Monthly Archives: June 2014

Helping others

Leave a comment

AllisonAs a stroke survivor, in my new life, I am hoping to give others  hope. When someone has a stroke, everyone in the family has a stroke. From my book, I have met many people who have reached out. My book hopes to help family/loved ones understand what the stroke/locked-in patient is going through. Every stroke is different and the book is about my recovery. The most important thing you can do is give the patient the best environment to succeed. Be patient though! Believe me, the person wants to recover as much as you want them to recover.

I am also doing marketing/volunteering for stroke groups. I want something good to come of this.

When life changes abruptly you have to adapt. Has this happened to you? What did you do?

 

I am still progressing

Leave a comment

Allison drivingI am still progressing and miss my independence. While I have been approved to drive by the DMV, once you get to your destination you have to walk. My balance is still not good, especially on uneven surfaces. I continue to do therapy (pool and physical) to progress. My therapists have no doubt my balance will come back.

When we travel, I still need a wheelchair to get through the airport. We also get a handicap hotel room when we travel. I long for normalcy.

My husband leaves me alone while at work or when he travels and I treasure time alone.

Friends are very important and give a sense of normalcy. They have been crucial in my recovery.

I miss work a lot, although I have my book and am doing volunteer/marketing on stroke. This is now quite close to my heart.

I know I am lucky to have progressed to where I am, considering where I was. Every stroke and recovery are different. I am not done though, I will regain my independence and get back to as normal a life as possible.

 

 

 

 

Why am I so focused on getting the word out?

Leave a comment

ResizeImageHandler.ashx copyI am so focused on getting out the word on stroke to make something good come from something so terrible. A stroke affects everyone (spouse, family, friends) and you are at a loss of what to do when tragedy strikes. My book details things that we found helpful. Why re-create the wheel? People are overwhelmed with grief, but you need to be strong for the survivor.

I always did volunteer work, but now it’s personal. A stroke is a nightmare and I want to help others avoid or learn to deal with it gracefully. It is a change in your life; one you did not ask for.

Every stroke is different and recovery different. I think my stroke was very surprising to many (I just had a clean bill of health two weeks prior) and if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.

Be knowledgeable. I know it’s not an exciting/sexy topic, but one that needs to be addressed. Learn about stroke today and read my book for my story.