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A STROKE VICTIM RECOVERY ADVENTURE

Seven years ago a stroke changed my life, coming like a bolt of lightning, even though there was no storm. Three weeks before I was bragging about being physically fit and very active. Camping, canoeing and hiking were favorite sports, which never taxed me.

After being tested at one hospital, the doctor said they were sending me by ambulance to another for further treatment. It seemed I had a mild stroke, due to the possibility of a leaking aneurysm. My whole right side was affected, head to toes.

Once I returned home, I continued to experience a variety of conditions. Inability to speak properly, headaches when standing or sitting, poor writing skills, numbness in right foot, calf, leg, and arm. Extreme tiredness. It was even difficult trying to sleep fearing I may never wake up.

My doctor said, "You suffered a trauma and need rest, for a minimum of 6 wks to two months. A full recovery is within reach. Do not push it. Take it really easy, no lawn mowing, a little walking, drink lots of water, control salt intake, watch diet, sit down after headaches, phone if anything out of the ordinary occurs, numbness will diminish over time, walking up stairs ok. Okay to water lawn but be careful, a daily glass or two of red wine very good for heart. No working, no driving." Also she said my condition was caused by blood clotting or leaking in my head.

"No driving, smoking, watch your blood pressure and cholesterol," she continued. Also it was suggested I write a daily journal on my health recovery. "Could not sleep on right side, causes numbness in morning. Writing improved, headaches diminished, numbness restricted to tingle in toes, heel and right calf numbness in first hour of morning only," became regular jottings. "A little nausea and headache combined at times; after 2 hrs very tired."

Massive headaches became common, similar to the intensity of my stroke August 26, 1999 at precisely 9 pm. I also felt nausea and dizziness and had to walk very slowly to relieve the intense pain. I was not even able to lay my head on the pillow. The pain caused the bottom of my right foot to feel numb as well as my right thigh. The feeling kept coming and going, before the numbing sensation went away.

The only way to relieve the pressure on my head was to keep both hands clasped on the top and back of the head. During these headaches, my mouth became very dry, a sort of freezing situation took place in my upper jaw and I could not bear to have the radio

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