Living Life After A Stroke Dr. Calenthia Miller
My name is Dr. Calenthia Miller. I have worked in the healthcare industry for over thirty years. Therefore, I considered myself to be in actual good health. However, my life as I once knew it changed on Jan 20th, 2022. My day was no different from any other day that week. I had just finished chatting with the family members on the team and asking what everyone’s plan was for the upcoming weekend. I finished my rounds and headed to my office.
I continued my day as usual, and then suddenly, I became sick and had a headache that I could not shake. I rested my head on my desk, and the next thing I remembered was that I was in the Neurological ICU. I had suffered a stroke while at work. The next few days were a blur, and many of the detail from those days before my admission to the hospital and while inpatient was conveyed to me by my children and co-workers. As a result of the stroke, I lost my ability to talk, walk and care for myself independently.
Shortly afterward, one of the family members entered my office and asked if I was all right. She had noticed I had not been my outgoing, bubbly self for a while. As a leader, we are responsible for ensuring that everyone is good and everything is running smoothly, never taking the time to think of ourselves.
I underwent extensive rehabilitative therapy for six months, including speech, physical and occupational therapy. The thought of losing my independence was overwhelming and caused me to fall into a deep depression. My ability to let go and allow others to care for me was a new process.I still have cognitive delays; I may forget specific conversation details with colleagues or team members.
