|
I
was
a
microbiologist
for
the
San
Diego
County
Health
Services
lab
for
15
years.
I
also
served
as
host
for
County
Television
Network’s,
“Health
San
Diego”.
On
September
10,
1997
I
had
a
stroke
while
driving
to
work
on
the
show.
I
was
less
than
a
mile
from
work
when
I
fainted.
When
I
awoke,
I
released
my
seat
belt
and
got
out
of
the
car,
but
I
had
garbled
language
when
asked
if
I
was
ok.
I was rushed to UCSD for emergency surgery to remove blood from my brain. The doctors told me that I had Arterial Venous Malformation (AVM) in my brain since birth. My right side became paralyzed and I could not talk. I had surgery on February 13, 2000 (Friday!) to remove the AVM from my brain. When I was released from care, I used a wheelchair for about a month. Then I walked with a cane. I stayed at my mother’s house because at mine there are 13 steps leading to my front door. My husband, son and daughter visited me there. My mom retired to take care of me. I am very lucky and grateful to have her and my aunts to help me. When I was released from PT (Physical Therapy) at Kaiser, I went to Challenge Center. I have been going for 8 years. I love it there! They help me get better. I ask many questions regarding exercise, and I get answers. I walk better; I am now able to run! I want to improve…and I am. A few years ago at Challenge Center, my right hand had to be Ace-bandaged to the grip in order for me to ride the Nu-Step machine. Now, I can grip both handles, unassisted! Regaining grip made many things that were previously impossible to do, possible. In 2001, I was finally able to begin to drive again. I
am
now
exercising
my
previously
paralyzed
right
hand
and
arm.
Though
it
has
been
years
since
my
stroke,
I
continue
to
regain
independence
and
abilities.
I
always
think
positively.
You
can
achieve
great
things
if
you
work
at
them.
Thanks
to
Challenge
Center,
I
continue
to
improve! |
