The Christmas Eve Stroke

THE EVENT (for those who are just hearing this):
Christmas Eve eve was as normal as it has ever been. My main focus was to get everything ready here at home because we celebrate Christmas on the 24th with an amazing full spread breakfast. So, with everything cleaned and set, i went to bed a little after 10:00pm.

I woke at 4:15 with a tingling numbing feeling on the right side of my face than began to move down my neck and i thought immediately “this was a stroke”. I sat up with the tingling racing down my right arm and into my leg. When i attempted to stand (and couldn’t very well), i knew it was time to call 911.

I had full cognitive (but not motor) function and after stumbling down the hall in a crumbled heap at the front door i was able to clearly text my daughter (in another part of the house) “help”. My hand was so wiggly it was difficult to clearly text because of the sensitivity of the keypad, so my text for “stroke” ended up “storke  pp”.

The ER doc told me that i was not having a stroke but rather, they were symptoms of high blood pressure (though i was pretty sure what i was feeling was more than BP). I was not showing traditional signs of a stroke. I had no face droop or no slur. I knew who and where i was, i could verbally confirm the images of the cactus, shoe, fork, pen, feather, and book on their testing card. Both right and left limbs had equal amount of strength.

What I did not have was good motor control or much endurance on the right side of my body. My right limbs were continually tingling, like when an arm or foot “goes to sleep”. My hand was shaky and wiggly, and like a toddler learning how to manage liquids, I spilled multiple cups of water, coffee, and juice. Handwriting was difficult, drawing non existent. When I attempted to walk i found out that i had lost a considerable portion control and balance. 

The miraculous thing is that within a couple days, i was too improved for inpatient rehab. I could manage any cup of liquid, my handwriting was strong, and could walk (slowly) without a walker. They released me four days after admission, being told that the stroke was “CRYPTOGENIC”, which simply means they have no idea how it happened. They may not know how the stroke happened, but the quick move to recovery happened because of prayer, LOTS OF PRAYER by a whole lot of you.

THE NOW:
The question most ask is “How are you?”.
“I’m doing well, making great incremental progress” is the true, short reply.

Though evenings can be my most challenging physically - causing me to use a cane if i plan on going out among nighttime crowds - my PT said she doesn't need to see me anymore. She sent me away with several new strengthening exercises to add to my existing gym regimen. Neural pathways that were damaged are being forcefully recreated by rehab and coveted, deep, restorative sleep. Because of THAT, i have begun to follow a fairly focused bedtime routine to ensure my brain gets ample time to rebuild and renew!

Based on encouragement from neurosurgeons, i expect 100% full functional recovery within a few months, and am doing everything possible to help that happen.

Thank you for surrounding me with various expressions of your care and concern. Your prayers and practical acts of kindness are two strong reasons for my speedy recovery.

Blessings!
DAVID