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My dear little neighbor suffered a stroke two weeks ago and was scheduled for a carotid "clearing" last week . She was to go to her first speech therapy session after surgery on Thursday and it was with horror that instead ,I saw the ambulance pull up to her house and whisk her away ! She is so tiny,there was scarcely a dent in the blankets that sheltered her from the cold . A call to her husband confirmed that she'd had another stroke.
My sister recommended a new book to me,the better to understand Mother's condition,called "My Stroke of Insight..a brain scientist's personal journey" by Jill Bolte Taylor (Viking press , ISBN # 978-0-670-02074-4 ). The author is a brain anatomist who had a unique opportunity to recognize her stroke,as it was happening,and take steps to get help in that brief window of opportunity,before she lost control. She was able to observe the unfolding of the event as an up-close-and-personal observer,knowing exactly what was happening and what the effects meant. She details the whole experience,giving helpful hints for each stage and what needs to be done for and with the patient . Appendix A,at the back of the book,contains ten assessment questions to determine the condition, Appendix B lists "40 Things I Needed Most".
The dust jacket summary states" A fascinating journey into the mechanics of the human mind,"My Stroke of Insight" is both a valuable recovery guide for anyone touched by a brain injury and an emotionally stirring testemony that deep internal peace truly is accessible to anyone at any time ". You see , her stroke had been on her left side of the brain.."the rational,grounded,detail-and-time-oriented side". Her right brain ,"the euphoric nirvana of the intuitive and kinesthetic side,where she felt a sense of complete well-being and peace",was undamaged. Ms.Bolte talks about her change of mind,pun intended, that she chose to live with the right side dominating...that the body processes a stress in such a way that within 90 seconds,its effect has passed through the body and is gone . Stress that lasts beyond 90 seconds is by our choice.Think about the last time you were stressed...in your car and someone cut you off ?...do you let it go to driver error (gone in 90 seconds) or fume and take it as a personal affront,re-living it over and over...your choice. Her journey is, of course, about recovering from a stroke...but her recovery encompasses a full-life evaluation.The new life she has been given is calmer...more purposeful and joyous than her previous one.The steps to follow her are laid out plainly before us...the way you lead your life is your own choice...choose wisely.
Of course,my neighbor's family received the book !