Seconds that changed my life

My Stroke Story

Back in July 2013 I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in the Pons area of my brain which left me pretty much disabled. It caused in-coordination of my right side, slurred speech, diplopia (double vision) and left me immobile. It greatly affected my core and right hip stability due to sensory loss from head to toe on that side. Needless to say I was unable to do the most basic daily tasks and barely get about without assistance.

From the time I was admitted, to the day I was discharged from the public hospital I cannot say enough about the care I received. The nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and everyone else who cared for me were fantastic.

Once I arrived home it didn’t take long to realize that any future improvement was up to me and me alone. I attempted to function as best I could but found that still many basic life skills were beyond my reach. My mobility improved slowly but I was not gaining any improvement in the things that counted. I decided to reach out to the physiotherapist who had helped me a great deal whilst in hospital. I have since been paying regular visits as an outpatient with a wonderful physiotherapist and have made terrific progress in many areas of my disability, thanks to her expertise and support.

There are many stroke victims that have suffered far worse than I and I can only imagine the challenges they face. The reason for

An astonishing new scientific discovery called neuroplasticity is overthrowing the centuries-old notion that the adult human brain is fixed and unchanging. It is, instead, able to change its own structure and function, even into old age.

this blog is to let others know who have suffered a similar stroke to mine that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I have learnt that visualizing and focusing on a specific movement or task with slow, relaxed gentle repetition yields positive results. Where possible using visual awareness to teach the brain how to achieve your goal is of great value. In earlier days I worked as a professional drummer and have taught many the technique of playing the instrument. I remember the hours I spent practicing and developing the fine motor skills needed to be a proficient drummer. Now I find myself using the same approach in strengthening and developing my body to improve everyday life.  Attention to detail is the key. While working on a specific movement or task, no matter how small, you are in fact recording the action with the brain so it will in time, play it back correctly. My physiotherapist made me aware that pain during any recovery exercise is a warning to stop, rest and look closely at what I am doing.  Also, I have found that much of the development of one’s strength and physical control comes from the core. For example I would focus on my leg movement with little progress until I learnt that it was my core that needed the attention.

As for my abilities now, doing every day household tasks with the attention to detail I have mentioned has improved my recovery greatly.  These are just my brief thoughts and personal observations on an incident that seriously affected my life. I am committed to continue my recovery and live my life not as a stroke victim but as someone that has put this episode behind me.

I hope this has in some small way given a little insight into meeting the challenges one faces as we recover from stroke.