My name is Kathy and on August 26, 1993, I had a left CVA or stroke. I was 29 years old. I could not talk, walk, or use my right arm. This was my dominant hand so I could not write. I was in a wheelchair for 2 months. I also had trouble following simple directions accurately. I was six months pregnant at the time and I lost the baby. After 2 months at a rehabiliation hospital in Phoenix,AZ, I went home and lived with my fiancee. I could walk, talk in simple words, and was taking care of my 5 1/2 year old daughter. I went to outpatient therapy several times a week to work on my balance, right arm, speech, and coordination in standing. My relationship ended and my daughter and I moved outside of Boston, MA. We lived there a short time and moved to Connecticut. My Mom thought I needed help taking care of my daughter so that is why we both moved to ME. I continued with rehabilitation in an outpatient facility to strengthen my legs, try to improve the function in my arm, and to improve my speech and address alcohol use problems.

Outpatient therapy focused on my balance, speech, and the ability to move my arm. I met a rehab Dr., and my pronunciation of his name was " Dr. Hell" ! I lived at the YWCA for two months because I was living on social security and had just moved to Maine. After this I went to the city housing authority and obtained my own apartment for the first time in over six months!! I received rehab at a day treatment facility for about another year and then got a job at a local restaurant for 2 years. I lost my job because there was no bus transportation on the holiday. After this I did not receive rehab for many years. Then I was hit by a car about a year ago while walking on the side of the road. This began re-entry in another rehabiliation program. I needed to strengthen my legs, see a psychologist, practice work skills, and find new leisure activities. I am learning new computer skills, gaining confidence in my abilities and interact with others who have been through similar circumstances. I am now 41 years old and have lived many years with the symptoms of my stroke. My advice to others is "tough times never last, but tough people do".

Email Katherine