Coping With Stroke

In March of 1983, I survived a Thalamic Stroke - the type of stroke “only one or two percent of people live through” (per my neurosurgeon at the time). Prior to that, I was a businesswoman, managing a small Escrow Company.

After, I had short-term memory loss and, literally, cried at toilet paper commercials! I’d drive down the road and forget where I was going! My left-side was paralyzed, so walking was, to say the least, a challenge.

My attempts to return to work were all futile - from low-level positions I had more than enough experience to do.

I was, finally, referred to a Neuro-Psychologist who ran two days of tests and found MANY things wrong. Things none of the Dr.s could tell me.

It’s been 24 years, and I’m happy to tell anyone who reads this that YES, There IS life after brain damage! It’s a different type of life, but it IS THERE.

If you are also having trouble with your memory, try Post-It Notes! You can stick them to your rear-view mirror to remind yourself of where you’re going.

If your Dr. isn’t giving you what you need, FIND ANOTHER ONE! You hired him, you can fire him! Take back your control.

And, above all, READ! Read anything and everything you can find regarding your particular injury! Contact the Brain Injury Foundation for your state, or your local Stroke Association. There ARE people out there who can help you. Unfortunately, you may have to look, but I guarantee, they are there!

And, give yourself TIME. It takes a minimum of three years for the swelling in your brain to go down. Only then will you really know your condition.

Hang in, Good Luck, and God Bless!