Any Stroke survivors out there? Forums

biggermac

Any Stroke survivors out there and motorhoming? Would like to hear from anyone.

Paulway

Yep. Whats up!

biggermac

Hi Paulway,
Nothings up. In fact life couldn't be better. Just curious as to whether there are any Stroke surviving motorhomers out there and to ask if there are any aspects of our past time that are proving to be a little bit difficult.
My wife Ann had a severe stroke 3 yrs ago and very nearly died (prior to that she was healthy and fit as a flee). One of the things that kept her going during those early months was the thought that one day she would climb back into the van. 6 months later she did!
Our original vehicle was a McLouis 261 (6m) with a fixed bed - thank goodness! However, after a few months it became clear that because of Ann's mobility we needed a bigger van to move around in. We currently have a Swift Kon-Tiki 660 with a fixed bed.
We even have a motor scooter strapped to the back in the summer months. The technique for getting on it is a very finely tuned and well rehearsed feat - Let's say it involves a lot of velcro.
It proved to us, that you just don't know what's around the corner (excuse the pun) - live for today!
Bob & Ann

Paulway

Hi Bob n Ann

I was very lucky as I had three bleeds on my right internal carotoid artery to my brain giving me three (minor) strokes, caused by a 'Giant Anurism' (not sure the spellings correct!!). This has left me with a weak left arm and slight paralysis of the face. However the outcome could have been so different, more from the condition than the stroke, thanks to the wonderful Neurosurgeons, Heart Surgeon and their team I am still here.
I was being treated for Migrane for 8 years before partial loss of sight in my right eye (tunnel vision) made them decide to MRI scan and find the cause!!
This is one of the reasons we stopped caravanning and got the motorhome, I still do the driving but there is no need to lug much about!
We were determined that we would not let anything stop our 'camping' LOL.
I occasionaly drop things from my left hand, its ok so long as it isn't a drink or something messy or breakable, just laugh and carry on!
Yes I agree when I see some of the petty squables going on I think 'get a life', things like these make you realise how fragile life is.
Make the most of it, and what a fine way. Hope Ann keeps coping its a wonderful way to holiday, I have got better as time goes on and most feeling and movement is back.
Cheers for now.
Paul

Midlander

Hi Paulway and Biggermac, Hope you dont mind me jumping in on your subject, not actually a stroke victim myself, and I admire your resolutness and your outlook on life, both Wife and I are registered disabled, Wife has severe rheumatoid arthritus in her hips knees, and feet, mobility for her is very slow and painful, I suffer from oesto arthritus of the spine, but fortunately still have quite a bit of mobility, but like yourselves our motto is, Live for today, and enjoy life.
Were both retired and doing just that, bought our M/H, our first, 14 months ago, and now wish we had done it far earlier in life, the freedom to go where you want, when you want is great, it has perked us up no end, these youngsters dont know what there missing.
Anyway, excuse me for jumping in, but quite a few disabled people enjoy this way of life, and lifestyle.

Mike and Pearl

biggermac

Hi Mike & Pearl,
Good to hear you enjoy your motorhoming. Like you we think it's a wonderful hobby and the 'hotel' room is of a consistently high standard wherever we go in Europe. Your package holiday people can't claim that one!
If you want a laugh, take a look at our photo album (under 'biggermac'). I'm in the process of adding our pics of Spain (xmas just gone)
Happy travelling and perhaps our roads will cross?
kind regards
Bob & Ann

Midlander

Hi again Bob and Ann,
Just come on line again this evening and saw your reply, thanks for the kind thoughts and hope our paths do cross one of these days, had a look at your photo`s, must say you certainly get about in your travels, but , yep some great piccy`s in your album, really enjoyed going through them, look forward to seeing the ones of spain.
And wow, thats some motorhome you`ve got up to ours, a swift suntor 600s 4 berth, but there again it suits me and the missus and our two yorkies.
Anyway , safe travelling to the both of you, I`m off to log off soon.

Mike and Pearl

Jimgentrace

Hi Bob and Ann

Having read the thread, I must say you are in same frame of mind as myself and wife Ally. We live everyday as if it was last day so enjoy every minute.

I have been disabled for 7 and half years and the disablity is increasing as I have a severe spinal disease.

I started of walking with crutches in 1998, then walking sticks in 2000, now wheelchair permanently when outside and its only a matter of weeks before I go to permanent chairbound

It still doesnt deter us from enjoying life and cant wait for the warm weather so we can begin touring again.

We also have a Swift Kontiki 600 6 berth for same reason , space

I am 20 stone and need space as you can imagine.

There is also one other secret to being happy with disability and motorhoming

and thats having a caring sharing loving partner to be with you!

and by the looks of that picture you have just that!

Good luck with your touring

I hope to meet you one day on tour

Regards

Jimgentracer

2point

I feel incredibly lucky as I had a bleed and suffered no more than a headache and loss of concentration for a few months.

We were on holiday in Florida, during a shower I had a pain in my head like being hit with a shovel, brought me to my knees and had tunnel vision etc. I put it down to sinus pain and/or heatstroke and didn't go to hospital, had a pretty bad headache for the next week or so. As soon as we got home I went to the doc just to make sure. I was in hospital within 45 minutes having an MRI and the whole cabudle of tests.

On the scale of 1 to 5 mine was thankfully a 1, the MRI confirmed that there were no further weaknesses.

A pretty big wake up call, I was 36 at the time. Since then I have made sure I don't overwork and spend as much time with my family as possible. It was one of the reasons we bought our M/h to get the most out of being together.