Keith F.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
By: Keith F.

Survivor

Before the stroke I had a job. I was a chemist and fire investigator for a national company. I used to write letters and reports two or three times per day. I traveled the nation, and I was very respected. I used to work a lot of hours, around 60 hours per week.

I had my stroke in the office, but I had my door closed. The stroke was caused by an automobile accident that was not my fault. It was five years before the stroke. During the stroke I had a dream that I woke up and it was better, and I would tell my wife. Tough luck. I had right side of the body paralysis and no speech. I read very slowly. I would like to get better.    

Soon after the stroke, I stood up and attempted to walk. Two months later I was walking very slowly. I use my legs every day, and my right leg is improving. I am trying to use my right arm. I exercise my arm every day and it's improving, but very slowly. I now read quickly. I talk, it's slow, but I am talking. I do write but only about three, four, or five paragraphs in a week. Five years after the stroke I am getting better.