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Help Shannon raise money

For participating in Wheel & Walk for Stroke Recovery

My Story…

As many of you know July 7, 2020 changed my life - permanently. 


As of today, I have survived 365 days since that stroke.  My first stroke.  I had my second one September 8, 2020 and a mini stroke this past March 4, 2021.  I still cannot believe it.  Each day I am reminded of it and I still ask "I had a what???" 


I was at the cabin.  The day was like any other.  I went to make a phone call so I put in my ear bud and grabbed the phone to dial.  Just as I did it it felt like the ear bud fell out so I went to get it and discovered that my left arm was just hanging.  I couldn't move it and I couldn't feel it.  Felt like my whole left side was out of whack.   11:10 am  I am not sure why I looked at the time but I did and this will be important later and I am glad I noted it.


My first thought was that something was not right.  What were the signs of a stroke? I ran them quick through my head (amid the panic that was slowly setting in) and decided that no, that couldn't be it.  But maybe I should call my friends over to confirm this and settle me down.


They did the standard stroke tests and I did not present with any of the regular stuff but my left arm was still numb.  Then the left side of my tongue went numb and my left leg was tingly - those things seemed to pass though - almost as quickly as they set in.


I could walk and talk so we all decided I should relax for a bit and check in within the hour.  I rationalized that maybe I slept funny and a nerve was out of place. 


1142 am and I am still not feeling great so I decided to call Healthlinks to ease my mind.  The operator on the other end of the line was very calm and thorough as she asked questions and then advised me to stay on the line as she was calling for an ambulance.  I texted my friends and they returned immediately.


The paramedics arrived at 12:40 pm and did an assessment.  They indicated that it was possible I had had a stroke.  They were directed to take me to Selkirk General Hospital where upon arrival and assessment by the doctor he said "why wasn't this lady air lifted to Winnipeg?".  The clock was ticking on administering a blood clot dissolving medicine and my window of opportunity was closing - quickly.  It is within 3-4 hours.  I was loaded back into the ambulance and we went lights and sirens to HSC Winnipeg.  2:45 pm


Clot busting medicine needed to be done by 3:10 pm.  I remember looking at the clock in the ambulance at 3 pm and feeling a sense of dread. 


At HSC I was immediately in the CT scanner.  It did not show anything. I had loss of sensation and now paralysis was setting in on the left side. The window for medicine had closed and without knowing for sure that I had had a stroke the doctors were not willing to risk it.


An MRI was ordered.


It was supposed to be 12 minutes but was almost an hour because they found the stroke.  Actually they found many spots and believe that one may have been a previous stroke. 


I had an ischemic stroke.  I was told this by the doctor after sitting by myself in the hospital for all that time.  I remember the shock.  Disbelief.  Fear.  Sadness. 


At that time I had movement to my elbow on my left arm and was able to move my thumb and index finger.  I had loss of sensation in my forearm and upper arm.  For those of you who are not a member of the exclusive club that I belong to - I am a left hander.  Aha.  Now you can see there are additional challenges.  It is a right handed world.  


My left leg was weak feeling, like phantom-ish but had strength when tested - it was just that my brain was not able to send the signals.


I spent one week at HSC. The team of caregivers was amazing and because this was during COVID I think they worked extra hard to be there for the patients.  They did test after test trying to determine the cause.  One test found a possible answer - a hole in my heart that allowed blood to flow in the opposite direction.  This likely allowed a clot to travel through my heart unfiltered and to my brain.  (I am currently awaiting the surgery to plug the hole and hope that this does the trick to prevent any further strokes.)  I then spent two weeks at Riverview Health Center for recovery.  Another amazing place along the journey.  There aren't words to accurately describe the help and support they provided to me during my time there. 


As for current day... I am good overall.  I wake up each day with a yawn that causes my left hand to curl and do weird things.  It is one of the reminders I have of how lucky I am to be alive and well.  I have regained use of all digits in my left hand however digits 4 and 5 don't always join on time or sometimes they just don't work.  My numbness remains but I use that arm for all blood tests - no pain!!  I have lost a lot of strength on my left side but I try not to favour it. I know that after a year it is not likely that I will see large, if any, improvements.  That was a tough one to accept however I just keep trying and listen to my body for when it is time to rest.  I continue to be away from my employment.  I have many challenges to overcome in order to be able to step back into the role I held but I am working hard to develop skills to manage the deficits and to be successful when I am able to return to work. 


In closing, my story is similar to some but yet so different than many. I believe myself to be a very lucky stroke survivor.  I am thankful each day that I am here and able to resume nearly everything I did before that day. I look at everything through a different lens - or maybe I just look through the lens longer.  Either way, I am a stroke survivor and I want to make a difference in the lives of others who experience this life altering event.


I have had amazing support at home, from my family and friends, by an awesome team of doctors, nurses, therapists and through the Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba (SRAM).  I have been fortunate enough to be in a Stroke Prevention Group, a Community Stroke Program and I participate in a Young Stroke Survivors Group supported by  SRAM. Through our monthly meetings we have the opportunity to share experiences, triumphs, challenges and know that we are not walking this unknown path alone.


Please help me to help others and to raise awareness of Strokes.


With love,

Shannon



Donate to help Shannon raise money for Wheel & Walk for Stroke Recovery’s fundraising campaign.


Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Jul 23 Cass & Daryl Heaman Undisclosed amount
Jul 16 Craig CA$54.31
Jul 15 Wheatland CA$32.94
Jul 15 Steven Premachuk <3 CA$54.31
Jul 15 Lisa smith I’m so grateful to all involved in the care and support that Shannon has received! She’s truly an angel on earth and we love her! CA$54.31
Jul 15 Monty bird inc Way to go shanny CA$27.60
Jul 15 Anonymous CA$6.24
Jul 15 Anonymous Undisclosed amount
Jul 15 Will Hinther CA$27.60
Jul 15 Alexander T CA$11.58