How old were you when you had your stroke? 30
- Date of your stroke? 11/9/2015
- What general area do you live in? San Diego, CA
- Type of Stroke? Carotid Artery Dissection
- What were your symptoms? What were you feeling during your stroke? I had a small stroke and a much larger stroke the next day. Symptoms of the first one were inability to speak and inability to move my right side. I was in the hospital for the second stroke. I collapsed and was completely unresponsive.
- Were you administered TPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) within the first 3-5 hours of your stroke? Yes
- Where did you go for in-patient rehab? I didn’t do in patient rehab.
- Where did you go for outpatient rehab? Sharp Memorial Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation, San Diego, CA. I live in San Diego and my stroke team is from UCSD. I was in the Stroke Center when I had my big stroke. They were fantastic and there is no question that I would not be where I am now if not for their skill and expertise.
What keeps you motivated now?Football. Before my stroke, I was a semi pro football player. I lost a lot of strength after my stroke. I knew I wanted to play football again. I first started playing catch with a tennis ball with my dad. Then I started running around cones to try to get my coordination back. I added weights, running, swimming. A few weeks ago, my neurosurgeon took me off blood thinners and gave me his blessing to go back to football. I am the starting punter for the San Diego Thunder. Our first game is in 3 weeks. I’m pretty anxious about how I will do, but football had kept me going and it’s something I need to prove to myself.
What are your biggest challenges/residual effects?
Aphasia. My mom is writing this for me. Reading, writing and speaking are still difficult, but I am slowly getting better. My right hand is still numb and I have difficulty with fine motor skills, like clipping my nails. Everything is harder when I am tired.
What is something you have learned that might encourage others?
I have learned to enjoy life and never take it for granted.
What is something quirky/fun about yourself?
I have a orange tabby named Frankie. She has been a big part of my recovery.
How did you hear about NOPW?
Instagram #youngstrokesurvivor (@nopw_)
This speaks so much to me and my athletic background. I think some of the fitness that I made part of my life, helped me in recovery. Great to see you moving forward Bryan!