MEET DOUG
Two years ago following routine surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat, Doug awoke knowing his life had changed dramatically. He had suffered a stroke during the night while recovering from surgery at his sister’s house. As a massage therapist, Doug longs to return to his profession. In the meantime, he focuses on physical therapy and tries, he says, “to stay sane.”
Having spent lots of time outdoors cycling, Doug loves this particular fundraising effort on the part of RMSC. “You go, Mary Kay!” He had previously cycled more than 400 miles across Colorado.
Doug especially enjoys pool therapy every week. He finds it offers a good workout, as he focuses on getting and staying fit. He sees daily improvement in his ability to walk, “even if it is just a little.” Doug, along with others in the programs, knows how important it is to mark progress in the small increments in which it happens. “If you get too far ahead of yourself,” he says wisely, “you will end up being discouraged instead of motivated.”
Doug’s advice is “to take care of yourself and your friends. Stroke can sure sneak up on you…without any warning.” Learn the warning signs of stroke.
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