Thanks for sharing. I too have had strokes as-well-as MCD. Result is major loss of function in key areas. I've been put on permanent disability because of it. The biggest thing that bothers me is the short/long term memory loss, & loss of ability to do complex functions (this one is infuriating at times!)
Because of that I'm not supposed to be driving/riding; however I've managed to squeeze in a couple of very-slow newbie-type rides every summer last few years. It's pretty hard to go from top of your game (AMA Pro) to newb rider. I remember it, just can't do it anymore. Strange.
Sadly I'm pretty much done healing, & the neuro surgeons say that's about it. So, I'm spending most of my days reading these days, not much else to do. Kinda sux, but that's where I'm at.
I'm so happy to hear you are on the mend! I had a brain injury back in the day and found myself in the same situation - attempting to regain my prowess through crosswords and other stimulating games. I felt (and still do on occasion) that I cannot connect feelings/thoughts with words and am awfully frustrated. Keep moving forward and doing activities that stretch your mind and body. It'll do a world of good. Healing is a lifelong process and just continue to move forward.
Oh, and I find that if I am not fully rested it significantly exacerbates the symptoms. So keep on a regular sleep/wake schedule. :thumbup
Jeez, I had no idea there were so many others in "the club!"
(And apologies for not updating sooner. As is obvious, my memory is still compromised; "out of sight, out of mind" seems to be how it works. Thank you, Happy Hornet, for reminding me.)
It has been 10+ months since my stroke. Physically I'm doing well, fully recovered my left arm. Still not up to full strength, but at least now I'm able to work on it daily. Got off the blood thinners and simvistatin in October, and the fibromyalgia faded away; hate those side effects!
I'm back to riding, but only about three times per month, and either alone or with one of my partners with whom I've ridden before, as I'm still not up to Friday Night Ride proficiency.
My memory and concentration are still dodgy, some days are worse than others, though. (BTW, crosswords are the awesome for stimulation; if I do one or two to start my day, my mind seems measurably sharper.) Still having trouble with emotional "flatness" from time to time. The worst for me is being somewhere and forgetting why I'm there or where I'm supposed to be going; still working on that.
Overall, the docs agree that I had significant neural damage, but they disagree as to how far I can recover. In brain-terms, one year is apparently not much at all. So, day by day I work it, and day by day it gets better.