do lot therapy everyday, it helps me when I'm bored or I need a good laugh or some inspiration and it helps me get my brain working first thing in the morning. At least working enough to make it to work LOL.
Being at mylot, is like having a nice little Kaffeeklatsch with friends and I enjoy that. 
We'll keep you on your toes and writing and thinking! 
We'll keep you on your toes and writing and thinking! 4 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Thanks sweets. I'll be counting on it! LOL
Every morning I get up and tell myself I will NOT mylot until I've done my chores.
Problem is, I can't THINK until I lot so the chores don't get done until later in the day when I can remember what they were! ROFL
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
"Coffee and mylot"! LOL
Sounds like an addiction to me. ROFL
@AngryKittyMSV (4317)
• United States
23 Jul 09
First thing I do when I wake up is come here too. I try to do it before the kids start bugging me. Coffee & Mylot, that's how I start my days!
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
23 Jul 09
AWWWWWWWWW, I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, Sparks. Am so glad u are getting better already. Strokes are a scary thing. I had one 4 years ago but thank heavens it wasn't a bad one. They can really leave u w/some damage. my friend jan had a really bad one . u may remember that i ask for prayer for her when it happened. U take care of yourself & i hope the very best for u, I had missed u but had no idea u were sick. HUGS TO U.
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Get plenty of rest it is 1:30 AM my time, it must be late for you also, my post was the last one number 33 there is always tomorrow to get there... Relax and enjoy...
So much to share and so many to share with...
Peace and Blessings once again...
Sleep with the angels...
I don't work tomorrow so tomorrow I will try to see my son, here is hoping that I don't get arrested. I'll be taking my paperwork with me, just in case the police are called.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
It certainly is therapy.........more than users realize I think.
How is Jan doing now?
The strokes I have are very minor, but this last one was pretty intense and really scared me. My right arm is still not working properly and my head is not back to normal yet either, but I'm getting better every day........
3 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
23 Jul 09
DUH, I FORGOT TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION. i DO THINK MYLOT IS VERY GOOD THERAPY.It sure has been for me.
3 people like this
@AngryKittyMSV (4317)
• United States
23 Jul 09
I am so sorry you went through that, it must have been awful! Thank God you are basically OK, let's hope you never have another one of those again.
Yes, I've come to the lot when I am in need of something, comfort, friendship, argument LOL, and invariably always find whatever it is I need at the time right here among our wonderful community.
Now that it is DOCTOR'S ORDERS that you come., I look forward to seeing more of your posts.
Hugs and Giggles, take care of yourself and know you are loved.
4 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Thanks Kitty. You and Rip have been terrific and I'm soooooooo happy we're friends!
I gotta say, now that I'm under doc's orders to be here, NOT being here cause I'm busy other places or doing other things (like reading those books the doctor ordered, lol) hopefully won't cause anyone any worry........I need a keeper to keep people informed! LOL
3 people like this
@MaryLynn321 (2680)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Hi there, Sorry to hear about the strokes. I hope the doctors can get them under control. myLot is definitely good therapy. At times it helps me through bouts of depression. Listen to your Doctor he knows what he is talking about. Also get online and look up brain teaser games. They are great to stimulate different areas of the brain. Also you never know for sure if you will gain total control again. Keep trying, you may fool yourself. I will try and post more often. Keep in touch.
Hugs MaryLynn
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
I have a birthday coming up and I'm hoping (because the doc said to get one! lol) the hubs gets me one of those hand held games with brain teasers uploaded and you use a stylus........I think they're called DNS? My kids will know! lol
4 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
DS! YES! That's it! Memory lapse........
Thanks Kitty.
My birthday is the 29th of August. I'm a Virgo with Leo rising. Explains a lot eh? ROFL
2 people like this
@AngryKittyMSV (4317)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Yep, Nintendo DS, they have a "Brainage" game and a few others I beleive that are supposed to help sharpen your mind. I want one too! Make sure you let us know when your birthday is so we can love you up, Sparks!
2 people like this
@KrazyKlingon (5005)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Uh ... I'm all mixed up.
Am I sparkofinsanity & are you KrazyKlingon? 
3 people like this
@mysdianait (66005)
• Italy
23 Jul 09
I was reading through the responses and until I got this far I was convinced that the Lot IS therapy.
Now I'm not so sure 
3 people like this
@AngryKittyMSV (4317)
• United States
23 Jul 09
I'm Riptide. Ready, willing, and able to go spray some trolls!
3 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
23 Jul 09
I hope you're feeling better, I'm sorry to hear of the strokes and I know you are a vicarious reader by following all of your fans and friends.
Multiple names as well...
You make my head spin... How do you keep us all straight?
3 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
23 Jul 09
I'll be keeping notes... Checking all my gear and heading down the road...
Good morning
I'm stopping off at work for my pay...
Giving my son some time to rest. He decided to keep late hours on the computer at a young age and since my ability to be a parent was restricted I had no way to change his behavioral patterns. But I can do the right thing when it comes to his future.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
I keep a notebook and pen handy! LOL
I'm doing better George and will continue to improve.
You behave tomorrow ok and let us know how it went....
4 people like this
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Sparks, why did you not tell me. I know I have my own problems right now. But that is no reason why I can't be there for you. We can help each other...you know?
I know someone that was is older than you and he had a bad stroke and he got better. As time went on he got his mind back and his movements got much better. I have optimism that you will have the movement in your arm and that as long as you are an active person that you will be okay.
You take care and be careful outside. Maybe you should take a cell phone out with you when you are working in your garden just in case you need it.
Let me know if you need anything...I do mean anything. If you need me to come up I will to help you out. I love you lady.
3 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
23 Jul 09
We all love this special lady...
We all have our problems we will learn more about each other as time rolls along...
She'll be here soon I see her coming down the trail.
Peace and Blessings Sparks...
I'm also around here and there...
2 people like this
@moondancer (7431)
• United States
23 Jul 09
I'm sorry leenie, I was going to post an update but I have been hurting and feeling so bad. I've been so tired since the trip too. I went to the doctor and she said something is in my urine, she gave me an antibiotic and asked if I have ever had kidney stones.to which I replied, no but that's what I thought that it might be from the symptoms and others I know that have had that problem.
She sent off my urine for a culture and took blood to check to see if I have an infection anywhere or where and what kind.
I have felt like I've had a fever lately for a few days.
They will have all results back on Friday. I should know something then.
Thank you so much. Just light a candle for sparks and me that will help a lot. lol
1 person likes this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Hey moonbeam............sorry about the email confusion! Might take awhile for me to get mentally back up to speed, so bear with me.
I have a cell, but it's not connected. Economizing you know. I love you too!
Louie, you are such a sweetheart! Thanks for caring. Big hugs and yes, light a candle for my moonbeam and me.
3 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Damn it Sparks! Don't you dare scare me silly like this!! I've been through hell with my mom having a stroke and losing a friend on here and everything else with my family, I don't need or should I say WANT to lose another friend!! Especially one that I've come to love so much as I do YOU!! ..... I know I know, you didn't do it on purpose but gosh, that does scare the living sh!t out of me!! Now do what the doctor says and get on with your therapy and get well, please?!
Yes I think mylot is a great form of therapy!! Now get busy!! lol Love ya Sparks!! 
3 people like this
@KrazyKlingon (5005)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Hey Meows&Barks. Is it obvious that what you saw below was a coordinated effort? I wonder who the mastermind of THAT one was ...
Now - off to go look for my brain.
Now - off to go look for my brain.3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
"MeowsandBarks" ROFL Good one KK
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
I'm so busy, I'll NEVER catch up! LOL
I'll be ok sweetheart. Been through this a number of times before. This one was just a little more intense...........scared ME! Love you too.
3 people like this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
22 Jul 09
I had been noticing the absence of the entire group of dancing gypsys, actually, though I'd hadn't quite gotten round to dropping notes to see if everybody was OK. I'm sorry I didn't. Any idea why you keep having strokes? That's scary.
And yep, of course the lot is therapy. Clearly you need to hang out here a lot more often!
hugs...
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
I'm told it's caused by excess calcium actually building up in my major veins and restricting the flow of exygen to my brain when under stress or I've indulged in too much physical activity. I've very dense bones! lol
5 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Not really. Watch my diet of course, but it's my body that's betraying me, not my lifestyle. Sooner or later though I'll have to have surgery on my main vein that runs through my stomach and is the most calcified, to 'scrape' it clear. NOT something to look forward to.....
3 people like this
@mcelhenney (481)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Hi,sparks,,I am sorry to hear that you are in bad health..Thank God you can laugh about it..I do hope and pray that you will get better...At least you have a reason for the memory business..My brain takes a [vacation quite] often like everyday [LOL] That's my excuse for my memory loss..I pray God will pour His love and many blessing's on you..
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Thanks mcelhenney. Your daughter is keeping good company eh? LOL Blessings on you too sweetheart.
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Ah!
As my dad always said "It takes one to know one", so we're both lucky eh? lol
2 people like this
@mcelhenney (481)
• United States
23 Jul 09
She sure is spark's..The absolute best..
2 people like this
@fwidman (11514)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Nope, not therapy, but then my brain is as sharp as ever I think the doc is right though, it should be good for you. And, thinking, while it might be something new for your poor brain, won't hurt you either
Maybe this is therapy...I feel better already.
I think the doc is right though, it should be good for you. And, thinking, while it might be something new for your poor brain, won't hurt you either
Maybe this is therapy...I feel better already. 3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Glad to know you're getting the therapy you so desperately need at last! LOL
4 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Ah ha! I knew you were a man after my own heart! LOL
2 people like this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
23 Jul 09
Hi sparky,
I was wondering where you got to, I did think you were just lying low because of the trolls running around this weekend. I am so so very sorry that you have had a stroke, how are you now? please take it easy hun, and I think the doctor is right, you must keep your brains working and your hands, and yes I think mylot is a very good therapy for a lot of things, and its just keep ing thinking, so please keep typing, also don't forget to rest up, I do care a and love a lot. Love and hugs.
Tamara
xxxx
4 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Love and hugs back at ya sweetheart. And thanks for the encouraging words. I'll be fine. Just need to work at it.........
Oh, and trolls don't scare me. Bore me sometimes! LOL
3 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Oh sparks I am sorry to hear about the strokes. But I glad that you are able to still type well enough to come back to the lot. I have always thought mylot as my therapy, well it's members anyhow. They are what keeps me sane I have said that many times before. You take care of yourself okay don't over do it any..I will keep you in my prayers.
3 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
24 Jul 09
Well, I hope that before long everything will be better and easier for you. I know it can't be easy. My mom had a stroke when I was almost 16 took her a year to regain use of her arm and she is doing well now but it was a long struggle to get there..just don't over do it..
1 person likes this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Therapy good for the mind and soul...
Yep, I love MyLot also...
3 people like this
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
25 Jul 09
I don't think I know of anyone else who can take a horrible thing like a joke and turn it into a funny positive experience! You have just managed to justify your time on the computer away from your "real" obligations! Keep typin' girl!
3 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
25 Jul 09
There is therapy here on the Lot...
There is much going on all around our world...
Next?
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
29 Jul 09
Thanks reiny. It was the lot actually that changed my attitude towards life and brought out my sense of humor which has spilled over into my off line life and helps me through many many things...........
1 person likes this
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Wow! I'm so glad that you're with us hon. How scary indeed! I LIKE how your doctor thinks too. Lot therapy has gotten me through a whole bunch of stuff, as you very well know. I don't know where I would be without it today (even though I'm not here as much as I used to be...).
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
You are missed around here too. Of course, having a disappearing avvy may have something to do with that! LOL
I like the way my doctor things too. He must have teenagers! LOL
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
You know of course, that should have read, "thinks" not "things"............of course you did. You're smart! LOL
2 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
29 Jul 09
Hello Tickle. I'll recover fully from this stroke minus a few memory cells. lol
In the future though, I'm facing surgery to scrape the excess calcium build up out of my major aortal artery. Not fun.............
2 people like this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Hey sparks! Of course I consider the lot therapy! I think if
it wasn't for the lot I would have gone insane totally a
year ago! I do believe that it is the one thing keeping me
slightly sane and certainly calmer! It is the friends here
that help me every single day! Now I am going to be leaving
next Wednesday for my trip to visit my Mom, which since you've
been gone you don't know about! This will be a test of my
patience and will in so many ways! Being with Mom is going
to drive me insane and being without the lot for 9 whole days
is going to the hardest part of it all unless I can sneak
away to the library to log on for a little while! I am so
dreading this trip in so many ways! Leaving the lot, my home,
my beautiful kitties! I just am so freaking out right now!
So if the doc thinks that this is good for you then he must
know what he's talking about so just keep on mylotting! Could
be worse I guess! Not bad for a doctor to make you stay on
the computer! Hugs, Opal
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
23 Jul 09
Oh hells bells Opal! NINE days without the lot? How WILL you survive? Oh dear, now I'm worried about YOU!
Do try to sneak in once in awhile and not to let your mother drive you crazy.
I'll be thinking of you for sure, for sure. That'll keep my brain active........imagining all kinds of ways poor Opal is trying to figure out how to get computer time and NOT strangle anyone! LOL
I promise to be here while you're gone in case you can slip in and let us know you're ok, not in jail, or in a looney bin! LOL Take care and remember that patience is a virtue.................ok, you can hit me now! LOL
3 people like this
@kprofgames (3089)
• United States
25 Jul 09
Oh sorry to hear that Sparky, but oh what a way to regain it all huh? I wish you the best and quickest way back to were you were.
My dad had a small stroke some years back and sometimes he has these blank moments. He'll be talking then pause and then loose what he's saying. It is important to keep your mind working. After he retired him and mom decided to travel the US and work at different recreational parks. They've been doing this for some years now and I'm glad they are still out there doing what they want and still working ta boot.
3 people like this
@sparkofinsanity (20471)
• Regina, Saskatchewan
29 Jul 09
Hey gorgeous, good to see you.
I'm pretty much back to normal now thank heavens.
I'm glad your parents are keeping active in spite of..........So are mine and they've more strokes collectively than you can shake a stick at. lol But they remain active (they are in their late 80's) and still live in their own condo.
1 person likes this
