So far, so good! I'm now 8 weeks removed from my stroke and my playing is progressing quite well. One more month and I can start playing without restrictions. Right now I'm playing second parts so I don't have to play any high notes. The only thing that has seemed to suffer is my endurance. My lip is fine, but I'm just physically tired. The fatigue seems to be my problem with everything I do--getting better but not where I want it to be. I'll be working on my endurance this summer getting in shape for next season. I'll be posting periodically to be keeping you advised of my progress. Thanks for all the good advice and encouragement.

I recently suffered a "mild" stroke. I had the stroke 1800 miles from home and have now returned and awaiting my referral appointment with a local neurologist. The residual effects have been numbness and slight impairment on my right side as well as difficulty maintaining my balance. I was advised to refrain from playing for for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks I began playing again, bur also followed my doctors advice to not exert myself when I play for another couple of months--nothing particularly high or particularly loud. I am having some problem syncing my tongue and fingers, but hopefully that will get better as I continue to work on it. Has anyone had any experience with strokes? Can you offer any insights? Is there anything I should be telling my neurologist?

So far, so good! I'm now 8 weeks removed from my stroke and my playing is progressing quite well. One more month and I can start playing without restrictions. Right now I'm playing second parts so I don't have to play any high notes. The only thing that has seemed to suffer is my endurance. My lip is fine, but I'm just physically tired. The fatigue seems to be my problem with everything I do--getting better but not where I want it to be. I'll be working on my endurance this summer getting in shape for next season. I'll be posting periodically to be keeping you advised of my progress. Thanks for all the good advice and encouragement.

Dr. GO: I had the good fortune to be admitted to a hospital that has a specialized stroke unit. Before I left I had a TEE and an Echocardiogram, dopler examinations of my legs neck and cranial nerves. I also had a couple of MRI exams and a CT, I even had a :Bubble Study with transcranial dopler--and yes, I have a PFO and likely a AV Shunt in my lungs also (The cardiologist recommended that I not have the PFO repaired at this time, but that it would bear future monitoring). Due to the fact that I suffer from Persistent Intermittent Atrial Fib I have been on blood thinners for years the only medication change was to add a baby asprin to the regimen. I also exercise regularly. It was nice to receive your reply. I feel medical advise from someone who knows the ins and outs of trumpet playing is always a good thing and often gives me insight into interacting with my doctors.

Kehaulani: Thank you so very much for your response. Your advice has given me some things to think about, especially your advice about patience and realistic goals. My original goal has been to be able to play next season in the symphony, but now I realize I need to be prepared for the possibility that I will need to take a hiatus.

Well, onward and upward. I'll keep working to regain as much as I can. Once again, thanks.

I recently suffered a "mild" stroke. I had the stroke 1800 miles from home and have now returned and awaiting my referral appointment with a local neurologist. The residual effects have been numbness and slight impairment on my right side as well as difficulty maintaining my balance. I was advised to refrain from playing for for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks I began playing again, bur also followed my doctors advice to not exert myself when I play for another couple of months--nothing particularly high or particularly loud. I am having some problem syncing my tongue and fingers, but hopefully that will get better as I continue to work on it. Has anyone had any experience with strokes? Can you offer any insights? Is there anything I should be telling my neurologist?