May is Stroke Awareness month! I have decided to highlight Stroke Awareness and recovery in my blog this month. I am also participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge (UBC) this month as well; so I will be trying to post one blog every day for 31 days. Please wish me luck. If you’ve read my blog before, you know that I had a stroke and I have aphasia, a communication disorder from the stroke that makes speech, reading, and writing challenging.
During this month, I will share some parts of my stroke story and journey so far. I will also give you some information about stroke that you may or may not know - what it is, risk factors, types, and tips for recovery, etc. Of course I will not be able to tell you all there is to know. I will try to share resources that are available and tell you what I wish I had been told before or in the weeks following the stroke.
Everyone’s journey is different and this, of course, is also true for every stroke survivor. I believe that it is important for each stroke survivor to share their story with others, if and when, they feel comfortable doing so.
Our stories may:
1. promote stroke awareness 2. help medical professionals treat patients more effectively
3. share what has worked so others can try, if appropriate
4. support other stroke survivors to thrive.
My Story
On May 11, 2019 I was at home healing from a recent surgery. On the Friday I had rotator cuff repair surgery. I knew that weekend would be a lost weekend. It was Mother’s Day weekend. I was looking forward to doing nothing; rest, watch some TV or movies, apply ice regularly and take pain medication every 4 to 6 hours. On Saturday night, a friend was in town and stopped by. It was a lovely surprise. Little did I know that life would never be the same after I went to bed.
I woke up in the middle of the night and wondered why I couldn’t hear the TV, but went back to sleep. When I woke up in the morning, I went to the bathroom, walked to the kitchen and tried to say good morning to my husband. Nothing came out!
My husband called 911. Shortly after the EMTs came,
I heard “you’re having a stroke!”
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So, what is a stroke anyway?
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (ruptures).
When the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, brain tissue is prevented from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.
A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.
The good news is that many fewer Americans die of stroke now than in the past. Effective treatments can also help prevent disability from stroke.
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Tomorrow we will talk about signs and symptoms of Stroke.
Please plan to join me on this journey in Stroke Awareness Month.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Your family’s story is so important to tell. Hopefully everyone can learn from your example of being more aware of their health and can avoid a lot of diseases, like stroke and heart disease.
Welcome to the UBC and WOW how scary that must have been, I had a mini stroke in July 2009 that effected my esophagus and vocal chords. I'm looking forward to following your journey.
I love that you are sharing your journey and your resources with us. This is an important part of your recovery and the recovery of others when you can share your experience with others! I look forward to seeing more of your post in this challenge.
Cheryl, strokes are horrible! They used to run in my family. But the current generation has been eating and behaving carefully enough to avoid strokes-- we hope! I had no idea it was Stroke Awareness Month, and I'm glad you're writing about it.