Featured Fitale Karissa

FFFC:  Please introduce yourself to our readers.

K:  Hi, I’m Karissa. I’m 30 and was born and raised in San Diego County where I still live. I’ve been married to my high school boyfriend for ten years and we have an 8 year old daughter Isabella.

FFFC:  At what age did you have your stroke?

K:  I was 25 when I had my stroke.

FFFC:  How long did it take you to rehab/recover?

K:  This is a hard question to answer, I’m as recovered as I will get but it will never be 100%. The first two years I recovered the most.  I was in the hospital a month and then did rehab in the hospital and at home for about 8 months. I also had to go to therapy to deal with everything for 3 years.

FFFC:  What helped you to recover?

K:  Being young and healthy was a big factor in my survival. Recovering was helped by good doctors, lots of support and therapy and time.

FFFC:  Have you changed anything about your lifestyle as a result?

K:  I’m more aware of my health than I was before. I took being healthy for granted like most healthy people do. I go to the doctors more frequently.

I’m also a more positive person because I want to enjoy my life since I know now that you can never really know what will happen.

FFFC:  What advice do you have for someone who may have experienced a stroke like you and working to recover?

K:  Realize that it is going to be a long process. I wish I had been really aware of that in the beginning. Take your time and be patient with yourself. Get help from therapy and lean on others for support.

FFFC:  Where can our readers go to learn more about you and your story? 

K:  I write about my stroke sometimes on my blog. http://afreshstartonabudget.com/

Here is a recent post on my stroke and my marriage.

http://afreshstartonabudget.com/almost-dying-saved-marriage-week-2/