THIS IS MY STORY

WHAT CHANGED

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As I regained consciousness after the surgery, I noticed I had surgical staples on my stomach and head. I had no clue what had happened up until the doctor informed me that I’d had a stroke, which I did not take seriously or understand the severity of at the time.

 

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I was awake and conscious so I figured that I would be going home that evening, but then it started to sink in that wouldn’t be the case considering I could not move my left leg or arm. I was also still on a liquid diet, administered through the NG tube, which was especially horrible since I am a foodie. All my food and medication was given to me through the NG tube at the hospital and I had to sip on water to keep myself hydrated. Eventually, I passed the swallowing test so the NG tube was taken out, and only then was I allowed to eat solids. My first goal was to be able to eat solids because my aunt had just arrived from England and had brought my favorite crisps: Walkers Cheese and Onion. After slowly working on ice chips and eventually a cookie, I was able to eat solids.

 

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After the removal of the NG tube, I slowly munched on the crisps. At that point, I was a little more stable and was transferred to a wheel chair (by a hoist) and my mom took me for a tour of the hospital floor I was on. Once I got to the waiting room, which was filled with family and friends, an uncle asked me if I wanted anything. My request was a tall white hot chocolate mocha from Starbucks, which was my first proper drink after removal of the NG tube. A few days later, I was transferred to Toronto Rehab.

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It was at Toronto Rehab where everything started to sink in; I was given a wheelchair and was showering and using the toilet with the help of people I was meeting for the first time. I had gone from being independent to dependent. The wheelchair was my mode of transportation at that point and right there I decided that on the day I got discharged, my goal would be to walk out of Toronto Rehab.

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Another big thing that changed for me was that I had trouble getting my shoes on because of the lack of movement in my foot, which was bad since I am a sneaker head. I had to get a different pair of shoes that could accommodate my foot easily, however the selection was very limited. Another limitation I faced related to clothing; I had to start wearing bottoms that had an elastic band so I could pull them down and up easily when I used the washroom. Due to the lack of mobility, I had to wear adult diapers, which are very convenient by the way.

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A lot of things changed after the stroke, I was only able to wear certain types of clothes and shoes due to my limitations. Over time I adjusted and adapted as I found ways to work with what was available. As I became stronger and more mobile, I became less dependent on the adult diapers as I initially was following the stroke. Currently, as I am on the road to recovery, I mainly function with my right hand and if I able to then I incorporate my left hand.

 

 

17 thoughts on “WHAT CHANGED

  1. Wow you are so incredible!!!! Doing so much of what I couldn’t do- you went thru most of what I did too but you did way better!!! Haha ;D I’m so very happy for you ?????? you deserve so so much for being a strong person ?✌?️?

  2. Great story Saj. Thx for sharing. Inspire more.

    People don’t realize the severity of strokes that well. I have empathy for you but know you are a strong guy. Keep sharing we are listening….

  3. Thank you for posting your videos on stroke. It has really helped my hubby. Did you have to deal with seizures after your stroke much. This is a question my hubby has. He is not able to use Facebook yet but asked me to send this message to you

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      1. The seizures happened randomly with out any warning. I am on high dose of keppra. It was almost a year before I became seizure free

  5. My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content in your case? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome web site!|

    1. This is just the beginning for my blog i haven’t really given any thought to bringing on guest writers at the moment, but it is something to think about

      Regards 

      Saj

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  7. This journey is so much like my own! I never dreamed I had a stroke or brain surgery. When I found out I did though, I assumed they would send me home and life would return to normal. I was soo wrong!! You did a fabulous job and should be very proud!!

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