a stroke survivor story

There are some problems that a stroke survivor faces that some people (even doctors) do not seem to be able to grasp. I have been to physical therapists, neurologists, speech therapists and psychologists and none of them (at least on the surface of what they say) seem to really get the fact that there are real problems that we face on a daily basis (some days are worse than others) that are not physical. Some people reading my blog will understand exactly what I am saying: there is a "spacey" feeling that cannot really be quantified. That is, it is hard to put into words and almost impossible to describe but it is a real problem. Sometimes when I wake up I just have a "far away" feeling that cannot really be explained, but when that feeling is there it is hard to concentrate, it is hard to find the right words to communicate clearly and it is hard to get my thoughts together. Are there physical problems? Sometimes (when that "spacey" feeling is at its wors...

I had received this article some time ago and wanted to post it on my blog. Maximizing Recovery Following a Stroke --Philip J Reed, on behalf of Valley Hospital Medical Center When it comes to having a stroke it’s a pretty well known fact that prevention is the absolute best medicine. However, if you have already suffered one, there are many options available to you to help regain function and vastly improve your quality of life. Because of the many different types of stroke rehabilitation being offered, your chances of finding something that works for you are excellent. Proper rehabilitation immediately after suffering a stroke is the key to getting the best benefits from your efforts. Practitioners at your primary stroke center will function as a group to create an effective plan of action to radically increase your chances of a return to your life inasmuch as is possible. Physical therapy- This is a very important part of recovery after a stroke as victim...

This is the video I created to go along with my book. I appreciate all the people who have encouraged me along my path, now nearly 3 years!

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