a stroke survivor story

When I first suffered my stroke over 2 1/2 years ago, the neurologist told me to be careful when I get a cold; it might seem as though I am having a stroke all over again: balance problems, dizziness, disoriented, etc. I can honestly say that for the first 2 1/2 years, I have had a few colds and never felt really bad (I know that I had some problems, but they were pretty mild.) But, this cold is really kicking my butt. In the mornings, it takes me a while to get my orientation right, I have some trouble with my balance, I get tired REALLY easily (yesterday, I did not get up until 7:15 - an hour later than normal - then I went down for a nap at 10, and then took another nap at 1 or so before retiring for the night at 9.) What Laura is most afraid of is that I might fall; I cannot afford a fall. As a side note, I did go on a mission trip last week for 8 days to Louisiana. I did really well and had no troubles until the last day. My legs got really weak and I wound up on the ground. Fortu...

The other day when I was exercising (I try to exercise every day to keep my cholesterol down), I had a very interesting experience. I wish I could say that this was a unique experience, but it has happened a few times over the last couple years. In the middle of my exercise routine, my legs started to get weak, my heart started racing, my breath was rapid and I had to lie down to get my strength back. The first time it happened, I was really worried about it and went to the doctor. It has only happened 2 or 3 times in the last 2 1/2 years, so it is not a regular occurrence, but it worries me when it does happen. The first time I went to the doctor, he did not seem to be alarmed because the "stuff" stopped happening after a few minutes. I am not sure if it does happen again if I should go to the ER? Any thoughts?

Before I begin, let me say that compared to the alternative, I would choose this life; however, I must be honest enough to say how much I hate my "new" existence. 8 out of 10 days, it seems that I have no noticeable problems. But, the 1 or 2 days when I do have problems: look out! The last couple days, for example, I have been ready for bed by 5:30. My wife does not get home from work until 5...so we have had exactly :30 of good time. After that I am not worth anything: I am tired, I am spacey, I am weak; to make it short, I feel sorry for Laura. I know that she just wants to spend time as a family, but I get tired so easily anymore. I know that I can do some things to prevent this feeling: I can just rest more during the day. Well, that is easier said than done. This morning, for example, I woke up at 4:00 and then could not get back to sleep. So, I just stayed up. When it came time to sleep, I just could not force myself to sleep. I wound up not getting to sleep until 4:oo ...

I was able to provide the local radio station with an interview about my stroke, and the book, "Living the Life of a miracle." Thanks to Dr. Bob Leonard for allowing me the opportunity to speak and to tell about my events. IN DEPTH: Do You Believe in Miracles? Pastor Jim Mead

I told my wife that I am not sure if this is something I should be worried about or not; I have periodic numbness in my left heel. It does not last for more than a few seconds, but it was occurring about every 2 weeks or so, but now it appears to happen more frequently (perhaps 2 or 3 times each day). The numbness does not last a long time, and it does not extend outside of the heel on my left foot, so I am not sure if it is progressive weakening of the nerves, or if it is totally unrelated to my stroke. Because of my history, the nurse at the VA told me to go to the ER to have it checked out if it really starts to bother me. Right now, it is just a nuisance, really, and it does not bother me much. I guess I will just have to see what happens.

If you are interested in buying a copy of "Living the Life of a Miracle", there is now a paypal checkout button on my blog, astrokestory.blogspot.com. Copies may also be ordered at your local bookstore, through amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. Thanks.

I am excited to announce that my books are now available at amazon.com. You cna find them at: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Miracle-James-Mead/dp/0983196117/ref=pd_rhf_p_img_1 I am very excited about it; I am finally done with this chapter of my life and now I am wondering about some other things. For the time being, I think I will just be content with this! Praise the Lord, it is DONE!