Wandering among the untrodden paths my realisation was at its peak when I came back to my senses understanding my disability… Nearly that one Sunday, two years back, on 23 June 2013, I lost instantaneous consciousness, abdicating my actual self to a stroke, that shattered my very existence. Before 4 p.m. I was an extremely healthy, active, fun loving and outgoing guy who lost it all within a matter of few minutes. I did not even realise what was happening to me, but because of the good sense of my family members I was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital where my treatment was started within no time by a highly qualified neurologist.

I spent more than a fortnight in the hospital and had to throw temper tantrums and fight with my doctors to be sent home. Before I go further I would just like to add that throughout my life I’ve had very few chances to visit a doctor for an ailment, for the need had never arised. Therefore, I knew very little about the symptoms and consequences of a stroke. The first two days at home were hectic with everybody coming to meet me, trying to motivate and cheer me up. But on realising that I couldn’t speak properly or be able to move my right hand or leg, i was completely bed ridden. So it wasn’t easy to come to terms with it. Everyone’s attempt to make me laugh, did bring a smile, but it was accompanied with tears also. A few things continued to nag me as to why me and for how long? Would I ever recover? Life had come to a complete standstill. Hordes of relatives and friends came to visit me, each one also gave their share of advice. But I had read some where that all the advice in the world will never help you, until you help yourself. And so this was a new beginning for me.

This blog is especially for those who are facing this problem. Since I have suffered a stroke and also fought hard to get back on my feet, I wish to share my experiences with you, for these things would definitely work for those who have suffered a stroke. First of all this thought came to mind that I can get well, by watching a circus show on the television, where I saw the fierce lions performing on the command of a ringmaster. In a friction of a second a thought struck me that if a man can train such dangerous beasts than why can he not do the same for his own betterment.

There after,  I adopted a few things which I am sharing with you. I started working on my voice because I talk a lot. I would close the door and speak and sing loudly. Though I couldn’t initially,  but I continued. I started talking to my sister on the phone and asked her to listen to me even if what I said was incomprehensible or sounded gibberish. I used to speak to her for hours.

I started drinking warm water,  sipping it slowly even during summers. Believe me my voice was normal within a few weeks. One fourth of my battle was won and quite encouraging as well. My next target was my foot. Though my physiotherapy was going on and the therapist repeated the same exercises over and over, yet I had to do something more for it wasn’t enough.  My sister sent me a thick roll of elastic about 3 to 4 inches in width. I made many loops of different lengths according to my hand and leg requirement. I would exercise my hand and leg, stretching them for hours every day.

The other thing I did was to increase the intake of black pepper in food, tea or anything edible. One more solution is to boil neem leaves, as its steam heals your affected body parts to recover faster.
Simple meditation is of great help too. You see nothing is impossible for man, for he has so much inner power with which he has the ability to heal himself. I also believe that if a part of your mind is affected or stopped working or sending signals, then we can activate another part of our mind to do the same. The only thing is anyone can get well with self confidence and a little patience. The last thing is that just today I have received a compliment that I am looking better than before.

Well in the past 2 years I have recovered 90% and will not rest until I have regained the remaining good health as well, which concerns my hand. I am confident that by the time I write my next blog for my friends who have gone through this problem,  I will be back in perfect health.