Hello!
Today marks my one year anniversary or surviving my pontine stroke. I truly do not believe a year has gone by already. It seems just yesterday, I was living at the hospital and attending PT/OT twice a day. I know that I have gained so much back in the past year, but some days it seems like I am still taking “baby steps” on this long road to recovery. For many of you, you really do not have any idea about what someone goes through when they suffer a stroke. That is not meant in a bad way, it is meant in that we really do not educate those about it. My Uncle (Dad’s brother) had two, and other then he had trouble walking and with the use of his side…I really NEVER knew.
So in reflecting on my own stroke, I am going to share details about myself. Remember…EACH stroke is different because it HITS everyone in different areas of their brain. No recovery is the same as well. That is one of things probably most frustrating because it is all a wait and see game.
I had what is known as a “pontine stroke” or a stroke that was in the brain stem. I feel very fortunate because doctors remind me all the time how lucky I am to be here still. They do not see many survive this type of stroke because the brain stem is “prime real estate”. I was also lucky that the stroke did not effect my memories severely as it does so many. I do have trouble remembering things more with short term memory then long term.
A little photo montage of this past year…
Most stroke patients are looking at a minimum of 2.5 years in recovery. If they gain back certain things the first few years, their outlook for regaining even more is said to be better (according to the doctors)
These are a few things I still struggle with daily:
My brain/upper forehead still feel numb. It feels like I was at the dentist and I had Novocaine injected in it. They don’t know if this feeling will go away or not.
My right hand is still numb, but my it is not freezing cold to the touch like it was. My right foot is also connecting better to the brain and is no longer always freezing cold. They do *occasionally* act up. The brain is reconnecting with all of this. I may get it back and I may not.
I still struggle with writing. I am not driving. I tire easily. I walk with a cane when I need balance. The stroke effects the vertigo and depth perception part of my brain.
My right leg (calf) spasms and tones constantly. I try to do stretching exercises as much as possible to elevate some of this pain.
My right shoulder (rotator cuff) is always in pain. Physical therapy has helped this, but this is a very common problem among survivors.
My right knee gives out often.
When it rains or snows the barometric pressure effects my motor skills greatly. I have trouble with just about anything.
Your chances of having a stroke increase when:
You smoke.
You are diabetic.
You have a family member that suffered one.
You have high blood pressure.
You suffer from migraines.
You eat crappy food as your main diet.
You are African American.
There are many other risk factors…you can find more here:
www.stroke.org
I thank each of you for being here and supporting me during my road to recovery! It still is a long and winding road,
but the first year is now behind me. Bless You! <3
I am glad to hear you are making strides in your recovery. You may not have your full self back yet but I hope you continue to improve thought this next year. God Bless!
Baby steps and some bigger steps are what you have been doing and you have accomplished so much! You are an inspiration in so many ways and I know you will one day be back to normal, well you know what I mean! Those of us who are members of the “pea shooting club,” can never really be normal! Hugs!
Love you and so much my hero..
dear nancy – thank you for your blog post today – i’m saddened when i read all you’ve gone thru and my aches and pains are minor compared to yours. this past june i travelled to europe and visited Terezin (nazi concentration camp) and it made me realize even more how blessed i am – i told my friend if i she ever hears me complain just tell me to shut up!!! i pray your recovery will continue – the pic at the beginning of your blog is so perfect for this post and i hope pretty soon you won’t have to carry that suitcase!!! hugs
A year? I am so proud of your courage and outlook! Have a GREAT day!
hugs
Dear Nancy, you have come SO far in this year, and your attitude and courage have been so commendable! Thank you for the valuable information, and for sharing your progress and feelings with us. Continued thoughts, prayers, and cyber hugs!
It is testament to your character and inner strength that you are here to share with us all that you continue to deal with, every single minute of every single hour, every single day of the week.
Doesn’t it seem to be that we all take our health for granted until the day when our precious when ill health comes knocking at the door BUT from that day on, it is about how we view each of those new days with new hurdles and Nancy, you should be a spokesperson for the Stroke Association as you show how you are regaining control of your life and also how you are educated all of us. Here’s to the next 12 months showing you continuing to take great leaps in your recovery because it is no less than you deserve.
Wishes
Lynne
Dear Nancy
Thank you so much for sharing this painful journey with us here. Yes, I agree, no one can fully understand until they have been there but even though I feel so sorry for all of your symptoms still I pray that you will continue to improve as wonderfully as you already have over the past 12 months. You are a shining example to all of us and you are one of the most precious spokespersons that the Stroke Association could ever have.
Your inner strength and fortitude will keep showing you that every day there is something special to see though the steps may be ever so tiny.
Bless you girl – keep going in that direction.
Love and hugs,
Suzy
Hi Nancy. Thanks so much for your info. You have made such strides this year and I wish you the best in your further recovery. As an old boss of mine once said: “Keep on keepin’ on”. Hugs, Sue
I can’t believe it is a year….but you have made so much progress in this year…..and I’m sure you’re determination will keep carrying you forward. Hugs to you.
Dear Nancy, There are still so many painful dayli troubles for you, I can see, and days worse than others, and still you fight and still you progress.
Also it is a victory for yourself that you now will be spokespersons for the Stroke Association , and for them a huge gift, I wish you all the luck starting that new venue soon ,dearest, you will give out so much, but you will also recieve !!
I send you love and prayers for your new next year, and for many progresses,for you.
Hugs,Dorthe
Dear Nancy, It must be hard to deal with so many symptoms and to come up with the patience for such a long recovery. Thank you for your honesty! It helps understanding what someone who had a stroke is going through. I wish you all the best and hope that you recover a little bit further each day.
Hugs,
Julia
A year, in some ways it seems like yesterday that we learned of your stroke Nancy, I can’t believe it’s been that long. You’ve come a long way baby and I have faith that your progress will continue to be as positive as it’s been this last year. Healing energy and positive thoughts always flowing your way, here’s to a New Year filled with health and strength! Deb xo
It has been a long while since I commented; and you may not even remember me : )
(a customer on Etsy) But I for one am so very very glad you are here~
Inspiring us and encouraging us to create! aside from all you face daily.
I love how you have taken initiative to inform and enlighten us about stoke.
So many of us “out here” (and as you said a while back, sometimes ‘lurking’ : )! we are touched and affected by the blessings you bring to the paper crafting and fabric crafting communities~
And the hope that you will Keep improving is a REAL hope with lots of possibility.
I have been out of the loop a bit; as (after 36yrs) I lost my husband in Oct. to cancer. : (
But am venturing back into some of the things I love. And visits here always brighten
my day!
Blessings to you~
Karen in CO
What a year it has been for your dear Nancy. Your progress has been amazing and your will to keep progressing is outstanding. It saddens me that you still have so many struggles to deal with and I can only hope and pray that they all disappear in time. You are an amazing person to share all of your struggles and gains with us. My best wishes for this next year of progress in your recovery.
p.s. Every time I see one of your pieces throughout my home I think of you and hope for your full recovery.
Dear Nancy
I was shocked to read you had suffered a stroke.
I’m so grateful you survived and you are recovering – I’ve always been inspired by the creations you share with us.
You look so young dear Nancy, too young to be a stroke patient.
My brother had a major stroke at 63 and reading the list above I can see I could fall into this category too.
I admire your strength of character in sharing your journey one year on – you have made me more aware of making the most of each precious day – we never know what a day can bring.
Sending you love and warm hugs – you’re a very special lady.
Shane x