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Luis M.  Luis Caregiver & Family Our lives have changed, and it has given me a wake up call on how life is so precious. Being the spouse of a stroke survivor is not any easier than being the individual affected. Believe me, I would not want to be either one, but this is what life has given us for the time being. Being the caregiver is not only what you have to do, but it is about the love and respect you have for your loved one. My wife is only 51 years old and has had chronic migraines for years. She had come to the resolution that nothing was going to relieve her migraines. That changed when the stroke occurred. She had her stroke on my 53rd birthday, when I found her in bed not responding. That day I will never forget, because it changed both of our lives. She had a brain hemorrhage and luckily, the bleeding stopped without any surgery. Her ability to move her right side was limited by not having the use of her right arm and hand, but with the help of OT and PT, we feel strongly that she will overcome the disability. The everyday task of making sure she is not having another stroke is a challenge and constant worry for me. I dread sometimes going into our bedroom and finding her in the same state that I did on that November evening. I know how tough it must be on her, and that she has many challenges ahead of her, but I sometimes am angry at why this happened to us. However, it has made us stronger, and we even appreciate each other more than we did before. I know everyone says she is getting better, but I am the one that sees her struggles when everyone goes home and the doors are closed. It doesn't end there. It goes on 24/7. But love conquers all. |
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