There is a negative bias towards active stroke survivors.  Like most, I lost all my casual buddies - I walked different, I talked different, I was child like in my reactions.  Had to relearn how to react to loud noises, or a person coming around the corner.  Obviously I could not work in security anymore and retired.  To claim I'm using my permanent handicap as drama is nonsense.  People noticed I was different.

I'm not ashamed of what happened, and if I wanted sympathy I would have announced it a year ago.  Both suchmoon and ibminer were helping for a while before I had to explain why I was so absent. 

If anyone has questions about the experience, I'd be happy to give my opinion publicly or in private.