14 years ago today i woke up to a world that was different.
It was later diagnosed that I had suffered a small stroke with a blood clot travelling up my vertebral artery and damaging my eyesight ,balance and coordination.
Not life threatening,but something which has changed my life forever.
I write this to give hope to those who have suffered similar events.
14 years later I have adapted to life with the disabilities that I have and learned to work around them.
The first year was especially difficult but slowly I was able to do little things and over time have expanded what I was able to do.
I live in London which has good public transport,so not being able to drive has had less of an impact than it would have had elsewhere.
To an extent I have improved over time in what I am able to do but it is mainly through adapting to my deficiencies.
Damage to my field of vision is permanent but I have learned to scan to check the affected area.
My balance has improved as my body has relearned .
By concentrating I can do intricate tasks with my fingers where previously I fumbled.
What seemed impossible 14 years ago has mainly become possible.
There is always hope…
I can’t speak for anyone else, Tony, but you’ve certainly given me a heads-up in the ‘hope’ department. Thank you.
Hi Tony, Thank you for sharing that, always glad to read a positive post even after 14 years.
Keep on hoping everyone 
Regards Sue
Bob, there is always hope, if you search around on this forum there are other life stories from stroke survivors who’ve managed to overcome/adapt to their stroke and getting on with their lives.
There is always hope, you just have to never give up, never give in.
It’s a long road to recovery; it’s too easy to sit and wallow and that’s when you stop trying. You may never be 100% the way you were before your stroke, but it can always be better than it is now, if you’re prepared to do your homework…no slacking 
It’s mind over matter, so make recovery matter enough to overcome it.
@tony_cave thank you for sharing your story. It is definitely one that will give others hope. I’d agree about being able to do more things over time by adapting how we do them. I’ve found this too I think.
Hope your Sunday is a good one.
I know exactly what you mean, EE. My brother-in-law completely lost hope after his stroke, gave up on life, and constantly moaned about just wanting to die. It didn’t take long, but he got his wish. Much older than me, though.
No chance that I’d adopt that attitude.
I went through that phase in the first year but fortunately became motivated to see what I could still do.
Thanks for your post. As the others have said, it gives us a direction and some hope.
For me stroke has been a huge learning experience. There are experts who will dish out all sorts of information, it is easy to be misled. I’m open to anything, much of what I have gone through has been a trial and error thing.
I have a general notion of which direction I am taking but I’m sure there will be more to discover, more to try. Fighting against disappointment, trying to be optimistic, being patient and pleased to obtain small successes, all lead me onwards.
Since my stroke a little less than two years ago I have managed to accomplish things I had thought would be impossible. There is so much more I would like to achieve.
It is always useful to hear the experience of others and I believe sharing our journeys is a service to others still finding their way, just as I am.
Don’t forget though, just relaxing and floating down stream, watching the scenery pass by is as important as hard work, repetitive striving and so on.
Life is meant for living. We have survived and live it we must.
Keep on keepin’ on
What an uplifting reply to my post.
Good to hear of the success of others on the journey.
What you say about patience resonates strongly,as does the pleasure at ,and building on small successes.
best wishes
Tony