where i've been

[massbikebabe]

hey all...

I am just catching up on all the reading here...WOW...so many new faces!
It's great. I haven't been around for awhile because I have been ill. On the Friday before Columbas Day I was sitting with my Mom and brother talking about engagement rings when I had a seizure...this is new for me. An MRI 3 days later reveled that I had a stroke, (I am 42). I have lost much function on my left side, so walking and fine motor stuff has been a real challenge. Right now I am doing physical and occupational therapy because I have great
hope that I will get back most of the function I had. This has been a very difficult time for my husband and children but they rally me up everyday!

I have read extensively on the type of stroke that I had, (hemorrhagic),
and have discovered that I am lucky that I am here to type this...so please do not feel sorry for me. I am going to ride my bike again one day, and dance a joyus dance soon!

karen

[DeniseGoldberg]

Karen -
Wow. Having a stroke at any age has to be frightening, and having one at just 42 is so totally unexpected.

I'm sending wishes your way for a full recovery. You sound like you have a great attitude, and I'm sure that is a help to both you and to your family.

--- Denise

[emily_in_nc]

Karen,

I was going to say exactly what Denise wrote, as I was reading your post: "wow".

I worked with a woman years ago who had a stroke in her 30s without warning, similar to you. She eventually gained back full functioning, and I hope you will too. Thank you for letting us know what happened. You have a great attitude, and with the support of your family and that positive spirit, I bet you'll be back on your bike sooner rather than later.

Best,
Emily

[SandyLS]

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. Wow, we just don't know what kind of curves life will throw us do we? I'm so glad you have the support of your hubby and kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[newfsmith]

Hang in there. Fortunately, the OT's and PT's have made tremendous strides in helping people recover from strokes, but is a lot of work. Good luck with your recovery, and let us know if we can help in any way.

[Jo-n-NY]

Karen,

I am sorry to hear about your stroke. One never knows what will happen from one day to the next. Having a good attitude at times like this important however easier said than done. You seem to be headed in the right direction.

Keep up the good work especially with the wonderful support you have from you your family.

My good wishes and thoughts are with you.

JoAnn

[doc]

Wow again. Wishing you full recovery. Life is so unpredictable. You sound like you have the greatest attitude. That will carry you through the long work ahead.

[Dogmama]

Ditto on what everybody has said. Here is another thing to keep in mind - you're in much better shape physically than the average person, so you should recover faster & completely.

Sending healing energy to you!

[pkq]

Glad you are still here to tell us about it! You've really been put through life's wringer. Your attitude and support will make all the difference in your recovery.

A friend had a stroke at 44 but her attitude was somewhat self-defeating. Her hubby and kids were behind her 100%, as were her siblings. Her attitude prevented her from overcoming some of the damage. At least, that is what the doctors say and her family agrees.

Keep up the good attitude and you'll be riding sooner than you think.

[DirtDiva]

Also very glad you are here to tell the tale! Do keep us posted - you know we are all 100% behind you and just waiting to cheer you on when you make it onto your bike again at last. :)

[latelatebloomer]

Bloody heck, mbb! I am really beginning to feel like I want to march up to God and say, "Go pick on some BAD people for a change, will ya!"

You have a great attitude and tons of support. You will absolutely dance again and ride again. In Bicycling magazine this month, there's a piece about bikes with rollers, invented to help kids with balance issues. Make sure your PT knows about that when you're ready!

Also, at some point, you may want to look into something called "Feldenkrais" It's a very cool kind of body work that, as best as I can describe it, helps the nervous system recover function. I'm sure you're getting a lot of stuff thrown at you right now, it's just another idea to throw into your resource pool.

I work as a day program therapist for people with brain injuries (mostly really severe traumatic ones - car accidents, violence, etc.) Feel free to PM me for support! I am thinking good strong thoughts for you always!

[SadieKate]

Karen, that explains why you haven't replied to my inquiries as to your whereabouts and well-being. Does this mean the questions are answered? You know I'm pulling for you.

Hang tough. I know you have access to all kinds of medical expertise. I sending you healing thoughts from the west coast.

Sarah

[snowtulip]

Karen, keep up that great attitude! It really does help in the long run. I'm so glad you're ok. TE is a great support system, so I hope we all can help you in what you need!

[Veronica]

How scary! I had Bell's Palsy in my early 20s and I thought it was a stroke. I nearly flipped out. You have such a great attitude and determination. You go girl! We'll be seeing you back on your bike.


Veronica

[gilly]

I don't know what to say!
You're courage and strength of character is just so amazing. You deserve to get well, be well, and be as strong in body as you are in mind and soul :) It is so lovely that your determination to be well again is supported so wholeheartedly by your family.
So, although I was/am saddened to read of your stroke, I am also heartened by your attitude.

To date, I have been quite fortunate in my life, and whilst I hope that long may continue, I do hope that should I or one of mine fall to some misfortune, I can muster as much strength and courage as you girls here.

Gilly
x

[Surlygirl]

Hi Karen, I am so sorry to hear about your stroke. I'm so glad you have the great support of your family. If you need anything I'm a short, hop ,skip, and a jump away. How about I get all the new bike catalogs I can find, drive up and pick you up and take you out for lunch at the Sole Prop and we can drool over bike stuff. Or we can poke around in bike alley and look at pretty bikes.
Give me a shout.
Warmest wishes
Jody

[Crankin]

I hope you are well on your way to a successful recovery. I would like to help in your rehab by joining you and Surly when you are drooling over bike catalogs..... The one time we tried to go to the Sole Prop. there was power failure!
Keep us posted on your progress.

Robyn

[massbikebabe]

Oh my God...the Sole is my absolute FAVORITE!!!! Would love to join you all there one of these days!! We should connor Denise and News and make a MA.
TE Day! Wouldn't that be fun???

Thanks to all of TE for your kind words and encouragement. When I first got sick I avoided coming over because I knew I could not ride. Now I come over to read your stories and live your accomplishments on the bike!! I made my PT and neurologist very aware that I am getting on my bike again in the spring...come hell or high water!!

Jody and Sadie, sorry I haven't gotten back to your mail...I will I promise.
I am typing with only one hand right now and that is a HUGE drag...hence my delay. I am getting a splint this week that should help me back to the keyboard!

karen

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Karen... the determination and grit on this board never ceases to amaze me

Wishing you a speedy recovery and increasing good health

[TrekJeni]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope there aren't anymore curveballs in your future for awhile.
Jeni

[Selkie]

Karen - I'm so sorry to hear about your stroke. They say that attitude plays a big role in healing, so keep thinking positively. I'll be sending lots of good karma your way!! Keep us updated on your progress, ok?

[DeniseGoldberg]

Oh my God...the Sole is my absolute FAVORITE!!!! Would love to join you all there one of these days!! We should connor Denise and News and make a MA.
TE Day! Wouldn't that be fun???



Hey - definitely count me in.
--- Denise

[bikerchick68]

what amazing spirit you have... I an in awe of your wonderful and strong outlook and determination. It's really inspirational to hear you taking life by the horns and facing this challenge head on. I have no doubt that you'll be riding again...

I truly look forward to hearing your updates...and wish I could be there for your return ride... let us know when it happens and though I won't be there physically, I will definitely be there in spirit... :)

[Ninabike]

Hi Karen,

Sorry to hear of your stroke. Attitude is really "where it's all at!!" I am a former R.N. and have had considerable experience with stroke (CVA) patients. A general rule of thumb is: the sooner you get return of function, the more return of function you can expect. Therefore, do that P.T. and O.T. like you climbing a big hill ... and pretty soon you WILL be!!!

Best wishes ,
Nina

[CorsairMac]

I have Not a doubt you'll be back up and riding again! Your spirit and determination to overcome this thing that got thrown at you is evident in your posts! and you know we're going to be riding right along with you when you do! OK...so you can't ride right NOW...you've still got a lot of knowledge and advice to pass on! Hoping to see you here more and keep us "posted"


HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSS - we missed you!



and as a further incentive: it's gorgeous here again, 66, sunny and the sky that beautiful robins'egg blue you only get out here in the SW! ;)

[massbikebabe]

Corsair...
I am as always jealous of the weather. We have had a semi warm fall but that is due to change tomorrow, and sn.. is predicted by December 1. I have got to get better so I can show you how to clean a windshield with a credit
card :)

I am rallying. I am getting good at laughing at the klutz I have become.
For instance...I only fill my coffee cup 1/2 now because more of it lands on me than in me. I am using my water bottles ALL of the time, (not for coffee)
because they don't spill! I am also going to ask Santa for a sippee cup.

I have appointment tomorrow at Massachusetts General Hospital in the neuro. clinic, after all, if God got sick he would go there too!

karen

[shadon]

what a thing to go through. Your attitude shines through and it will take you very far!! Glad to hear you can get to Mass Gen. Good folks there!

[Technotart]

So sorry to hear of your stroke!

You really do have a great attitude and that will take you far. In my experience with stroke patients, the ones with the great outlooks did so much better!!! You are in my thoughts.

[Surlygirl]

Good luck today Karen at Mass Gen. Let us know when you are up for an outing that doesn't involve poking and proding and we'll have a get together at the Sole. Maybe the begining of December. Let us know what you think. Might be good to sit and laugh and drool over bike catalogs.

[Trekhawk]

hey all...

I am just catching up on all the reading here...WOW...so many new faces!
It's great. I haven't been around for awhile because I have been ill. On the Friday before Columbas Day I was sitting with my Mom and brother talking about engagement rings when I had a seizure...this is new for me. An MRI 3 days later reveled that I had a stroke, (I am 42). I have lost much function on my left side, so walking and fine motor stuff has been a real challenge. Right now I am doing physical and occupational therapy because I have great
hope that I will get back most of the function I had. This has been a very difficult time for my husband and children but they rally me up everyday!

I have read extensively on the type of stroke that I had, (hemorrhagic),
and have discovered that I am lucky that I am here to type this...so please do not feel sorry for me. I am going to ride my bike again one day, and dance a joyus dance soon!

karen

Massbikebabe - Im so sorry to hear about your stroke. You have a great healing attitude and Im sure you will move strongly along the road to recovery. Your children and husband sound like a great support for you and Im sure they are feeling very blessed and lucky to still have their loving mother and wife around.

Sending healing thoughts your way.

Leslie

[Yasmin]

All power to you Karen. My husband is a neurosurgeon who specialises in vascular work i.e aneurysms & strokes etc. I know what a challenge this is. I have also seen some remarkable recoveries. Your family have rallied around you & you sound so positive. You're 90% there already. Time really does make a vast difference in this instance. You are an inspiration & I wish you well.

[margo49]

Yeah, I agree. After breast cancer (2 surgeries and 6 months of chemo) and a near-death-by-squashing tractor accident I can say mentality is the No.1 thing . And everybody wants to support you if *you* make that first effort of showing that you aren't going to be beaten by "it" (whatever - illness, injury,crisis). People *want* to be part of the battle of a battler. So everybody wins and you can't tell who's helping who after a while!
Thoughts and prayers your way

[crazycanuck]

Hey massbike.

It's good to see you determined to get back the mobility you want. My dear's father had a stroke a few years ago-almost the same type as yourself i think-He can't walk very fast but he does 2hr walks in the Redwoods (forest in Rotorua...) with his cane. He leads a stroke group & jokes about running another marathon.

With your determination you'll get that strength back!!! Do whatever you can, (is there a rehab pool?)within your limits.

Take care

c

[wabisabi]

It may be that your prior level of fitness will help you, I hope so, sending energy your wy.