Brian F.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
By: Brian F.

Survivor

Four years ago, while cutting firewood, I had an ischemic stroke. I couldn't raise my arm, and not knowing what to do, I didn't know how to shut the chainsaw off. I was so confused, I had to sit down, then fell down on the ground. The next thing I saw was the EMT loading me on the van. I was paralyzed on the right side, and couldn't speak. After a month at the hospital they let me come home for rehabilitation. When we used up all the time the insurance would pay for, I found out about clinical trials. It is a way to get more therapy without money. I took one that involved a balance device, and one on robotics for the arm. Both were helpful.

I took a test and got a drivers license again, and the DVR got me a left side accelerator. I got a Bioness L300, which is a foot lift device that is better than a splint for foot drop, because you don't need a larger shoe. My foot was always cold since I had a stroke, but the circulation has much improved with the Bioness making the foot work. I continue to slowly recover. It takes a lot of time and patience, but when when you quit, recovery ends. Keep at it.