Six month ago as I was lying in bed, flat on my back from the stroke that I had spent hours denying was happening, I said to Kath, “Put it up on my website.” I was in no shape to do it myself, so I dictated a quick statement that she typed verbatim (prompting one Internet genius to comment, “He can’t be too bad off; he’s typing on the Net.”)
For some reason, I honestly had no idea that it would take off. But it did. Within fifteen minutes it was on Bleeding Cool, and that was because Rich Johnston received three dozen emails during the intervening time.
From that point on it was all over the place. Every board everywhere, it seemed, was determined to spread the news. One áššhølë—just one—declared I had it coming. Otherwise there was an outpouring of support, prayers, etc.
Then followed ten days in the hospital, the first few of which Kathleen was informed that eighty percent of people who have this particular type of stroke tend to die, and she might have “tough decisions” to make. When I didn’t happen to do that, I then spent five weeks at Brooks Rehab hospital in Jacksonville, where Ali, my physical therapist, busted ášš to enable me to learn how to walk again. When I first arrived, the plan was that I’d leave in a wheelchair. By the time I left, I was using a cane.
Now, months later, I am done with physical therapy and next Tuesday is my last occupational therapy. My right shoulder still hurts and my endurance is not remotely what it was, but I am working to return to normal. It continues to be a long path, but with the relentless support of my wife and friends, at least I’m able to walk it.
PAD
Kath here-We would like to thank everyone for your help through this, for lack of a better word, adventure. We couldn’t have done it with out y’all.
This will be the last of these entries. I started with daily updates and then went to weekly and finally monthly as things kept getting closer to normal. We do still have a long way to go but we have made it this far and it is nice to say that after 6 months Peter is pretty much back to normal (or pre-stroke as the medical people are saying).
We still have a lot of doctor’s visits in our near and far future. It just has become a part of our lives. But these visits give us the information we need to continue his recovery and rehabilitation.
Again y’all have our thanks and gratitude.
Kath
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this is great news!
not only b/c you’re one of my favorite writers, but b/c you’re also a kick ášš human being and you’ve got a great family that loves you.
big hug to all of you!
Of course, the medical people are saying “pre-stroke” because there’s some question as to whether PAD was ever “normal”…
But on a more serious note, that’s some really good news, man. Look forward to many, many more years of enjoying new stories from you.
If you hadn’t said it just now, you have to know that somebody would. Besides, normal is overrated.
That said … tremendous news, and as one who’s seen his own share of physical + occupational therapy in the last two years I’m enormously glad to hear that it’s all about to be behind you now. So glad to hear it all.
Glad to see that you are doing better! Sending good vibes to you and your family.
Wonderful
Wonderful to hear that so much progress has been made in Peter’s recovery. I was only too glad to offer what little I could in the way of help for you both with this and wish it could have been more. You is both good peoples and I’m really glad things are looking up for you both. Enjoy Houston…you deserve the break!
Every step forward is a good thing. Glad to see that you’re taking more and more of them.
It’s always good to read that PAD’s situation continues to improve.
So glad to hear you’re part of the 20 percent! 🙂
I am very, very glad that your recovery has gone so well. Neuroplasticity for the absolute win.
You and Kathleen and the girls continue to be in my thoughts.
Awesome news! So glad things are improving like they are! Keep doing what you’re doing! We need you! Peace to you and the family.
Great to hear how well you are doing PAD. I so enjoyed meeting you this year in Phoenix, my favorite part of the con was you trying to cheer up my fussy toddler.
I am 60 years old. One of the things I have learned over the years, is that when someone gives of themselves, year by year, month by month, day by day, and hour by hour, that person is no longer an acquaintance or just a friend-that person is family.
If anyone has deserved being a part of so many people’s families, it is you, Peter.
Thank you for all the years!
May your recovery be complete!
Keith Mallow
I’m glad you’ve come so far back.
Did you know that “strokes” are called “strokes” because people used to believe that people suffering them had been shot in the head by an invisible arrow from an invisible bow by invisible elf? It was an “elf-stroke,” as in being struck by an elf.
Ðámņëd elves. Looks like you’ve showed them what’s what, though.
Excellent news. It sounds as if you’ve been quite lucky, but I also think you’ve made your own luck by working so hard to overcome this.
So glad for you and your family that you continue to pass one positive milestone after another. Best wishes for the road ahead!
One áššhølë—just one—declared I had it coming. Otherwise there was an outpouring of support, prayers, etc.
Just one? You’re slipping! Congrats on the continued improvement. Reading all the old But I Digress reminds me just how much you and your family have been a part of my life, and I’m glad you keep getting better.
This news makes me happy.
Great news!! Keep it coming but again as I’ve said before, I’m not in the least surprised at your, to me at least but probably not for you, rapid recovery. You’re a fighter.
That’s terrific news! I hope that the progress continues as a great pace, and you can enjoy your family, friends, work, and play as much/well as you ever did before.
So glad to hear things have gotten so much better. Hopefully it will be nice to “talk” to us about something other than health issues.
And a last bit of unasked for advice. My Mom had a small stroke several years ago. She’s fortunately recovered really well, but I noticed her energy levels were not the same for over a year. But eventually that got better too. So hopefully you don’t need to worry about your endurance and it will come with time (although I’m sure it’s hard to be patient.)
Best wishes!
Rich
This is welcome news for all involved–you, your family, friends, and us fans.
I wouldn’t expect less from the man who showered outside during a hurricane (and gave us new meaning to the words “Peter David’s ‘Man-Thing'” – but I digress). Seriously, you rock… and may you continue to do so! Hope to see you at SDCC in a couple of weeks.
I just got back from a vacation in Europe with my parents. 10 days of beautiful cities and countryside.
What made this trip harder than most was that about 3 years ago, my Dad had a stroke. He’d always been in good health and seemed young for his age, then literally overnight he aged 20 years. He managed to gain some of that back, but he’ll never be where he was.
Despite that, he’s still great. We couldn’t do a bunch of walking tours on our vacation, but there was a lot we could do. I think he’s even improved a little from the trip. He had to push himself harder than he wanted on the tours, which seemed bad at the time, but it’s put him in good shape since then. So I guess there is still room for more recovery. That’s a wonderful thing, and kind of feels like a gift right now.
I’m glad you’re doing better, PAD. I know you’re going to be strong like my Dad and keep recovering. Please stay healthy and keep writing for years and years.
I don’t comment every time, but I do check in. And I do always wonder how PAD (and Kath, and the rest of the family) are doing.
Glad to hear you’ve made such a relatively quick comeback and hope it continues. Can’t speak for everyone, but we definitely need you to stick around a bit longer.
You worked hard to get back to the life you know PAD. Congratulations on all your of your success. You are blessed to have so much amazing support from family, friends and fans.
Hey, PAD!
So proud of you and all the hard work you’ve done so far. What you have achieved in such a short period of time is miraculous! You and your family are so amazing ..know that you all are still in our prayers every day.
One thing, you said that you are “working to return to normal” …man, talk about going way back ..how long has it been since you were actually normal? Years? Decades? Childhood? Back in the womb? :o) Sorry, but I had to tease you about it, I mean seriously how many writers for Marvel or DC over the years could ever actually be considered normal? :o)
Take care! We all luv ya!
PAD — I can’t tell you how glad I am you are recovering so well. One of my daughters is an occupational therapist, and she told me once that the attitude of a patient is an important part of their recovery process. So, while your family and other support network folks certainly deserves a salute, so do you. Welcome back!
Very glad to hear you’re doing better
Happy to hear you’re doing better, PAD
As a fan of yours for so many years, I just want to write and say good luck with your recovery. I hope it goes well and you manage to weave many more great stories for a long time into the future.
Best wishes and be well …
I’ve followed your New Frontier series ever since it started, and you’ve given me many hours of entertainment and laughter.
I only just stumbled across you’re website, I had no idea what had happened. Best wishes for your recovery.