Vicky Beard

BIOGRAPHY

My name is Vicky Beard. I’ve had a total of 5 strokes. I'll be 60 in February, & celebrate every day God gives me.

I had my major stroke in May 1990, on Mothers day. I have lupus, & because of this I get plural effusions, or water in the lining of my lungs. After my lung was drained, I stroked. The sad part was they didn't know I stroked. My doctor insisted for 9 years, that my tia's were simply migraine equivalent.

I still don't know what that is, but I lay in the hospital for 3 days, while my brain was bleeding. By the time my daughter insisted I be moved to another hospital a lot of damage had been done, I have slight use of my left hand, & little use of my leg, just this year!!! NEVER GIVE UP HOPE

In 1999 I had another tia. They found out my carotid arteries were full of plaque. My left carotid artery was 65% blocked, & my right 100% blocked. While in surgery I suffered my third stroke. It messed up my vision. I can see now, back then I saw double for weeks. Two days after being discharged from ICU, I had another stroke at home. This one tried to take my good side, but OT therapy started in the ER. My right side is still weak, but it's my only good arm. I will start my crocheting this year again, after 13 years!!!! I just have to try.

One month ago while sitting at my computer I had a mini stroke. We don't know if the piece of plaque in my brain caused it. Guess it doesn't really matter at this point. I'm so grateful to be alive.

The Stroke Network, Inc.

P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009