Sunday, April 11, 2021

Police and Tactical Flight Officer's Story

  







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MEDTRONIC ARTICLE

As an active and healthy police and tactical flight officer, 49-year-old Marc Geiger understands that being a first responder can come with its fair share of stress. So when he started experiencing symptoms of atrial fibrillation in early 2020, Marc knew he needed help.

Marc was mid-flight when he felt nausea and arm pain. After landing, medics determined Marc’s blood pressure was high and brought him to the ER in case of a heart attack. Marc’s doctor originally diagnosed him with thoracic impingement syndrome, meaning that some of his blood vessels could have been compressed - likely from a prior shoulder surgery - causing his arm pain and nausea. Marc brushed it off and continued his life.

About a month later, Marc was on another routine flight when he experienced his next incident. He recalled being frustrated as he tried to radio the communications center, “I knew what I wanted to say, but I just couldn’t get the words out. My speech was delayed, and my partner knew something was wrong,” said Marc. He doesn’t remember being taken out of the helicopter by the medics.

Back at the hospital, Marc’s doctors began neurological tests. After days of exams, the official diagnosis came in – Marc had experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a ‘mini-stroke’ that lasts only a few minutes. His doctors talked with him about next steps.

Finding peace of mind – and Atrial Fibrillation

After identifying the TIA, Marc’s physician was concerned he might have atrial fibrillation (AF), a common condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat very fast and irregularly. As a result, blood is not pumped effectively to the rest of the body and may pool and clot. If a clot dislodges, it can travel to the brain and result in a stroke. AF increases the risk of stroke more than five times, but it often goes undetected since it can happen infrequently and without symptoms.

Marc’s physician recommended he receive a Medtronic LINQ IITM insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). LINQ II is a small, wireless ICM for patients at increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms. The device is one-third the size of a AAA battery, placed just beneath the skin in a minimally invasive procedure. By continuously monitoring the heart, LINQ II gives physicians relevant data to help diagnose and define treatment for underlying, infrequent heart conditions like AF.

With the LINQ II ICM continuously monitoring Marc’s heart, he finds peace of mind knowing his physician is recording the data to ultimately figure out next steps for treatment. He feels confident that his LINQ II device will help unlock even more answers to his heart health.

To learn more about ICM’s, visit Medtronic.com/UnexplainedStroke
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Sunday, April 4, 2021

GEORGIA'S STORY

  







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Georgia has been a valuable, active member of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp since it's beginning. She has also participated in many other of United Stroke Alliance's activities, especially as an active volunteer at our camps.
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Now take a look at Georgia’s story.

My husband, Larry and I attended the first stroke camp in 2004 as a stroke survivor and caregiver. We enjoyed the camaraderie of being with other survivors and caregivers. It was a phenomenal life changing weekend. The next year we volunteered so we could encourage other survivors and caregivers. The difference I saw in my husband after one of those weekends showed that his life had a purpose. We decided this was our new mission in life. We took a negative experience of Larry’s stroke and made it a positive.

After my family saw our enthusiasm for camp, it quickly became a family affair. In 2008 our youngest daughter, Cheri, joined the staff of volunteers and experienced how camp impacted our lives. Even though Larry is not with us anymore, another daughter and her daughter (our granddaughter) have started volunteering at camps too. In addition, my son-in-law serves as President for the Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp Advisory Board. One life changing weekend led to three generations of volunteers.

Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is a family mission that has improved all of our lives. We continue volunteering in Larry’s honor because we hope that other stroke survivors and caregivers will find joy, fulfillment, and a purpose as well. Larry would be very proud of our family and pleased to know of the growing list campers who attend camp.

At the end of a camp weekend I am exhausted but inspired and proud that I have the opportunity to share and give hope to at least one attendee, if not many more. I go home grateful for this opportunity.
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Editor's Note: If you are curious about camp, go to rrscb.blogspot.com and look toward the top right of your screen and you'll see printed in red: What Goes On At Camp, Camp Preparation, Day One At Camp, Day Two At Camp and Day Three At Camp.
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Sunday, March 28, 2021

A Message from the United Stroke Alliance CEO








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A message from Larry, the CEO of United Stroke Alliance, a national organization and parent organization of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp (RRSC), Stroke-Out-Stroke(SOS), and Youth Education on Stroke (YES).  
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In the last newsletter, I described the story of one person creating a wave of positive change for thousands of people when Marylee created and implemented the concept of a weekend retreat for stroke survivors, caregivers and their families. After her husband, John, had his stroke in 2001, Marylee searched for resources that could help her navigate the potentially long road to stroke recovery for her and John. After exploring and talking with many people, she thought a weekend retreat would be a great opportunity to meet and support other stroke survivors and caregivers. The first stroke camp was held in 2004. At the end of 2019, 265 stroke camps were coordinated in 25 states. In addition to the stroke camps, stroke awareness programs evolved such as Strike Out Stroke (tm), Youth Education on Stroke (tm), Stronger Than a Stroke (tm), and a video series called, You’ve Had a Stroke, Now What (tm)?

In 2004, she had no idea her initial idea and effort would connect thousands of stroke survivors and their families as well as educate millions of people on the signs of stroke. Most of us would agree that one person creating a national impact is quite unusual and unique….…….or is it?

Sometimes we have specific intent as we connect with people. In these connection we want to express our feelings, good or bad, and other times we have a desire to share ideas or beliefs. However, in some situations we have no idea of the impact. For example, imagine the difference it could make when giving a homeless person a ten-dollar bill, or sharing a kind word with a colleague or just making pleasant conversation with a stranger. Most of the time we do not give these gestures a second thought. Consider the outcome when the homeless person shares a portion of the ten-dollar bill with someone or shares a kind word with another. Suddenly, a single positive gesture becomes two and those two become four. All of us have the capacity to change the world with kindness, respect, and generosity. Now, more than ever we need each person doing their best, in their own way, to change the world.

Some would say, the mountain is too high to climb, but remember the story of small town woman changing the world with one idea. Imagine the world if everyone had their own story.
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Sunday, March 21, 2021

Living Options for Seniors








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The following information is provided by Harry Cline creator of NewCaregiver.org  The New Caregiver’s Comprehensive Resource offers advice, tips, and solutions from around the web.

Harry Cline is also an author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. As a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, Harry knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He also understands that caregiving is often overwhelming for those just starting out. He created his website and is writing his new book to offer new caregivers everywhere help and support.
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Living Options for Seniors

How to Make the Right Decision for You

Living options are more plentiful for seniors than ever before; many older adults find that they’re able to stay in their own home and age in place rather than moving to an assisted living facility, while others want to age in community with like-minded adults. Not surprisingly, there’s a lot to think about if you’ve been recovering from a stroke, including how to budget for living costs, whether to sell your current home or rent it out, and how to make your place more accessible and
safe.

Now is the Time to Start Planning

You need plenty of time to weigh your options, prepare for a possible move, and figure out what your next step should be. With such big decisions knocking at your door, it’s important to have a support system in place, so talk to your loved ones to get their opinions and help. This is a great way to reduce stress and make the process go a bit smoother. 

Learn About the Housing Market

The housing market fluctuates quite often, so it’s imperative to get familiar with where it is currently in your area if you’re ready to buy and/or sell. Take a look online to find out the the details about the market details about the market, such as what the average down payment is, update trends, how much homes are going for in your desired neighborhood, and what you might expect to get from your current home. This will not only help you budget if you’re going to downsize, but it will also help you figure out what buyers are looking for so you can make a quick sale.

Consider Accessibility

No matter where you choose to live as an older adult, it’s imperative to consider your home’s accessibility and make sure it’s safe and secure. Think about where your health will be a few years down the road; if you have another stroke, are injured or become sick and mobility is a factor, will you be able to navigate your home safely? Stairs, outdoor steps, and certain types of flooring can quickly become fall hazards for seniors. If you know you want to downsize, you might look for a home that already has accessibility features in place, such as wider doorways and open space to allow for equipment like a wheelchair. If you’re aging in place, you’ll want to 
make at least a few simple modifications to ensure your continued good health. Keep in mind that the average national cost for these modifications is approximately $9,000, though that number can go up or down depending on how much work your home requires.

Consider Assisted Living

These days, there are many different types of assisted living options for older adults. Whether you need home health care, a facility that will help you with daily tasks, or a community where you can remain independent but living among other seniors, there are plenty of choices depending on your needs. Think about your budget, and take a look at your healthcare plan to see if it will help cover the cost of any of these options.

Think About Renting Out Your Home

For many seniors, the cost of downsizing is the thing that makes them wary. However, it’s best not to wait to make a move, as you never know what state your health will be in — in fact, waiting might make things more difficult on you. If cost is a major factor, think about renting out your current home so you’ll have a source of income. Ask a friend or family member to help you set it up; it may take a bit of work to make repairs or updates that will attract renters. 

Making the Right Choice for your Needs

Making the right choice for your needs when it comes to senior living can be a challenge, so think about which option will benefit you the most. Talk to your loved ones during the process so you can get their feedback and support, and give yourself plenty of time to make decisions.
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Sunday, March 14, 2021

A word of wisdom!

 








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A word of wisdom!

Keep Practicing Your Writing!
by Gopi A. Tejwani, Ph.D.

I suffered from a hemorrhagic stroke, at the age of 62, more than twelve- years back. An AVM in my brain stem ruptured. I was in a coma for two weeks, seven weeks in the hospital, three months in a wheelchair, six months on sick leave, and three years in professional therapy. With the grace of God, family, and friends' support, rehabilitation, and hard work for years, I survived. I am 75 now, still, teach part-time at a major university in Ohio.

While in the rehabilitation hospital, I realized that the stroke has put my body in deep trouble. My all right side of the body, from foot to hand has become very weak. I am right-handed, and all fingers in my right hand are curled up! I could control the thumb in my right hand but none of my other fingers will listen to my command. I could not touch my thumb with any finger. I could not hold a pen in my hand. How can I write? What kind of a teacher I will be who cannot write on a blackboard? These thoughts crossed my mind. I thought my life was over if I cannot write, walk, drive, use a computer or not take care of my daily essential functions. I had so many of these problems, and I will tackle them in other essays. This essay mainly focuses on the writing aspect.

Instead of griping about these problems, I decided to tackle these problems simultaneously. I thought if I cannot write with my right hand, let me practice writing with my left hand. My idea was to write 1,2,3…..,98,99,100 and a,b,c……x,y,z., daily three times on plain paper. I kept writing for over a year with my left hand. I became comfortable writing short sentences with my left hand. I was ecstatic! I could write checks and pay my bills! At the same time, I also started writing with my weak right hand, occasionally. In about two years, my index finger in my right hand started gaining strength. I started practicing writing with my two fingers, my thumb and the index finger, of my right hand. Soon, I noticed that writing with my right hand was neater and more comfortable than my left hand. Nowadays I write with two fingers of my right hand.

Meanwhile, after 7-8 years after my stroke, even the middle finger of my right hand has gained strength to a point that I can control its movement at will. The movement of two little fingers also I can control, but they move always jointly. I cannot control separately the movement of my 4th or 5th, little finger.

Writing with two fingers, thumb, and index finger requires grabbing the pen carefully and writing is not as firm-handed as with three fingers. Now that my middle finger also has gained strength, I am practicing writing with three fingers of my right hand. I aim to be able to write long letters. Practice, Practice, Practice!
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Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Remembering who You’ve Been Is Key to Knowing Who You Are








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+++++++Street & Steeple for February 26, 2021 By Phil Bell, retired, pastor, University Baptist Church

“Remembering who You’ve Been Is Key to Knowing Who You Are”

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How very appropriate is the naming of Macomb’s first black Chief of Police coming in the month of February although he won’t assume the position until later this year when the current chief retires. I congratulate Jerel Jones on his very significant honor and achievement. I have not had the pleasure of meeting him, though I can’t say for sure because I don’t recall all the fine officers who have pulled me over to compliment me on my wonderful driving or some other reason of which I was not guilty!

February is, in fact, Black History Month. Before its end, this European American would like to congratulate all African Americans for their rich heritage of achievements! My personal hero is George Washington Carver. That is because of my love for all things peanut, including peanuts themselves, extra crunchy peanut butter, chocolate covered peanuts & peanut clusters, dry roasted peanuts, peanuts in the shell at Cubs games, princess chicken, and Payday candy bars!

If you aren’t aware, Carver, a black man, was one of this country’s foremost nineteenth century scientists, seeking to discover new crops, for the South, to replace cotton, which would not deplete the soil nearly as much, one of them being peanuts, for which he is best- known. He discovered 300 different uses for them. Interestingly enough, peanut butter was not one of them! Carver is just one of a multitude of African Americans who’ve contributed to this nation’s greatness, a great many of them being legislators, judges, and educators, as well as, more than one of them a pastor, perhaps the best known of all the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr!

We in Macomb claim yet another, also deceased, C. T. Vivian. Today, surely Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman are among the few very best actors, as was Cicely Tyson before her untimely death. Our vice president was a very effective senator before embarking upon her current gig.

We who are Asian, European, and Latino Americans, as well as any Antarctican and Australian Americans, ought to be celebrating black history alongside our brothers and sisters of color. No doubt, no race of people have come from a more disadvantaged history to make a name for themselves! Their ancestors were brought here against their will to be enslaved and treated as property. Even after their emancipation the road to full prosperous citizenship was not an easy one, nor is it for them today.

Just why is it necessary to take a month devoted to someone’s history? It is impossible to fully appreciate who you are unless you know and remember who you once were! In fact, the entire Bible book of Deuteronomy is the history of the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt.

Moses knew that for his people to be thankful and obedient to God as fully as they should be in the present they needed to be reminded of how many times God had miraculously protected and blessed them in the past!

It is, also valuable for an individual to know and remember who she or he was to fully understand who he or she is or should be! I don’t know you, but I’d venture a guess that you are either trying to live up to someone or not repeat someone’s mistakes, probably a parent. That can be either good or bad. It is important, though, to know precisely who that person was or your efforts will be in vain!

As an example of what I’m talking about, please consider the following example. My wife, Nancy, was the Macomb Jr. Sr. High School, head librarian. Once, a seventh grade student she had not yet met came to her to check out a book. She recognized his last name to be that of a past student who delighted in trying the patience of the teaching staff. She asked this new student if he was any relation to the previous one. His answer was, “Yes, he’s my father, but I’m nothing like him!” and he wasn’t. Now that was a young man who knew, precisely, who both his father was and who he, himself, was, also!

Each of us would benefit from being so fortunate, at least as far as knowing oneself is concerned. As for me, I’m much like the Israelites. My massive, life changing stroke was, now, a little over nine years ago. Before it I was pastor of University Baptist Church which I considered my dream job because it was where both God and I wanted me. Finally, after only a partial recovery, I announced my retirement knowing I could no longer shepherd the church to either God’s nor my expectations! Since it’s now going on ten years since my stroke, I, quite often, get discouraged and despair that I’ll never fully recover short of heaven.

Nancy has kept a daily journal beginning on the day of my stroke. It helps me, whenever I am so discouraged, when we read through it, to remember how God has graciously reduced my six significant physical abnormalities immediately following my stroke to just the two which persist, a constant pain in my head and paralysis on my entire left side. Even there, God is continuing to bless, having lessened my head pain level from an average of an eight to, in this very last year, a three!

I should know that a God like that can certainly still make me whole again here on earth, but if He chooses to wait until I meet His Son in the clouds, I still know He knows and wants what is best for me, as He always has!

I feared my ministry had ended with the stroke, but God, through MACMA ( Macomb Area Christian Ministers Association ) urging me to still be a part of them, allows me to periodically write these articles which the ”McDonough Voice” graciously publishes every Friday. Because Nancy sends, via email, copies of my articles to family & friends who’ve requested a copy, I now have a ministry in no less than five states in this country and in two countries in Europe! God, in His providence, has expanded my ministry from a small church in just one location, just giving me a different ministry!

I assure you He can and wants to do something similar for you, giving you the desires of your heart. If you’re discouraged and down because of some expectation you have realized may not come to fruition, as I get sometimes, put your hope and trust in the One who is all powerful and all loving!

Each of us, as we consider who we are, must remember that he or she is a product of his or her parents. God doubly blessed me when I was born to evangelical Christian parents who were, also, fanatical Cubs followers! Of course, being born to Christian parents didn’t make me a Christian, but, at an early age, my mother led me to put my faith in Jesus as my Savior and my life under His control as my Lord.

All of us must remember that all of life is connected. Our past is responsible for our present which will decide our future! Of course we can’t change the past which makes what we do in the present very important! God cares about that, also.

Ephesians 5:15 – 16 reads, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Each of us, when faced with a decision and before every action, should take time to ask him or herself, “In light of my past experiences, current situation, and future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?” The question is not the “right” thing to do, but “wise!” Something can be right and still not be wise.

Paul, speaking of our freedom in Christ, wrote, All things are legal, but not all things are profitable. As for us who are Jesus followers, Paul wrote that before being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we were self seeking sinners intent on fulfilling our fleshly desires, but now, as Christians, ought not to be that way any longer, rather, exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit! I have to admit that I am, too often, still intent upon fulfilling my ever expanding flesh(ly) desire for food! I ought not be that way, knowing from whence I’ve come.

The thing about the past is that we must leave it behind. Some of us are only too happy to do that while others of us wished we still lived there, but none of us can! I hope I’ve convinced you that the present is all you have, at this time, and how important it is that you use your time wisely because what you do now will direct who you are in the future. It is so very true that knowing who you were is the key to knowing who you are!

- Phil Bell, retired, pastor, University Baptist Church

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Sunday, February 28, 2021

Bill Jolley Member Story

 








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The following is from the discontinued StrokeNet Newsletter site.
Bill Jolley is a stroke survivor and was a Newsletter contributor at that time. I have permission from Lin Wisman, then editor of the newsletter, to repost these wonderful articles on this blog. 

Coordinated by Deb Theriault
Member Story Coordinator

Bill, who stroked in 2003, has spend several years recreating his life. Read about it!
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Member Story
by Bill Jolley



Dr. William (Mr. Bill) Jolley was a teacher by profession. Over his long career, he climbed the ladder of academia, assuming roles of increasing responsibility as a public school teacher, assistant principal, high school principal and, finally, director of a charter school program.

But, in 2003, Mr. Bill was involuntarily retired by a hemorrhagic stroke that hit the left side of his brain. With the help of his ex-wife, Gretchen, his family, friends and his beloved pet Chihuahua, Bill re-tooled his post-stroke world into a satisfying “life-part-2”.

Bill’s story begins in July, 2002. Back then, he was 44 years old and weighed 460 lbs., so he underwent gastric bypass surgery to kick-start a serious weight reduction program. One year later, Bill had additional surgery, to reduce a huge amount of loose skin around his midsection (a side-effect of weight loss). Three days after that, on July 24, 2003, Bill experienced his stroke.

Bill doesn’t remember the stroke or its aftermath. He was at Covenant Hospital, in Lubbock, Texas, for one week, then in rehab at Covenant Medical Center for three months. Afterwards, he was discharged to the care of Gretchen, who took him in for a year, until he was able to fend for himself. Bill maintains a close relationship with Gretchen since their divorce, saying she’s the best friend he’ll ever have. His family also encouraged him to get a companion pet, so Bill got a six-week-old Chihuahua puppy, named Sasha, who is still with him to this day. Bill’s support team was now complete.

Immediately post-stroke, Bill was paralyzed on the right, mentally incapacitated, and aphasic. But, once things settled and he entered rehabilitation, Bill mounted a massive recovery effort. Within three months, he could transfer himself from bed to the restroom without assistance, though he still used a wheelchair. This milestone was a real life changer, Bill’s greatest achievement since his stroke.

For two years, Bill continued out-patient therapy, three times a week, at Lubbock Neurological Center, then on-and-off treatment, for eight more years, at Lubbock’s South Plains Rehab center. Over that time, he explored many different remedies:

● Physical, speech, balance and life-skills therapies

● Botox® injections for spasticity on the right side

● Water therapy, which he still does, using special flotation devices

● Bioness® and similar devices, to stimulate function in his right arm and leg. Bill even worked as a “therapy model” for Bioness® Corp. and other companies, demonstrating therapeutic devices to patients and therapists

● Dragon® NaturallySpeaking speech software, which he still uses

● Computer games to boost analytical skills

A couple years post-stroke, Bill searched for things to make his life more useful. He decided being one-armed, with a paralyzed right hand, wasn’t going to slow him down.He took on every home repair project he could, using only his left side. Over time, he accumulated numerous custom-designed tools for a left-handed, one-armed individual. He ended up with so many he converted his garage into a workshop to store them all. Bill also owns a variety of landscaping equipment that he uses to maintain his lawn, as well as Gretchen’s and others’. He enjoys the yard work and feels it’s therapeutic.

Returning to work as a school administrator wasn’t an option, so Bill set his sights on other interests, and addressed goals that were put on the “backburner.” He completed his dissertation for a Doctorate of School Administration, which was postponed years before (though he knew he’d never use it), and rekindled a previous interest in photography. He especially enjoys capturing images of some very unusual subjects: tombstones.

Over the last few years, Bill’s been to approximately 100 small cemeteries throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas, where he’s tried to take photos of every tombstone, in every cemetery he’s visited. His latest excursion was to Texas County, Oklahoma, where he and Gretchen explored nearly 25 different cemeteries. Bill even wrote two books about some of the graveyards he’s surveyed.

Two years ago, Bill also began attending an aphasia support group run by Texas Tech University. They helped him regain some mental capacity, which he feels has been the most-overlooked part of his recovery program. The staff also helped Bill to significantly reduce the effects of pseudo-bulbar affect (PBA), where he will laugh for no reason, or at inappropriate times.

Looking back, Bill feels that his stroke changed who he is in some interesting ways. He was always very left-brained and analytical, but post-stroke he was rendered almost totally right-brained. That should have been an asset when he decided to take up painting, but Bill only produced three or so works, which he gave away to family, before putting his artistic aspirations aside.

However, despite his brain’s left hemisphere being impaired, Bill can still play chess, even though he’s been reduced from “rated player” to “novice.” He plays nearly every day (via the internet) with Dr. John Gribbin, the noted physicist who lives in England. To Bill, winning or losing is no longer important, but rather, it’s the interaction and fellowship that matter.

Eleven years removed from his stroke, Bill feels he’s still carving out a “new normal”. But, he’d like to give hope to other stroke survivors as they navigate their own long, difficult journeys. He’s had more than a decade to think about it, and to consolidate his experience into the following advice:

● Decide what’s truly important in your life, and follow that with as much passion as you can muster

● If you set your mind to it, there is nothing you cannot do, even if you’ve had a massive stroke

● You may not be able to do some things you used to love doing, but take full advantage of what you still can do

● Don’t be concerned about things you can’t control

● Tough things are sometimes difficult, and occasionally counterproductive, never give up on the challenge

● Above all else, enjoy whatever you do
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Copyright ©February 2015
The Stroke Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009
All rights reserved.
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Sunday, February 21, 2021

Born Again - My Year is Going as Planned

 








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The following is from the discontinued StrokeNet Newsletter site.
Moses Cherrington was a part of the Newsletter staff at that time. I have permission from Lin Wisman, then editor of the newsletter, to repost these wonderful articles on this blog. 
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Born Again
By Moses Cherrington

Born Again for 2015

My year is going as planned.
What follows is the strategy I have decided to adopt in order to:-

A. Rise above my frailty, i.e. the frustrations of coming to grips with my difficulties, whereby the stroke has influenced my once independent life.

B. I am learning to walk in this risen state regardless of the obstacles hindering my pathway.

In order for the reader to understand my approach I have devised 4 areas, and by concentrating on these areas, may what I have decided nourish and build you at whatever station of life you are currently at..

1. BIBLE STUDY

Since being brought up in the Armed Forces as a musician, and having been taught that to enter the armed forces, one must attend a Basic Training. It is here that I learned to stand as a soldier, to march as a soldier, salute as a soldier, wear the uniform as a soldier. This is summarised as having "bearing" as a soldier.

I have discovered the handbook of my purpose and being. I have discovered the "Through the Bible - a study of the Scriptures" written by Harlin Roper. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God that the man/woman of God may be complete and perfectly fitted for Christian work" 2 Tim 3:16-17

I have found my frustrations getting less and less even though I still stub my foot: the computer still runs slower, and I do not have work. Before these frustrations would set me back as I dwelled upon them, but now I am becoming more and more bearable.

I am currently studying through the Book of Romans where I am being introduced to the Holy Spirit and His power within me.

2. WORK

I have not been able to work since I have had my stroke four years ago, due to the above frustrations which culminate in my stroke side influencing my daily life. When I get tired my mouth droops and my left side swells and fatigue, don't talk to me about fatigue.... I still get horribly tired which affects me for days after I have done an activity. For example, we have a neighbourly web site here where I can use this App to communicate to my neighbours to ask for a service or to borrow a piece of equipment.

I sought and was offered a water blaster. I learned how to use it. It is very addictive. I have cleaned the outside of the house, I have cleaned all the walls that encircle the house, and last but not least, I have cleaned our cement driveway. To do this I used an electric water blaster so I had to make sure we had the right length of hose at the right water pressure. I learned to be meticulous in where I placed the machine strategically. The hose would disconnect itself from the machine if I pulled too hard, yes I grew in the art of overcoming frustration through persevering.

As a result, my children bought a water blaster for me for Christmas, and I have just completed water blasting a community centre and kindergarten. That took four days at 2-3 hours per day.

Yes I was tired but I didn't have the usual symptoms of fatigue. Of course I rested periodically during the water blasting. My greatest joy was seeing what was dirty and grubby becoming pristine and clean. It is like the soul being "born again".

3. HOME

I have three children (12, 15, 17) at home and they have expressed a desire to grow into the Image of Christ. I have been undertaking a Bible Study at 6am each morning around the dining table with weekends off, whereby using the Bible Studies by Harlin Roper we are all learning how to imitate CHRIST by knowing Him. I have noticed especially with my youngest one that she is developing an air of nobility every day.
If I can quote from the preface in Jim Berg's book "Changed into His Image" from a letter he wrote to his daughter:

"I have told you before that your mother and I will probably not be able to pass on to you any kind of earthly inheritance. If we can pass on to you a passion for God, however, we will have given you something more valuable than silver, gold, or rubies and more satisfying than anything a mortal can experience...Our prayer is that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished as for a palace (Psalm 144:12) page ix
Love dad.

That has inspired me to be the best for our children

4. RELATIONSHIPS

I have found that with my Armed Forces training, I would run the home like an army unit. I am learning that I must temper my commands with grace and goodness. The concept of a spiritual greenhouse has been communicated to me, so I now see my role and responsibility as a gardener.

I do not possess those skills, but as I daily dwell upon Scripture and apply its principles at home where areas of no compromise are developing. For example if a musician says they can play, but I hear no practising, I stipulate practise using little spiritual lessons to convey the art of perseverance. My desire is to develop that attribute within an individual.
I have also learned to listen to my wife. By listen, I mean to actually listen to what she has to say before I open my mouth. I have developed the "bit" technique; this is where I use my teeth to clench the tongue between the upper and lower teeth until my wife has shared with me. That is a discipline I am practising every day and she is far happier in sharing with me the issues of life.

In Summary,

Apart from being very, very hot here in Hamilton (averaging 80 degrees fahrenheit,) the beginning to the year has been one of discovery through being born again. Discarding the old and putting on the new. I am discovering the thrill of not being frustrated at those things that once frustrated me. In addition I am learning to hold my tongue and to listen. I am learning that my household is a spiritual garden and I must tend the garden daily.

I am learning to think through work activities that require forward planning, and when I use it I squeal with delight in having mastered a thinking process.
May you find some answers to some issues you may currently facing and remember there is someone worse off than we are.

I was invited to a birthday party to a lady who had a stroke 10 years ago. She has an electric wheelchair and was married 6 months ago. Her husband has had his legs amputated due to diabetes. It was good to see them to uplift them.
We are here to nurture and serve...
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Copyright ©February 2015
The Stroke Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009
All rights reserved.














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Sunday, February 14, 2021

Every Little Bit Helps

 








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The following is from the discontinued StrokeNet Newsletter site.
Jim Sinclair was a part of the Newsletter staff at that time. I have permission from Lin Wisman, then editor of the newsletter, to repost these wonderful articles on this blog. 

The contents of this blog article do not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making or refraining from making, any decision. All material contained in this article is provided without any or warranty of any kind. You use the material in this article at your own discretion. Please consult your doctor before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
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Dancing with Stroke
By Jim Sinclair

Every Little Bit Helps


Last September during a presentation that I made to third year medical students one of the students asked if I could think of something a doctor had done that had a dramatic positive effect on my recovery or something that I wish they had not done as it was detrimental to my recovery. Having never previously given any thought to that I was hard pressed to immediately think of some examples.


My simple response at that time was that by far the most important positive action taken by any medical professional was the repetitive reassurances that a full recovery was possible made by my first neurologist during the first month following my strokes. I emphasized that having Dr Bill Martin ,from the very beginning, instill within me a confident belief that a full recovery was possible provided the motivation needed to allow me to do what needed to be done.


Having now had some time to contemplate that question I have come to realize that my response at that time was much too simplistic. I realized the young lady had asked the question in hopes of gaining a tool which she could use at some point in her career.


A far better response at the time would have been to take advantage of the opportunity to impress upon this group of students that recovery is not the result of one or two single actions and no one magic bullet; it is the cumulative result of a great many very small actions over a lengthy period of time with any single action not necessarily being of greater importance than any other single action. Since recovery following stroke is a process of small steps taken slowly, each and every action that contributes to a step forward is as important as each and every other action. Every little bit is significant.

At that time the only negative that came to mind occurred five years post stroke. I consulted with a neurologist because of some confusion and disorientation that I would occasionally experience. He suggested that what might work was to take respiridone, an antipsychotic medication that was at times effective for other off label uses. I agreed to try this medication.

Unfortunately at about that same time my antidepressant stopped being effective as did my sleep assist medication to which I had become addicted. Adding respiridone at this point only made me feel worse. I did however, caution the students that this had no long term detrimental effect on my recovery and was only a small bump in the road to recovery; and that they should never hesitate in being creative with what they believe might be of value in our recovery.

While I would like to think that my very successful recovery has been primarily the result of my own hard work supported by the assistance of many peers, I am fully aware that these were secondary to the ability of a great many health care professionals to each do their small part in providing what was necessary to have my progress inch forward slowly.

It was the aggregate of actions that was significant with each and every act contributing in their own way to my journey of recovery. I feel that the act of a Health Care Assistant rolling me over during the night when I was unable to do so was as necessary to my recovery as was the act of my neurologist and my cardiologist meeting together to determine that my strokes were enabled by a hole in my heart(a PFO).

Since every journey of recovery of every stroke survivor is as unique to each survivor as is their own personal makeup and their particular stroke circumstances the relative importance of the specific actions of health care professionals will vary greatly from survivor to survivor. I firmly believe that the goal of recovery is to attain a quality of life which is meaningful and satisfying for each survivor in whatever terms defined by each survivor.

I believe that everything we encounter along our journey of recovery is a contributing factor in that recovery. It is often difficult for us to understand how certain negative experiences can contribute to our recovery. We must remain confident that even every adversity has its purpose and maintain our faith that all we encounter helps us move towards that meaningful quality of life we seek. Every little bit helps.
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Copyright ©February 2015
The Stroke Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009
All rights reserved.






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Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Happy Heart Month








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The following is from the discontinued StrokeNet Newsletter site.
Claudia R. Warner was a part of the Newsletter staff at that time. I have permission from Lin Wisman, then editor of the newsletter, to repost these wonderful articles on this blog. 
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The Juggling Caregiver
By Claudia R Warner


Happy Heart Month

Is is SPRING, yet? It could happen—some February months have been warm. So here’s hoping!

January was cold, cold, cold. We had terrific wind chills that lasted for days. I’m a firm believer in getting outdoors every day, but that month tested my determination. Getting outdoors makes me feel good—even on cloudy days.

Our dog, Chloe loves to be outdoors. I got her a new coat which, after I resewed part of it seems to be warm for her. She, like me, gets discontented and antsy if she doesn’t get out for a walk, run, or playtime every day Wes doesn’t need a grouchy wife, much less an unhappy dog, so out we went in wind chills that were in the minus readings of teens and twenties. We spent 15 minutes at a time and were on the move constantly. Needless to say, we both were ready to come inside after that short time. Several outings like this per day helped a lot and ensured harmony in the household.

February 14 is Valentine’s Day. It is a somewhat difficult time for many caregivers. Two out of three caregivers are female and this holiday is really geared toward women. We are used to getting flowers, gifts, dinner out, chocolate, etc. from our significant other on this day. Now that has changed for us. So, it is payback time! Now it is our turn to pamper our partners.

How about flowers for the dining area? It doesn’t have to be a large bouquet—a single red rose is a nice touch. Would your partner enjoy an outing? Movies are fun, as is a lunch outing. We enjoy going to coffee shops so we’ll do that and have a special dessert with the coffee. Or you could fix a favorite meal. Movie night is always a winner. Pop some popcorn and watch his favorite movies. They can be rented or borrowed from your public library. You could go shopping. Wes loves going to bookstores, getting a latte and browsing magazines. When the latte is finished, it is time to select the magazines he wants and then we head to one of the book sections. Usually he finds items to purchase, but if not, the browsing and coffee are fun.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive—it is the thoughtfulness you give that makes it a special day. A heart-shaped cake decorated with heart candies is an easy thing to do. Or use M&Ms to spell a message. A heart-shaped balloon will last several days and is a great way to brighten a room. Invite a couple of your partner’s friends to come for a visit. You could even share that cake with them!

Now, as a caregiver, you must think of something for you. What would you enjoy “gifting” yourself? A book? Chocolates? Time to yourself—with NO interruptions? A walk? Something good to eat? I’m thinking of a hot fudge sundae with pecans. YUM. You know what you want/need so just do it. It will make you feel good and you deserve it!
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All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.
~Charles M. Schulz
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Copyright @February 2015
The Stroke Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009
All rights reserved.














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Monday, February 1, 2021

Are You Discouraged and Concerned for the Future








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Street & Steeple for January 29, 2021

By Phil Bell, retired, pastor, University Baptist Church

“God Is Help In Times Of Trouble”

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Are you discouraged and concerned for the future at how divided our nation has become, scared of contracting the coronavirus, or depressed about some personal situation in which you find yourself?

You might even have been praying about it. Too often we pray to God, telling Him what to do and how to do it! We think our nation is broken and needs healing! We may even be praying for it, telling God just how it needs to be done. 

We may well be worried that, despite our precautions, Covid 19 will find us. How many times have you asked God to make someone’s chemotherapy effective to heal him or her of cancer? It is certainly proper to ask God for healing. He is the great physician, to be sure, but He just may surprise you how He does it! 

One of my favorite contemporary Christian songs is Scott Krippayne’s “God Has A Wild Imagination.” The lyrics include “As you approach a deep abyss I can’t tell you the outcome, but I promise you this, God has a wild imagination at work in ordinary lives. Come and see. Come and be surprised!” 

Is this song scriptural? Yes, I believe it is. Consider Exodus 15:11, written by Moses, who knew God, arguably, better than any other mortal. We’re told that he and God sat and talked face to face. In this Genesis Moses writes, who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is likeYou, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?” “working wonders” is the same as “has a wild imagination.” 

Now I’d like to give you two examples of what I’m talking about. My pastor’sgrandson, at about the age of six months, in a scheduled checkup by his pediatrician, it was noted that his head was larger than it should have been in comparison with the rest of his body. The child’sparents and grandparents were greatly concerned, naturally! The doctor ordered a sonogram of the boy’s head. The results did nothing to calm anyone’s anxiety. They were told that he had a build up of fluid in his brain that might require his skull being sawed into in order to install a shunt for draining the fluid. All the boy’s family prayed for him, as did our entire church, and, literally, every pastor in MACMA ( Macomb Area Ministerial Association ). 

An appointment with a neurological surgeon was scheduled. When the surgeon read the sonogram he told them he disagreed with the diagnosis. “Yes,” he said, “there is an accumulation of fluid, however, it is not in the brain, but rather between the brain and the
skull, does not pose a health risk, and most certainly doesn’t call for surgery! 

He did have another sonogram performed which confirmed his opinion. I’m quite sure that not any one of us praying had prayed for that exact outcome, a missed diagnosis, but, you see, God has a wild imagination! 

My other example involves my having a massive stroke at the age of sixty while serving as pastor of University Baptist Church. As part of my treatment a stay in Heartland Healthcare was necessary. My wife, Nancy, and I sat in my room, one day, discussing our financial situation. She, retired, had a very nice monthly payment from TRS, I received a much smaller payment from a retirement annuity from my work before being called into the ministry in addition to a couple other sources of income, but my compensation from University Baptist, easily, made up the largest share of our income. Of course that would end until I was able to return as their pastor, if ever! We thought we could get along for awhile especially since money would be saved by my not eating at home for quite awhile, in fact, not eating anywhere, until my speech therapist had restored my ability to swallow, but money would be tight. Nancy had made application for me to receive social security disability payments which had been approved but not yet started. 

Out of the blue, the church deacon chair walked into my room. He was there to tell us that the church had voted, in a specially called business meeting, to continue paying me my salary until the disability payments began, considering me on medical leave. 

Before becoming the pastor, I had chaired the committee which rewrote our Constitution and Bylaws, so, I knew that nowhere in the bylaws did the term, “medical leave “ appear! Those wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ had created the term just for my situation! You may think that rather fantastic, but, you see, God has a wild imagination! 

Of course, there are any number of ways God could have taken care of both situations. That’s precisely my point, God delights in doing wonders for our good and surprising us in the process! How do I know that? Psalm 46 tells me so! “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.” I’m guessing, whatever your problem, it is no worse than that, should it happen. 

The verse simply means that God is interested in our problems and not one of them is too big for him, nor reason for us to fear! If you’re upset and discouraged about any matter, pray about it and don’t be too surprised how it is resolved, because God does indeed have a wild imagination! We, who are Jesus followers should be the most positive, hopeful people from the Pacific to the Atlantic and from Canada to the Rio Grande! 

I say that because Jesus did! In Luke 18:1 Jesus is preaching to the people. Luke records, “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart.” O.K. He didn’t mention the Atlantic, Pacific, Canada, nor Rio Grande, but cut me some slack ,He might well have mentioned the Red Sea, Mediterranean, Samaria, and the Jordan, but Luke and the Holy Spirit felt no need to include it.

Again I say, be praying, encouraged and anticipate surprises! God is our help in any kind of trouble! 

- Phil Bell, retired pastor, University Baptist Church
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Monday, January 25, 2021

Keep Engaged with Life








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Keep Engaged with Life
By David Wasielewski

A Strategy for Survivors and Caregivers

The stroke survivor who returns home after rehab is often met with many friends, relatives and others who want to help in any way they can. Visits tend to be frequent at first, but as the novelty of being a stroke survivor wears off, that survivor is challenged to find a new place in the home and community. The survivor is faced with an important choice. Will the survivor allow others to define their new place or do they play an active role in redefining themselves?

Some survivors allow their position to be defined for them. Caregivers and family members take up all tasks for the survivor with the best intention of helping. This can inadvertently help to squash any desire or motivation for the survivor to assume those tasks, and define their new role. Many survivors are unable to return to their job after a stroke. As we know many of us rely on our jobs and responsibilities to define ourselves.

“What are you doing these days?” is a typical conversation starter for the survivor, as it is for most anyone. With all of the help offered it becomes very easy for the survivor to come to a place where the answer is “Nothing.”, leaving little to discuss. Not having a job, task or responsibilities can quickly result in a loss of identity and purpose, a perfect formula for depression.

This can be avoided in a number of ways. The survivor may, on their own, begin to take on certain tasks. It may be difficult at first but the family and caregivers need to give the survivor the chance to take on a new task. If successful, that task can become the responsibility of the survivor. As a therapy exercise the survivor might practice loading the dishwasher after meals.

This is a good exercise in cognitive organization and planning. If successful, the task can become the survivor’s daily responsibility, giving him a sense of purpose in the family. The family can carefully look for chores around the house that the survivor can take on and negotiate that responsibility to the survivor. This gradually allows the survivor to develop an answer to the question “What do you do?” The survivor take’s on a new identity and with it, a sense of purpose.

Waking up each day with a series of tasks, no matter how big or small engages the survivor with the family and helps avoid depression. Knowing that the family depends on him or her for a certain task each day builds self-worth and a sense of accomplishment in the survivor. Responsibility and planning for the future takes a survivor’s focus off of himself and builds meaning in his life.

The survivor gradually replaces “Nothing” with “I fed the dog, I did laundry, I did the dishes’. This becomes a conversation starter rather than a killer. “Congratulations, that must have been a real challenge for you.” As the survivor regains confidence she can begin to plan these activities and restructure a life in this new circumstance.

As the process continues the survivor should be encouraged to take bigger tasks that require more engagement and commitment. My wife, in her research on stroke and caregiving came across the bulletin for a writer in this newsletter and encouraged me to apply. I could add writer to the list of things I do. I need to spend time each month determining a topic and content for my part of the newsletter. Over time a survivor’s commitments can grow according to their specific abilities.

In the best cases the survivor moves outside the home taking on community volunteer activities. One’s calendar begins to fill with appointments and projects appropriate to the survivor’s skills. I have ventured out to join my town’s Green Energy committee, organizing various community projects. Another member I know is involved in planning and presenting Aphasia awareness programs in his community. Aphasic members of my support group manage a website for an adult education group and participate in art classes.

Having a sense of purpose and responsibility encourages the survivor to actively participate in home and community life. It gives a sense of meaning and hope to the survivor, the family and community involved with that individual. These strategies need to be customized for each survivor but the basics are the same.

Vicktor Frankl writes of how responsibility and purpose create meaning in one’s life. His book “Man’s Search for Meaning” details his experience as a holocaust survivor and how that experience shaped his philosophy and the lessons on spiritual survival that influenced this article.





Copyright @February 2015
The Stroke Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009
All rights reserved.

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Sunday, January 10, 2021

Gopi Tejwani Stroke-insights

 

www.strokecamp.org



http://www.unitedstrokealliance.org/



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The following are insights Gopi Tejwani posted on our United Stroke Alliance Community Facebook page. Gopi is a stroke survivor, as you will see in his article, so he is writing from personal experiences. He has given me permission to post his insights on our blog.
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What stroke-insights did you have from your stroke?
by Gopi Tejwani

Happy new year to all of you!

    I suffered from a hemorrhagic stroke, at the age of 62, 12- years back. An AVM in my brain stem ruptured. I was in a coma for two weeks, seven weeks in the hospital, three months in a wheelchair, six months on sick leave, and three years in professional therapy. With the grace of God, family, and friends' support, rehabilitation, and hard work for years, I survived. I have a normal, functional life though at a slower pace. My right side of the body is still week. The right-hand does minimal work. I drive a modified car with the left hand and foot (Gopi Tejwani, 01-01-2021).

The following are my stroke insights of the last 12 years.

1. Never compare two strokes. Two strokes are never similar. They differ in brain region affected, duration of damage involved, whether the damage is due to ischemia or hemorrhage, and the organs normally controlled by stroke-affected brain region. Some stroke survivors recover in days, some in years!

2. Most of the stroke survivors become angry or emotional. It could be because they are suddenly transformed from vibrant and energetic individuals to dependent and hemiplegic persons, dependent on others.

3. Stroke comes as the shock of life. It is so sudden in onset; I had a few seconds before I went into a coma. When you realize what happened; you start to ask, why me? Instead of asking that question, work hard on your recovery.

4. There are no medications for a stroke per se. You have to prevent or treat an underlying disease like hypertension, diabetes, or stress. Or treat the damage created by strokes such as pain, aphasia, dysphasia, or weakness of the affected body parts through rehabilitation.

5. It is a relearning process. A stroke survivor may have to learn basic skills such as walking, talking, comprehension, writing or driving, etc all over again. Just like we show patience when our kids are learning these skills; a caretaker of stroke survivors has to have mammoth patience. It is much more difficult to teach these skills to adults.

6. Rehabilitation through various therapies (cognitive, occupational & physical) works. If you start earlier, it is better for you. Consistent efforts result in a better recovery. You can aid your recovery by working zealously and hard.

7. AFOs, braces, and canes may become part of your body. It is a good idea to use them to keep your body stable. I still use my right foot and leg AFO and a cane, 12 years after my stroke. People tell me that I look graceful with my cane.

8. Your house may need modifications. You may need a temporary bathroom in some room on the ground floor (ask Lowes departmental store). You may have to shift your bedroom from upstairs to the ground floor. You may need a ramp in front of the house.

9. Days of impulsive behavior and quick reaction are gone. Always think before, and take a deep breath before you do anything. Have some patience.

Before you leave your bed, collect your cognitive faculties and beware of your surroundings

    10. You may lose your sleep. After the stroke, if I can sleep six hours continuously, it is a blessing. Most of the stroke survivors do not work as vigorously as they used to do before the stroke. It may be necessary for them to daily physical exercise to sleep soundly. Relearn some sleep techniques.

    11. You may need fiber intake. Stroke does affect the smooth muscles in our intestine. They may not work as vigorously as before. You may suffer from constipation. Increase your fiber intake by eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, prunes, semi-ripe, or ripe pears.

    12. Recovery from a stroke is safer with help. The help from family and friends is invaluable. Your faith in the almighty may help. Your hard work and constant efforts in therapy will expedite your recovery. More physical activity you can do on your own, it is better. But if it is safer to do your physical with help from others, please do it.

    13. Learn to take public transportation meant for disabled people. I was not aware of bus services such as the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Mainstream bus service for disabled people, and instead relied on help from friends, and that may be not necessary.
Your happiness is in your hands. Always compare yourself to the people who are in more precarious health than yourself. Always have positive thoughts in life. Learn to see the cup as half-full than half-empty.

    14. Never blame yourself for a stroke. Never think of why me? Why did I suffer from a stroke? There is no answer to that question. Whatever God gives you in life, take it, and try your best to deal with new calamities. Don’t worry about things that are beyond your control. Show your concerns about things that you can control.

    15. Don’t change your interactions with your friends. Behave with your friends in the same manner, as much as you can, as you used to do with them before the stroke. If a friend doesn’t say hello to you; you take a high road and say hello to them.

    16. Keep your hobbies. I enjoy international travel. I visited about twenty countries after the stroke. I did not mind renting a wheelchair when it was necessary for me for safety reasons. Or abandon some visit because other people in my tour group were getting inconvenienced, because of my slower pace.

Finally, you have to accept your new body after the stroke. 

After the stroke, you have to accept your body. Your body may be hemiplegic, slow in moving, and thinking. You can not be as vibrant and energetic as before. You have to have patience. Work and pray hard. Time is a healer. Measure your recovery not in days and weeks but months and years. Every day you progress and recover but the recovery may be noticeable after a long time of doing efforts. You will have a normal functional life though at a slower pace.
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