Wes:

I think for my first two years of my post stroke life I was stroke victim since I was still stuck in oldme. once I moved on with my life & made real good life for newme. I am no longer victim, I am the lucky survivor one. though day I sit on my pitypot wallowing my losses I can label myself as victim, but no more of those days baby

Asha

Survive in my mind is whatever took place or happened you came out of it alive. A deadly accident means someone died and some survived and if it was more than that one person involved they must be alive.

To me if a stroke person die right then or at the hospital they become a victim of that stroke in my mind.

But what do I know? Anyway, did the article read like it was going to be a good program in Britain??

I don't like the word "Victim" either! We can be a victim but to be that, you give up and you're basically dead! If we are a survivor that means we are still alive, active and still existing, moving on. Maybe having to make some changes but still going! I feel sure the person who put the article on your desk meant to be helpful in some way but sometimes the best of intentions backfire! I sure am grateful that we are survivors!!

Love you

Mom

While I was in the hospital for a month recuperating, I thought I was a stroke victim. After I was out and about, I knew for certain I was (and continue to be) a stroke survivor.

I'm like Fred...was it a good article?

Stessie

You are so right! The way I see it you're a victim as long as you choose to be. Once you decide to work to overcome it, then you become a survivor. My brother is a survivor and I couldn't be more proud of him.

My husband's brother chose to remain a victim after his stroke. He didn't do his therapy- in fact all he did was lie around feeling sorry for himself until his affected arm drew up and he basically withered away and he eventually died. It's about choices, determination, and committment.

I believe your coworker had the best of intentions. I believe the writer did as well, both were just uneducated.

I'd like to think I would prefer being a survivor as opposed to being a victim. Sometimes the right choice of words makes all the difference.

Love I know the frist few days,weeks and months you did feel like a victim. But with the wonderful people on this network that you found you relized that you are a survivor and they have made all the differance in the world. Alot of the things you write you never share with me on our way home from your work. I understand its because you are tired and your month gets tired. That is why I love this network and all the people on it. It helps you share all your thoughts and feelings the ones you have a hard time expressing (now that your on prozac) and I get to be a Survivor with you, knowing your thoughts and feeling like the rest of the world gets to see. I love you and you have come such a long way and I am so proud of you. I love when you show people how well you are recovering with your arm it shows how far you have come. We will and are surviving this thing together always and forever I love you

Debbie

LOVE them to make them strong. Don't love them to make them weak. :Ponder: