Best Posts in Thread: Two Year Post Stroke Update

Please ignore if you have no interest in this.

I have been providing post stroke update every 3 months to assist others who might be going through this. If it also serves as a heads up to those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels than good.

It has now been 2 years since I had a pretty nasty stroke. There is some pretty good progress. Maintaining my positive attitude, my current status is as follows. If I have someone walking next to me in case I sway to the right, I can walk about 45 minutes on my own. I need help to get up or sit down and I need help and a cane to go up or down steps, and I need my wife to shower and shave me while I sit in a chair. My balance is not very good and my right leg and arm have about 50% paralysis so I can not use my right hand to eat, drink or write. However, I am able to do light weights and machines at the gym so my right hand grip has improved, my brother-in-law helps me navigate the gym and he is my driver. My voice is maybe 75% normal. My good arm and leg are numb while my right arm and leg have constant tingling and feel very heavy. My face has regained most of its shape but the right side is numb, and unfortunately my double chin has returned.
Truthfully, I thought I would have my balance after 2 years but I do have control of my body movements and functions. The doctor says I should expect only a 70% recovery. I don't accept that and will keep working toward a full recovery.

If you would like more information PM me.

 

3 Year Stroke Update.
I had a mini stroke about this time 3 years ago and a maxi stroke 3 weeks later. I post progress updates to inform others in case it happens to them.
Those of you who know me see me as a positive force, never giving up, doing everything I can to get better. I have an intrinsic characteristic to fight to get back to normal. Sound like a tough guy? No way. Most days I feel like screaming and shouting because of my handicap and limitations, but I don't. Many days I fight severe depression but then I pull my head out and realize how extremely lucky I am. I have an angel for a wife, a son who is my pride and joy, and a caring extended family to look after me. Although we don't have much now, the house and vehicles are paid for and our boy is in a good private school, and I can pay for my necessary medications. Those things keep the stress level way down.
So you see if you have a stroke and do not have a support system your life will simply be challenging and maybe overwhelming.
My right side (arm and leg) has paralysis and the muscles have shrunk. I walk with a person on my right in case my leg gives up or I lose my balance, which is probably my biggest problem. Still, I can walk the 1.8 kilometer round trip harbor to the tourist police office and I go to the gym 5 times a week. I can not drive and I can not write or sign my name. I have to use a finger print at the bank. It is embarrassing wobbling when I walk in the mall but it is what it is.
So friends, get your blood pressure and cholesterol level checked. Proper diet and exercise is up to you.
Having said all this, I am fortunate and life is good. Take care.

 

Good for you Pat! That "can do spirit" is indispensable for a recovery like that but also for any kind of success we achieve in life. I love to be around over comers, complainers can take a hike.

 

I will post a 3 year update at the end of September. Still celebrating those few small victories.

 

In 1993 a very close friend that I worked with and traveled with died of a massive stroke in his office while in his early 40's. Tom's philosophy at work was to always celebrate the small victories, you never know when you might have another one, and he and I celebrated some small victories and I then took his philosophy after he passed away and did a lot of celebrating, never worrying about a big victory. That philosophy has helped me in many ways including recovering from my own stroke.

 

Good on ya Pat , you inspire us all.

 

"I don't accept that and will keep working toward a full recovery."

The power of a positive attitude is under rated!

I have been reading your posts for quite a while and never knew about your medical condition. That's awesome!

Keep up the physical therapy and positive attitude!

 

Thanks for posting. A stroke is not hereditary, but if a close family member has had a stroke some of the risk factors may be hereditary such as high blood pressure, diabetes or abnormally high cholesterol. In my case I hadn't smoke since the military in the sixties but the family has a history of very high cholesterol and I stopped taking medication because the cost for it here was too high, plus I went eight years without a doctor's checkup. I went through a period of high stress and bang .... My own fault.

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Attitude is everything.....keep fighting the good fight.