After reading Strokes Get The Blokes (well done, you!) and immersing yourself in the intriguing life of a young (two-time) stroke survivor over the past 4+ years (with all the devastation, loss & struggle that it certainly has entailed), you now may be wondering how can someone keep their wits about themselves during such a confronting, godawful experience.
Ensuring the focus (of myself and also of my genuine + consistent supporters - you beauties!) has instead been on reflection
- when climbing a mountain, we are encouraged not to dwell on the complex and strenuous path that may be ahead, but rather, we regularly look back and admire + appreciate the impressive view of our individual travels, how far we have come and all we have achieved thus far.
What a splendid outlook (pun intended haha!) to have, don't you think?!
As you'd expect, it wasn't as simple to effectively channel in the early days of Stroke Rehabilitation, but with determination, support (it has been more impressive support than an underwire bra!) and undeniable progress (yes! Thanks to good ole Neuroplasticity <<do listen to this insightful podcast on such!), my particular focus (that I wholeheartedly recommend) has been set on hope, humour + all that has been achieved through regular reflection (that almighty perspective!), fellow stroke survivors and supporters alike.
- when climbing a mountain, we are encouraged not to dwell on the complex and strenuous path that may be ahead, but rather, we regularly look back and admire + appreciate the impressive view of our individual travels, how far we have come and all we have achieved thus far.
What a splendid outlook (pun intended haha!) to have, don't you think?!
As you'd expect, it wasn't as simple to effectively channel in the early days of Stroke Rehabilitation, but with determination, support (it has been more impressive support than an underwire bra!) and undeniable progress (yes! Thanks to good ole Neuroplasticity <<do listen to this insightful podcast on such!), my particular focus (that I wholeheartedly recommend) has been set on hope, humour + all that has been achieved through regular reflection (that almighty perspective!), fellow stroke survivors and supporters alike.
Reflection meets Appreciation
Weeks post Stroke 1
Dubrovnik, Croatia
August 2012
From an outsider's perspective, my life (in the two strokes' wake) may look like a beautiful (indeed!) mountain top, where they tend to only notice/acknowledge a fraction of my struggles which are in fact minor in comparison to the severe challenges actually faced (and continually/fortunately embraced) + such heartbreaking hardship can be viewed by others on a superficial level with a rather basic concept of what life as a young stroke survivor realistically entails, dismissing just how strenuous a survivor has to continuously work at regaining some of the lost function, abilities, traits, freedom, progress and life. Generally speaking, outsiders struggle to truly understand and acknowledge the extent and depth of the adverse effects (including secondary effects) caused by the severe brain damage + its confronting, continually extending, journey (for all riding joining in on riding the brain-wave) through the disheartening stroke fog during the (supposed) prime of my existence.
The truth is, Laird Mountain certainly is not bright within the stroke's thick, heavy fog and you continually struggle to see far on the horizon - it merely looks like there's only further white fog/challenges/loss/nothingness to come in the distance/future.
'The Iceberg Effect'
is another way to view a stroke survivor's challenging life and uphill battles in the wake of brain damage.
Stroke Rehabilitation includes sheer persistence, confrontation, failure, loss, sacrifice & dedication (to name just a few), yet such extreme and ongoing suffering - with invisible impairments and loss, in particular (such as overwhelming fatigue, memory concerns, intense emotions, lack of navigation and regard, irritability, confusion, anxiety and depression) - is rarely spoken about nor is it generally noticed/acknowledged. That's where this frisky feline comes in to try raise awareness ('education is key' is a strong teacher belief of mine after all!), understanding and compassion with you all, yes!
An enlightening neuro article -
A general overview of Difficulties Post Stroke provided by USA's National Stroke Association -
It's so much more than what others may be able to simply identify (physically, mentally & spiritually) themselves.
My two ischemic strokes meant I experienced/suffered 5 of these particular difficulties (+ some of my two strokes' effects are not listed above) - at just 26 years of age and prior to actual ABIs, I actually had a low-risk-of-stroke status (#lowcholesterol #healthybloodpressure #perfectanatomy #nonsmoker #healthyheart)!
To better grasp life as a young two-time stroke survivor, imagine the surreal, yet in fact incredibly real, feeling of waking up one otherwise quiet morning off work (after a tame night spent at a friend's place + during the half-term week-long break from work) - whilst in your prime years of life - with a broad + confronting range of restricting difficulties & disabilities now a constant part of your life from here on in that aggressively affects every aspect of living a worthwhile life.
It's what chilling nightmares are made of.
It's certainly not a life for some young stroke survivors.
2016 = Podcast your way to work and learn more about our advanced brains!
Such an enlightening podcast (all the rad kids are doing/downloading them!) includes the valued perspective and knowledge of doctors, neuro literary authors and stroke survivors - all impressive neuro geniuses in their own right!
Upon listening to this particular podcast, one of the survivors discusses in detail her specific stroke's symptoms and you may have realised (as you're obsessed with me!) that they are similar to what I too experienced when Stroke 1 hit, so it is no surprise to discover she too acquired brain damage in the occipital lobe.
Engrossing yourself in the range of stroke symptoms may help make you not only an asset in a stroke emergency for yourself, but also in such brain 'blows' of others as well. Additionally, Fear Of Second Stroke also shines a light on anxiety post stroke - a devastating and debilitating (+ common) effect that needs to be nurtured and understood in greater depth by society as it is not out of the ordinary with two-thirds of survivors (the majority) suffering from such.
Such an enlightening podcast (all the rad kids are doing/downloading them!) includes the valued perspective and knowledge of doctors, neuro literary authors and stroke survivors - all impressive neuro geniuses in their own right!
Upon listening to this particular podcast, one of the survivors discusses in detail her specific stroke's symptoms and you may have realised (as you're obsessed with me!) that they are similar to what I too experienced when Stroke 1 hit, so it is no surprise to discover she too acquired brain damage in the occipital lobe.
Engrossing yourself in the range of stroke symptoms may help make you not only an asset in a stroke emergency for yourself, but also in such brain 'blows' of others as well. Additionally, Fear Of Second Stroke also shines a light on anxiety post stroke - a devastating and debilitating (+ common) effect that needs to be nurtured and understood in greater depth by society as it is not out of the ordinary with two-thirds of survivors (the majority) suffering from such.
Stroke sufferers include renowned entertainers (as shown above) such as acclaimed British author Charles Dickens, Hollywood actress Sharon Stone (<<who openly admits young lads still throw themselves at her #strokesgettheblokes) and Britain's BBC political editor, Andrew Marr - the list certainly goes on for this equal opportunist style brain attack.
As others who have experienced a serious illness in their lives with such eminent, ongoing suffering over many years - including fellow young stroke survivor, Hollywood actor, Sharon Stone (whose own fierce stroke, which hit Stone whilst in her 40s back in 2001, left her unable to walk, talk + read for two years post <<her entire career's requirements in a nutshell) - healing (rather than recovery as I'll never fully recover my former self, yet the strokes' scars/effects will gradually lessen) takes time, dedication and immense patience. The strokes struck at one's typical prime time of mid-twenties when I was considered low risk of stroke and I am now in my 30s (+growing!) still living this stagnate existence that chose me, similar to that of a senior citizen (but without the pride and satisfaction of a substantial life lived and achieved in retrospect that comes with living a long, fruitful life), in a regional town (tens of thousands of kilometres away from where I lived when strokes struck) with some of my family (without whom, I'd surely have been sent to a confronting aged-and/or-severely-unwell-people-prevalent nursing home initially so I do adore them and shower the supernovas with my renowned repertoire of clever jokes to show my sincere appreciation daily - you're welcome, dear fam-bam!), requiring almost full-time assistance (significant progress from the early days post Stroke 2 when I required around-the-clock care). We are all hoping (<<although such certainly is an understatement) I can have a true, fulfilling life again, yet I unfortunately do not (at present time) have any direct + assertive power of my own (can you even imagine what that's truly like to wake up in your peak 20s with this sudden shock loss and absolutely no power to change the situation - indefinitely?!) to reach my desired (once-were-simple) goals in life. The majority of my peers have not and cannot grasp what I am going through. Despite some (uneducated) souls thinking you're ultimately and always responsible for your brain attacks (actually in fact you're not always <<link evidence), end of story, various competent medical specialists have stated in the curious case of Kitty Kat, I did not directly cause my strokes and like 20% of stroke sufferers, the particular strokes I experienced could not have been prevented - they can and do happen to anyone (people proclaiming they are 'super fit' and/or 'young' so can't possibly have a stroke are a few of the biggest and most concerning misconceptions). Patience certainly is a virtue (and far easier to proclaim than to have successfully executed when demanded of you) that I am passionately honing in on now during this prolonged rehabilitation journey despite once being considered anything but patient. You can't even make this sort of compelling story up!
Reflection has been essential in maintaining a healthy perspective so let's look back and admire the spectacular Kitty Stroke Rehabilitation View - ah how's the serenity?
^^You may not have previously noticed that Academy Award nominee and all-round talented actor, Sharon Stone, is a young stroke survivor who suffered her awful brain attack in 2001 and as a result, spent years relearning how to walk and talk again.
In the enlightening article, Stone discusses feeling like she was dying for an extended period of time (we're talking years) - an awful + lingering secondary effect of stroke, that I too have experienced all whilst in my 20s (imagine that!) - and also an overwhelming sense of losing her identity (what's our purpose now?!) which was an intense aspect of stroke rehabilitation and brain damage that many young people surrounding stroke survivors don't seem to grasp nor nurture.
Stone - whose son, Laird (#namegoals, below), was also temporarily taken away from her after she suffered her stroke - has slowly, but surely, rebuilt after 2001's fire in the brain.
“And when I got down to it, it’s like being a phoenix. I was burned to the ground. Because everything I had been before, I thought, ‘I’m not any of those things anymore.'"
- young stroke survivor, Sharon Stone, arising out of the fire (in the brain) as a regenerating, phenomenal phoenix
Do read Stone's fascinating firsthand account of her life over a decade on as a young stroke survivor, where she proudly proclaims -
"Growing older is my goal"
*It's worth noting that the young lads still throw themselves at her as well #strokesgettheblokes. Here, here, S-squared!
Stroke survivors + their dear supporters truly can blossom post stroke!
'Those who matter, don't mind and those who mind, don't matter'
- 20th Century FDR American presidential advisor, stock investor and philanthropist,
Bernard Baruch,
certainly had his priorities in order
Support, consideration, consistency and inclusion should be the last aspects of our compromised young lives that are of concern. This article (above^) shines a light on just one aspect of a stroke survivor's life that is so often kept in the dark.
A worthwhile + enlightening read.
Thank you to the genuine supporters who are decent human beings during this challenging journey - you are the Kitty Kat's meow!
It may come as little surprise to you that nobody I genuinely know firsthand (of my generation, in particular) is going through anything remotely close to what I have been constantly experiencing + suffering the past 4+ years (another young stroke survivor whom I personally know had hospital staff Act FAST when she suffered a stroke recently so is fortunate to be good as new now :)). While everyone certainly has their own struggles, none (that I know directly - thank goodness for 21st Century's online stroke survivor support groups with members from all around the world who help normalise my abnormal life) have had over 4 years (with absolutely no end yet in sight) of such overwhelming & unwarranted pain, loss, isolation and hardship where constant care/assistance by others is needed, all while during their prime adult years when we are typically meant to make the most of our youth, embrace such with the freedom and opportunities granted to us at such an age and exquisitely shine our brightest. It makes it difficult at times for myself to accept this restricted + challenging situation as something I just have no power to change (and had no power to prevent in my particular - and 20% of all strokes' - case) and it also has proven to be a struggle for some (<<operative word) to understand and appreciate (not downplay and critique) my vast struggles, disabilities, loss and desires as a two-time young stroke survivor (and despite it all, still value myself for who I essentially am).
This is not what your young life should entail.
It can often feel like I am serving a devastating 'life sentence' in solitary confinement and am an innocent victim just wanting to be free and living with purpose, progress and joy again. Like everyone else around me.
Accepting is part of the process, but like a supportive mate, Chelsea Great, has wisely proclaimed throughout my particular Stroke Rehabilitation journey, it takes tiiiiime (<<such is on my brain's unique 'watch' and its watch alone). Post Stroke #2 - when we initially thought I was a definite goner from a rare, yet incredibly deadly, acute infection of the brain caused by a virus (encephalitis) misdiagnosis (due to the concerning extent of my particular memory loss and erratic emotions being less stroke-like and more virus-like symptoms), then when stroke to the limbic system's minor-in-physical size, yet significant-in-purpose, hippocampus, was finally identified (through an extensive MRI and eventual angiogram that then showed tiny hippo-c was in actual fact, dead - it took around ten days for an internationally renowned neurology-specialised hospital to technically acknowledge such and when time is of the essence, valuable brain was forever lost *out of my control* as a result + we were also petrified about what was going on in my noggin' exactly, fearing death as fast approaching and imminent to strike whilst in my 20s), the initial confronting case of if promptly turned to a devastating when in the fatality stakes due to medical professionals (at an internationally renowned NHS hospital for mind woes with state-of-the-art facilities and UK's top neurologists + neurosurgeons constantly offering their expertise = inference: it could even happen to you) not appropriately nor swiftly handling my deteriorating state by identifying stroke and Acting FAST straight up (despite myself proactively seeking medical assistance within minutes of the second stroke striking) + failing to administer appropriate medical intervention promptly when the second brain attack (and counting) struck + overwhelming fears of recurring strokes (between 25% and 42% of stroke survivors experience recurring strokes within the initial five year period's aftermath) that would surely cause death (which were considered likely by medical professionals assessing my then deteriorating condition) - I had intense, constant - and at times, utterly overbearing - sensations of helplessness and hopelessness which were previously alien emotions to myself. This wasn't because I had dodged tragedy in my young life before 2012's undiagnosed autoimmune disease that wreaked utter chaos - I most certainly had been dealt my fair share of extreme suffering by 26 years old, yet had previously managed to soldier on + with relish.
This is not what your young life should entail.
It can often feel like I am serving a devastating 'life sentence' in solitary confinement and am an innocent victim just wanting to be free and living with purpose, progress and joy again. Like everyone else around me.
Accepting is part of the process, but like a supportive mate, Chelsea Great, has wisely proclaimed throughout my particular Stroke Rehabilitation journey, it takes tiiiiime (<<such is on my brain's unique 'watch' and its watch alone). Post Stroke #2 - when we initially thought I was a definite goner from a rare, yet incredibly deadly, acute infection of the brain caused by a virus (encephalitis) misdiagnosis (due to the concerning extent of my particular memory loss and erratic emotions being less stroke-like and more virus-like symptoms), then when stroke to the limbic system's minor-in-physical size, yet significant-in-purpose, hippocampus, was finally identified (through an extensive MRI and eventual angiogram that then showed tiny hippo-c was in actual fact, dead - it took around ten days for an internationally renowned neurology-specialised hospital to technically acknowledge such and when time is of the essence, valuable brain was forever lost *out of my control* as a result + we were also petrified about what was going on in my noggin' exactly, fearing death as fast approaching and imminent to strike whilst in my 20s), the initial confronting case of if promptly turned to a devastating when in the fatality stakes due to medical professionals (at an internationally renowned NHS hospital for mind woes with state-of-the-art facilities and UK's top neurologists + neurosurgeons constantly offering their expertise = inference: it could even happen to you) not appropriately nor swiftly handling my deteriorating state by identifying stroke and Acting FAST straight up (despite myself proactively seeking medical assistance within minutes of the second stroke striking) + failing to administer appropriate medical intervention promptly when the second brain attack (and counting) struck + overwhelming fears of recurring strokes (between 25% and 42% of stroke survivors experience recurring strokes within the initial five year period's aftermath) that would surely cause death (which were considered likely by medical professionals assessing my then deteriorating condition) - I had intense, constant - and at times, utterly overbearing - sensations of helplessness and hopelessness which were previously alien emotions to myself. This wasn't because I had dodged tragedy in my young life before 2012's undiagnosed autoimmune disease that wreaked utter chaos - I most certainly had been dealt my fair share of extreme suffering by 26 years old, yet had previously managed to soldier on + with relish.
Surgeon's Perspective - "For legal reasons, we need you to fully agree to have this invasive surgery where we drill a burr hole into your skull in coming days - we aren't sure exactly when the surgery will take place as the gifted neurosurgeons will fit you in between emergencies as yours is just a standard biopsy procedure. You may die from it or even have another stroke and we won't necessaily find answers to what caused your particular strokes, but please sign this form if you acknowledge the risks and will let us extract some brain for testing - hopefully not causing more damage, another stroke or killing you in the process - all of which will most likely be performed before your family arrive in U.K. Thanks Katrina! Let's do this."
My Special K Perspective - "Did I just get a hair extension to cover the hole in my head? I can feel the extension! Do I look like Bill Murray (no idea why he was first that came to mind, but that's optimism for you!) now that my head is shaved? I've got a killer headache - do you know why?"
Family Member's/Mate's Perspective - "Hahahaha (<<'twas this many LOLs, I promise you) you're going to look so hilarious with a shaved head. As breathtaking as the unattractive baby in that Seinfeld episode. The thought popped into my mind last night and I had a good laugh hahahaha. Rocking Sinead O'Connor or Britney Spears? " (<< other mates' reactions were just as colourful + uniquely supportive and stopping in their tracks to have a good ole LOL at my colourful descriptions of newly shaved head #alwayslookonthebrightsideoflife)
While some of the damage (literal and figurative) is slowly but surely healing, the various life-changing effects and lingering pain endured are today still ever so present and it's a daily fight to not let such control my young life.
Being a young stroke survivor can be an utterly frightening, alienating ordeal that (in my particular case) is still ongoing (over four years later) + constantly challenging my own concept of life (including the life expected and rightly earned whilst in one's prime years) and it is far more devastating than 'last drinks at the bar' and we all know how disappointing/heartbreaking it is when the bartender rings that horrible last drinks bell when you're in the mood to cheers the night away!
Discover more about the challenging and at times, isolating and overbearing
Trying to order a jug of amber nectar from the 'Non-Service Area' at the bar =
Similar devastation and struggle to a survivor's Stroke Rehabilitation
*Recommend not trying this confronting experiment at home/local bar
The British Royal Family, in particular, Prince William, Princess Catherine and Prince Harry (pictured below bringing attention to their heads, pun intended, yes!) have recently shown their support for our complex 'thinking & being' organ and those who may struggle with their mental health through a clever campaign titled Heads Together (pun!) which aims to end the stigma attached to mental health by raising awareness of such (to brighten the moonless, starless mind's dark night), as well as providing vital assistance to those with mental health challenges. In doing so, they are helping to shift the conversation about our mind's wellbeing to a more positive and proactive one.
Truly magical minds!
"Let's get our heads together and change the conversation on mental health"
- HRH Prince William
Heads Together - Prince William, Princess Catherine & Prince Harry
Three heads certainly are better than just the one. It's simple maths - put your heads together & unite, indeed!
London U.K.
April 2016
- HRH Prince William
Heads Together - Prince William, Princess Catherine & Prince Harry
Three heads certainly are better than just the one. It's simple maths - put your heads together & unite, indeed!
London U.K.
April 2016
As much as I adore and embrace the renowned 'Aussie Battler' attitude of getting on with it, what is concerning is approximately 1 in 5 Australians regard people who suffer from anxiety (a devastating mental disorder that annually affects approximately two million Australians *alone*) as putting on a show. Furthermore, roughly 10% of 30-34 year olds regard someone with anxiety as untrustworthy - two worrying presumptions that clearly need to be addressed and then swiftly debunked. Annually, two million Australians suffer from depression and one million from anxiety - they are concerning + considerable figures. Australia's not-for-profit organisation, Headspace, recently brought our mental health and its general well-being to the forefront in our national media with their clever campaign that aims to 'tear down' (<<pun intended initiative too - just my style!) the stigma associated with mental health. Headspace claim that this past year, over half of our young people did not seek help for mental health issues as they were reluctant + too embarrassed to do such. The majority of young souls feel this way (!!!) and I relate not only for how I often felt about sharing my concerns with others post strokes, but also with how some negatively reacted to my honesty and vast struggles during challenging times, leaving myself feeling discouraged, deflated, alone, critiqued and misunderstood. Headspace's 'The Big Stigma' campaign was done through a creative digital hub at Melbourne's Southern Cross Station where people were encouraged to 'tear down the walls' (thousands of pieces made up such an interactive instalment) put up in regards to our mental health - even tearing down the walls together as a group effort.
What a clever initiative that applauds the brave souls who are being proactive in nurturing their mental health and that of others!
Acclaimed Australian actor and all-round entertainer + decent bloke, Guy Pearce, has reflected on living with anxiety since childhood as being overwhelmed by the mental and physical symptoms -"I know it can affect anyone regardless of their age, their employment or where they live".
Please do view Pearce & Beyond Blue's insightful + proactive 2016 collaboration
to help you better understand the challenging symptoms and effects of anxiety
(such as the decrease in size and strength of your brain's prized hippocampus *memory reception, spatial navigation and controlling of emotions* when anxious)
- understanding such may even help make you an improved human being! Saying to someone that they ought to 'just' quit being anxious and negative for they have so much to be thankful for has been proven to increase such crippling anxiety for they then tend to feel guilty, ashamed and/or uncomfortable with a serious mind issue that is often hard to control.
to help you better understand the challenging symptoms and effects of anxiety
(such as the decrease in size and strength of your brain's prized hippocampus *memory reception, spatial navigation and controlling of emotions* when anxious)
- understanding such may even help make you an improved human being! Saying to someone that they ought to 'just' quit being anxious and negative for they have so much to be thankful for has been proven to increase such crippling anxiety for they then tend to feel guilty, ashamed and/or uncomfortable with a serious mind issue that is often hard to control.
It's counterproductive - time for a change, Australia/the world!
Understand anxiety in greater depth - we'll all be winners.
Why is there a stigma surrounding seeking assistance for mental health issues?
Why is there a stigma surrounding seeking assistance for mental health issues?
You can help 'tear it down' for good.
The more we share, the more we talk, the more we tear it down.
Further your understanding of Headspace's profound 2016 mental health campaign,
The more we share, the more we talk, the more we tear it down.
Further your understanding of Headspace's profound 2016 mental health campaign,
You can probably tell just by looking at myself (yes), but in the rare case that you can't - I was a Hollywood child movie star.
Once.
Mother Duck, Jack Attack and I
on set + in costume for a profound WWII film
(with renowned actors Glenn Close & Cate Blanchett to name just a few) that was based around women and children (who were prisoners of war) taking control (with their attitude) towards an otherwise dire situation by creating an uplifting choir (you already know I'm a big fan of music therapy for children and stroke survivors alike!) to pass their time at an utterly traumatising + confronting WWII concentration camp in Asia.
June 1996
Kuranda, Far North Queensland, Australia
Alllright, the film was technically shot on location - in Australia's tropical Far Northern regions and I was only on set during the winter school holidays + it was more a case of convenience (not immense talent and good looks)/why not? for us commoners, but my co-star, Oscar-winning Australian actor, Cate Blanchett, certainly has a twinkle in her eye so I like to think I did my bit there (you must insert jest here!). Although truth be told, the year was 1996 and the biggest star in the World War II female prisoners-of-war film as a whole was undoubtedly, renowned American actor, Glenn Close. It was abundantly clear (even to myself, as an adolescent) that Close was incredibly passionate about sharing such a refreshing + inspiring story about 1940s women from all backgrounds at a WWII concentation camp and how their inner strength meets optimism and bravery assisted in overcoming the intense situation of extreme adversity and how they made the most out of what they had been so cruelly dealt by creating music to elevate their spirits.
L-R: Paradise Road actors Glenn Close, Susie Porter, Julianna Margelis, Frances McDormand, Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth Spriggs & Pauline Collins
Kudos to you, Glenn (& Cate, Frances, Susie et al)!
So when I recently stumbled across a fascinating article about mental illnesses and how we ought to embrace such as part of our advanced species instead of vilifying those with such complex and challenging concerns (that seems to typically be the accepted norm currently set by our ignorant society), I was not at all surprised to learn that it was old mate, Close, who was behind such refreshing + inspirational logic and campaigning.
What I have since discovered is that Close's sister, Jessie, suffers from a mental illness and has struggled with confronting suicidal thoughts her whole life.
Close, being the supportive sister, knows education is key and is assertively doing her bit to reduce the stigma and discrimination so often associated with mental health concerns through Bring Change 2 Mind.
Sisters for the win!
Glenn Close (left) with her sister, Jessie (right), who herself suffers from a mental illness and is the inspiration behind Close's proactive campaign, Bring Change 2 Mind
“The fact is you are not your illness. You can get help. There is medication. There is a huge revolution in genetic research that will help actually pinpoint genes that are causing these illnesses.”
- Positive brain campaigner, multi-award winning Hollywood actor, Glenn Close, spreading some incredibly wise mind messages
Learn more about such a refreshing, compelling + informative mental health campaign -
Bring Change 2 Mind
Bring Change 2 Mind
PUN - THANK YOU former colleague (ha!) GLENN!
You ought to also take a gander at insightful Glenn Close's
During the initial months after Stroke 2, in late 2012, when my mind was suffering from the extreme effects of losing two chunks ('lobe' just doesn't have the same effective ring to it as 'chunk'!) of brain (Occipital Lobe - visual processing *with other devastating effects also evident in balance, sensation, energy, mood and mild short term memory loss* + Hippocampus - the epicentre for the all-important forming of memories as well as vital controlling of emotions and sacred spatial navigation), wearing my younger sister's jumper (/sweater!) while still in hospital (when she first arrived in London a month after the second stroke in December 2012 when doctors advised my immediate family that I should be taken home to Australia for long-term rehabilitation and around-the-clock care indefinitely *and had left hospital after visiting hours, leaving a 'bread crumb' - in the form of her familiar jumper - in my ward before we flew home Down Under*) was one effective strategy I used to reassure myself (during the initial time post Stroke 2 when my memory retention sat at just a few short seconds and I was paranoid that I no longer existed as I couldn't recall anything of my recent life - even mere seconds earlier and having such pointed out to me only frightened myself more, intensifying the death paranoia) that she had actually in fact been there and she wasn't a figment of my (wild/damaged) imagination (that I was indeed alive) - moments my mind did so often colourfully create as 'false memories' for years post Stroke 2 (where I was regularly confused + frightened about what was fact and what was fiction/dreamt/forgotten in my life). Photos (that I could stare at for hours upon hours *which felt like mere seconds to brain-damaged Kitty* whilst in hospital) were also incredibly important to myself in processing appropriate information and efficiently storing such in the second brain attack's wake (just like a person who gets intoxicated which noticeably affects their brain's hippocampus too - let's say, at 26 years of age - I was a 'seasoned pro' hence proactively taking this effective strategy of capturing moments on board in memory's absence from Day One!), as well as soothing the coma/death paranoia associated with my extreme short term memory loss where nothing felt 'real', so thank you, dearest iPhone and your incredibly useful camera/easily accessible photo albums (and to the range of sincere supporters who too utilised such an innovative approach to assist)!
Kellogg's cereal, Sultana Bran (Down Under style), has done an epic life movie on this Special K!
Check out their recent advertisement that showcases why those who lack short term memory are constantly being pleasantly surprised + are also rather entertaining and mighty endearing mates to have (if I do say so myself!).
If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain,
isn't that right, Dolly Parton/David Brent?!
isn't that right, Dolly Parton/David Brent?!
It is predicted that Australians (alone) will suffer more than half a million strokes in the next ten years, and while it is the primary cause of adult disability, it also kills with approximately one in three people dying within a year of having a stroke and even further deaths of stroke survivors occur in the years that follow.
- Stroke kills more women than breast cancer does and kills more men than prostate cancer does
- Almost one in five people who experience a stroke are under the age of 55 with approximately 1/3 of stroke sufferers under retirement age (65)
- Men are more likely to suffer a stroke and at a younger age
- In 2013, Australians suffered around 50,000 new and recurrent strokes – that’s one stroke every 10 minutes - unsurprisingly, there is no postcode left untouched
- Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer after heart disease
- Every 10 minutes someone in Australia has a stroke
- One in three stroke sufferers in Australia die from stroke within a year
- Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in Australia
- On top of the initial (and extensive list of) effects from brain damage, depression is common after a stroke
The world is not very welcoming to those who are disabled.
It is difficult to participate in many activities if one is not able bodied.But that does not fully explain why there are so few stroke survivors in public. One problem is that this promotes the belief that those with disabilities - stroke survivors as well as others - are few.It also promotes the belief that stroke survivors are all older. It promotes the belief that there is no life after stroke.I now begin each week asking myself how to make stroke survivors more visible. I also think about how I personally can be part of stroke education. One way I do that is by talking with strangers. I have a series of stroke education comments.I suppose some people think I am crazy. But, I like to think I am doing a bit to help.
Wesleyan University's Professor Scott Plous explains that compassion is contagious.
Quality Personal Development =
Genuinely putting yourself in another person's shoes.
Quality Personal Development =
Genuinely putting yourself in another person's shoes.
Please do READ (and then please let's do): Kindness Is Contagious
Life After Stroke
(^^Do read this enlightening article about what happens if you survive a brain attack)
Recent findings have shown that consuming one egg a day, in particular, may reduce your stroke risk.
Time for boiled eggs with bread soldiers! OH YEAH!
'Get on your bikes and ride' - for your brain's sake!
It may not come as any surprise to you (after reading all about hippo-c in earlier blog entries and realising how productive you are when leading an active life) to learn that exercise is said to increase the size of your brain's hippocampus which then tends to improve
your memory and everyday thinking skills, in particular.
Here's hoping you can pull it off (...the road) as well as this thrilling right-hand woman,
'Zac Hanson', here.
What a splendid stroke smart supporter + utter legend you are!
Kensington Gardens London U.K.
October 2011
Another legend who also pranced around London back in the day, receiving plenty of laughs (^^just like the true blue hilarious pump of an invigorating mate cycling by my side, above),
is renowned Scottish comedian,
Billy Connolly (he had a little less clothes on than us *sorry about that, dearest fans*.
Billy Connolly (he had a little less clothes on than us *sorry about that, dearest fans*.
Mind you, it was just as cold a day for him - evidently heh!)
Piccadilly Circus London U.K.
Red Nose Day 2001
Piccadilly Circus London U.K.
Red Nose Day 2001
While Mr BC has battled prostate cancer as well as recently losing his hearing (now assisted with hearing aids - sensational!), the progressive disease of the nervous system known as Parkinson's disease (diagnosed just a few years ago by an Australian doctor/genius in a hotel's lobby who noticed Billy's walking to be similar to that of someone with early onset Parkinson's) has hit him for six.
Like this Kitty Kat, Billy has ensured to tackle his mind's particular woes (specifically balance, where his left arm tends to drift upwards and lock at an odd angle - "looks like I'm carrying an invisible raincoat" - what a refreshing attitude to display just one effect of the challenging disease + graphic description to help us better grasp and acknowledge such) directly by battling in public through continuing to work + perform.
As you'd expect from a legendary comedian whose life has always focused on the funnies, Connolly feels laughter - combined with his undeniably determined attitude - has been his 'life therapy', assisting with the treatment of Parkinson's disease (we hear you, dear Mr Connolly!), in particular.
Like this Kitty Kat, Billy has ensured to tackle his mind's particular woes (specifically balance, where his left arm tends to drift upwards and lock at an odd angle - "looks like I'm carrying an invisible raincoat" - what a refreshing attitude to display just one effect of the challenging disease + graphic description to help us better grasp and acknowledge such) directly by battling in public through continuing to work + perform.
As you'd expect from a legendary comedian whose life has always focused on the funnies, Connolly feels laughter - combined with his undeniably determined attitude - has been his 'life therapy', assisting with the treatment of Parkinson's disease (we hear you, dear Mr Connolly!), in particular.
"The thing is, it's there so I might as well talk about it. I like to get it out of the way early because it's kind of obvious, I think. I don't want to be defined by it. Maybe some people get grim, but I don't. You cannot sit at home wondering about your symptoms. It's not going to go away. I think it's an attitude - you say, 'screw it, let's get on with it'".
Channelling my dear dad's own philosophy of life being about attitude right there, clever Billy Connolly
Learn more about this fascinating surgical procedure (above - known as Deep Brain Stimulation) used to treat the overwhelming effects of Parkinson's disease such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement and walking problems -
Deep Brain Stimulation
Channelling my dear dad's own philosophy of life being about attitude right there, clever Billy Connolly
Learn more about this fascinating surgical procedure (above - known as Deep Brain Stimulation) used to treat the overwhelming effects of Parkinson's disease such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement and walking problems -
Deep Brain Stimulation
"The essence of this man is his unique capacity to reflect on human behaviour
and he stands it on its head.
His humour, though seemingly basic, is quite sophisticated.
Usually his humour is directed at the two most important parts of the human body. The other one is the brain.
Good taste is something he's always turned his back on. Good taste and my friend is a contradiction in terms.
Audiences return again and again and new generations of admirers come to him, not because he makes them laugh, but because he has the gift of inviting everyone - uncritically, unconditionally - into his world and he exposes the truth. No one looks at the world the way he does. He transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The mundane into the magnificent in the bravest of fashions. My friend is an artist."
- Hollywood royalty and acclaimed actor, Dustin Hoffman, offering his precise + enjoyable analysis of the classic comedian and veteran all-round entertainer (of over 50 years!), Billy Connolly.
Usually his humour is directed at the two most important parts of the human body. The other one is the brain.
Good taste is something he's always turned his back on. Good taste and my friend is a contradiction in terms.
Audiences return again and again and new generations of admirers come to him, not because he makes them laugh, but because he has the gift of inviting everyone - uncritically, unconditionally - into his world and he exposes the truth. No one looks at the world the way he does. He transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The mundane into the magnificent in the bravest of fashions. My friend is an artist."
- Hollywood royalty and acclaimed actor, Dustin Hoffman, offering his precise + enjoyable analysis of the classic comedian and veteran all-round entertainer (of over 50 years!), Billy Connolly.
Mr D.H. (above right) presents his dear pal + former film co-star, Billy Connolly (above left)
with the Special Recognition Award
January 2016
Some of the biggest laughter-inducing-lines from Billy's acceptance speech (in my humble opinion) include -
"This is the best laxative I've ever known in my life"; "I'd like to thank the Catholic Church for the forbidden method of birth control, without which I wouldn't be here at all"; and of course, "You cheapo!"
"This is the best laxative I've ever known in my life"; "I'd like to thank the Catholic Church for the forbidden method of birth control, without which I wouldn't be here at all"; and of course, "You cheapo!"
- true BC style with a wicked sense of humour still going strong (please do watch the touching acceptance speech of this utter delight).
F.Y.I.: Meditating
In particular, Mr BC has embraced Buddhist meditation (do get on board!) -
"I learnt Buddhist meditation some years ago and to take away the fear of death, when you see roadkill, you say to yourself, 'that is the way of all things and it will be the way with me'".
"I learnt Buddhist meditation some years ago and to take away the fear of death, when you see roadkill, you say to yourself, 'that is the way of all things and it will be the way with me'".
One wise, thought-provoking man
(as you can clearly see, below - no buts/butts about it! Well technically maybe one heh!).
(as you can clearly see, below - no buts/butts about it! Well technically maybe one heh!).
The legendary Mr Connolly at Mardi Gras
(^^although he is not meditating here, that could very well be ole naked Buddha with him - just the typical, spiritual Mardi Gras experience)
Sydney Australia
1999
Sydney Australia
1999
If you were to have a stroke, it would strike one of your mind's hemispheres (or your brain stem)
Such are considered to have particular strengths in various abilities and functions.
Which brain hemisphere does your mind's specific strengths belong to?
Take this little test for some insight on such and complement your brain today - it'll surely thank you for it!
"The world breaks everyone and afterward, some are strong at the broken places"
If life was a board game, it could possibly be Snakes & Ladders (just imagine if it was Hungry Hippos!). While my teammates/peers are continually (and fortunately for them) landing on various ladders and excitingly leaping ahead in their life's prime with various accomplishments, freedom & opportunities, I'm being dealt snake, after snake, after slippery ole snake, not only feeling like I'm going backwards in life, but missing out on experiencing the joys of a young life progressing onwards and upwards - like my peers surrounding myself get to relish in (why do I have to be so acutely aware of such an unjust discrepancy?!). It's not like I asked for this life nor do I deserve it and that's exactly how one feels when they continually fall down 'snakes' in the renowned board game. Being a young stroke survivor is so much more than the effects - I've lost the youthful life I had + so rightly deserved - with zero control on my part and the most concerning byproduct is that I've been continually confronted by other young people treating myself in thoughtless ways I had never experienced prior to brain damage. Speaking to fellow young stroke survivors through online portals (thank you 21st Century!), isolation and poor treatment by peers currently seems to be a common byproduct of stroke. I crave the day others understand/put effort into understanding or at the very least, acknowledge the extent they actually don't grasp this particular life chapter (the arrogance of some thinking they comprehend all it entails - you couldn't possibly unless you walked 100 000 miles in my shoes over the past 4+ years - is one of the most frustrating aspects - for myself and for my full-time support network!) and who I am in this Limbo World.
- A young stroke survivor's firsthand account offering some insight into one of the nastiest byproducts of acquiring brain damage while in your prime
Despite such utter torment, I refuse to be what has happened to me - my particular focus is consistently on the future and what I choose to become with what little I have been left with. It certainly has been a case of mind over (grey) matter! While I initially searched for ways to return to my past life that others previously seemed to value, I've (/we've) had to accept that it is gone and not to be bitter about my particular life's disappointments, but rather, embrace the slimy snakes that I have fallen down, adding a little sprinkle of my savoured humour, tenacity and resilience to get through to the other side. Years spent on a heartbreaking quest to find who I was before strokes was then swiftly cancelled once I realised the updated venture was to now make myself. What an opportunte time to brilliantly shine! The sheer grief of losing my 'inner baboon' (that is, in neuron count), my youthful life and its sacred independence + progression has brought unprecedented strength in areas of my being that weren't evident before - I'm even funnier now! Just ask me! This is one remarkable + insightful 'evolution of Kitty Kat' and while I wouldn't recommend such an agonising, confronting journey, I am proudly evolving with arms wide open and inner strength + perspective gained (+ my usual quick wit at every corner = you're welcome!) that will undoubtedly and ultimately assist in future endeavours.
What a life affirming and enhancing experience....afterall.
- 20th Century's Nobel Prize-winning, influential American author, Ernest Hemingway, acknowledged the ultimate value of life's cruel curve balls
Bruised Brain = Blooming Bouquet!
