Stroke
Recovery
My Computer
Helped Brain Recovery
By
Ted Burgess (The ramblings of an old man)
My
name is Ted, I’m now in my sixties and some four years
back I began to experience a number of
“Dizzy Attacks” – feeling faint, sick and, apparently at times, a little
incoherent in speech. My, cure at the time? – A cup of
coffee and a cigarette – I had very rarely been to a
doctor during my lifetime so, Tough fellow Eh? – No
way, in hind site downright foolish.
Since
I know that I am far from unique in ignoring publicized medical advice, in particular, that “prevention is
better than cure" I write this little article in
the hope that it inspire some readers to act now on
their health matters rather than undergo my experiences
of these past few years.
There
is no doubt in my mind that the human female, once her
mind is set, has an inherent ability to apply such
immense forces upon us poor males and forces for which
we have no defense. Under such terrible power I was
delivered up unto to doctor after having experience yet
another, bad spell? Within a very short time of being
with the doctor I was uplifted bodily by yet another
forceful female ambulance team member and delivered up
unto another immensely powerful no-nonsense female nurse
at the hospital.
My
memory is somewhat unclear on immediate events from that
point but gather that I was soon after into surgery for
an artery blockage. Later, I was advised that I had
experienced a series of heart attacks each of which had
caused more and more damage to the heart. In addition, a
series of strokes each of which had taken some toll my
grey cells. The biggest shock was when it was
indicated that I was now officially an invalid unable to
fulfill a normal job.
In
hind site I know now that had I taken preventive action
(gone to the doctor) after my first attack then the
damage I now have, both heart and grey cells would
have been greatly minimized. So, to anyone reading this
- Please, Please Don’t be a fool like me!
After
hospital release weeks later I began to fully appreciate
the real reduction in my physical and, worse still,
mental capabilities. At my age I could adjust to lesser
physical activities like boozing, bonking and golf for
example, but the mental and memory problems became quite
frightening. I
couldn’t speak or think clearly, dictate a letter,
handwrite a letter, find the right words or remember so
many things from the past. Neither could I interpret
correctly the words, sentences and paragraphs that I
read.
In
fear that my mind was degrading in some way, I this
time, sought prompt specialist advice. The result was
that yes, I had damaged and lost some of my grey cells
but chances were that I would remain at the same level
until old age dementia finally catches me up. I
was far from happy at the thought of a future existence
at such mental capability level and became through
personal circumstances generally somewhat housebound,
withdrawn, isolated and depressed.
Inspiration
can often result from tragedy. When I heard of the death
of a young 31-year-old dad with whom I had been
hospitalized I was dreadfully upset and couldn't stop
thinking about his young wife and daughters. That news
forced me to realize what a very lucky fellow I was.
There were millions of people far worse off than
I.
On
television later I saw a program featuring young
Moslem boys learning the Koran by heart through verbal
repetition. In addition, another item highlighting the
memory power and workings of the computer. This inspired
me to borrow a spare computer from a friend with the
idea of using it as a secondary brain. To store notes
and memory events of each day.
First
I had to learn how to use it and initially the word
processor program. This was very difficult because my
brain could not capture and remember mouse or keystroke
actions. So, if I continually repeated the one action
time and time again would my "Wonky" brain
cells relearn to accept and store information? As
example I "cut and pasted" words and phrases
for two days before I could do it automatically. It was
a long frustrating haul but it worked. I know nothing
about the brain but it appears to me that, where cells
are damaged, then their function may be taken over by
other cells.
Day
after day and week after week I worked with the computer
and in time began to be able to write understandable
letters. I purchased my own computer (now my best
friend) and over the past three years have learned to
use its Microsoft and other programs well enough to
write this.
Once
connected, the Internet opened up a whole new and
exciting world outside of my semi-housebound situation.
Through continual reading on the net my understanding
and interpretation of written meaning improved. As time
went on I gained the desire to try to build a web site. Once
again, it was a long and frustrating one-finger keyboard
task but I got one up and, for me it’s a hobby
enjoyment that forever force-feeds my brain to think and
think as I attempt to set up and complete any new task
on the site.
Obviously,
my experience in brain cell retraining will not apply to
everyone but if any reader is experiencing such a
problem you might find that, like I did, a computer may
help you immensely. You will need lot’s of patience
though and have interest in creational activities and
the exciting world of communication technology.
I
firmly believe that my computer and the Internet have
been the major tools in the re-education of my brain. So
I must extend my personal thanks to Bill Gates and his
Microsoft folk for the software tools that have bought
me back to a more normal social environment. Also, to
Google and their folk for the wonderful times I have
spent roving the Net and, to many others, who daily
provide interesting newsletters and information of
personal interest to me. Above
all, to any reader, do not forget the real essence of
this writing. Never hesitate when it comes to your
health – get checked over by a professional – ignore
it at your peril.
Anyone
is welcome to republish this article as long as they do
so in its entire content including this link back to http://www.healthavenues.net/
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