My recovery to date.
Well, I am extremely new to 'blogging' but here goes . . . It is now 12 weeks since my cerebellar and parietal stroke. Three days ago I had what became my final visit to the neurologist. I was a public patient so the neurologist was attached to the hospital. At that visit I was told that no cause for the clot that resulted in the strokes could be found. As such there was basically no more he could do. My GP is now responsible for my ongoing care. It did surprise me though, when the neurologist described my cerebellar stroke as 'catastrophic'! He also confirmed that the parietal lobe stroke was the result of a small clot breaking away from the main one that destroyed two thirds of my left cerebellum. The initial concern focused on my heart as the vein that the clot travelled along came from the heart but no fault of concern could be found. I will be on Aspirin and statins for life; and blood pressure tablets for the foreseeable future. Still, all things considered, I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I have not lost my speech, mobility or vision. However, my eyes do still tremble a bit and I find that walking a straight line takes considerable concentration and effort. If I trip and begin to fall I find I no longer have the ability to stop the momentum, so I usually have a walking stick with me to prop me up when I begin to 'wander' or go off the vertical! My memory has taken a bit of a blow, and I find that I have developed mild dyslexia, especially with letters and numbers of similar shapes. My left hand also has trouble occasionally, as it overshoots my intended target. My handwriting has slowed down, and I sometimes falter as I try to remember how to spell a word or how to write it. Reading, which I love, is a bit of a chore these days as is sewing or anything that requires prolonged concentration. But, as I said, I consider myself one of the lucky ones. it is early days and who knows how much I will improve over time. the biggest battle may end up being the battle of the 'mind'. Putting fears and doubts to sleep and moving on without wondering "what if." Oh, and a final note, I have also had clearance to drive again; although I am yet to do so.
Merry Christmas to all and I hope the New Year sees you all improving and getting healthier as each day goes by.