Stroke Recovery | Sugar Lump Studios

{May is National Stroke Awareness Month}

May 1, 2016

Happy May!

This month is National Stroke Awareness Month. I feel so strongly about sharing the warning signs of stroke since I suffered mine in July 2014 that I want to continue to share whatever information I can. No one should ever have to go through one and they happen at all ages. They say that 1 – 6 people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime and that is one too many!

While I continue to struggle with my right side and my brain is still numb (like a visit to the dentist) some days are better then others. The barometric pressure really plays havoc with me (especially when it is going to rain) and on those days I have learned not to push myself. Often, it feels like I am drunk when I am not. If the brain and my motor skills refuse to cooperate – no sense in getting even more frustrated with the situation.

My mission this month (besides sharing stroke awareness) is to lose some weight! I have gained quite a few pounds from not being as mobile. I am nearing the two year mark since my stroke happened and also of being smoke free!

Bless you all for being so supportive during my journey! xoxoxoxo

I was honored to be asked to share my story recently and the post is featured on this web site:

http://lifeafterstroke.life/

I hope you will find the information useful and come stop by!

{Bring it on 2016}

January 1, 2016

Happy New Year! I cannot believe it is already 2016. It seems it was just January last year.

I have selected my own word for 2016 and after much contemplation…I decided on the word “shine”.

shine
verb \ˈshīn\
Simple Definition of shine

: to give off light
: to have a smooth surface that reflects light
: to be very good or successful at an activity

I am learning to accept being different then I was before. It is not easy, but I try to remind myself of how far I have come in 1.5 years and the alternative (not being alive still)…so shine seems like a good word because it will make me “accept” the “new” me and to do things to the best of my ability.

Photo from Facebook * I do NOT know the original source of this photo *

This was on a friend’s Facebook wall and I had to share it. It holds true for everyone, but especially for those that are struggling. Thank you for another year of encouragement and for your recent well wishes. I had to see the doctor after the vaccines. I had a localized reaction on one arm (which I was able to control with ice/evalating and not steroids) and they feel that since I have immunity problems and it was my first flu shot I reacted severely. I will NEVER get one again, no matter how life threatening it is (being a stroke survivor they want them yearly). The sad part is in order to work with patients at the hospital I will have to do this yearly. I will have to find another way to outreach.

Now, may 2016 bring each and everyone of you peace and prosperity and lots of CREATIVE mojo! I hope to show you NEW creations very soon!

Bring it on 2016!

{A Little Faith…Hope…and One Year Later}

July 24, 2015

gypsy2
Photo from Pinterest

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

{Hello June}

June 1, 2015

Hello and Happy June! I am still here and cannot believe it has been nearly a month since my last post. My goal for June? Be more consistent with writing and posting again. I think about it daily, but I have been a bad procrastinator.

I will be starting Physical Therapy again tomorrow. This time working on my rotator cuff which has been a problem since the stroke happened. I am hoping my favorite therapist can work her mojo on it, as this effects the deficit I already have in my right hand/arm making it difficult to work on anything for long amounts of time.

On a happy note…these are a few things that have been accomplished this past month (always need to look for something good)

My sister, Leslie signed me up to become a Young and Healthy Essential Oils Independent Distributor. I am very excited about this as I have used many of the oils in my healing recovery from the stroke (especially on my right foot). There is lots of reading and learning to do…and I still struggle with retaining things at times. So little bits.

I reached one of my goals on the path I try to walk on last week. I got to the bridge portion of the Lakeland trail that overlooks the Huron River. It exhausts me for the day, but I was so happy to finally reach the river and walk on to the bridge. I also have been trying to walk this without my cane.

My son Ian, his lovely girlfriend Anne, and my grandpup Kane joined me on my second time reaching the bridge. I know these seem like such small things, but for me right now they are huge. I never knew (still don’t) how hard recovering from this would be. Learning to walk and use my right side. Dealing with the days when my body wants to act “drunk” and not cooperate is very frustrating. Still trying to “rest” when I tire (easier said then done) and take things day by day. I am oh so very fortunate being a survivor, but I do have pity parties from time to time. My sister told me I am allowed 20 minutes a day if I need to have a melt down, and then pick myself up again and tackle the world. I don’t need that every day, but it isn’t easy I will not lie.

I’m looking forward to getting more on track, and hopefully creating more art once again.
Happy Monday and Happy June! xoxoxoxoxo

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