OUR STORY
Being single definitely had its perks, like the freedom to indulge in solo dining adventures. So, one fine evening, I found myself sitting at a trendy new restaurant, ready to treat myself to a delightful feast. Little did I know that this night would take an unexpected turn.
As I eagerly perused the menu, my excitement was abruptly interrupted by a strange sensation. It started with an inability to find the right words to communicate with the waiter. I tried to speak, but all that came out was a jumble of unintelligible sounds. Panic began to set in as I realized something was seriously wrong.
To make matters worse, my left arm suddenly felt heavy and unresponsive. It dawned on me that I might be experiencing a stroke – a notion both terrifying and surreal.
Someone finally called 911. Initially the response from the police on the scene was to assume drug use based solely on my appearance and inability to communicate. When the EMT team arrived, they quickly assessed the situation and realized that I had indeed suffered a stroke. I was admitted to the hospital.
Next, I found myself in an unfamiliar hospital with doctors who were clueless about my medical history, contact information, and the specific medications I needed. To make matters worse, my speech was severely impaired and I lost my short-term memory, which made it difficult to communicate effectively.
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The weeks and months following my discharge.
Fast forward the weeks and months after my stroke, life became a whirlwind of forgetfulness and frustration. The memory loss caused by the stroke had taken a toll on my everyday routines, leaving me struggling to remember even the simplest things.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with technology. My once reliable memory had failed me, and I couldn't recall any of my computer passwords and phone code (which locked me out).
The real headache came when I tried to manage my finances. Not being able to remember the PIN for my bank accounts and debit cards meant I couldn't access my money.
Thankfully, my sister came to the rescue. She helped me manage my bills, insurance, banking information, and medical details. She became my personal memory bank, helping me navigate through this maze of forgetfulness.
And from this stroke survivor's journey, the “Stroke Info Kit” was created.
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