I hope the following answers some of the questions you have been asking.
How are you doing?
I’m doing much better than anyone expected and the last two days have been positive. Personally, I’ve been coming to grips with how significant this stroke was. I think I’ve been in a bit of denial. But I feel the love of my family, the prayers of many, and the grace of God.
I’m doing much better than anyone expected and the last two days have been positive. Personally, I’ve been coming to grips with how significant this stroke was. I think I’ve been in a bit of denial. But I feel the love of my family, the prayers of many, and the grace of God.
How did this happen?
It’s unlikely we’ll ever know, but spontaneous vertebral artery dissection is sometimes caused by genetic predisposition or by some type of trauma. The questions they asked were: have you recently been in a car accident, gone skydiving, had significant chiropractic adjustments, or been swimming. This winter I started swimming a mile a couple times a week because it was miserable to run outside and I don’t do the treadmill. They’re not sure about cause\effect, but there’s clearly a correlation between swimming and SVAD (spontaneous vertebral artery dissection). Apparently the repetitive turning of your head to the side can cause a kink in the artery, which leads to a tear in the lining of the artery. Blood gets behind the tear and bulges and eventually cuts off blood supply and there is a stroke.
It’s unlikely we’ll ever know, but spontaneous vertebral artery dissection is sometimes caused by genetic predisposition or by some type of trauma. The questions they asked were: have you recently been in a car accident, gone skydiving, had significant chiropractic adjustments, or been swimming. This winter I started swimming a mile a couple times a week because it was miserable to run outside and I don’t do the treadmill. They’re not sure about cause\effect, but there’s clearly a correlation between swimming and SVAD (spontaneous vertebral artery dissection). Apparently the repetitive turning of your head to the side can cause a kink in the artery, which leads to a tear in the lining of the artery. Blood gets behind the tear and bulges and eventually cuts off blood supply and there is a stroke.
Is this likely to happen again?
No. Some docs have said this is a one and done event. Others say that it can happen again, but the likelihood is 1%. It’s also worth noting that the type of stroke I had was atypical.
No. Some docs have said this is a one and done event. Others say that it can happen again, but the likelihood is 1%. It’s also worth noting that the type of stroke I had was atypical.
Was this stroke caused by stress?
I think of my job as challenging and occasionally overwhelming, but not stressful. As you know, I think Christ Church is at a crossroads and I want to make sure I’m leading faithfully and well. I have not felt particularly stressed. I did ask docs if stress could be a factor and they all say no.
I think of my job as challenging and occasionally overwhelming, but not stressful. As you know, I think Christ Church is at a crossroads and I want to make sure I’m leading faithfully and well. I have not felt particularly stressed. I did ask docs if stress could be a factor and they all say no.
How long before you return?
I’ve stopped asking this because it’s obvious no one knows. It’s amazing what they know about the brain and amazing what they don’t know. Clearly the next two weeks will reveal a lot about the trajectory of my recovery. So far the signs are very encouraging. The swelling is improving fairly quickly. My issues now are balance and visual focus. It’s clear that my return will be measured in weeks, not days. I’ll likely have 2-3 weeks of inpatient rehab.
I’ve stopped asking this because it’s obvious no one knows. It’s amazing what they know about the brain and amazing what they don’t know. Clearly the next two weeks will reveal a lot about the trajectory of my recovery. So far the signs are very encouraging. The swelling is improving fairly quickly. My issues now are balance and visual focus. It’s clear that my return will be measured in weeks, not days. I’ll likely have 2-3 weeks of inpatient rehab.
Be honest. Are you discouraged? You have to be asking “why me”?
Medically, I’m quite interested in finding out why me because I’d like to ensure it doesn’t happen again. In terms of thinking God has let me down, nothing could be further from the truth. This has been a sweet time. It’s confirmed the love of my wonderful wife in new ways, we’ve been able to watch our boys step up and act like men, and the stroke has brought greater dependence and intimacy with Christ. This event has confirmed our faith, not shaken it. There’s a long path ahead of me. I’m sure dark moments lie ahead. But I’m not discouraged. God is good.
Medically, I’m quite interested in finding out why me because I’d like to ensure it doesn’t happen again. In terms of thinking God has let me down, nothing could be further from the truth. This has been a sweet time. It’s confirmed the love of my wonderful wife in new ways, we’ve been able to watch our boys step up and act like men, and the stroke has brought greater dependence and intimacy with Christ. This event has confirmed our faith, not shaken it. There’s a long path ahead of me. I’m sure dark moments lie ahead. But I’m not discouraged. God is good.
How’s your dad?
My dad’s situation is deteriorating quickly. He’s taking a new drug that’s only used as a last effort. Using it precludes any other treatment options. If it doesn’t kill him, he likely rallies for the summer. He’s currently very weak and all my siblings have flown down to be at his side. It will be very hard if he doesn’t make it, because I’m in no shape to get down there. But I know I will see him again.
My dad’s situation is deteriorating quickly. He’s taking a new drug that’s only used as a last effort. Using it precludes any other treatment options. If it doesn’t kill him, he likely rallies for the summer. He’s currently very weak and all my siblings have flown down to be at his side. It will be very hard if he doesn’t make it, because I’m in no shape to get down there. But I know I will see him again.
Is there anything we can do?
We’re overwhelmed with support. Thank you. I’m not making any effort to stay current with email, voicemail, or texts. I know they’re adding up. Sheri and the boys are around nearly 24/7, and we’re really trying to discourage all other visitors. I’m poor company and it’s very exhausting. Pray for my recovery and pray that I grow closer to Christ through this challenge. Perhaps in the weeks ahead visitors will be a welcome thing, but not currently. Know that I am pressing on and praying for you.Please pray for the staff. I have complete confidence in them but in addition to their jobs they must do mine as well.
We’re overwhelmed with support. Thank you. I’m not making any effort to stay current with email, voicemail, or texts. I know they’re adding up. Sheri and the boys are around nearly 24/7, and we’re really trying to discourage all other visitors. I’m poor company and it’s very exhausting. Pray for my recovery and pray that I grow closer to Christ through this challenge. Perhaps in the weeks ahead visitors will be a welcome thing, but not currently. Know that I am pressing on and praying for you.Please pray for the staff. I have complete confidence in them but in addition to their jobs they must do mine as well.
Press on,Mike Woodruff