The word stroke used to bring thoughts of golf to my mind. A few years ago (2014), it has taken on an entirely new meaning. Now when I hear that word, I think of possible death, loss of function, paralysis , wheelchairs, helplessness, disability, loss of income and work. A stroke can cause a boatload of problems. So life is like golf; the objective is to have the fewest number of strokes, and practice good lifestyle choices, like practicing good mechanics in your golf swing.

As you read my story of my two stroke experiences, you will learn about how I had two entirely different outcomes and why. It was time, because for the first stroke I got to the hospital immediately for treatment and avoided being disabled. The second stroke I was on the floor for 16 hours before I was found and ended up being paralyzed on my entire left side. I couldn’t walk or use my left arm or left hand, and nearly died.

The conventional wisdom in the biomedical research community and in pharmaceutical companies is that age-related chronic diseases are the result of DNA mutations in the genome that corrupt the functioning of protein-coding genes. However, the revolutionary science of epigenetics is now revealing tha
— Read on www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-nutrition-lifestyle-have-more-impact-than-drugs-against-galvez-1c

My having a stroke was not caused by poor nutrition; it was caused by atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that I had developed over the years. In fact, because I had been taking nutritional supplements from Reliv International for over 9 years prior to the stroke, actually contributed to my remarkable recovery and survival, after being on the bathroom floor for over 16 hours before being taken to the hospital.

Also, the Reliv nutrition, gave me additional energy and strength to do the grueling physical, occupational and speech therapy for hours everyday, after being released from the hospital. A common problem for stroke survivors is a lack of energy and depression, making doing therapy very difficult. It is therapy that enables you to regain function. So, if you don’t have the strength and energy, you will likely not recover and remain with your disabilities. It’s like a vicious cycle. If you don’t use it, you lose it.

I know fellow stroke survivors who, after many years, still live with paralyzed limbs. This is probably because of not doing the right therapy as well as poor nutrition.My left side was totally paralyzed, and I have regained the use of my left arm and hand, as well as now walk with a single-point cane. I believe I will continue to improve and gain strength, and I continue to take my Reliv shakes everyday. For more information, go to http://www.livingyourbestlife.reliv.com.

Having a stroke is a life-changing event. First and foremost, you must find out what actually caused you to have a stroke. Talk with your doctors or have your spouse , friend, or significant other do this for you. This is imperative, because you don’t want to have another one, and possibly die or become even more impaired. The next step is to determine what you can do to overcome this new adversity. You will probably have to spend some time in a hospital to recover, have tests done, and then start therapy.

Pray and decide you are going to be an overcomer, with God’s guidance and help. Embrace your team— your spouse (or significant other), your doctors, therapists , pastor/ church and your friends and family. If you don’t have many friends, make some. Be a teachable person. You aren’t going to get through this on your own. You will need a lot of help to have the physical and mental energy to persevere. Your recovery will likely be the fight of your entire life!

In fact, get ready to become the new you, someone who is stronger than before the stroke. You will be surprised what you can accomplish. Believe in yourself and that God created you in His image and that He has promised to never leave you or forsake you.

It is very important that you keep a positive attitude, regardless of how frustrated you feel. Some progress will come quickly, but mostly it will be slow, day by day. Celebrate even the small victories — like doing things for the first time since the stroke. The first time standing, walking, moving a finger, saying a word correctly, writing your name, etc. can be very motivating and build your spirit. Challenge yourself to do something new each day, and keep a journal. Focus on what is going right; not what is wrong.

Attending a stroke survivor support group can be a great way to make new friends and stay encouraged. Think of yourself as someone to encourage others who are going through a similar challenge. By doing this you will have purpose and be encouraged yourself.

Remember, you’re an overcomer, blessed by God!

June 3, 2014 was a typical late spring day in Atlanta, Georgia, that began according to my normal routine , but ended turning my life upside down. I would immediately retire from my business as a financial advisor for the last 22 years; Although I was a relatively healthy and physically fit man of 64 years of age, I would soon need a caregiver. Also, I was about to begin many months of physical, occupational and speech therapy, to help me relearn how to walk and use my left arm and hand, as well as many of life’s everyday tasks. My left side was nearly totally paralyzed. I could no longer drive my car. I thought my life was over, but I was wrong. I was about to begin the most important and incredible journey of my lifetime, that I will now share with you.

What happened to me on June 3, 2014 was a massive stroke caused by a blood clot that moved from my heart to the right side of my brain. The doctors thought the clot formed due to my having an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. Otherwise I was very healthy, physically active and in very good shape for my age. Now, I was tempted to be very fearful, and to blame myself for all the misfortune. But, now I had been given the opportunity to really utilize my faith in the God who saved me from death. Rather than wonder why this happened to me. And ask why God allowed this. I’m convinced He allowed this to happen to me to allow me to show His greatness in my recovery. Read Jeremiah 29:11- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope”.