I pondered on whether to post this or not, after all who wants to read yet another anniversary stroke post? Well, I guess we do as we’re all members of a stroke forum so here it is.
2 years ago today, late in the evening, I had a stroke, if anyone wants to read about it here’s the link to my first Post
Without listing the individual residual issues I was left with, if I had to sum up in a few words the effect, I would say having a stroke AGED me big time in an instant, both in mind and body, in essence I’m not as mentally sharp as I was before, I’m slower in general, my body now feels older than my years. The emotional effect it had on me was also difficult; the realisation that life changing events are outside my control, that my body was fallible came as a shock, silly I know, but I was blissfully ignorant back then or simply in denial that something would ever happen to me, the ostrich approach perhaps
So what’s changed over the last two years? Answer: Everything and nothing. I am grateful to be alive, I’ve overcome many obstacles on the journey, both physical and mental.
It was a tough lesson for me to learn, life is fragile, good health can be finite.
I aim to enjoy what I have and live life to the fullest each and every day.
Best wishes to you all and thank you for your ongoing support and friendship, you are all my heroes, big hugs, wishing you a fabulous day.
i say what we’ve been through, our journey, is like no other. When I see a stroke survivor, I can see they been though this huge journey. I see it in their eyes. We have grown and lived through it.
Happy strokeaversary or happy stroke in adversity or happy life over adversity from stroke.
I agree with everything you said. In an instant it changes one’s world & the world all those who love you and yet somehow nothing is changed.
Instant aging -
Which provides the opportunity then, depending on outlook to, I think - somehow also available is the wisdom that comes with age - Or maybe it’s even greater collection of wisdom and empathy and growth. Like potential from becoming a parent perhaps?
It’s not quite instant wisdom but it is adjustment and acceptance of others and tolerance of others and seeing with different eyes and accepting ones lot…
Thanks for sharing and you’re right who wants to read another stroke anna(d)versary post? We your fellow travellers do
@Bobbi thanks Bobbi I’ll continue to share my observations with my fellow trailblazers and pathfinders
@pando thanks Roland, it is indeed a journey of epic proportions that we navigate without a roadmap, stumbling forward regardless, learning as we go and yes, I too believe we’re all the stronger for it
@SimonInEdinburgh Simon, haha the wisdom of age does give us a different perspective on life, lived experience is invaluable. Acceptance and tolerance is the key. Though of course our wisdom may be lost on those younger than ourselves along the way
Thanks all for your kind words and best wishes, sometimes I feel my responses lack the in-depth knowledge from the research you all do into stroke rehabilitation, I’m in awe of your knowledge and dedication, thanks for sharing your wisdom, it’s always amazing and appreciated.
@Mahoney thank you for sharing. It’s always interesting to read others journeys & i’m sure gives us all hope of life after stroke. I agree re the aging piece. A stroke definitely makes you realise how fragile life is but also makes us stronger in so many ways.
Here’s to continuing the journey of life & living it to the fullest extent possible.
@Mahoney I hear you loud and clear and empathize. I was reluctant to announce my anniversary which was this past Aug.2nd. So…I’m a wee bit past a year. The hard part for me is that approx. 6 or 8 months ago I was much better than I am now. Yes, I am one of those 1/3 of survivors who get worse due to spasticity. Sadly, before, I was of use to my family: building things, fixing things, helping carry and move heavy objects ( I was strong as a horse). Repairs, taking out the garbage bins etc. I now feel “a bit” useless. The strong Dad/Husband is a memory…so far.
Mahoney: so sorry about your cognitive issues and I am lucky in that respect…no problems.
This thing of ours is an emotional roller coaster for sure.
All the best: Derek
The stroke took my mother’s mind way more than it took her body. After a year, she was about 85% recovered physically (maybe more so in the second year). She almost made it to the 2-year anniversary of her stroke.
Every day I heard the same words said by my mother: “'I’m just a worthless old lady in my 70s”. God, that crushes me to know she felt so terrible. I couldn’t do anything to help her. It wasn’t fair.
If I had one wish for you all, it’s that none of you suffer her fate.
You’ve done well @Mahoney, and I am looking forward to your thirtieth anniversary post Many people walk around each day without thinking of tripping over and seriously injuring themselves, yet, as a stroke survivor, each one of us has tripped somewhere along the line. I think it makes one more aware of how and where we walk, and perhaps even not to walk so much, and instead stop, listen, feel, think, breathe, enjoy, observe, and grow inwards and not outwards.
@SimonInEdinburgh Simon, when I was just a child, I recall my gran telling me time goes quicker when you’re older, I thought that was silly when she said it, however I’ve discovered she’s correct, time does seem to go by quicker when you’re older, maybe not in the moment however when I recall an event/film/music I’m sometimes surprised to discover how long ago it really was when it happened or was released happy upcoming anniversary and long may they continue
@Pds I think we’re all a little guilty of failing to appreciate what’s around us, I try to remind myself to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, have great day
Reminded of that poem we learnt at school
What is this life if full of care ?
We have know time to stand and stare…….or sniff !
Spend a lot more time finding out if a plant or fruit has a perfume
You must treat it as a new phase, with different challenges and expectations. We all want to be millionaires but that doesn’t happen either. Take the best of what there is and focus on that.
Exactly. No one knows how much time they left. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.
My mother’s stroke happened in a second - her world forever changed. Stroke survivors know this so, so well.
Dear Mahoney. I feel for you. I have come to accept my life post strokes and I enjoy it. I shall be eighty five on Monday and am thankful for every day. Try to enjoy your life as it is. I do. Love and hugs Lilianxx
so here it is.
Many people walk around each day without thinking of tripping over and seriously injuring themselves, yet, as a stroke survivor, each one of us has tripped somewhere along the line. I think it makes one more aware of how and where we walk, and perhaps even not to walk so much, and instead stop, listen, feel, think, breathe, enjoy, observe, and grow inwards and not outwards.