“I was given a second chance at life and I embraced it with vigor.” Andrew
Williams.
In April, 2015 Andrew Williams suffered a brainstem trans ischemic attack
(TIA), affecting his balance, vision, concentration, mental acuity and causing
paralysis in his left side.
As a legal professional Andrew was subject to a lot of work-related stress. He
was out of shape, lead a sedentary lifestyle and contended with diabetic
issues. “It was a real shock to me to find out that I suffered a stroke when I did.
But I could see the signs that were clearer to me in hindsight.”
At the time of the stroke Andrew was only kept in the hospital less than a day
before being discharged without so much as an MRI. “After the stroke I
became quite active despite having a serious vision problem. Now, I still try to engage in activities that I enjoy and still meddle with legal matters as I had
previously enjoyed but not at the same level nor in the same capacity.”
Even though after the stroke he dealt with major episodes of depression that
required in-patient and out-patient treatment, through therapy Andrew has
achieved a 70 to 80 percent recovery with the exception of his concentration,
focus and energy levels. Since the stroke he has been able to enjoy biking,
running, jogging and gym activities, although a knee injury has slowed him
down recently. Additionally, in the time since the stroke Andrew has made a
point of helping others whenever he can.
Andrew’s advice to other stroke survivors is “Get a grip on life and make the
biggest efforts now because you can make a difference in yourself and others
at the same time. I failed to watch over my own health and was too busy
burning the candle at both ends and in the middle. It caught up to me and
stung me fiercely. I didn’t give myself the time before, but now I make an
effort to dedicate my time to me more than I used to and by watching for and
making efforts with my health I am better prepared to help myself and others
at the same time.”
Andrew Williams is a stroke survivor who can!
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