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#JulianasTropicsSays

2 hurricanes and a stroke!

1/14/2018

20 Comments

 
​​It’s been a while since I’ve put up a blog…..we had two hurricanes (great excuse for being busy), but I (Johanna) also had a stroke, during hurricane Maria on September 19th 2017. I remember sitting in my room and only able to mumble words, I had no clue what was going on....my husband Wim recognized the symptoms of a stroke and got me down to the hospital during the middle of the hurricane…and here the roller coaster ride begins.
I was taken out of my room by the firemen that were staying in our hotel, to our truck which was being escorted by a police truck. I remember my head being held by a police officer and sometimes stopping because the police jeep would remove limbs from trees off the road on our way down to the hospital.
By the time I reached the emergency room, I could no longer mumble and speak.
I felt no pain – only anguish. I was trapped inside a body that could not work and could not communicate. I formed thoughts and sentences but could do nothing with them. My mind raced. I remember seeing my parents, my best friend Karen, Picky, Julio and Wim all coming in to visit…but we could not connect verbally.
After about 18 hours, in between rain storms, they were able to send me off in a helicopter to St. Kitts and then they placed me in a low flying medical jet to Bonaire.
Once on Bonaire, there are about 5 days where I don’t remember much, people were coming and going, I was moved around, and finally it came…I recognized people. Wim of course, but also who were the doctors and nurses, they were all so nice and helpful. But I still could not speak. I wondered what my life would be like in this new, isolated state. It was intensely lonely. I felt like no one could understand what was happening to me, and I was scared that maybe no one ever would be able to really understand me again.
I discovered a clock and I could figure out when Wim would visit me and looked at the comings and goings of the trauma unit and slept. After a few days my speech slowly returned and I was moved out of emergency care to the regular hospital. I was in the hospital for about a week. I hopped around (the whole right side of my body was lame), did all kinds of tests from writing to a psychologist checking on my wellbeing. I finally begged the doctor to let me go to the hotel with Wim.
They released me! We stayed in the hotel and I went to therapy while we waited until I was cleared to fly. On October 21st we flew home to Saba, limping, but left the wheelchair behind!
I am still in therapy, fighting through the pain and fear of rehabilitation, and coming to grips with the understanding that some of my abilities may be different now. But I won’t give up, and I am still seeing a difference every day!
Although this experience is still so new (almost 4 months), I have come to look at life a lot differently. I am so thankful for my friends who graciously and diligently support me. Without them, I may not have been able to return to the amazing life I have. If there's one thing I've learned from this experience, it's that life is a lot more fragile than we think; one day we are living our best lives and the next we are put in situations that test our will to fight. 
I would also like to take this moment to thank all the people that were involved in my recovery, Saba Health Care, Bonaire Fire Department, Police Department Saba, Island Government of Saba, Fundashon Mariadal, Fysio Di Bario and the therapist on Saba.
Last but not least, all our Juliana’s and Tropics staff, thank you for taking care of our business, after the hurricane and getting everything up and running again, and for your continued efforts. We can’t thank you enough, we love you! 
20 Comments
Xiomara
1/14/2018 12:32:33 pm

We love you more and very happy that you both are here with us ❤️❤️

Reply
Jim Mihaloc
1/14/2018 12:32:48 pm

Our prayers have been and continue to be with you for a speedy recovery and good health always. We heard about it while checking in on our friends in Saba after the storm. At that point we started to pray hard for you and Wim. Annette is a true prayer warrior and our thoughts and prayers are with you both always.
Please take care my friend you and Wim are very special to us and to all who know you.

Reply
Sheila
1/14/2018 12:38:32 pm

So glad to hear things are looking up! You are such a strong woman and a survivor! Can't wait to see you in October! You rock lady!

Reply
Tim Schmitz
1/14/2018 01:16:06 pm

Thanks for posting this. I am so glad to hear you are doing better. I came and stayed in Orchid right after the hurricane and that's when I heard the terrible news. Of course I had a great time, but it just wasn't the same without you and Wim there. Although I've gotten updates on your status from Lynn, I never really knew how rough it was for you. So, thanks again for the post and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Reply
Darnell
1/14/2018 01:51:02 pm

So very happy to hear you are on the road to recovery.
Very scary thing to go through.
But you are a very strong woman and you will get through one day at a time. Just keep positive.
And yes life can change with a blink of an eye. Thats why I always believe to be good to others and help who you can when you can as you never know who you may need .
Wishing you continued progress and a speedy recovery.
May this year bring you both all good things especially good health.
Much Success with the business.
God Bless you both.

Reply
Kathy freeland
1/14/2018 02:00:21 pm

So good to Have you back, and sending out news. Happy New Year and keep getting better and better! Miss seeing you around. Lots of hugs to you

Reply
Beau
1/14/2018 02:03:01 pm

I was very happy to see the updates that everyone made it through the hurricanes but had no clue about the stroke. I’m so sorry to hear about the that but am heartened to hear your outlook and perseverance. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I am hoping nothing but happy thoughts for you, the hotel, and all of Saba. Thank you for the update.

Reply
Jet link
1/14/2018 02:27:55 pm

Thanks for sending out this message. Wishing you'll get better step-by-step every day of this New Year!

Reply
Mark & Lynn Thorne
1/14/2018 03:18:25 pm

Dear Johanna,
Although you might not remember us, we have stayed at Julianna's many many times over the last decade. You and Wim have always been wonderful hosts.

We just read your post about your stroke and are happy that you are recovering. As it happens, Mark is an occupational therapist with almost 40 years of experience working with stroke patients. If you need any further advise regarding rehabilitation, Mark will be glad to answer questions you may have to the best of his ability. Please don't hesitate to write us.

We do have plans to get back to Saba sometime within the next year. So hopefully we will see you in person to see how well you have progressed.

Sincerely,
Mark & Lynn Thorne
Raleigh, North Carolina

Reply
Bert and Gerdijanne
1/14/2018 04:00:25 pm

Dear Johanna and Wim,
Thanks for this update. We are glad you are recovering and thankfull. We wish you lot’s of love.
We are looking forward to see you again!

Reply
Caroline
1/14/2018 05:13:58 pm

Continue to fight and stay postive!!!

Reply
Kimberly Ross
1/14/2018 07:50:11 pm

Dear Johanna and Wim,
As I am reading this blog, my eyes are filled with tears and my heart is heavy. I am so sorry you have to go through this. But thankful you are still here with us! Mike and I send our love and prayers for a full recovery!

Reply
Stacy & Andy
1/15/2018 07:23:50 am

Dear Johanna & Wim,

When we heard about this devastating news, I felt like my heart just paused for a few moments since we could not believe this was happening to you, someone so fully of energy and laughters and super hardworking ...We know you are strong and will continue the fight each day on your road to recovery... we are always here if you ever want to chat or even a call.
You and Wim will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
Stay strong and see you again soon :)

Reply
Teresa Williams
1/15/2018 09:05:01 am

I was aware of your stroke as I was scheduled to stay with you in October but had to reschedule. My thoughts and prayers have been with you and am so glad you are recovering. Myself and two others will be there February 3 if all goes according to plan. It will be good to see you again.

Reply
Lynn
1/15/2018 05:28:42 pm

Thinking of you.

Reply
Dagmar
1/16/2018 11:43:34 am

Bon courage. Reading your words receals you are a true fughter. The loving support of your community represents the loveliness of the people of Saba.
Hope to meet you in March.
Keep up your good spirit

Reply
Rudolph
1/16/2018 04:16:17 pm

Many years ago I read an article that claimed the best treatment for stroke patients was to be treated in a decompression chamber!

Reply
Karen and Jim
1/21/2018 03:57:45 am

Thank you, Johanna, for so openly sharing your feelings and experiences. You have always been a strong person and your strength is proving invaluable to you on this journey. Congratulations!

Reply
Albert & Michael - Saba Island Properties
4/19/2018 03:29:30 am

You're a miracle Johanna! A brave and strong person with a new chance to live your life the way you want and deserve.


May you be completely well --- May you be safe -- May you live in joy and peace always.

Onward to new changes and boundless gratitude!

With love - Albert & Michael

Reply
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