“I will not stop fighting”: Sinbad’s return to life after stroke recovery took two years
Sinbad is currently relearning how to walk two years after suffering a stroke.
Sinbad, born David Adkins, is continuing rehabilitation and “fighting for every inch” after suffering an ischemic stroke in October 2020 due to a blood clot that moved from his heart to his brain, according to a website linked on the comedian’s Instagram account on Monday.
Sinbad, 66, was discharged from the hospital in July 2021, nearly nine months after a stroke.
Sinbad’s improvement is described as “nothing short of extraordinary” on the website, which adds that survival odds for this type of occurrence are roughly 30%.
The media pointed out that, “Limbs that were said to be ‘dead’ are coming alive and he’s taking the steps necessary to learn to walk again. “In his own words, ‘I am not done. I will not stop fighting until I can walk across the stage again.’ And neither will we.”
Sinbad underwent a thrombectomy to remove the clot and restore normal blood flow to his brain following his stroke. The following day, however, he developed a second blood clot approximately half the size of the first and required the same treatment.
The physicians conducted a craniotomy to relieve pressure and lessen the swelling of Sinbad’s brain. Later, Sinbad returned to the Neuro-ICU in a coma and was placed on a ventilator.
“Our hearts were devastated. The road to recovery became unclear and extremely difficult for the family to navigate,” the website states. “It would be weeks before he would open his eyes, speak, or show signs of basic mobility. It wasn’t long before we realized he couldn’t move his left side or simply hold his head up. The more time passed the more the family learned how much had been lost.”
Sinbad has been weaned off a ventilator over several months and was cleared for intensive rehabilitation.
Although the comedian has “already defied the odds and achieved great progress beyond anyone’s expectations,” he still has “miles to go.”
“The costs of therapy far exceed what insurance covers and it has taken its toll on the family financially,” the website states. “Many of you have asked what you can do to support us. We created this site as an avenue for those who would like to lend their support and contribute in some way. All gifts will go to the Adkins Trust to help provide for Sinbad’s care and help him continue to fight this battle.”
The media continued stating that, “Sinbad is here because of the multitude of prayers from all who know and love him. We are eternally grateful. Every outpouring of love and the memories of how he has touched all of you have not gone unheard, unseen, or unfelt. Thank you. You have lifted his spirits along the way and inspired the entire family.”
Sinbad is well-known for his stand-up comedy and appearances on television shows and films, such as “A Different World,” “The Sinbad Show,” “Jingle All the Way,” “First Kid,” and “Rel.”