Just a couple of questions

[kathy6]

I have been told that I had a stroke.  I didn't have the same symptoms that other people are talking about on the internet.  I was just wondering, are there some tests that are can be done to tell if a person actually had a stroke?
Is there a good in depth website that tells about the symptoms and how they are described by the people who have had a stroke?

Thanks

[kathy6]

Thanks for answer my question!

Please see my response to verydirty.

[kathy6]

Thanks for answering my question!  I guess though, that I was not very explicit about what I need.  So I'll try again.
I've read that a "stroke" is not readily apparent, even to a doctor.  They do tests that suggest a certain diagnosis.  I can't find out how they arrive to their diagnosis.
I was diagnosised 3 1/2 years ago with a ischemic stroke.  I was very surprised, since I didn't have any of the signs or "do not do these" lists that are published on all of the web sites that deal with strokes.  For instance, I have extremely low cholesterol.  I was very active.   I ate good things (I think).  
Also, before I drove to the hospital, I had a sensation of a snowball hitting my back.  Is this normal or expected or even rarely happening?  They have discovered a bulging disc more recently.  Could there be some connection?
I didn't have the "normal" symptoms.   For instance, I didn't have any paralysis.  What is normal?  Does everyone get paralysis?  My pain is everywhere.  Is that normal?  I didn't have any pain before the hospital.  Is it always on one side for a stroke?
I seem to be getting better, slowly.  On some sites, they suggest that some things don't get much better.  I guess you can find new ways of doing the same things.  But I was just wondering if there is there some way to find these things out.  Please don't suggest yet another doctor.  My limited experience has been t*$& on a bull as far as a doctor's knowledge of symptoms or what to do about it.  Sorry, that's just my opinion.

[PamRam228]

kathy6, here are a couple of websites for you.  There are many, many more.

http://www.googobits.com/articles/700-all-about-strokes.html

http://www.stroke.org

[verydirty]

stroke = Brain vessel problem

Weakness/ Sensory  impairement