2x2709,
Welcome to the family. I am sorry you have to be here but this is the best support group you will ever meet. I was 22 when I was diagnosed after a srtoke.

It is the stroke that will slightly modify his personality but since he is so young he should be able to adapt and change back to "normal" more easily since the personality is still developing.

As far as the terrible threes... that is from not being able to express oneself easily. I at 22 right after my stroke and recovering from my surgery was the same way. I a quick to anger when I am exhausted to this day but since I am aware of this I try to get to bed or take a nap if needed.

As far as a "normal" life; there are a few "should not do's" that are recommended. 1) No sky diving 2) No SCUBA diving 3) depending on the surgery no contact sports (American football, Hockey, ect) 4) Be extremely cautious about riding roller coasters. 5) depending on the person be cautious about playing instruments that you blow into (trumpet, flute, ect)

My "normal" Life: I work full time (40+ hours a week) and I am going to collage part time to get my BS in Electrical Engineering. I started this path before I knew about my MM. I took a year off of school but still worked full time. I had my stroke a few days after my honeymoon. For the first few months to a year I wanted to go out an party with my friends like I remembered doing, but I knew I could not stay out that late so My husband came up with a code word that when I say it he knows it is time to leave soon. I can get pregnant an in my case I will have to have a c-section but others have been able to do a natural birth.

Just remember everyone's initial conditions are slightly different. So what has worked for me may not be what works for another. Stay Strong and support him as much as you can. Watch for  signs of fatugue.

Becky

2x2709
I'm sorry to hear of the curve ball life has thrown at you, but just know that you are not alone.

Luca is now 3. She stroked twice before she was 1 and had bypass surgery soon after.

She is left with residual effects from the strokes; she is struggling to walk, but getting there, and her eyesight isn't 100%, but also appears to be improving.

I'm not sure what your definition of normal is, but we lead a normal life. We try not to let this disease get the better of us.

Fear is very normal. But you will learn to deal with it and slowly it will become manageable.

This bypass surgery is a wonderful thing and Dr Steinberg is apparently very good at it. Your sons been through way too much for a three year old and right now needs a lot of love and support; tantrums and all. Have faith in him and he will surprise you. He's the same Little Guy as before.

Stick around and you will get a lot of support right here.

Stay strong
Mark (Luca's Dad)

I have an 11 yr old son who has down syndrome, autism and celiac disease. He suffered a stoke on his right side April 9th, spent a week at Chidlren's Hospital here in Phila. This is where he was diagnosed with Moyamoya and we found out he had 3 to 4 silent strokes prior to this one. This stroke effected his speech, and the whole right side of his body. My son is pretty much nonverbal anyway, he has a vocabulary of approx. 70 to 80 words. He has bounced back extremely well, thank God. He does receive speech and occupational therapy at school. Right now, he is back to his old self pretty much. The only thing I still notice is that he tires more easily. He is also on 1 aspirin a day and I have noticed he bruises very easily now.

For my son, his lack of communication has always been frustrating for him. Right after his stroke, he became even more frustrated, not only because his speech was effected, but also because he knew his arm/hand wasn't working the right way. It is hard to see and deal with. I hope that with time and therapy your son will be back to his old self.

I am now waiting for my sons medical records to be sent to Children's Hospital in Boston to be reviewed.