A warm welcome to Stroke Connect. Thank you for sharing your story; and what a scary experience you have had the courage to talk about.Here on this forum, it is stories like yours, together with so many others, that provides our members the opportunity to read, analyse, and apply to their personal situations.
I am Glen, I survived a stroke at 43, in August 1990, while still in the surgical recovery room of a major Melbourne hospital, after open heart surgery, to correct a deficient aorta valve. I was at the time, at the peak of my corporate career, a health fanatic, and very fit. I detected breathing problems, together with slight angina during my daily morning runs, and on investigating, found the daficient aorta valve required immediate surgery to fix the problem.
I spent over a year in rehab., made a good recovery, and returned to work, though in a lower profile capacity, until I retired a couple of years ago., I have suffered permanent loss of my left arm and leg. With the help of a KFO on my left leg, I am mobile, and can indulge in most activities I got involved in pre stroke. More than 20 years of doing things single handed, has allowed me to perfect the art of doing most things with one hand, including putting on a perfect tie, and clipping the finger nails of my right hand, using my feet. "Necessity is the mother of invention", and it is indeed amazing what one will do, if the need arose.
I get much pleasure being involved with the National Stroke Foundation, to spread the Stroke Safe message, and in my capacity as Stroke Safe Ambassador, ensure all stroke survivors, that there is much life post stroke, that one can enjoy, with some lifestyle changes. Good luck with your own efforts to pursue what it takes to lead a healthy and comfortable lifestyle. Keep in touch here on the forum, and share your views with us. Take care.
