One of my self-defined blogging categories is about My Life After I had a right side of the brain stroke several years ago on deadline.
Writing about my life since then helps me realize how fortunate I am, and how far I've come. I also like to think that what I write about recovering from a stroke may help other people who have also gone through this life changing experience. My blog gets about 35-45 hits a day by people searching the Internet about the effects of a stroke. Often times the person querying will drop me an email after reading anyone of the many entries I've written about my stroke recovery experience.
On Sunday afternoon I got an email from a reader. I'm including it in this blog entry.
HI AND THANKS FOR YOUR WRITINGS... I FOUND THEM TO BE ENCOURAGING. ON 2-3-07; I HAD A BAD RIGHT SIDE STROKE. WAS IN THE HOSPITAL UNTIL 3- 7-07 LEFT HAND IMPAIRED... ANY RECOVERY TIPS GREATLY APPRECIATED HERE. THANKS SUSAN
I immediately responded to Susan's email with the following suggestions.
1. Purchase a children's practice writing lined pad, fine a comfortable pen or pencil with a large shaft and begin copying a passage from a favorite book. Force yourself to write using large letters. Focus on writing the same size throughout the exercise. Initially set a goal of one to two pages of handwritten text. Do not become discouraged. Put aside the pages. After you've filled up the first notebook go back and compare your first attempts with the most current page. Experiment with different pens and pencils until you find one you're very comfortable with.
2. Do not let anyone tell you you can't do something because of your handicap.
3. Enroll in an adaptive PE, water aerobics, or pool-based physical therapy class and go regularly.
4. Stay in touch with your friends and make an effort to speak slowly and clearly. Do not be embarrassed if you sometimes drool.
5. Even if you have to take the short bus, make an effort to socialize. You'll likely find that lunch is no longer a social engagement, it's a enjoyable way of life.
6. Force yourself to remain active. I try to spend two to three hours outdoor everyday.Much of my time is spent in my gardens or tending my fruit trees. I force myself to use my left hand to complete tasks.
7. Don't be ashamed of tripping or forgetting things or not being able to speak clearly. Hey, you had a brain accident, remember. Cut yourself some slack.
8. Take up an enjoy a hobby. Mine are gardening and fishing and I do both regularly; by myself or with good friends.
Susan, don't hesitate to pass what you've learned on to others. Blogging is a great way to do this and many times, it's emotionally rewarding. Have fun and relax.--Jim Forbes from my little mountaintop in rural northern San Diego County on 03/25/2007.
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