Happy Anniversary

This month is the Third Anniversary of  my book

 ” Finding My Voice With Aphasia”.  

 I want to thank everyone for their support, encouragement, and help in writing this book, especially the wonderful staff

at the York Harbor Inn I could not have written it without them.

Last week I visited the Northeast Rehabilitation  Hospital at Pease International  Tradeport in  Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  It is a beautiful facility  with a welcoming and compassionate speech pathology staff. I was invited  to speak to their Stroke and Brain Injury Support Group.  They were a wonderful group of people who listened intently and offered a wealth of information.. The question/answer and discussion segment was enlightening, their stories and accomplishments were outstanding.  We shared our difficulties concerning aphasia, coping skills,  the feeling of isolation, and the awkward feeling of being “different.”  We discussed how the stroke/brain injuries  gave us a  new life which we should enjoy to the fullest.  We decided to discard the ‘old baggage’ and eliminate people from our  life who make us uncomfortable.    I was asked what I missed the most after my stroke; my response was an emotional moment – teaching.  As the group was leaving a lovely woman approached me in tears. She also was a teacher who desperately needed to teach again.  We brainstormed and arrived at some possibilities for her to return to the world of education. She hugged me as we both  cried for our loss of teaching abilities and  new ideas to be part of the education system again including writing lesson plans and up dating curriculum. We both departed with a sense of hope and thoughts of beginning her new life.  Support groups  can change lives – join one to listen and share. You will definitely feel better.

Silent and Listen

Silent and listen are  key elements within a  conversation.  This is especially true for people with aphasia.  Background noise distracts and can cause confusion for the person with aphasia.  Both parties need to listen in able to comprehend what is being said and to understand each other.  There will be moments when the person with aphasia needs more time to comprehend or respond to your comments – silence on your part is extremely helpful for the person with aphasia. It allows them to collect their thoughts and respond. Ironically there is a commonality to Silent and Listen in all conversations

 SILENT and LISTEN share the same letters. 

 

Careful and Wise Suggestions for Winter

  Just a friendly reminder to be careful with new medications.  New medications can take as long as six weeks before a reaction can occur. These reactions can be dangerous; causing fainting; severe dehydration; heart palpitations; fatigue and change in vision.  If these or any other changes occur while on the new medication call your doctor or 911 to receive the appropriate care.

This winter has been hard on everyone, especially the snow and ice. We need to be careful, very careful.  Some suggestions to stay save:

• Ask for help or hire someone to plow or shovel the snow  – you may feel good BUT these can be dangerous resulting in a fall or a heart attack.
• Call your Town Hall for any assistance you made need – heating, electricity, a senior center to stay warm.  Ask them to check your carbon monoxide system is working properly.  Be careful with the first smell of gas – go to your neighbor and call 911.
• Ask your neighbor, when they go to the store, to pick up a few things you need.  If you are computer friendly consider ordering on-line with delivery.
• Make sure you have all the medicines you need.  If you run out – call the pharmacy and have a friend get them for you.  You may be in your  home for a few days .  Stay busy with hobbies, cooking or anything you enjoy this will help deal with Cabin Fever and avoid depression.
• MOST IMPORTANT KEEP YOUR MEDICATION AND APHASIA CARD WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES !

Stay Safe,  Keep Warm,  and God Bless!

This week I had the pleasure of meeting BJ Williams at the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.  While preparing for my radio program in November I came across an article written by this organization – it was absolutely fascinating.  At times I thought  I was reading an  article on stroke survivors and people with aphasia.  The commonalities we share are amazing.  Especially the number of survivors with aphasia.  I was interviewed concerning my stroke, recovery and aphasia, where I explained my aphasia coping skill.  Mr. Williams is preparing a documentary  for March – Brain Injury month.  Your prayers and support for those who are recovering from a stroke, aphasia or brain injuries are needed.   Just think “But for the grace of God it could happen to you”

Aphasia Awareness is My Passion

Aphasia Awareness is my passion. “Sharing experiences Knowledge is Power” my radio show on TOGINET [Thursdays @ 11am EST] allows me to connect with millions of people and I am grateful for the opportunity. Aphasia is a very difficult and frustrating condition. Last week I spoke about the symptoms of a stroke, the differences between the right and left side of the brain and diminished abilities after a stroke.  Also I spoke about Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences.
Exciting News I am in talks to develop a device to help speaking easier.

Aphasia Awareness