365 days Later

 Anniversary 

My one-year anniversary of my stroke is bittersweet. On September 22nd of last year, I began a journey, not by choice, that would become a struggle, which would easily become the most difficult of my life. 

Challenges, that would question, my very will to go on living. The pain and discomfort, I would eventually, learn to tolerate, but the mental anguish is still difficult for me to cope with. 

At times however, the pain is not bearable. Though people try, they seldom understand. This is not an affliction, the most highly trained medical professionals fully understand, so it is not unusual to me, that it is hard for the average person to do so. 

I often don't know whether something I am experiencing, is a condition of my Locked in Syndrome (LiS ), or a factor of my aging. Especially if it is something not listed on any website about Locked in Syndrome (LiS). Since LiS is so rare, they might not have seen it enough to document it yet.

There are three classifications of LiS. Which one you have, is determined by the amount of movement you display. Total and Complete LiS patients. Display the least amount of movement. Some only able to move their eyes up and down. 

Then there is the Incomplete form of LiS. That is the type which I believe my LiS is, though I've never been told by any doctor. 

I am able to shake and nod my head. I am able to move my fingers and toes, but only on the left side of my body. I do have some slight movement in my right fingers and arm, but none in my toes. 

My BLOG has done a lot to raise my spirits. I have had a few devastating set-backs as I have told you in a couple of my other BLOG posts, but it has allowed me to do something I truly enjoy doing. Seldom in life, does that opportunity present itself. When it does, I suggest you grab it! I am ashamed to say, I almost gave up once, luckily, my wife was able to walk me back from that cliff. 

Few things in your life, if any, will go exactly as you plan or hope. Learn from your mistakes, and grow stronger and wiser because of them. That's what will set you apart from the masses. What will help you achieve your goals in your life. Developing a never give up attitude, is what you need to do. 

I definitely am not the man of a year ago. I believe I have grown a lot. That is mostly because of my loving family, and some close friends. I still have a long road ahead of me.