I’ve Had A Stroke - What's Next?

Hello friends. On Saturday, January 13, 2023 I was taking a nap and had just woken up. Everything had started to move slowly then even slower. Scott was planning on going out with friend Rena so I called him (I still have the voice mail if interested). No answer so I left a message. It didn’t even sound like me. So I called again this time he answered. All I could say was “I’m having a stroke.” and we both sounded confused. Eventually he got it and headed over. The problem is we do not have vehicles, and I’m lucky he lives down the street . When he got there help me put my clothes and called an ambulance. The first one on the scene was a fire truck and eventually an ambulance. When they removed me from the ambulance they whisked me inside and I was quickly assessed. It was almost bizarre with me in in the centre and Scott off to the side talking to the doctors. We had to do CT scan and then wait until we go up to the neuroscience observation floor. It’s now 10:30 pm we are in our room. Scott will only leave my side to walk Charlotte and to feed his cats. At 3:30 pm on Sunday a tech arrives to give me an MRI. It’s just as we thought, I had a stroke. I’ve met with the speech and physical therapist. They expect me to make a likely full recovery.

I’m still here at Emory another day. Each day I am getting a lot stronger but still find myself unable to do. Such simple things, such as forming words, remembering sentences, training my right hand to work correctly, and etc…Little tasks are indeed very difficult. However, I know these are difficulties that I can overcome as I have in the past. I also wanted to say a few words about Scott, or “Boone”, as many of you may know him. He has without doubt been with me through all of this. He’s slept on a chair in my room, and has done things that I would not expect a nurse to do. He is amazing.

Many of you will notice that I am not wearing my old glasses in this picture. The reason is simple; they were broken when they fell. This is just an example of the many expenses that I will have to burden out of pocket because I do not have insurance. I’ve asked you all before for your help I’m asking again. I will try to get it negotiated down, but I do not see this as being in expensive. With your help, I believe I am overcome this obstacle. There are two quotes that I live by whenever I see my guys on the street,

“To whom much is given, much will be required” - Luke, and “I pray not for a lighter load, but for a stronger back.” - St.

Love, Daniel

PS: Please forgive me for using speak to text. I keep messing up and this is the only way that I know how to write effectively and this has taken me almost a day. Also if you are so inclined, please share this link.