Had my stroke on a cruise ship Jan.2, 2009, at the age of 65. Spent 1 week in Puerto Rico in Cagus Hospital. Flew home to Lakeland, FL. Went to Lakeland Regional Hospital. Had artery cleaned out. Spent 1 week there. Transferred to Joy Fuller at Winter Haven Hospital. Stayed for 2 1/2 weeks before going home. Had speech therphy. Had to sell my business of a travel agency. My spirits have stayed high back to driving, cleaning house and cooking for my husband.
The stroke happened around 10:00AM. My roommate went down ahead of me. I knew something was wrong. I made it down the elevation and found my friend. I couldn’t speak to her but sat down on a barstool beside her and the next thing I fell on the floor. Didn’t really know anything for almost a week until I got back to Florida. It’s been 6 1/2 years since my stroke life is not the same but it could have been a lots worse. I still stop by the Joy Fuller Rehab and still see Joyce one of the nurses whol took care of me and it alway a joyous reunion. I am 72 now and just because I can’t say thing that I want to say or write the way I use to I never gave up and still going strong.
FROM HUSBAND (Stan):
My life changed after Joyce’s stroke. I think my truck was on auto pilot because it was to the hospital first thing in the morning to talk to the doctor’s, then to work and back to the hospital in the evening. the call I got was at 11:00AM in the morning learning of the stroke. The worse part was not knowing where they would take her. Made it to Puerto Rico at 1:00AM the next morning to see her. Her eyes were glazed over and she didn’t know who I was which broke my heart. After everything that has happened to her thing came out pretty well. Have to take what life give and make the best. We are better people now and are happy.
Joyce’s & Stan’s Story
