Bill Reid


Budweiser

This day started on Tuesday March 29, 2005. I was 34 years at that time. I drive to work every morning at 5:30am. I am/was a Engineering Service Manager (special elevators). I bought a new truck 5 months ago (4 door Dakota V8). I was 10 minutes away from my house when a guy fell asleep driving and he swerved to my side and hit me headon. We was doing about 70km as I was going about 40km. I hit the airbag with my face. I had a little bit blood on my lip and I broke my right hand (I lost my left hand in 1990 at work). I could not see my left eye at all.

 

At the hospital, I was feeling weird, I don't know what but I knew something was going to happen. I told the doctor I couldn't see my left eye but the doctor said it was fine and he will send me to x-ray for my right hand. While after my x-ray I turned paralyzed (for whole right side), I was looking to my left and I hear my wife (she wasn't in my truck) and doctor talking to me but I could say a word. It's the scariest feeling ever. The doctor sent me for a CT right away. After awhile, the doctor came back with a CT and he said I had blood in my left brain and they will send me to another hospital for a nuero area. After awhile I could move my right side and I could start to talk, but only say 1 or 2 words with alot of bad words.

 

After alot of x-rays/MRI/MRA/CT etc...., they said I had a bilateral Carotid Dissection. The left artery's lining teared and let out the blood to my brain, then it caused an infarct (stroke). The neurosurgeon said it was a major stroke but no need for surgury as the blood as stopped. The doctor said not to many people life after a bilateral dissection. I was lucking. My doctor wants to see a doppler on my artery every year now as my left artery has a problem. It has enuogh blood for now, but not sure how long.

 

I've done 10 months of physio (broke hand and stroke) and I still do speech therapy. My stroke was in the left brain and it caused my speech/language/comprehension etc... I get so frustrated cause you can't say the words you want.

 

I'm near the one year stroke. I can drive again but I can't work...yet. Everyone, be happy everyday and be safe!!!

 

From the category:

Bios

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Hi Bill, I Also had Bilateral disection stroke Jan.18 then stroked 10 days later I had a neuro psych do not worry . Do what you can take as many breaks as you need. You may need 2 days for test Mine was OK Most people are exhausted by the end. Mine took place in missisauga by Dr. Lorraine McFadden. I used to work at Loblaws for30 years Iwas 43 when Istroked now am 46 I go for therapy at Inter-action in Mississauga They are awesome.This happened in2003.Iuse agym membership also use pool twice per week. Send me an e-mail if you need info on anything

 

Kent Stirling

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Hi, your attitude is so uplifting and appreciate your well wishes. So sorry this had to happen to you. Recovery seems to take a long while.

 

Still recovering and prayers for you and yours,

Lorna Smith

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I had a dissection too but mine was caused by a chiro adjusting my neck and tearing the artery. I was 42 at the time and also had just bought a new Yukon which I couldn't drive for 6 mo. I was a youngish active mom of two, enjoying my life. Now I'm plagued with vertigo that's worsened and more anxiety. Do you feel you've recovered physically but still plagued emotionally?

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I had a dissection too but mine was caused by a chiro adjusting my neck and tearing the artery. I was 42 at the time and also had just bought a new Yukon which I couldn't drive for 6 mo. I was a youngish active mom of two, enjoying my life. Now I'm plagued with vertigo that's worsened and more anxiety. Do you feel you've recovered physically but still plagued emotionally?

 

 

I've heard alot of people that have problems by that (chiro). My neurosurgeon told me "don't let anyone touch your neck".

 

I get tired easy but that is in my speech area. IfI do too much, I have a hard problem talking. I forget words and I get confused easly. I get so frustrated easly when I cant find the word or I say the wrong words. When I get tired I have to leave if anyone is around.

 

The docs/therapies said that I had a stroke by the accident and a head injury as I hit so hard in my truck.

 

I can drive now but the insurance pays me so low I can't pay for another car/truck. :Tantrum:

 

I happy because alot of people said I shouldn't have lived through that car accident.

 

:)

 

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Bill,

I too suffered a stroke from a carotid artery dissection caused by coughing!!infarct on right-side, my emotions were altered

I'm a different person emotionally, It's hard to get used to

 

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Hi All,

I too,had bilateral dissected carotids.Left side was discovered during angio after I was released from rehab hospital.Suspect cause was hacking cough carried with trauma to neck from carrying luggage through airports in Europe.I was 45 years old,with a right brain stroke and at first struggled with my pronunciation when speaking.Now I'm taking driving lessons and I learned to horseback ride this past summer.I'm nearly independent now!I also struggle with my emotions,crying easily.The road to recovery may seem long,but it's worth the pain& effort.I am developing a new life and enjoying getting to know myself.I'm even looking at new career options.

Best of luck to you,

mzeke1

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billikr our post and you have a beautifuklbuddy at your side keep going march ahead and by the way HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND family and the 4 legged onealso eat up theres prob pleanty later talksome time bessy :Clap-Hands:

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Bill,

I also suffered from a carotid artery dissection. mine owas the result of competing in an indoor rowing competition, which strained and eventually tore the artery lining. I have limited use ose of my left arm and leg. i will be receivibg Botox injections to relieve muscle ton in my arm and hand.Also suffer the emotional mood swings. I was lucky to get tPA treatment shortly after symptoms appearedI'll keep you and your family in my prayers..

Good luck and God's blessings to you. Jeff Stalker

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Hi Bill,

 

I had a Thrombotic Stroke on Dec. 10, 2006. It affected my right side. I have no use of my right hand and befor my strokr I had been right handed. Now I use my left hand. What a bummer!! I was able to get my driver's license back on June 6, 2008!! A Happy day for me!! My stroke did did affect my spech some what. But I have gained some of it back.

 

Any way I whish you the best of luck!! :D

 

Bruce Schwentker

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