My Stroke.. the Remaking of Me. Seven Years on
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Greetings, Thrill Seekers, and Fellow Time Travellers,
An interesting headline for me to mark what will be seventh anniversary of my Left Lacunar Stroke on 18 April 2016 after which ensued a 4 month in Bankstown Hospital.
It has been my practice on previous anniversaries that I share with you the resultant changes to my life and lifestyle as a result of that dramatic episode. Those who know me and have been following my writings should be well aware of the changes both in my life and lifestyle that I have adopted since April 2016.
I am also amazed about how, in times since that date that I have found levels of strength and resilience within myself that I had never touched.
The post stroke Brian.
I believe that I am a nicer person, healthier [both in mind, body, and spirit], more considerate, less judgmental. Let me explain
The reason is \{at least I believe\} that for the first time in many years I’m now happy in my own skin, satisfied where I am in this world.
Where I WANT to be rather than where I am EXPECTED to be.
But, as I've said on many occasions, I didn't arrive at this destination alone - I attained this state through the skill, expertise, and commitment of a very select group of incredibly talented clinicians.
Together with the support of my family, school chums/corporate mates who I have reconnected with, a small tight group of friends and 2 special gentlemen from Melbourne.
There are too many to name, however, as you know I would like to highlight several clinicians who occupy a special place in my life - Laura, Fin, and Simone.
These people helped put Humpty Dumpty back together again.
Hence now my days are devoted to Giving Back- repaying the debt that I owe - I do it by sharing my Lived Experience so researchers, clinicians can further understand the challenges of stroke.
This strategy takes many forms- talks/lectures, webinars, involvement in research projects [5 currently], focus groups and interviews.
In 2022 I was appointed the Inaugural Chair of Community and Consumer Advisory Group of the George Institute for Global Health in Australia - an incredibly challenging but satisfying experience.
There are 2 groups that I have been involved with that are special and that I want to highlight, these being StrokeEd and the I-REBOUND project from the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
StrokeEd - especially Simone. Karl and Annie, The StrokeEd collaboration offers evidence-based workshops and lectures to improve the skills, knowledge, and practice of rehabilitation therapists, and influence the delivery of rehabilitation services to stroke survivors
I-REBOUND - another amazing group, headed up by Professor Coralie English, Newcastle University and includes talented researchers and a coterie of amazing stroke survivors- Julie Davey, Belgian Benny, Kevin English, and Meredith Burke.
I-REBOUND is a web-based portal designed by the Stroke Foundation and the University of Newcastle and co-designed with Stroke Survivors. It has been designed to reduce the risk of subsequent strokes by providing resources for eating well and moving more.
Working with these 2 groups I regard as a real perk of sustaining that stroke on 18 April 2016.
Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers, I am not Robinson Crusoe there are many other stroke survivors who feel this way.
The satisfaction I get from meeting and mixing with fellow stroke survivors, and amazing, dedicated researchers/clinicians gives me a level of satisfaction that is beyond words.
I will stand, salute my Anniversary, turn, and start moving to my next Milestone….
To everyone who has given me so much a genuine Thank you.
Remember There is Music in our Soul....Take Time to listen to your Band, I do every day.
Brian A Beh
A Stroke Survivor
Seven Years On.