Rachel Todd: Model suffered from Locked-In Syndrome at Age 18

What an incredible story!  My thought and prayers are with you and your family Rachel.  Be strong and remember that your family loves you so much...  Your Father telling your story was just so beautiful and I can see how much you loved...    Amy Gregg

My friend who suffered this stroke 10 years ago, is recording his experiences at kesuresh@blogspot.com

Im from Harwich and know Rachel well, We can not believe what has happened to her and all of us in Harwich are just praying she will be ok and pull through! She is such a gorgeous girl and at only 18 has her full life ahead of her still! She has the love of both her friends and family and her own strength to pull her through this and im sure she will!! I hope you make a full recovery soon darling! x

Kind of makes you wonder why she had the stroke? Sure, could have been bad luck but... If there was some identifiable risk for her stroke, it would make a great opportunity to educate the public. For example, if it was a family history, educating the public about the importance of appropriate health screening, if it was an accidental aspirin overdose, reminding the public about the dangers of OTC medications, if she were on oral contraceptives it would be a good time to remember the known risks of these. I've treated several young ladies who had had strokes while on OCPs (and of course I have no idea whether this young lady was). What angers me about the cases where I've been involved was that the poor victim never knew that that was a risk - their doctor hadn't informed them before they consented.

Kind of makes you wonder <u>why</u> she had the stroke?  Sure, could have been bad luck but... If there was some identifiable risk for her stroke, it would make a great opportunity to educate the public.  For example, if it was a family history, educating the public about the importance of appropriate health screening, if it was an accidental aspirin overdose, reminding the public about the dangers of OTC medications, if she were on oral contraceptives it would be a good time to remember the known risks of these.  I've treated several young ladies who had had strokes while on OCPs (and of course I have no idea whether this young lady was).  What angers me about the cases where I've been involved was that the poor victim never knew that that was a risk - their doctor hadn't informed them before they consented.

Hi Rachel, Stay positive sweetheart!! My husband became locked in almost five years ago, After a year of rehab he now lives at home with me and our two girls. Yes life is different but it is still full of love, laughter and fun. Always try to think 'out of the box' and you'll be surprised at what can be achieved , we've even gone on a few week long family holidays (you just need a VERY big van for all the extra equipment lol). Dont worry about the letter board it becomes second nature and you'll soon speed up with practice. we made our own up and it takes half the time once you've learnt the system.  if you need any pointers on anything at all (eg quick question systems for getting to that itch etc) just get in touch. Anything we've learnt through trial and error we are more than happy to share.  Love Diane and Russ Brown-Lee

hi Rachel, Gordon and family, i've been locked in and have a daughter of my own, so it hurts to read your story. i'm walking okay, talking quietly, and went river rafting this passed summer, never give up, the book "the secret" helped me alot

I am Rachels ex Boyfriend, i was with her 5 months through this with her and a year prior to it. i was still seeing her every week up until a fortnight ago when she informed me using her chart she doesnt want to see me anymore which for me is a blow. i hope in time this will change as i still love her and am considering getting back with her. As from up until i was seeing her, she was making ok progress, there is some movement in her arms, she can swallow fluids and has learnt to press a switch using her fingers. i just wanted to make you all aware of how this is going. i believe she was having several problems with her pill before this all happened, but none of the other potential 'causes' seem to be the reason why. She had several blood tests to determine glandula fever as well but her pill was always a problem.

Hi, my name is Neil Watson. My wife Nicola suffered a severe stroke on 28th July this year and has been diagnosed with locked in syndrome. It is now just over 9 weeks and we are just getting to the stage where Nicola can communicate with us through blinks of her eyes, We have just started using the, (what i call) ABC chart, at the time being still a bit eratic, though i'm sure we'll improve. Anybody out there who can help with any tips regarding communication or whether just to share experiences of what we feel are good and bad things regarding treatment and care, i would really be interested in hearing from you. Thanks Neil Watson

www.sleepywizard.com/  and also health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BrainStemStroke/

with God,all things are possible.There's nothing too hard for God to do. i believe when we all go on our knees and pray to our Father God in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ,she'll be healed. All we've gotto do is that,we have faith and pray then,she'll be fine. By the sripes of JESUS CHRIST,we are healed Jesus is the only way out.