Back in the Saddle after multiple strokes

Wassup VFR buddies. I had a terrible holiday season and waited to post this. I am a 55 year old VFR rider and on 12/17 I suffered an ischemic stroke. I am feeling better and have gotten back to some riding (short local rides), and have also returned to work. I had been having problems with my left leg feeling weak and shin pain for some time. I was totally ignorant that this is a warning sign of a stroke. My post is for the young and older guys in particular, because if you are like me you take care of yourself, but do not go to the doctor for yearly checkups. I had not been to a Dr since sometime in the 80's. I keep myself in good shape, I do not drink sodas, I rarely drink alcohol - beer mostly and I do not cook with salt and rarely add salt to my food, I also do not eat fast foods. During last summer my left leg pain got so bad I could not run and was blaming myself for being lazy and not getting enough rest and even stopped smoking. Even with all those seemingly good habits I still suffered an ischemic stroke. I work as a field remote computing tech for a fortune 500 Company, and I am all over the tri-borough area (NYC, Long Island and Conneticuit mostly) doing home and office visits to setup remote connection to the Company network. The stroke affected my left side and I have a slight hand tremor. I was really lucky, and being in somewhat decent shape probably helped me get through the stroke with minimal loss of strength on my left side. I am still going through physical therapy and my left leg tires easily and hurts lot.

The purpose of my post is to alert other VFR riders to get checked so as to avoid having an experience like mine. If you are having left leg pain go get checked - especially if you have high blood presrure. You really want to avoid having a stroke because once you have a stroke your chances of having another stoke increases. I am ok and happy I am still functional and can still ride. I am taking it easy and trying to get myself ready for the riding season. Please do not take your seemingly good health for granted and ability to ride a motorcycle for granted. Also, do not think this is only for older people to worry about. I was at a Stroke Support Group meeting and was shocked to find men and women in their 20's and 30's in the group of people who have suffered strokes.

 

Wow! I'm sorry to hear of this, but glad you came through it. It sounds as though you have a firm handle on things, and I hope/pray your recovery will continue to go well.

 

That is flat scary Emon.............

 

Glad you are ok!! :vtr2:

 

Hey Bud! Glad to hear from you. Sorry you had to go through that, but definitely glad to hear you're on your way to recovery! Thanks for sharing and giving everyone a little bit knowledge and insight on warning signs.

 

Good to see you back, Emon. I'm so glad to hear that you're managing through this and are getting yourself prepared to ride again; can't think of anything more therapuetic. As a thirty seven year old dude with some hereditary negatives, your advice is much appreciated.

 

I wish you a full and speedy recovery! This is just another reminder to live everyday to the fullest...

 

Wowzers
Glad you are on the road to recovery! Thanks for the PSA.

 

Good that you are doing better and the bike will help you stay that way. It is the cure for what ales you. Good advise from Dr. Toe.

 

You are so right, that for the most part, people do take their health for granted. We exepect to get up in the morning and doing our normal routine - we don't realize that being able to do that is a gift. That can all change in a second. I'm sorry to hear about what happened, but I am happy to hear that it won't keep you down either. Keep us posted as to how things progress throughout the year.

 

So glad things are getting better, the shot across your bow can save you from worse. I'm a couple of years older than you and find that if something doesn't hurt it probably doesn't work! Thanks for the heads up.