Brain stem stroke

[Minnicks]

Hi, my name is Adam and I recently had a brain stem stroke. (About 2 weeks ago) I lost my ability to eat and my right side is fairly numb. I'm 35 years old from upstate NY. I know now after reading up on brain stem strokes that I am lucky to even be alive. I also suffer from pretty sever anxiety and panic attacks, which doesn't go very well with being a stroke survivor, as the symptoms of my panic attacks often mimic stroke symptoms. I'd like to find some other brain stem stroke survivors to talk to, as I always seem to have new questions each day. I have a peg tube for feeding and medicines. I've been experiencing some involuntary deep inhalations the past few days and I don't know if that should worry me or not, as I know the brain stem controls breathing. I took a swallow test while I was in the hospital that I didn't do very well on, but I've been doing my exercises at home, and I've also been experimenting with eating some different textures of foods, and I don't know how dangerous that might be for me either. Wow I'm really rambling lol. I just feel lucky to be alive, and at the same time I'm in complete shock that this is happening to me. Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave any and all comments or share stories.

[sara12345]

Sorry about your stroke.  I had a different kind of stroke, but have had other severe problems from it.  Good for you for doing your exercises. However, I would advise you to ask your doctor about the involuntary inhalations as well as whether it is safe for you to be experimenting with food.  

As far as your anxiety and panic attacks, I would ask for some medication to help you with that.

Keep in mind that as the last person said, people usually have improvements with time.  You will too.  Keep us posted.

[Rigorouslogik]

Hi Minnicks

I too am a brain stem stroke survivor 14 months now. I  had severe dizziness blurred vision. I could not even open my eyes for almost a week. Things got better within a few months I was back to work. I still have some dizziness. My left side of my face and left arm are still numb as well as my right leg. I also have trouble with my left eye watering and swelling in my right foot. I beg for the dizziness to go but take one day at a time. The neurologist who treated me said I was very lucky to be alive after a brain stem stroke. So I agree we are very Lucky.
Please feel free to message me any questions, comments or just to talk.