Hi, my name is Adam and I recently had a brain stem stroke. (About 2 weeks ago) I lost my ability to eat and my right side is fairly numb. I'm 35 years old from upstate NY. I know now after reading up on brain stem strokes that I am lucky to even be alive. I also suffer from pretty sever anxiety and panic attacks, which doesn't go very well with being a stroke survivor, as the symptoms of my panic attacks often mimic stroke symptoms. I'd like to find some other brain stem stroke survivors to talk to, as I always seem to have new questions each day. I have a peg tube for feeding and medicines. I've been experiencing some involuntary deep inhalations the past few days and I don't know if that should worry me or not, as I know the brain stem controls breathing. I took a swallow test while I was in the hospital that I didn't do very well on, but I've been doing my exercises at home, and I've also been experimenting with eating some different textures of foods, and I don't know how dangerous that might be for me either. Wow I'm really rambling lol. I just feel lucky to be alive, and at the same time I'm in complete shock that this is happening to me. Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave any and all comments or share stories.