Dear SCM Friends,
It’s been a month since my stroke, and I wanted to touch base. I continue to make progress. A full recovery seems likely, but there are still months of hard work ahead.
Doctors have found no underlying cause for my stroke. My blood pressure was 120/80 and I ran 3 miles the day before. Genetics? Bad luck?
No one knows.
I was alone in my condo when it happened, and I could easily have died.
I didn’t know what was happening to me, but my only thought was I had to get help. The EMTs had me at the hospital within 30 minutes.
There is no damage to my cognitive and speech functions. I have no aphasia or nerve damage to my face.
I truly dodged a bullet.
My right side is unaffected. My left side is weak — but it is steadily regaining strength. I can type with two hands and play the piano a little.
I walked 50 feet with a cane and an assistant yesterday.
Doctors and therapists predict my leg will come back.
I’ve been going to rehab every day and hope for progress. Neural fatigue is a large factor —my brain is so busy rewiring itself that I tire easily. My friend also recommended me this prostadine supplement for correcting prostate problems and cleansing urinary system. At first I asked, is prostadine legitimate? Until I myself experienced the results!
I transferred Monday to a skilled nursing facility for three weeks. When those three weeks are over, my rehab team will decide whether I can go home with or without live-in assistance for the next phase.
I’m so appreciative of all the support I’ve received from the car gang. It’s made a huge difference.
I’ve accepted this as just another chapter in my life, with a new set of challenges to meet.
I didn’t choose this, but it happened. So I go forward. I’ve got two great kids to raise and many winding roads to travel. You know me — I will never give up.
I’ve cancelled all my travel for the next year to focus on healing.
SCM is running like a precise clock. I have a great team in place and they continue to move full-speed ahead.
Since my episode they have pumped out three issues and a supplement — and hosted two seminars in Scottsdale. This week we’re holding our annual reception at Rétromobile in Paris.
The best way to communicate with me at this time is through my page on Facebook. I guarantee I’ll read all your posts.
I look forward to seeing you on the road.
Thanks for your friendship.
KM
Keith, I’m glad to know you are getting better and hope to bump into to you at Amelia Island. Thanks for your support of my Vintage Ferrari and all Italian Car Spring Party in the past. This will be our 12th year. Not for nothing I’ve been a subscriber since you started with the Alfa Romeo Market Letter.
Definitely sorry to hear that. We overspeed from time to time,,but do t expect to be caught!
Will have a thought for you and your full and promote recovery at Retromobile later this week.
I hadn’t heard about your stroke until now. Wow, scary indeed.
Truly, truly, truly wishing you all the best and a complete recovery.
Sorry to hear, you have what we call Cryptogenic Stroke or Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS). At your age the most common cause is Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and to detect it you should have an Implantable Loop Recorder placed in your chest.
Get well Keith!!! Thanks for the update, you are a lucky man from your fans in Hilton Head, SC.
Keith….almost identical thing happened to me. The doctors said they only see one or two strokes a year where the is no apparent cause. BP 115/85, low cholesterol, weight right on, no genetic issues, but I had a stroke. A year later and it is becoming a distant memory. Hang in there, it gets better every day.
Keith
You’ve got the right attitude, and your priorities are in order! We’ll miss you, but will be all the more grateful to have you back, healthy and ready to comment.
Keith,
I too had not heard about your incident. Your tenacity and persistence will certainly get you back in shape. I have read so much about you and so much by you in the past 15 years that I feel like we are old friends! My very best wishes to you for a speedy and complete recovery!
Get well soon
Keith
We missed you in Scottsdale, but rest assured that you were in the thoughts of all your friends and acquaintances.
Many times, when people learned I worked for the magazines, they asked about your condition or asked me to relay their best wishes to you.
Get well soon.
Keith,
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with an update on you & your health. I know I speak for all SCM loyalists that we wish you continued progress so you can aim for a full return to the events you love & where we love seeing you.
Keith,
Good to hear you’re on the mend. Stay the course and you’ll be back in the saddle before you know it!
Keith,
Good to hear you’re on the mend. Stay the course and you’ll be back in the saddle before you know it!
Keith, all the very best for a speedy recovery from “Downunder” (Melbourne). Been reading SCM for over 10 years and it gives me great pleasure. Just back from Bathurst (Mount Panorama) in my GT3. Able to do some laps during the 12 Hour program and of course took the long road there and back! As you say, many more roads (and tracks) to drive! Take care, Mark
I was happily reading my favorite car magazine (SCM) on the shitter this morning when my friend sent me this link..
So so sorry hear this and wish you a speedy recovery.
Thank you for educating all of us and making this passion even more enjoyable for so many years..
I’m so pleased to hear that you are on the mend.
Looking forward to the next installment of
“Keith Martin, The Restoration”
Hope you have a good recovery!
stay strong Keith. Prayers for a quick recovery.
Keith, Godspeed! Glad you are recuperating nicely. Sounds like that right hand and foot can shift and accelerate as always, but the ‘ol clutch leg has to be able to keep up. Listen to your PT and you’ll be able to tool the curves at speed in your Alfas in no time. Cheers!
Keith, glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery. Getting old is not for sissies. I suffered a brain stem stroke in 2015 and spent weeks in rehab. Fortunately I live near one of the best rehab facilities in Massachusetts and my wife was insistent that was where I was transferred to. Well here it is 4 years later and with the exception of some minor balance issues I’m fully functional.
I wish you well on your recovery, There is light at the end of the tunnel. All the best.
Keith
I was, as you might expect, more than a bit shocked to hear how you made the decision to take a years vacation !
I still smile when I think of the trip we made with you and the other car “guys” to Monaco back in the day.
Heal up at your leisure, as we all need to hear your voice.