took a stupid risk, got very lucky

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by dracon, Apr 5, 2012.

  1. dracon

    dracon Light Load Member

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    Elder rookies, don't let this be you.

    This past Monday I was on my way to Jersey to make a delivery, I stopped at a favorite truckstop for a quick bite and gab session. Comming out of the truck stop I got a little dizzy, but didn't think much of it. By the time I got to my final in Elizabeth, I knew I was in trouble. Weakness all down my left side, unable to comprehend what roadsigns were telling me, and slured speech... Yep, I had (or was in the middle of having) a stroke. Instead of doing the smart thing and pulling it over and calling an ambulance, This idiot decided to make his delivery, and get the truck home before going to the doctor. Fortunately I was able to make it without loss of controle or killing anyone. That wast by skill, it was pure luck. Got home, went to doctor to get looked at and was told "damage is already done, you might improve with rehab, but your career is over" I'm looking at months of rehab just to be able to communicate and walk normally.

    Take heed, if you have high blood pressure, keep up with your meds. At the very first sign something aint right with your body, get it checked out!!!

    dont be an idiot like me and keep going, just to get the truck home, it aint worth the risks
     
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  3. TheRoadWarrior

    TheRoadWarrior rocking-n-rollin again

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    DANGGGGGGG..... you had an angel on your shoulder for sure...Sad to hear your going to be down but take it slow and get better....I dont call you an idiot for what you did but i would have had some concerns over the blurry vision and numbness... We all think were subhuman Brother... Just get better and keep us all updated...Prayers to ya for a full recovery...
     
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  4. albhb3

    albhb3 Medium Load Member

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    prayers sent my fiances grandfather just had a stroke this morning as well but should be ok slurred speach and the right side of his body is kinda numb they said at least a few months of rehab and he should be almost back to normal
     
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  5. T-Lady

    T-Lady Medium Load Member

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    Feb 20, 2012
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    Ouch...glad you're okay. Beats some of the alternatives. Best of luck on recovery!
     
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  6. ramkatral

    ramkatral Heavy Load Member

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    Tryon, NC
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    It's okay man. One of the first things a stroke affects is your mental capacity. Your ability to reason goes out the window. You don't even have the ability to make rational decisions. Don't beat yourself up. It happens a lot. I know because I'm also an NC certified paramedic. I have seen it many many many times. Most people deny even being in a code stroke.
     
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  7. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    There was damage at the first onset. The extent may not have been as bad, but it would have ended the driving for you as well.

    Unfortunately, there are many situations that might cause momentary dizzieness of which many are not life threatening. You really never know.

    The onset of the weakness and numbness, is where you had the majority of the damage.

    There are various types of strokes and they are not all caused by high blood pressure.

    As others have said, you had an angel with you. Best of luck on the road to recovery.
     
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  8. bugsy32164

    bugsy32164 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 31, 2010
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    I had mine in 2009 speech still not right at times but I did gain full use of my arm and hand.I was lucky and had mine before I left out that morning on the bike.The bike was my motivation to gain use of my arm and hand.I am sorry to hear you going through it but to give you a hope the wife couldn't talk me into going to the doc or er till 16 hours later.Just keep working what they have you do in rehab.I would do each task all day everyday.Took a while but in the long run it was worth it.Good luck and wishes full recovery for you .
     
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  9. lonewolf4ad

    lonewolf4ad Road Train Member

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    Dracon, the dr's told my dad that after he had a stroke in 01 I believe (maybe 02). He ended up being able to go back to driving for a few more years until his diabetes and blood sugar got too bad. He had his stroke out east of Amarillo (before he had a cell phone) in the middle of winter. managed to drive into town and was hospitalized.

    Glad you're ok man, just because a dr says something, doesn't mean you can't fight to take it back.
     
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  10. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    Hope you do well on your road to recovery.
     
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  11. Sly Fox

    Sly Fox Road Train Member

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    Glad to hear you're at least stable. Could've been far, far worse. And as mentioned, don't beat yourself up over it. Whenever you're dealing with ailments involving the brain you can't expect yourself to have made the most rational decisions.

    Most people the call 911 due to a stroke are the people around the person having the stroke because they see the signs that something's wrong. Something the victim may not be capable of noticing given the situation.

    Good luck with your rehab and I hope it all goes well for you.
     
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