Skip to main content
Submitted by Lama Nishit on 3 January 2021
Man stroke survivor jogging wearing a blue jacket and green pants

Being a stroke survivor, I have learnt to adapt and improvise with what is left of me, says Nishit Lama resident of Darjeeling, who has turned to running, starting with a few shaky steps to joining the 15 km Freedom Run, to overcome his debility, depression and spread awareness.

Being a chain smoker, with poor eating habits, no exercise and 47-year old, I should have seen it coming.

See Nishit Lama's video below 

One fine February morning in the year 2015, when the symptoms came suddenly, I was caught totally unawares. I didn’t know what was happening to me. At first, I couldn’t stand properly. Then the right side of my face began to drop and my speech to slur. It all happened in quick succession. I was losing control on the right side of my body. At that moment it was indescribable. I felt like my body had been divided, sliced in half. My right side was not responding whereas my left side was normal. I was terrified that I might die. I knew something wrong was happening but I never, ever thought about stroke; in fact I did not even know what a stroke was. I was losing consciousness. I don't remember much.

I found out later that my colleagues had rushed me to Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad where I was working for a multinational software company. I remember being taken in an ambulance, after that I don't remember anything. When I opened my eyes after 3 days, I realised I was in the ICU. I was visited by a group of specialists, one of them said I was in safe hands. I was discharged after 17 days. When I visited a cardiologist I came to know that I had an ischemic stroke. I also found out that I have stents placed in the coronary arteries..

My risk factors

I think it was a combination of excessive smoking, poor eating habits and lack of exercise that caused the stroke. I have been smoking from a very young age. I became a chain smoker and would have around 30 cigarettes a day. Also I am a big foodie. Even though I loved cooking I would enjoy eating out. As far as exercises were concerned, I would quickly dodge such thoughts. Whenever I used to feel like exercising, I would lie down until the feeling passed away. Yes, my work was stressful with long hours. But I never felt my lifestyle was affecting my health.

Impact of Stroke

I was in a wheelchair for 4 to 5 months. I would suffer prolonged fits of depression. I would feel worthless, helpless and hopeless. Stroke had pretty much debilitated my life. Each day was a burden. I didn't know how to pass my time. Every moment I would think of how and when I would be cured. I experienced feelings of irritability, anger and anxiety. I joined a stroke survivor support group and I found out that depression is a common experience for stroke survivors. My feelings did slow down my recovery and rehabilitation.

I did physiotherapy for 3 ½ years, four days a week, though I did not go through any Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). My dominant hand is 80% futile but I continue to work on it everyday. The leg looks good. It has recovered almost 70%. I have now quit smoking, follow a strict diet and exercise regimen with what is left of me.

Running After Stroke

I must admit, I never thought I'd get this far so quickly. It's almost 6 years now, I still have some challenges and disablities. I will never quit. My priorities have changed over the last few years, quite obviously. I now participate in charity and fun runs. I started running after two years from the stroke, at first 10 steps for 3 weeks with a limp very slowly, with the support of someone. As the days passed by gradually I increased the distance. Now I am into slow jogging which has helped me a lot because the muscles of my good left leg does not wear out. It's because my left leg takes sufficient weight of my body. The longest one was for 15km and most memorable one was for 5km. It was 15km Freedom run held on 15th August 2019. I was mentally prepared for it, I ran very slowly and everybody was cheering for me. Somehow I managed to complete it with a limp. 5K was memorable because it was for a good cause. To be honest I had never done anything like that. 

Pillar of strength

My mother, she has been my pillar of strength; my source of motivation! She's definitely the biggest blessing in my life. She keeps me strong and positive.

I was working for a multinational company in Hyderabad, but I had to give up my job due to the stroke. Currently, I am not working anywhere, the state medical department has declared me as a physically challenged person. Let's put it this way, I feel I am on an endless vacation. I am learning to be content with what I have.

Advice for the average person who has not had a stroke

Stroke can happen to anyone. But often it is preventable. Many don't know until they are actually stroking. But there are some signs you could pay attention to. The more we know about stroke, the better it is. By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T warning signs, you just might save a life from stroke.

F : Face drooping.
A : Arm Weakness
S : Slurring of speech
T : Time to call for medical help

Related Reading: How can you help someone with stroke

What is the last thought you have before you go off to sleep?

Thank you God!!

Condition