Words From One of Our Patients

I'm reprinting here a story published in the Southern Oregon University Retirees Association Newsletter, Winter edition:

THE STROKE

In my 74 times around the sun during my time on planet Earth, I have had my fair share of physical afflictions.  I used to laugh jokingly about the Grim Reaper tossing coffin nails about.  I laugh no more.  December 15, 2010, I got up in the middle of the night, for reasons most old coots will recognize, when the GR tossed a railroad spike.  I had a right side stroke, not caused by my long relationship with my atrial fib, but with an undiagnosed right carotic artery problem.

Fortunaely, I was at home with a wife who awakened when I slid out of bed to the floor and called 911 as soon as she realized I was flopping around on the rug, not able to get up.  The EMTs were there in minutes, diagnosed the problem, and had me on my way to Rogue Valley Medical Center.  I was there [in the ER] in less than half an hour and under medical center care in about thirty minutes.

I was in intensive care for a time, then moved to 6 North RVMC's physical rehab unit (and not 2 North, as some of you might have suspected, the psychiatric unit).  I was very well treated by the staff and was as patient as kind to them as possible, guessing that if I wasn't they wouldn't be.

Six North reminded me of my cruise ship experience, good food, beautiful views, and a host of step 'n fetch-its waiting to help with your most basic needs.  Early on I shed all thoughts of modesty or embarrassment when I realized, they had seen it all and done it all.

In about three weeks I was sent home after a field trip with one of my physical therapists to make sure I could negotiate stairs and shower.  That required some handrails, which, once installed, made me wonder why we didn't install them when we built the house.  But then we weren't thinking thirty plus years ahead.

Next were many trips to Asante Rehab in Medford, for speech, occupational, and physical therapy sessions.  This is where I learned the truth behind the joke, "Do you know the difference between a terrorist and a therapist?"  "You can negotiate with a  terrorist!"

Now, over a year later, things are not perfect, but much improved.  I walk and talk, drive with some degree of certainty and safety, and have recovered or maintained most of my faculties.

Wil things ever be as they were?  Not likely.  You see, you reach a point where your restorative powers lessen with age.  you get better, but will never be able to reach your preivous state simply because you have already started the slippery slope to you know where.

So here is some stroke advice.  Have a plan:
1) Know who to call,
2) Where to go,
3) Take your statins, and
4) Do not eat the chicken skin!

--Frank Lang