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Gimme a shot, I want to help!

10/23/2017

4 Comments

 
​I don’t even know when my last blog was. So I’ll give up on any talk about the frequency of my writing! Suffice it to say that I’ll write when I have something to say or I get a question from one of my 10(?) readers (lol).But enough of this jabber. I do have something to say finally. So let’s get to it.  They say blog posts should be short but, hey. I have a lot on my mind today, so bear with me!
 
The discussion today will be two-fold, first, depression again. I’ll bet you’re saying, ’What the Frig (WTF), John, I’m depressed enough without you telling me about it’. (Would someone correct the punctuation on that for me? Now I’m just fishing for an email). And secondly, Happiness. I’ll bet you’re saying, ’What the Frig, John, I’m depressed enough without you telling me about it. I had a stroke remember! How can I be happy?
 
Actually, the first topic is really “feeling sorry for yourself” which leads to depression. I often fall into this trap.  Why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this? Why does everyone look funny at me like I’m weird because I walk with a limp and my hand is clenched tight all the time? Why do I always have pain on my numb side?   How can I be happy?  Do questions like this go through your head, too? I’m betting the answer is yes.  Well, we’re not alone. I think that most stroke survivors go through this at one time or another. And the ones that don’t are the ones who get better quicker. They’re the ones with the type A positive attitude, damn them!  I wish my attitude was type A positive! Luckily, I get by with a little help from my friends both human and chemical. Thank God I am lucky enough to have found the correct combination of meds.  Sometimes you just can’t do it on your own and there’s nothing wrong with getting some help. I’m also lucky with the friends and family I have been given they’re very positive, loving and supportive. Especially my wife Mary who doesn’t give me a break! She keeps reminding me of all the good things I have! Thanks, Babe!
 
And therein comes the happiness part. I have one Mary, I have two fantastic daughters, I have two great grandsons and soon I will have two great sons-in-law.  Plus all the grandparents get along with each other.  How good is that? The list even goes on.  I’m sure a lot of you can be thankful for your own Happiness builders if you think hard enough.
 
But what about those of you out there who don’t have friends and family to give you positive, loving support?  And I’m sure there are a lot of you out there since there are so many of us stroke survivors. And we all have one thing in common to be thankful for survival! Many people who have a stroke aren’t that blessed to be alive! And some of you out there are saying why didn’t I die? It would be better than living like this. 
 
Well, guess what, that’s one of the reasons this blog is here. To give those of you without much going for you the love, support and friendship you might need.   Not just from me, but from my network ( I do have more than 10 readers, honest!), due to the large number of stroke survivors around there must be some like you who have been down and out, but pulled themselves out of it. Why not try to tap into that positivity and get some help from someone who’s walked the walk you’re walking right now? And how about those of you who have made the comeback writing in to tell us how you did it whether it’s a mental or physical comeback doesn’t matter. Both are valuable.  Even I who have a lot to be thankful for can benefit from information especially the physical comeback stories.   Maybe we can get some really good dialog going and help people. I think most people enjoy helping others and a lot like a little help now and then.  I am one of the ones who likes to help others.  Why not give me a shot at helping you? It doesn’t take much time.
 
If you made it this far thanks for reading the whole post. I appreciate it.
Take care!
 
   
4 Comments
Richard dreyer
1/24/2018 06:54:08 am

I’m 64. Went into the hospital for an illeostomy and after the surgery had a stroke as a clot went to my brain. It was major bowever I was in the right place as the neurologist took over and were able to correct the situation. Here I am, perhaps a month later having issues that I never experienced before. Forgetfulness, indecisiveness and daily, I feel like I have no purpose. I was able to make a follow up appointment with my neurologist coming February 12th and will discuss this further. I find I am losing balance easily but have not fallen yet.i don’t know if I need a psychiatrist or a babysitter or more drugs. I feel like I walk around in a fog. Last night, I went to the store but left something on the stove. How scary. I was discharged from the hospital because I was functioning normally and was instructed to call for a follow up appointment as needed.
I am concerned. My life has changed dramatically with the illeostomy and now this.

Reply
John Van Deun
1/24/2018 05:14:16 pm

Richard,
Thanks for contacting me.Sorry to hear about the illeostomy and the stroke. In your post you mentioned many of the post stroke deficits that a lot of stroke survivors have. Fortunately, these deficits can be overcome. Forgetfulness and possibly indecisiveness for example can be helped by using an online app called Lumosity that has programs to strengthen your memory and cause you to make quick decisions. Balance can be handled by a physical therapist. And I would suggest you get a psychiatrist or social worker to address your problems of feeling like you have no purpose and walking around in a fog.

I have experienced all of the above and solved the problems as mentioned. My social worker was especially helpful in talking me out of my funk. Of course the Cymbalta and Abilify helped! ( You have to go to a psychiatrist to get medications.)

It sounds like you didn't have any physical effects except for the balance ( Is that true?). This in itself is a blessing! Most stroke survivors I know have had a physical aspect to the stroke on top of the mental problems. I myself have a left side deficiency having lost my left hand and it screwed up my left hip and left foot.

My suggestions to you would be to seek the help you need to clear up your deficits, keep a positive attitude, work hard at any therapy you receive and always remember that you do have a purpose because you lived for a reason!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me again. That's why I'm here!

Hope this helped,
John

Reply
Yinka Balogun
12/10/2018 05:32:38 am

Well done John for keeping this blog! I stumbled on it this morning..
Very interesting reading such a lucid stroke survivors account.
Im 50 yrs had my stroke in 2016 and have right sided hemiparesis... the journey has been interesting at times but never dull I hope to get back to work next year but for now still focused on exercising!

Reply
John Van Deun
12/10/2018 02:05:02 pm

Hi, Yinka, Thanks for contacting me. I appreciate the kind words. I'm glad you have a good attitude. it is essential to recovery. Stay focused and I'm sure you will get back to work.You're still young! Go for it!

Reply



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    John Van Deun

    Age 72
    Stroke
    11/08/08 @ 62
    carotid
    dissection

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  • A Stroke Survivor Story
  • Intro Page - 1
  • Intro Page - 2
  • Intro Page - 3
  • Blog
  • A Stroke Rehab Journey
  • Hand of Hope
  • Chat Room
  • Contact
  • Related Links
  • Tools for Stroke Rehabilitation
  • Products to Make Life Easier
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Related Links for Seniors