The brainstem is vital to life. It connects directly to the central nervous system that then connects the brain to the spinal cord.
It plays crucial roles in regulating various bodily functions, a few of which are:
Respiration (breathing)
Heart rate and blood pressure,
Sleep and wakefulness and consciousness
Controlling eye movements
Regulating facial expressions
Coordinating voluntary and involuntary movements
In summary, the brainstem is essential for maintaining life and carrying out a wide range of vital functions, from controlling basic bodily processes to regulating sensory and motor activities. Damage to the brainstem can have severe and potentially fatal consequences.
CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Now that I’ve shared the details of the stroke event, I want to now share where I am in my recovery since 2015.
Leg/ankle/foot: To accommodate spasticity and foot-drop/drop-foot, I’m fortunate to own a great leg device that helps eliminate those issues, the Bioness L300Go (Bioness L300GO);
Hand: It maintains a great deal of spasticity and lack of movement. Experienced occupational therapists (OTs) are difficult to locate, yet the need is great. I’m fortunate to have found the best one in the state! He’s 2 hours north of Tempe in Sedona, AZ. I will continue to work with him as long as he’s practicing, and plan to recover movement!
Aphasia: I experienced a mild form of aphasia during the first two weeks post-stroke. Although I recovered the basics of my speech, I continue to be tongue-tied when I try to speak to a group, no matter how large or small. I just can’t seem to think fast enough to articulate what I’m trying to say!
The funny thing is - I made a living teaching college courses, as well as owning a training business, both of which required me to make presentations daily to large and small groups!
Fatigue: I tire easily.
Psychological & Blood Pressure:I continue to use prescription drugs to control my blood pressure and my emotions.
During the first 4 years post-stroke, I made a great deal of progress: I re-learned how to walk; I was able to reach a milestone of walking a mile on a treadmill, without stopping, in my 2nd year; I was able to return to driving after 13 months (after taking an intensive driving course required by the state); my emotions became more manageable; etc.
I assumed the rest of the journey would flow as well as the first part; yet, it hasn’t. Complications like falls, bone breaks, unexplained illnesses, etc. have hindered my strength, my recovery, and sometimes my resolve. But, I will continue on striving - I’ll never give up, and I don’t want any of you to do so either! So….
Take care, fellow survivors, and keep on striving! Remember, you are not alone! As a friend of mine says, “Chin up, shoulders back, we’ve got this!”
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