Art by Nancy Maxwell James
I am excited to share that my copy of this publication came in the mail today. I have my stroke journal featured on pages 58-61 of Somerset Studio Gallery Winter 2016. I created this journal last fall/winter and it was my first try creation post stroke. It follows 3-4 months of my recovery process. I am super thrilled to see it in print and think they did a gorgeous job laying it out for the magazine.
Thanks for letting me share it with you and thank you for being part of my cheering squad!
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
Today I am celebrating my oldest son Ian’s 29th birthday! I cannot believe it has been 29 years since he arrived in this world. He brought some Pud Thai (which I have not had in years) for lunch and we ate at my house. We also celebrated the occasion with “Grumpy Cat”…my new friend I received at Christmas from my nephew Hunter. “Grumps” hangs out in the studio with me and always makes me smile with that smooshie face.
This is an oldie card from the archives. My fingers are not at that point of creating things like this, but I am getting pretty darn close.
My little Grandpup Kane turns 3 on January 27th. I have not seen him for a few months now :-( and hope to change that soon.
My official “6 Month Recovery” photo. I know it is strange, but I try to document as much as I can about this process. Maybe it is the former scrapbooker in me? This past week, I went shopping with some Christmas money and bought a few things for myself. I have been “trying” to treat myself well. New tops and comfortable clothes always pick up anyone’s spirits! :-)
Happy Monday!
Hello Dear Friends! I managed the past few days to hang out in the studio. My mojo has been pouring out, my energy not so much. I go with the flow…and Sunday it was really pouring. This is a new page in the chipboard journal I started last year. Layers of paint, texture, more paint. I used images and alterables (fence, wings, and hearts) from Paper Whimsy. The song lyrics are from an old Stevie Nicks song that I have always loved dearly.
I wanted to thank you again for your continued support, messages, and those who have come out of lurking yet again. It really means so much to me.
On January 24, I will be at 6 months since the stroke. How is that even possible? It seems just like yesterday, but at times so long ago. I’m doing PT at a new location 2 days a week right now. Today, I stepped on a treadmill as I now have an AFO for my leg. It was set VERY low, but I did 5 minutes before my toe was dragging and we stopped to rest. I cried, my physical therapist hugged me and she reminded me that it was a HUGE accomplishment.
