Coping With Stroke

My name is Tara and I am a stroke survivor. I had a massive stroke on 6-14-05 at the age of 25. Also I was celebrating my 2nd wedding anniversary.
I am living proof that ANYONE can have a stroke I was healthy, active, unfortunately that doesn’t matter when you have a blood clotting problem. My stroke was on the right side of my brain, therefore affecting the left side of my body. Actually paralyzing it. At the time of my stroke, I spent a few days in the ER until my brain started to swell. I was then airlifted to a comprehensive stroke hospital in Denver, CO. There they performed a craniotomy (removed a piece of my skull on the right side of my head to allow room for the swelling). I woke up 3.5 weeks later. The doctors wanted this to allow my brain time to rest. I was on a breathing machine along with every IV and tube known to the medical field. Of course I don’t remember this, but go off of what my friends and family tell me. My first memory after waking up was when I collapsed when my stroke happened. It was the 4th of July and I couldn’t believe how much time I had lost! I have been in and still am doing physical and occupational therapy. After spending about 5 months I went home from the hospital in a wheelchair. I took my first steps on 11-01-05. I have been progressing since then. It has been a long and hard battle, with many more things to tackle. Everyday I work to “reclaim” a part of my “old” self. Everyday is different. Everyday is a new day. Because of my stroke, I am stronger, determined and compassionate. I thank god for giving me a second chance, and for family and friends that got me through the hardest time of my life.