where i've been

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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. :)

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!

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

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!

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

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
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