Stroke Survivor: My Three New Years - Busting the Myth of the Two Year Stroke Recovery Plateau
1) On the first day of the year on the modern day Gregorian calendar, I join billions around the world in that ritual of shedding the old, while welcoming the new. As usual, I had many blessings to count - including life and limb; health and wellness. I had a roof over my head, nourishment, access to many luxuries and a job to help provide those things. More than most, I enjoyed the love of family and friends.
2) On January 6th, I celebrated my second New Year. Being so close to the more popular New Year, it's always offered me an opportunity to re-calibrate the commitments I made 5 days earlier. This also marked the 15th anniversary of my dear mother's calling to be with the Lord. It offered yet another opportunity to reflect upon the values she instilled upon her 7 sons, and the example she set by her faith, words and deeds. As I remember the eulogy I gave at her funeral in 1999, some of the lasting memories I recall were that of her selflessness in serving those who were less fortunate than her. She was a devoted member of the St. Piran's Church Choir, regularly visited prisons, helped beleaguered women and children, helped Housegirls and Houseboys attend school and establish meaningful careers, volunteered with the Red Cross, serving as Plateau State Chair, chaperoned many a young bride through the protocols of her wedding day, and regularly giving to the needy - Christian and Moslem alike.
3) On this day 2 years ago, I suffered a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), a.k.a "A Stroke." My Dada suffered the same fate in March 1989, but sadly, did not make it. This is why I believe he woke me up and enabled me to call 911 from my home phone (enabling paramedics to immediately ascertain my address) when I took a nap after experiencing stroke symptoms that I hadn't recognized. For this reason, I consider my self as having received a new lease on life on January 20th, 2012. I've chronicled my journey towards recovery in this space, and appreciate all the words of encouragement and offers of support from all of you. This year in particular, I want to bust the myth of the 2-Year Plateau when it comes to Stroke recovery. This refers to the notion that one gains as much movement and function in 2 years, as one is going to get, and then one hits a plateau. Nothing tangible supposedly comes after this.
