My lifelong recovery as a 27 year old who suffered a carodid dissection; having a stroke- needing surgery to have a stent put in- all due to a car accident where I was a passenger on December 17th. I have to get over the idea that my life has changed dramatically and will likely never be the same; I need to get over my past self- and all I can think of is how lucky I am to be alive and to have all major functions. I will have to get passed the trauma of trusting other people as a driver. I will also face issues with having to take blood thinners- and any future surgeries I will need. I have to face the fear of having a second stroke everyday.