Tell us your story about your stroke and how you made it or have questions

[Hope for Stroke]

All of us (stroke survivors) have different levels of stroke and different outcomes. The one thing we all have in common is that, in the blink of an eye our lives have changed. A stroke survivor relating to a stroke survivor can be more powerful than a friend or medical person at times, because they have been there and understand. May even have tips on how they made it. This is for us the stroke survivor, tell us your story...But try to stay on the topic in the forum, use the "blog" on the tab called "my page" for your discussions other than topics in the forum. You may add a topic or jump to groups or your own personal blog on my page....

[Jeanette Wolfe]

I was a 27 year old fit, healthy , strong hard working single Mom, never did drugs and tried to take good care of myself. At work on 12/12/1997, at age 27, I fell down by the machine I was running at work. ( I was a machinist) and couldnt get back up. My boss called 911 and I woke up the next day in the ICU to the sound of doctors talking to my step dad telling him , I was pretty much brain dead. A large clot had burst in my right middle artery and bled out. 4 days later I was moved to the rehab floor and was told Ide probably not be able to walk again.
I was very angry to say the least! I recall thinking , ' how could this happen to me!?' I'm too young and busy for this! "
6 weeks later I did go home walking with a bad limp. I tried physical therapy for a long time to try and get my arm back but it has not ever started working again. But life went on, I began to drive again shortly after I got to go home.My daughter was 9 at the time, and she had to be the Mom to me sometimes. Helped me until I could figure out how to do things by myself. My right hand has adapted well, and has extreme dexterity. Now Im about to turn 40 in ten days. Life hasn't been as fun as Ide like, but I am married now and try to live to the fullest. I still get very frustrated at times. Things like grocery shopping really get me annoyed. I have a hard time pushing the cart around and the worst is the stares from people at how I walk. I know I shouldnt worry about it but it really bothers me. I wish everyday I could be cured of paralysis.

[Mike Proko]

Hey, Gang!
Just joined last week. 1st CVA was in Feb. '99. Complete left side paralysis, blown motor and damaged transmission. 2nd one a week later, this one left hemisphere- no motor damage w/2nd. Doctor's wouldn't give prognosis after initial stroke- damage to extensive. I was told that I would have to start accepting the fact that I wouldn't be able to do what I used to do.Told them I'd be back on the golf course in 4 months.(What the heck was I thinking?) After I was released from R.I.C., I joined the health club at Loyola and started working out anywhere from 4-8 hours a day, then exercise when I got home. The same mental makeup that gave me the stroke was being summoned to do the rebuilding. Still have some left-side paralysis, along with 20% muscle spaticity, but I enjoy about 100 rounds of golf a year. Each day is a new adventure,
and my journey has been very positive. Any help that I can be, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail. Keep lookin' up!!!