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Last Updated on June 28, 2019 by karissa ancell
So five years ago at this moment I was waking up and hadn’t quite realized that my life had changed and would never go back to what it was before. I don’t remember the exact time but know that I did have work that morning at 9 So I’m assuming I was probably getting up about 8. I never made it to work that day and never went back to work even though I did really like my job as a nanny. I’m still friends with the family and they visited me in the hospital.
I guess I should clarify that for those of you who aren’t familiar with my story. Five years ago on February 2, 2010 I woke up like it was any other morning to go to work. We had just moved to a new apartment the night before so I was tired when I woke up so when I fell down when getting out of bed I thought it was just fatigue. Nothing hurt but I couldn’t get up. I was also slurring my words a bit. I couldn’t hear it but my husband could so he became alarmed.
I thought he was being overly dramatic calling my parents and his mom trying to figure out what to do. While I’m just thinking everything is fine. So my parents don’t know what he should do and think I’m probably just overly tired. His mom thinks because of my slurred speech Blake should call 911. So he tells me he’s calling 911 and now I’m thinking he’s gone completely insane. So the paramedics come they can tell somethings wrong and want to take me to the hospital. Now I should tell you I’m scared of hospitals and needles and had never been in an ambulance before, so even though I’m feeling fine I’m afraid. Then my husband can’t go with me because our daughter is with us, at the time she was 3. I’m convinced though that I’m going to get to the hospital and the doctors there are going to finally be rational people and tell them I’m fine, someone would get me a Dr. pepper and I could go to work.
I was wrong I went into that hospital and was there for a month. See I didn’t feel it but all that time starting at some point in my sleep a clot formed in my brain cutting off blood supply to my brain, slowly killing it. I was a healthy 25 year old having a stroke. The month in the hospital was rough, the months of rehab when I left were hard but here I am 5 years later and I’ve recovered a lot. It’s been a long process but I’ve grown up a lot. I know I would have grown a lot between the ages of 25 and 30 anyways but going through what I’ve been through really changes you and makes you grow up faster. I want to thank all of my blog readers and followers. I didn’t know anything about blogging five years ago and I don’t know if I can express how much starting this blog and finding this community has helped me recover and heal. So I have two things for you today. A $50 Amazon giftcard giveaway and a code for 50% off any ad space. I just want to thank you all for being a part of my journey to recovery.
(source)
iamalighthouse says
Who won? 🙂
Fiona N says
Thank You So Much for sharing this lovely story and great giveaway!
lissa crane says
Thanks for sharing your story! Very inspirational!
Maggie says
Thank you for sharing your amazing story!
Lana @ The Truth About Blondes says
Thank you for sharing this. You are an incredible person! It is amazing to see what the human spirit can do when it wants to survive.
Lana @ The Truth About Blondes recently posted…5 Steps To Get Through The Worst Part Of Loss
Lauren says
Your story really hits home for me. My husband is almost one year from having his stroke and I am so thankful he was in the hospital within 5 minutes. I think it made a huge difference in his recovery. My thoughts are with you today on your anniversary!
Lauren recently posted…How To Insert Social Media Icons To Your Email Signature
Snarky Momma With (@SnarkyMommaWith) says
Amazing recovery story. Your strength is still astounding.
Snarky Momma With (@SnarkyMommaWith) recently posted…Doggie Chew Toy- No Deflate Possible
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
You are such strength, mama! Thank you for sharing such a personal story!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide recently posted…Science, Sensory and Snow
Margarita says
Wow, what an experience, I’m glad you can see the positivity in it 🙂
Margarita recently posted…Let’s talk about Female Entrepreneurship
Yaitza says
thanks for another inspirational post.. Have a wonderful day
Yaitza recently posted…Mexican Inspired Pearl Couscous Salad
Fun With A Message says
Wow! What an inspirational story! You are a very courageous lady. Keep on going strong.
Thank you for sharing.
Fun With A Message recently posted…You Are Loved
Myrabev says
Cool giveaway, thanks for sharing your story
Jenn @ hellorigby! says
What an amazing journey, you are so strong and inspiring, Karissa!
Jenn @ hellorigby! recently posted…5 Top Lush Products & Valentine’s Giveaway
Mandi says
I don’t think people realize how common strokes are, and it’s really important to know the warning signs because it’s one of those situations where every second counts. It’s amazing that you’ve been able to recover the way you have, and your progress over the past few years has been inspiring. You’re so awesome.
Mandi recently posted…The Bachelor in Santa Fe
Shannon Hall says
Glad you are doing better! Thanks for sharing your story.
Shannon Hall recently posted…What’s Up Wednesday Linkup: The Details
Stephanie @ Mommyzoid says
WOW! What’a story <3 you are brave!
Stephanie @ mommyzoid
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Karissa says
Thank You!
Brenda says
I’m glad to see you are recovering! Thanks for sharing the awesome giveaway!
Brenda recently posted…Time to Get Out And Go
Erin says
What an incredible story! <3 <3
Erin recently posted…the best is yet to come.
Jeanine says
What a story! You are so strong and brave! So inspiring!
Jeanine says
What a story! So amazing you are and brave. Very inspiring!
Rosie says
What an amazing story Karissa. You are brave and strong woman.
Rosie x
Chelsie says
So scary, but I am glad you are okay! I know how hard health trials can be, but you definitely aren’t letting you slow you down!
Chelsie recently posted…Meet the Guy behind my Blog
Samantha says
Thank you for sharing your story! Very inspirational 🙂
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Shipra says
I’m so glad everything turned out fine! I’m sure it must’ve been terrifying for you and your family! God bless! <3
Shipra recently posted…KBShimmer Spring 2015 (Partial) Collection Photos, Swatches, and Review
Angelic Sinova says
I admire your strength, thanks for sharing your story! I LOVE the quote “I lean red more from my pain than my pleasure!” So true <3
Angelic Sinova recently posted…Must Have: February 2015
Shannon Peterson says
I am so glad you are ok! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Shannon Peterson recently posted…What I Wore // Mama Style
Shannon Peterson says
I am so glad you are ok! Thank you for sharing!
Shannon Peterson recently posted…What I Wore // Mama Style
Suzanne says
That is terrifying! My husband started having double vision a few weeks ago (probably due to his meds), but when the doctors wanted to keep him overnight to make sure he wasn’t having a stroke, it totally freaked me out. He’s fine, but I can’t imagine how much life would have changed if he had had a stroke. I am so impressed with your journey! I am a new follower, but I love your blog!
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[email protected] says
What an inspiring story of recovery and strength. Congratulations on your journey thus far.
[email protected] recently posted…The Good Girl’s Guide to Killer Abs
Kyla Currier says
You’re story is so touching, I’m so glad you have had a great recovery!
KyMarieC
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Caroline Ciener says
I entered! This is a great giveaway, thanks for sharing!
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Aimee says
You are one strong lady! I’m glad you are doing better now, but I can’t imagine how scary that must have been.
Aimee recently posted…BurnThis – a new app for Fitspiration