Imagine having a stroke at 51. Much less MULTIPLE strokes. (Read my stroke story here.) I was having speech problems that alerted my doctors to the problem. And you add to that sky-high blood pressure, and I was doomed from the beginning. My father and grandmother had high blood pressure as well, so I had no choice. But strokes are not a death sentence – you can recover from them.
It all started several years ago
I’m still not convinced of this, but my wife is. About 4 years ago I had a bout of vertigo. This resulted in an inability to drive. I began seeing a chiropractor who diagnosed me with osteoarthritis in my upper back. I chalked my vertigo up to OA and lived my life. My wife drove me everywhere – especially to my doctor’s appointments. Driving made me dizzy.
Things changed
After I visited the hospital, something happened. After speaking with my parents, my speech improved. My driving improved. I had my energy back. I was able to take care of my kids. It was as if the strokes hadn’t happened. My balance is still off, but my energy is back and I’m able to drive. I can go to the store to get things for my family. My only issue is my allergies – much of what I suffer is will allergies that have increased tremendously.
Things have leveled off
In the meantime, things have leveled off. I can still drive (mostly), but my head has been dizzy. I got a new glasses prescription, and working with them has caused problems. This is supposed to help me drive, but it’s hit and miss.
Depression
Depression is a real problem for stroke victims. Coming this close to death can have an impact on your outlook on life. Depression is a real thing – it’s not just “feeling bad”. It can have an impact on your mood and your physical well-being. It can have an impact on your whole life, including your relationships and social standing. It can have an impact on your whole life.
Work is tough
I’m trying to work again but it’s hard to do. I was self-employed in the market research industry before getting sick. Much of my work involved writing, including surveys and analysis. Although the basics are still there, I find it hard to focus on writing, even basic stuff. Analyzing data is difficult to do, even on good days.
Where we are now
As of right now, things have not improved. I’m still depressed, and there is no work to be found. I struggle with my focus and in finding a job. Pray for me. I only hope things will get better as time moves on.
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Jeff Reynolds is principal of Reynolds Consulting LLC.