jetjaguar72

It unfortunately seems like the only time I get a chance to write is when I am reflecting on time and remembering how far I have come. Life is so different now. I still struggle with walking easily, but I walk! I have RAN with my son, who has grown so big and is just amazing! 6 years old! My career is in hyperdrive, really pushing my mental limits! I basically just wanted to say thanks and never give up. Hope will see you through. It definitely saw me through...

So many emotions right now... Pride that I've lasted and thrived, joy that my life is better with my little son and beloved wife and sadness that I left such a dear resource behind as life got busy... First off, after almost exactly 8 years after my stroke, I'm doing fantastic. I can walk well, feel better, even lost 45 pounds! I've been looking into doing advocacy work for the disabled and have gotten great treatment for sleep apnea... If you have it, try the TAP device! Also, I must apologize for not contributing more to a place that gave me so much support. I feel especially now that I am rather well, I can offer hope and encouragement. As I look back on the last eight years I have pride on how cheerful my early entries were and how little I let pain bother me. Now, I'm wiser and a bit more cautious, and unfortunately, I feel LESS empathetic to people's issues. Headache? Quit complaining! It's odd because it's unlike me. I'm working on it. I plan on being around more this year to offer advice and share stories. Glad to be back!

That's great news... I am not on any meds as my reaction to them is adverse to say the least! I get extreme pins and needles, to where I actually could believe there ARE pins and needles going into my skin! If you don't mind, what thinking exercises helped?

Hello all.. Long time no write... I feel incredibly lucky that I am keep transitioning. I get feelings of intense pain on my affected side and then, a few days later, I can feel those portions of my body a bit better than before. I have also become quite good at walking and can now jog a bit! Most of my new acquaintances have no idea I ever had a stroke! I still get tired, exhausted and all that, but I can never let it affect my spirit. I have been playing with my new son, going to concerts with my beloved wife and basically spending time with my family and friends. Strokes are awful, no doubt, but I am using mine to take stock and appreciate the things I do have. We only get one life, better make the most of it, regardless of what obstacles stand in our way. Hope all are well...

Thanks for all the warm wishes... I hope everyone is finding happiness and contentment within their lives as well!

Life can be crazy... in Jan, I celebrated my 2 year anniversary of when I beat my stroke. Yes, I consider it a victory. A life threatening event and I survived. The woman that caused my stroke turns out to be an awful woman and I can only pity her and pray that she becomes a better person in her bitter old life. Now good news! Me and the wife decided to start a family and had a little boy! He was born in June and has been such a joy. My life has been so much better, less pain (still there but I don't care anymore) and my wife and I are stronger than ever. My beloved parents came to stay to help us care for him in his first few weeks. A nice change of pace from their last stay when they were helping me learn to see and walk... I hope you all are doing well and I pray for all your well being often. You have all been a huge amount of inspiration and hope. Talk to you soon!

It's been two years since my stroke! Wow! After finally getting over my immense anger at the woman who basically caused it (hit me in an accident) and recovering nicely, I feel okay today. I bite my thumb at my stroke. It never beat me, never broke me and I carried on. Again, it's all about support and the will to carry on and fight. I hope all of you are well and thanks for the support this last 2 years. I will always value it immensely. Talk to you all soon!

So, it's been awhile since I wrote! I am doing very well, everyday is a bit easier than the last. Besides the dizziness and eye issues, I feel like I am doing well. I am able to work and do things I enjoy doing without a substantial amount of effort. Feeling a bit of anger towards the woman that caused the accident that injured me and caused the stroke, makes me feel guilty, but I have come to realize that she obviously didn't mean it and if she could take it back, I am certain she would. I don't feel like fostering resentment or anger. I only have time for good things! I do fear for my health in the future. How will I age? I feel like I am 50 when I am actually only 36. I suppose I should just be grateful I am in such good shape! 2009 will be an incredible year and I think back often to those days where I could not do much but type. The support you all give is immeasurable and I thank you. wow, a survivor for 2 years in just a few days! I cannot believe it!

Heh! I wish I was still a kid... I think in reality, I am about at 80% of where I used to be, but I feel so much better than I did a year ago. It's amazing to me. I don't like the fact I had the stroke, but I feel like I am a better person because of it. More patient, understanding etc...

Wow, been awhile but thats good. It means I have been busy! Working is great and recovery goes well. Just yesterday, after about 1 and 11 months, I can feel temperature again! I actually had to use a jacket! Hooray! I honestly feel all I need is to get better balance and I will be pretty close to 100%. I have been very fortunate and can't imagine how I could get by without support. I hope everyone is doing very well. The elections were very exciting and give me lots of hope for the US and for the future, one I will be healthier in.

VERY different! I feel that I only have this ONE life to live, so I better make it a good one regardless of what obstacles I face. Thanks for reading!

Where did the summer go?! Wow, before I know it, Christmas will be here.. what a great summer though. Vegas, Dark Knight, Comic Con, work.. wow. Been busy! Recovery goes well, less pain, a bit more stability. I have dreams of running and cycling so maybe it's my brain telling me these things will be possible. All in all, I am doing fine. Less sharp stabbing pain and better balance have helped. I am going back to rehab to see what I can do to improve my balance. These next few months should be fun. Going to see Nine Inch Nails, the Faint and Stereophonics. 3 shows coming up! huzzah! Life after a stroke can be filled with fun after all. Just have to pace myself! I hope everyone and their families are safe and happy!

A little late, but it is, in fact, July! So busy!! I went to Las Vegas last month and it was great. My disabilities didn't hinder me much, if at all! I had some trouble doing some stairs at that Beatles: Love show. So steep! Of course, the nerve pains were still there (as always) but I am almost used to constant pain, it almost didn't matter. Anyway, a good time was had by all! That Beatles show is incredible! I recommend it! This month I should be even more busy! BBQs, little kid BDay parties, Comic conventions and Dark Knight mania! Life is good, just physically painful at times. What else is new? Heheh! Oh well! We only get one life, can't waste time! Hope you all are safe and well!