Nick Horton

Nick Horton

By Nick Horton

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I have an AVM in my left parietal lobe? or frontal? It went undetected for the first 26 years of my life. When I think back now maybe there were signs - but nothing major and I think I probably passed them off as something unimportant. Maybe it was just my age - I think I thought I was invincible? How wrong I was, aye! My AVM (which is like a tangle of veins in your brain or a tumour) burst Oct 20th 2005 while I was alone. After three scary days I found out what had happened.

 

I remember going through a couple of days of depression - the thought of not being able to move my entire right hand side was a bit too much really, and considering I was right handed! Well that was just insane. Simple things like getting dressed, scratching an itch, having a shave suddenly became intense times of intense concentration :Tantrum: Everyone was fantastic, doctors,

nurses, PT, OT.

 

I met some amazing people who really changed my perspective. My arm came back pretty quickly (2-3 months) then slowly my leg is coming back. I was able to stand without help at about 3-4 months. Then small steps, then bigger steps. Wow, walking 500 metres - wow can now walk to corner shop and back. I work hard on it (always think I could work harder). Now I am getting a little bit more strength :happydance: . About six months ago I got my drivers license back. YAY! FREEDOM! Scary but free.

 

I have just begun attempting to run - still have foot drop - but I am getting a little spring off the foot and the occasional lifting of toes.

From the category:

Bios

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Lpogas

Hi Nick,

 

I had an AVM also. Like you, my right side used to be dominant and that was the side that got messed up from the stroke. I am a female, age 42. The stroke happened on August 24, 2001. The doctors said it was a massive stroke and I would never get out of bed. I was 35 at the time and my husband and my two daughters did not want to have me in a bed forever! I could walk without a cane about 6 months after the stroke.

 

I also had a foot drop. I found out that a Dr. in Philadelphia, PA would operate on it and hope that it was fixed. I am pleased to say that it worked for me. But I have not been able to run since the stroke. I used to run 3 miles a day before the stroke. Maybe I'm just too afraid to run. I think it's great that you are learning it again.

 

Best Regards,

Lynn Pogas

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jwatrous

Nick -

First, sorry for your loss

 

My stroke was in 1985 @ age 39 & its been a long haul to recoup, but I feel blessed to have meet so many good people, on the way

I send my prayers to you & good luck

June, from CT

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Little Jo

:) Hello Nick i have had three min strokes a then i had this one this one took the cake . Ihad this one about February 15 -2008was paralysis on my right sideairm an leg have a drop foot to . BUT now im walking on my own walk about 1 mile a day and riding my exerisebike when it is good day have all my felling back in my hand an arm an leg . Went to the fair last night walk all over the fair with my cain . when i got home

i was pooped so i gess i got me exersise for the week . im gald you are doing so good . keep the good work up .

 

 

HAVE A GOOD DAY AN MY GOD BLESS YOU.

little jo

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HostBruce

Hi Nick,

 

My frist stroke was in Dec. 10, 2006. I had a Throastic(sp) Stroke. Then in Sept. 20th, 2010 I had an Anerism surgery oan my blood presure droped and caused me to have a second stroke that caused me to become parlised from the waist down.

 

Bruce Schwentker

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