Hi, I'm Jim in MI
 

Hi everyone,

What a surprise I got after midnight tonight. I got an email from Joe at bikeforums.net wishing me happy birthday. Thanks Joe.

I actually forgot that I even registered on bikeforums. It said I last visited 5-13-2006. I purchased a new bike on May 5. I joined here May 13. My birthday was May 25. I had a stroke on June 10. I spent the rest of June and all of July in the hospital with therapy twice a day. I then had out patient therapy for 5 months. I go to the gym at least twice a week.

I am not telling this story for your sympathy. No I'm telling this story for the people who are not really in shape. Those people that avoid even thinking about their health. I am overweight, diabetic, with high blood pressure. I was one of those guys too tough, too macho to see a doctor. I took medication when I felt like it. When the stroke hit me I thought I was dying. After calling 911 I was in the hospital in about 10 minutes.

Well I survived it but I will probably not ride that new Trek I bought last May. But I will ride again and keep the weight off plus lose more and take my medication. I have been eyeing recumbent trikes. My balance and my strength will not be the same as before. Anyone want to buy the almost new Trek for your grandmother?

I hope everyone reads this and if it reminds you to get a check up, take your meds, get the cholesterol down, do it. As the famous slogan says "just do it".

Regards, :) :)
Jim

Hello Jim, I read this last night and reflected upon it all night (at work!). I've had so many people ask me why I get out every day and ride my bike, and I tell them that I don't want to go the same route as many of my co-workers, with diabetes, heart ailments, arthritis, and a myriad of other health problems.

I am in particular susceptible to having a stroke, being a migraineur. You have both my sympathy (for having the stroke before being able to get on your new bike), and my admiration (for your determination to get back into the world of cycling).

Good luck for the future, and welcome back to BF!

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

East Hill