Stroke Survivors' Q.&A.- Episode No.8.

Good evening thrill seekers and fellow time travellers, welcome to tonight's Episode, an Episode that I think will be somewhat different in their themes. But still relevant.

The questions featured tonight have been posed to me over recent months during conversations with people I have met at various stroke related gatherings, friends, several webinars, and my annual presentation to Final Year Physio students at the Australian Catholic University, North Sydney Campus.

Which I have had the privilege of presenting for seven consecutive years at the kind invitation of Doctor Simone Dorsch, a noted Stroke Educator (Senior Lecturer, School pf Applied Medicine, Australian Catholic University) and a Director of StrokeEd, a Stroke Rehabilitation education collaborative

Ready Mr Music… Lights … Camera and let the show begin

Has the stroke changed you and if so in what way?

The stroke has definitely changed me.

Firstly, my lifestyle -I have discarded/eliminated what I would term high risk behaviours smoking, I was a heavy smoker, 20-30 cigarettes per day; I no longer drink sugar-based drinks [previously 3 - 5 cans of coke per day, I now consume approximately 3 litres of water per day.

I now have one coffee when I wake, as opposed to several during the day pre stroke, which were described as having the ability to euthanize a rather large farm animal.

I have spoken about my walking routine- 12 to 15 kms every day and having integrated my rehab routines in my everyday life.

I am fitter and healthier than I have been for years!

As a person, I like to think I am more patient, less arrogant, driven and demanding. I am aware of the consequences of having a sharp, sometimes sarcastic demeanour to my workmates and fellow acquaintances. A lapsed workaholic is one description a mate whom I respect described the Post Stroke Brian.

So, in short yes, I have changed and for the better

Did you have to overcome any resistance or barriers during your inpatient care regarding your rehab?

No, definitely not - I must admit that during my impatient care I was supported totally by the physio staff at Bankstown hospital. Never at any stage were there brick walls put up in terms of what I wanted in terms of my rehab, in fact they considered my request and then often enhanced it in several instances.

Seven years on do you ever think you will stop doing your rehab?

No, now that my routines have become an integral part of my everyday life. Also, I don't believe in the concept of plateauing that at some future mystical point that you say” right I won't get any better or any worse so I will stop what I am doing.”

Improvement is continual it may be miniscule or slow, but it is continual and I'm looking for that way off Rehab Xanadu, but if not, I'll be satisfied that I've made every effort to achieve that purpose.

What are the advantages of integrating your rehab routines in your everyday life

Well for a start my family are very happy because part of that integration involves filling/emptying the dishwasher, hanging/ taking down the washing and working in the garden. As a result of my stroke and my agricultural efforts, we enjoy delicious home-grown tomatoes and beans every summer.

In fact, during the writing of this, I had to go and put my sons-in-law washing on the line!

Plus, as I type this, I am listening to this music through my headphones,1940s oldies

How did your friends react to your stroke?

That is an interesting question.

As a result of my corporate life, I have a large circle of acquaintances but a small tight group of friends- many of you will understand the difference.

In terms of my friends, it was surprising; I was absent from Facebook and Twitter for a couple of months and when I placed a notice on Facebook, Twitter, and several alumina and business groups about what had happened the response was amazing and very humbling.

I received more than 900 emails from all over the world to which I can proudly say that I answered them all. I reconnected with some school acquaintances, business acquaintances I hadn't been in touch for decades which was very pleasing

However, there were about five people who I considered close friends who were conspicuously absent from contacting me and have been since that time. They are no longer on the Beh Digital Christmas card list

How important is family in an experience like stroke?

Very important -To a clinician family can be your eyes and ears when you are not with their stroke survivor. They can give you input into the survivor’s motivation, their attitude to rehab and state of mind.

I would recommend that when you are preparing a Rehab plan with a stroke survivor that you involve the family as it will give them a sense of skin in the game of their relative’s rehab.

You mentioned that you have changed spiritually as a result of your stroke? Please explain.

That is an exceptionally good question and as I promised to answer all questions so I shall explain. I grew up in a traditional Anglican home and like many of my generation rejected during my teenage years the teachings of this church

Since my stroke I have become aware of the fragile link between this life and whatever lies beyond it and as a result of my medical episode I've become more curious about the answers.

As a result, I'm looking towards the Eastern faiths and Judaism as a means of obtaining the answers to my questions. Readers of my blogs will often see me say ‘To keep moving towards Enlightenment because that's where the answers do bide” I believe that.

Thank you for that question. I really appreciated the opportunity to talk about it as it was a definite residue of my stroke

You mentioned in your talk today that you were a child of the sixties.

What does that mean and how did it impact you?

Again, a good question.

The sixties. [from 62 to 69] was a time of profound change for teenagers, but it's not only music, fashions social attitudes, the growth and realization that young people were a force to be reckoned with in this world

You must recall that much of society was very conservative and strait laced. I must admit thrill seekers and fellow time travellers for a young lad growing up on a dairy farm in the Hunter Valley, I embraced it totally.

I'm not afraid to admit I smoked those funny cigarettes and unlike many politicians who claim otherwise I inhaled and as a result experienced some amazing sunsets on Newcastle beach after a day's surfing in the mid to late sixties

Looking back, I would not have swapped it for any other generation or the experiences of that. These days made me the person I am today -slightly irreverent and tilting at the odd windmill

Thank you for the question.

Brian A Beh

Lifelong Member of the Hopalong Cassidy Fan Club

Poet, Philosopher and Child of the Cosmos

Winner "Improving Life After Stroke" Category

Stroke Foundation of Australia 2021 National Awards.