David Meyers
IT Procurement Manager, Asset Manager, and Photographer in Washington
On July 7, 2012, I suffered a stroke from a blockage in my brain-stem and cerebellum. (Strokes can happen to anyone.)
I was in shape before my stroke. I didn't fit the model of an "at risk of a stroke" person. In fact, two weeks before my stroke I was standing on the podium after finishing the WA State Masters Championship bike race. I was having a really good race year.
Then on July 7th, 2012 I was squatting in the backyard picking up dog poop while talking to my wife. I stood up and the back of my head felt like someone stuck a hot knife inside the base of my brain. The world around me was spinning out of control. I tried to walk but my left leg didn't want to do what I wanted it to do. I felt like I was walking sideways in a hamster wheel. I tried to move my left arm and hand to grab something but it didn't want to do it. The hospital emergency room didn't know what was going on. The first MRI of my brain didn't show any blockages. But the next morning another MRI showed the blockage and recovery began.
It has now been 5 years since my stroke and I still have days when I feel like am recovering from my stroke. I still have "issues" left over that seem to want to stick around. But, I get out for bike rides, although I don't enjoy it like I use to. I go for a run any time I get a chance and if I can't get out for a run I am usually kicking a soccer ball around. (It's amazing how much kicking a ball around has helped me with my coordination and balance issues.)
I try to enjoy life as much as possible and live each day to its fullest. I try to push myself to do things that will really test my brain, like coaching my youngest son’s youth soccer team.
Spending time with family and friends is great but my brain needs a lot of "alone" time. I still get down in the "dumps" because even though it has been 5 years since my stroke, I can't help but compare my new self to what I use to be like. I have found that being out in nature, hiking, running, gardening, stuff like that helps with the needed "alone" time and helps to pick me up when I am feeling down.
Strokes stuck!!! But - I am here, living, recovering and sharing my experiences.