From Hospital Bed to 8K: A 3-Month Check-In

From dragging my left side to finishing 8.04 km today, something I attempted to do maybe three or four times pre-stroke. I’d say that’s a pretty solid plot twist. It was a Sunday, too, which is when I’m supposed to do my long runs. The irony hit me while I was in the CR doing a #2. Not even kidding.

another Sunday at Bentang's

Link to what I wrote about my STROKE (while at the hospital): STROKED

Link to my recovery: STROKE RECOVERY

I now weigh 57.6 kg, which is more than 10 kg lighter than when I was hospitalized. I’ve also gained a bit of muscle in my arms and legs from moving daily and exercising at least 30 minutes a day.

My meals, especially on weekdays, are all homemade and usually look like this:

Breakfast: Overnight oats with chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds, walnuts, Greek yogurt, and nonfat milk

OR lugaw with boiled egg, turmeric, pepper, lots of ginger and garlic, spring onions, and chicken breast

Lunch: Any protein like chicken breast or lean pork loin, and salad (usually tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce)

I made spicy cabbage rolls one time. It has chicken breast, potatoes, carrots, green peas, sayote.

my husband's fave: roasted pork loin wrap, wwith cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, cream cheese, and wasabi paste

Pre-run fuel: Whole wheat bread with peanut butter, or boiled saba, or boiled camote

Dinner: Fish or chicken breast with utan bisaya or munggos (with everything on it (no meat), basically still utan bisaya) and kimchi, half cup of mais

My husband eats the same meals but in larger portions. I also make my own matcha tea. 

Weekends are when we indulge a little by eating out, but we still choose the healthier options. The canton at Bentang is my favorite post-run meal these days!

The result? Over the past three months, all my lab tests have come back normal. The most recent one was described by my doctor as “gwapa kaayo.” I thought she meant me. 😁

I also make sure to sleep early now. No more watching “everything i ate” videos on YouTube at 12 noon, sometimes until 3 PM. I work night shift, so yes, this was bad.

As always, deepest thanks to my husband and family for the overwhelming love and protection. To my doctors and caregivers at Chong Hua, the best hospital in my book. And to my boss, peers, and my amazing team at work, thank you for picking up the slack and for giving me grace as I ease back into this slightly slower version of myself.

AND HUGE HIGH FIVE TO MYSELF! For not giving up. For working hard to recover, even when it gets sooooooo exhausting. For learning about my condition through hours of reading and watching videos. For resisting the temptation to eat my favorite cakes, pata, and chicharon. To be honest, the last part wasn’t that hard. The thought of having a second stroke and going through all of this again is so terrifying, my mouth just shuts itself off at the sight of those foods or when i hear the words deep fried, buttery, creamy. Although, a very small bite won’t hurt once in a while.

I have come so far. Sometimes I can’t believe I’m here, right now, out and about, doing the things I love to do. Here’s a quick video of the huge difference in my progress. I cried while watching my past vids. It wasn't easy!

I am still not 100%. My left side is still a little weak especially my arms/hands but of course I'm going to continue to fight. Ako pa?

As always, thank you for reading this, for indulging me. I hope this helps, inspires, or maybe even scares some of you into facing the very real possibility of a stroke if you’re not taking care of yourself and eating well.

'Til the next blog. 💛