Stroke survivor spreads awareness on physical and mental challenges

Every year, nearly 800,000 Americans experience a stroke for the first time. Caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain, a stroke can end or dramatically alter someone's life. For survivors, persistent symptoms can include paralysis, trouble with balance or coordination, numbness, or sensitivity to light and noise. Advocacy for stroke survivors, family members, and caregivers has increased, but more awareness is needed.

Mike Payne, a two-time stroke survivor, is a dedicated advocate for survivors and their caregivers in the Northland. He understands the hardships that families and survivors face. Mike suffered his first stroke in April 2014.

"When you have a stroke, you’re flooded with information. For example, there is a 55% chance you'll have a second one within five years. I told myself I was going to be one of the 45%," said Mike. "Yet, two years, two months, and two days later, in June of 2016, I had my second stroke."

Mike’s strokes were triggered by blood clots in his brain. He was able to receive tPA, a clot-busting drug that works to reverse symptoms left behind by stroke. The tPA did its job, and Mike survived both of his strokes with relatively few lingering symptoms. For many, Mike said, the battle is in their head.

"I'm very blessed to be here and have only a few residual side effects. Everyone who has a stroke suffers from physical and mental challenges. Some side effects you can see, but I think all stroke survivors have mental struggles, as I do. A lot of people don't understand that," said Mike.

To help with his own recovery, Mike and his wife knew it was important to find a support group. "After my first stroke, we called around several places looking for a support group, and we decided on Liberty Hospital," said Mike.

Stroke support group

Liberty Hospital’s Stroke Program Manager, Courtney Gooding, has long been an advocate for survivors, their families and caregivers. She manages the hospital's support group.

"The stroke support group offers a safe place for people to come and share experiences and encouragement. These shared experiences allow members to find pathways and ideas to help them deal with life after stroke and the impact it has had on their lives," said Gooding.

For Mike, the support group has been instrumental in his post-stroke journey. "Courtney has done a really good job with the program, securing different speakers for our group throughout the year. We have socials where we can pop in and sit and talk,” said Mike. “The support group is open to survivors and caregivers, because a lot of people don't know what a caregiver goes through. Caregivers are angels on earth.”

Gooding says the group is free and open to the community, and she enjoys raising awareness around recovery.

"The stroke support group is a wonderful group of people from all walks of life. Stroke impacts the whole family unit, not just the patient, so our group welcomes both survivors and caregivers. I have learned about the resilience of the human spirit through this group. There are ups and downs, but our group is here to support its members, however they need it. It may be through assistance with resources, education, emotional support, or just an ear to listen," said Gooding.

Liberty Hospital's stroke support group meets from 1:30-3 pm on the last Tuesday of each month, at the Liberty Hospital Education Center, Room 5, located at 2525 Glenn Hendren Drive in Liberty. For more information, contact Courtney Gooding at 816.415.7795 or cgooding@libertyhospital.org.