A YEAR AGO TODAY...

I was admitted to to the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, the stroke floor, level 3. Today is a milestone for me in many ways not only the year mark of my stroke but also, a year without cigarettes, and my new healthier lifestyle. Most importantly in this post I would like to thank the staff and team-members that helped saved my life this day one year ago. My Neurology Dr. Reese, Cardiologist Dr. Burke, My Radiologist /Surgeon Dr Newbold , the team of nurses, they truly took every measure to make sure I am here today and are the best staff in the COUNTRY, I am so blessed to have them as my team. My recovery is miraculous and you would never know I have had suffered a stroke unless I were to tell you, I'm lucky as I have reached out to other stroke survivors who had  face paralysis, speech problems, in a wheelchair, or brain damaged. It's hard for me see situations where I feel almost "too lucky" sometimes, just because my damage isn't on the outside, it's on the inside. But that doesn't mean my struggles aren't harder or easier, they are just different in everyone's case. In my case I was given my voice and my life back and I can not express my gratefulness. <3 -Sam

Anxious!!

With only 10 days until my year of my life celebration(year since my stroke).... i'm REALLY nervous!! I keep recalling the events, the trauma, what your body truly can go through. The body is miraculous but so is the human mind. I keep having dreams, or day dreams recalling events, other stroke survivors have assured me it's normal, but I can't help but feel this anxiety. Its' weird how the only person who knows what its like to have a stroke is to actually experience it. No Neurologist, Cardiologist, Radiologist, no nurse, no aid, none of your friends, usually not your own family members either know what you've been through. They watched it, but never felt it.  The only people that I can relate to are those who have been through what I have. People who wouldn't take no for an answer, people who wouldn't be a "victim". Other survivors are so strong and positive it encourages me to be a better stroke advocate, and I will continue; for those who passed from strokes, or for those who aren't as lucky as I am. I have my voice back. . -Sam