Thanksgiving Eve 2020 started out like any other busy day in my life. I had multiple companies to manage, juggling pharmaceutical distribution, staffing, logistics, and a restaurant business– all across the country. On that particular morning, I rushed out the door to work, and halfway to my destination, I realized that I had forgotten my laptop. Coffee-fueled and running late, my focus was on retrieving my laptop – but little did I know that this day would mark the beginning of my journey as a stroke survivor.
The stroke hit me hard and fast. I remember what happened during the episode, but the minutes, hours, and days afterward were almost surreal. Early on in the hospital, I wasn’t able to move my left arm or left leg, swallowing was impossible, and my meals had to be pureed into liquids. I spent a week in one hospital and was then transferred to another for about six weeks of intensive rehabilitation. I was able to get myself up and on my feet with the help of handlebars, and cognitive exercises, and also spent a lot of time trying to get some movement back into my arm. Frustratingly, I didn’t see much improvement.
At the end of those weeks across hospitals, the doctors gave me a bleak prognosis. They told me that I’d likely never walk again and that I should get used to “life in a wheelchair”. Those early months were an emotional rollercoaster, and it was extremely tough to accept that this was my new reality. I needed help with everything, even the most basic tasks like going to the bathroom or changing my clothes.
However, despite the doctors’ dismal projections, I was able to find inspiration and progress on my own. For instance, I found motivation by setting small milestones for myself, such as walking a certain amount of steps without a cane or making it to the bathroom fully unassisted. Day by day I was determined to regain my independence, and am proud to say that my current record of walking unassisted is 660 feet! With time and determination, I’ve found ways to gradually regain my independence.
Importantly, I’ve also realized the importance of having a strong support team around me throughout this journey. My son and ex-partner, Leslie, have played such a crucial role in my recovery.
Through this painful journey, I’ve discovered that the camaraderie and shared experiences in different support groups can be incredibly beneficial. Knowing that you’re not alone and having someone to talk to who understands your struggles can make all the difference.
That’s why Stroke of Love was created. We aim to provide a resource for others in similar situations because, like me, they might not know where to turn when faced with the sudden challenges of stroke recovery. Together, we can help change that and offer support to those who need it most.