John Bolan, stroke survivor from 2010, helped get Cincinnati’s Comeback Trail 5k off to a rousing start on Saturday with heartfelt advice for fellow stroke survivors and their families and friends.
“It’s important in the aftermath of a stroke to allow some time to figure out what the new normal is,” Mr. Bolan told the crowd of 200 at Glenwood Gardens Park. “Like any event that causes grief, there are several stages to go through before we get on with our lives. Most of us go through some denial, the what if’s, depression, isolation, and/or anger before we accept our situation. This takes some time.”
Mr. Bolan, a former farmer, home-builder, and subcontract inspector for FEMA, suffered several strokes before doctors figured out what was wrong and referred him to Andrew Ringer, MD, a stroke specialist at Mayfield Brain & Spine. Today, he lives a full life that includes lots of travel, golf, and his own 600-square-foot organic garden.
“Both survivors and caregivers should try to be patient, understanding, and to listen as much as possible,” Mr. Bolan said. “Of course, this advice fits squarely in the category of ‘easy to say, hard to do.’
“One thing that helped me was to always have some activity planned for the next day before I hit the sack. Anything that gives you a reason to get out of bed is better than nothing, even if it’s just going to the store or some small chore that needs to get done.”
Without a planned activity, he continued, it can be tempting to roll over and go back to sleep. That, he deadpanned, “doesn’t really count as much of a muscle-building or calorie-burning activity.”
Lincoln Jimenéz, MD, a Mayfield cerebrovascular specialist who attended the walk, echoed Mr. Bolan’s remarks. “I absolutely agree that patients need to be patient and allow some time to define what the new normal is,” he said. “In part, this depends not only on the patient but also on those who surround her. Whether this involves relatives or a support group, a strong link should be created and maintained. Patience should go both ways in order for this link to work.”
Mr. Bolan admitted that he was a “hot mess” for a few years following his strokes. He struggled with balance problems and had to retire from his career. “I let every little thing bother me, which only robbed me of the energy I needed to move forward,” he said. “I’d like to say to anyone recovering from a stroke to try and be kind to yourself. I attribute any success I’ve had to being a bit stubborn. In other words, don’t ever give up!”
The Comeback Trail 5k, in its third year, raised more than $10,000. The event was presented by the National Stroke Association, which will merge with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association before the end of this year. Mayfield Brain & Spine was proud to be a Gold Sponsor for the event.
— Cindy Starr