Younger stroke causes a lifetime of disability…with little or no resources available because most think it’s rare. 20% – 30% of all strokes are suffered by people under the age of 45.
Strokes happen to young, healthy people.
Just one woman’s story…
A new journey begins… At 39, I experienced a ‘line of demarcation’ in my life; a complete change in worldview, a paradigm shift. We all regularly experience change, but not all experience those moments when life, as you knew it, is gone. It seems to happen in a matter of a few seconds…or many seconds that culminate into one definitive moment of complete and utter change. You may retain some remnants or vestiges of your shredded life, but they are simply reminders of what once was. You may be shocked, saddened, relieved, hopeful, angry, or all of these, but there is no nebulousness in the sense of finality that looms overhead, ultimately weaving itself into the fabric of your life…an indelible splotch. It is at this moment that you will find out just how resilient you are; how you will process what is utterly unfathomable; if you are to be a victim or a survivor.
by Understand | Connect | Empower on January 25, 2011
I was the Owner/Operator of a successful heavy equipment company. I was 40 years old when my life was shattered from a massive brain stem stroke.
It was a usual day. I had been operating an excavator and it was a tough job. I felt soreness in my shoulders and upper back. I went to the chiropractor. When he manipulated my neck, I heard a click and felt a sharp pain in my neck. The soreness seemed worse than ever. He gave me ice and assured me I was fine.
Over the next couple of days, I had bouts of dizziness, lightheadedness and a headache but I was able to work through it. I was young and strong. It never occurred to me that I might be having symptoms of stroke. I went back to the chiropractor and told him the soreness was no better and about all the other symptoms happening since my last visit. Again, he assured me I was fine and went ahead and manipulated my spine and then my neck.
After the second neck twist, I felt tingling in my legs, feet and toes. I couldn’t move my legs. Within minutes, the paralyzing tingling worked up to the rest of my body. I couldn’t speak. It was horrifying. I remember the chiropractor yelling, “Call 9-1-1!” and then sticking his fingers in my mouth to press my tongue down so it didn’t block my airway. I was only able to blink my eyes and then I passed out. [click to continue…]
Having a stroke at any age is devastating. However, surviving a stroke when younger creates a path of destruction that essentially ravages three generations. When sandwiched between young children and elderly parents, younger stroke victims are often the primary source of support; pillars if you will. When the pillars fracture, the entire structure crumbles. This [...]
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