When the orthopedic doctor became paralyzed

 Dr.Werayudth Chaopricha, an orthopedic at the Bone & Joint Center, Vibhavadi Hospital would like to share his own personal experience as a precaution tale for those at risk of a stroke and support for paralysis patients and their families.

He wrote, “on the morning of the 27^th January 2015, I got out of bed and felt dizzy. I could not walk straight and felt that my arms and legs were weak. I had to use the wall for support as I walked to the bathroom to shower and brush my teeth, and had some suspicion that I might be having a stroke. I quickly got dressed and asked my wife to take me to the hospital. When we got to the ER, the nurse took my vitals and found that both my blood pressure and body temperature were very high. The ER doctor ordered a brain MRI and contacted a neurologist right away as I was taken to the ICU and received urgent care, hoping that I would feel better in a few days because I was still able to move my arms. The next day, I started to feel pain and numbness in my right arms and legs; the pain felt like I constantly had something on top of my limbs. The weakness in my right foot increased and I was no longer able to move it…paralysis has happened. I had so many questions running through my mind. Why did a stroke happen to me? How can I use my knowledge to treat myself to help the doctors who are treating me so that I can return to my job as a microsurgeon? And most importantly, will I be able to return to my favorite hobby, golf?”

“3 years since the day of my condition, the biggest problem in my life became a life-changing lesson, a priceless test. I was fortunate to be able to return to my role as a hand microsurgeon. I was able to rejoin gold tournaments, and join a 3-5 km fun-run not only once, but 5 times! I want to take this opportunity to share with you what happened to me, as a precaution for those at risk of a stroke.

1. Non-modifiable risks: being older than 45 years old, genetics, and a history of heart disease and heart valve surgery.

2. Modifiable risks:

      2.1 obesity (high BMI)

     2.2 food: I used to enjoy sweet, greasy, and salty foods but now I do not consume fried food or sweet, greasy, salty foods. I eat mostly vegetables, fish, and fruits—my dinner substitution.

     2.3 exercise: before I got sick I used to play golf once or twice a week, but now I do cardio exercises for 20-30 minutes, 3-5 times a week.

The first year after the event, it was still hard for me to walk and balance, so I did hydrotherapy for 1 hour, for 360 days. When I was able to walk and swim again, I walked on the treadmills for 20 minutes, and swam 20 laps (about 400 meters). I had to learn to write in Thai, English, and Japanese again everyday for 3 months until I could write the way I used to be able to. My wife was especially fond of my efforts in learning how to do chores around the house again.”