Stoke in young people - support?

[Pokey235]

I am 25 and otherwise completely healthy. Two weeks ago I had two small strokes caused by a left vertebral arterial dissection (left sided medullary stroke and left inferior temporal stroke). I am outwardly back to normal, but still have some numbness, hot and cold insensitivity in places, and I only sweat on half my face (a cool side effect - :-) ). In addition, I am scared of future strokes and possible seizures since that part of my brain was affected. My friends have been great in giving support, but I am normally a VERY active person and have been told to cut out *everything* but walking until I am off the Coumadin and the artery heals. I am worried about getting depressed because such a valuable part of my life has been taken away even though I feel *fine*. I am anxiously looking for other people my age who have been through this and who are dealing with a stroke. I have only found groups with people over 40 and really want to talk to someone who can relate to my situation (regardless of age, but I would also like to talk to other 20-somethings). Pooky, it sounds like you might be a good person to talk to... Anyone else?

[Pooky]

I had my stroke when I was only 22, but almost 23. My doctors are concerned that I might have more seizures, so I'm still on Tegretal. I haven't had any, so I think the drug is working (because I had seizures as a baby and was put on phenobarbital for them, but I have been off that drug for a long time, with no seizures (except after I had the stroke). I consider myself very lucky, because I was young when I had my stroke. After my stroke, my left side remained paralyzed for about 1/3rd of a year. People tell me that if I had been much older, it would still be paralyzed, but my body had the ability to recover movement on that side. Instead, I can move my left side now, and everthing on that side works correctly (except, it is hard to chew using the left side of my mouth).

------------------
I had a hemorrhagic stroke on September 8, 1999.

[Lost]

Although doctors never confirmed the occurrence of a stroke, I am convinced that this devastating "cardiovascular accident" did indeed happen.

For 1.5 years now I have experienced mental mailaise, chronic headache pain, depersonalization, depression and anxiety for no apparent reason...the transformation occurred overnight.

I am a 24 year old male.

[grillo7]

I have the exact same symptoms as you, Lost. Mine also happened overnight, and they've been unrelenting for over a year now. Let me know what you found out so far...Hopefully we can figure this out...

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 05-21-2002).]

[JKevin]

Pokey - I too had a dissection of the vertebral artery which resulted in a stroke. Mine occurred 16 months ago at the age of 38. I had to spend about 6 months with relative inactivity, but have pretty much returned to normal now. I have had to give up contact sports (not that I really played many contact sports) as my only concession to the stroke and artery damage. If you heal and have recovered 100%, consider yourself lucky, as I do. Good luck.

JK