Got taken there in an ambulance 

Spent 3 days there before getting out.

Not to get too specific but the problem I got taken there for causes severe symptoms in some, but i got lucky (or so i'm told). Doesn't feel lucky when I can't sign my name, or toothpaste runs down my arm when I try to brush my teeth, but oh well  They tell me that I will get better in a few weeks/months.

Meanwhile, i'm not working, and i get to go to people like physical therapists and neurologists 

So thats where i've been over the last couple of weeks 

MS?

That sounds awful, when you can't look after yourself properly your dignity ends up going out the window. I reckon that is one of the worst things about disability, loss of dignity.

I hope they are right and you will get better.

Take care
Nicki

Sounds like you had a stroke, which I have had three.  And yes you get better over time.  I still have a few minor problems, like can't think of words I know. 

But I am fine.  You will be too.

Hope you're better soon!

Z

Yes, it was a stroke. One minute everything was peachy, and the next - not so peachy. Hard to describe, but it was like things were going on around me and i couldnt control them or stop them. I was just there, observing, and kind of out of it.

At least i'm getting better by the day now.

Janet - 3 of them   

When my first hit, I got up in the morning and promptly went to the ground.  The second one it felt like my eye was going to exploded.  So I totally understand how it felt.

*Tries to hold back tears and gives {{{HUGS}}}*

Damn, that sounds scary! I hope you get feeling better - and that everything gets back to working as it should soon, riven_one!

~Shannon

One of my greatest fears is that I won't live to enjoy who I now am. 

I try not to see the previous years of my life as a waste, because I did some good things.

But damn.  Time flies, whether you're having fun or not.

be well

Oh dear!! I'm glad you were treated and are out of the hospital now. Take care!

riven1 - wow. so sorry to hear about your stroke but i'm so glad you're still able to get on the board and talk with us.
janet - holy cow! 3 strokes! you're one hell of a lady to get through all of that. so glad it seems that you're doing well.

i'm a full time caretaker to my grandmother, who had a severe stroke (her second one) almost a year ago, so stroke is something i've learned a great deal about, including how to best facilitiate her rehabilitation.

riven1 - if you feel up to it, check out the book "my stroke of insight" by jill bolte taylor. it's an amazing story and very inspiring. it goes into a lot of detail of how the human brain is actually able to heal itself even after taking damage from a stroke. there's also a website by jill, full of even more information. they are great resources out there.

and just from experience, therapists of all sorts are wonderful people. try to work your hardest with them, and ask for homework to do outside of therapy. it makes such a huge, and rapid, difference.

much love and healing sent your way.

So sorry to hear you have been going through this.  It is totally scary when our bodies are not under our control any more.  Will pray that you get better really soon!

Kristi

Please give us an update to let us know how your doing

I've been very worried

Hi Riven'
Feeling for you

Cindy

Update:

Each day brings an improvement. My speech and the use of my affected hand is getting better, but still not 100% yet. Physical therapy continues, and that seems to help also. I am far less frustrated these days trying to do simple things like button a button, but i still can't legibly sign my name, and still have issues sometimes eating/swallowing - my shirt looks like a bib after eating 

Also, i'm still waiting for records to come from the hospital, but the first bill already arrived ($25k). I'm sure its the first of many, many more 

I'm getting tired of sitting around, and want to go back to work. Hopefully that will happen soon.

k_tech: i will check out that book

Thanks for all of the positive energy you have sent my way! 

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Post Merge: February 17, 2010, 09:59:27 PM

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Among the interesting things you get from a stroke, one thing does stand out for me.

I am far, far more emotional now. I cry at the drop of a hat. As a androgyne i'm not exactly opposed to this, but it is a new experience, and rather embarrassing at times. My wife and I will be watching something on tv, and i'll tear up, and I can see her looking at me but not saying anything.

Such a girl thing to do