EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Tonight, eight years ago, at the exact time \{8.36pm| that I have posted this blog, I was sitting quietly tapping away at my trusty laptop when suddenly the dreaded, uninvited telltale signals of a Left Lacunar Stroke started to permeate its way throughout my very being....And Change My Life Forever.

My immediate reaction was to say, “That doesn’t seem quite right " and I then tried to rise from my chair and tell my wife what was happening. I fell to the floor- my entire right side had ceased to exist, [in my brain anyway] and I could not speak- but I was able to utter some guttural groans, which she heard and came to my aid.

About 2 hours later I was lying on a plinth in the Emergency Department of Bankstown Hospital having survived two strokes, my blood pressure peaking at 228/182[a hospital new record] and having received the clot buster which stabilized me.

My Post Stroke State…

My condition was 0/5 strength on my entire right side; severe hemiparesis on the right side of my face; a feeding tube that had gently\{??\} been inserted into my right nostril; my late-night FM radio voice almost inaudible - in short as Alan a doctor in the ED that night told me "Brian you were a f@#king mess, and we nearly lost you”.

Back to the Here and Now…

Welcome Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers to this Special Anniversary blog celebrating my emergence as a Stroke Survivor on 18 April 2016.

The preceding words are "Setting the Scene “for this blog which commemorates the eighth anniversary of my stroke, my Rehab Odessey, the highlights, and my activities since that April evening in 2016.

As you read this blog, you make think it is self-indulgent, but believe me it is not meant to be.

My objective is that by telling my Stroke Story \{warts and all\}, other survivors are motivated to share their story.

Our stories as Stroke Survivors are so valuable. More about the value of your Lived Experience later......

Sharing Your Stroke Story. The importance of Story Telling

Personal storytelling helps us to communicate our unique experiences, capture important lessons, and convey any wisdom gleaned. Stories also help to make information stick. Parts of our brain light up as if the events were happening in real life — this is the process called neural coupling.

Personal stories also stick not just for the hearer but the storyteller. When we tell (or listen to) a memorable story, our retention of information may increase by as much as seven times!

I urge you, whether you are a stroke survivor, carer or family member to share your story- the benefits will flow into corners you never thought possible.

Here is my story- Enjoy.

Why Me?? -- My Life - Pre-Stroke ….

The statement should have been “Brian it was only a matter of time before the scourge of stroke tapped you on the shoulder!

My stroke did not happen overnight- the maturation process was part of my DNA; it had been developing since my early 30s.

I was your classic workaholic...

I was your classic workaholic- 60-80 hours a week, stress levels off the chart; a sedentary lifestyle; a heavy smoker; a diet which was described by my mate [A GP] as an exercise in personal abuse.

Also, at the time of my stroke, I was 68, married with two children, having retired in 2012 and to be frank, struggling with the concept of being retired, of not working in a corporate environment.

I was formerly a management consultant, having spent over 4 decades in the frenetic, pressure cooker and at times, cutthroat world of corporate communications and high-end consulting.

I project managed the relaunch and rebranding of two major financial institutions in the late 80s; [the only person in Australia to have achieved this task] I project managed several major mergers and acquisitions; and was an acknowledged pioneer of Change Management Practice in corporate Australia.

I was a published poet and essay writer and have spoken at numerous conferences, conventions throughout Australia on brand strategy, workplace culture and communications. My work has been recognized internationally.

This description may appear self-indulgent, but I am simply describing what my corporate life was like! Is it any wonder I survived to my late sixties without my health surrendering to something dramatic like a stroke- although I did have a heart episode when I was 37!

My Rehab Begins….

After 3 days in the ICU which, when looking back was like time spent in a parallel universe. I arrived in the Stroke Ward and within an hour I am introduced to the Rehab Gym- my home for the next 4 months.

Years on, I attribute my current state of well-being, in part, to the amazing clinicians that worked with me over the 4 months I spent in Bankstown Hospital.

I spent 6 hours a day, 5 days a week in the gym doing those exercises that have become second nature to stroke survivors- sit to stands; stepping; endless repetitions on the knee extender in order to force my brain to find new pathways to my right side. You may be interested to read my blog ;Twenty reps ain't gonna to cut it 'which deals with my gym experiences.

So, I could achieve the objective of my carefully crafted rehab plan- i.e. to be able to walk out on Discharge Day. A quantifiable plan with key strategies, weekly reviews, realistic and relevant targets was the cornerstone to my rehab.

My primary rehab objective was to learn to walk again!

And Gang, that has been the hardest task that I have undertaken in my life!!

My Discharge Day….

On 11 August 2016, after 480 hours in the gym, 26,000 Sit to Stands; over 136,000 repetitions on the knee extender [between 10-50 degrees] I walked out of that gym-17 kilos lighter – in my Studio Italia suit; my Hardie Amies shirt and tie, my coordinated kerchief, and my Bally Shoes.

This was although a doctor had told me in my second week in rehab "Brian. its highly likely you will never walk again"

This apparel objective I had set myself on the second night I was in the Stroke Ward. Plus, I would walk out!!

But that was not the end of my rehab odyssey. It was the beginning of another type of odyssey. Allow me to explain, gang.

At home I went through a period of introspection as opposed to whilst I was in hospital. Now that I was away from the safety net offered by the skill and availability of medical care, I spent time examining my life and lifestyle which had created the climate for my episode.

My Blog "My Stroke-My Remaking of Me.. explains my state in more detail.

My life - Post Stroke......

Eight years on, since my release, I have made significant changes to my life. I am now a nonsmoker, compared to a 30 a day man before my stroke; I am now alcohol free; and consume minimal salt and sugar – vastly different from my pre stroke lifestyle. I have given up my daily 4-5 cans of Coke [that's right Gang] and drink only 2-3 litres of water per day

I have walked [and continue to walk] twelve kms per day every day for the past five years and have now integrated other rehab routines into my daily life.

I I also consider myself a nicer person, less demanding, arrogant, and driven. Gone is my sharpish tongue and judgmental attitude. My family ensure the Old Brian” does not return.

My Rehab Today- My Long and Winding Road.

An apt term for my rehab activities.

Stroke rehab is perpetual, unlike undergoing physio for a sprained shoulder or a sprained ankle - in many cases my rehab will be a companion for the rest of my days.

So, I have integrated my routines into my everyday life-Please read my blog which outlines my philosophy.

I have put together some statistics on several aspects of my rehab [See chart below] which demonstrate the timeframes involved in attaining my rehab milestones.

My Message- Dont Give up..My blog on Plateauing outlines my thoughts on this much maligned word. Click on the link please

The Perks of Being A Stroke Survivor....

Perk?? A strange term to be connected to such a life changing episode, but Dear Reader let me explain my lateral thinking.

Lecturing to Student Clinicians.

I have been lecturing to students for seven years and estimate I have spoken with over 1,000 final year Physio students at 3 universities in Australia. I have also spoken to several commercial physiotherapy practices in Sydney.

This activity started in 2017 when Associate Professor Simone Dorsch, Associate Professor in Physiotherapy, Co-Ordinator of School of Allied Health Honours Program, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, invited me to talk to her students about my stroke, my insights, and learnings.

The reception I and a fellow stroke survivor, Ms. Stephanie Ho, who also addresses the students has been truly remarkable and is an opportunity that I regard as an honor and privilege.

Our next lecture is scheduled for 15 May 2024.

Recently I did a blog titled: The Top Ten [Or So] Questions I have been asked. Simply click on the link and read the questions-and my answers] the students have asked me.

I am scheduled to address the Medical Faculty at the Uni of East Anglia in Norfolk UK in the coming month - unfortunately, that will be via ZOOM.

Webinars, Consumer Panels and Focus Groups.

I have participated in Webinars on Motivation and Consumer Engagement Rehab. Neuroplasticity, the potential for Artificial Intelligence in Stroke Treatment over the past years

I am currently on nine projects which involve using my Lived Experience, my corporate skills and experience across a broad range of topics.

Some of them outside the Stroke landscape- which is pleasurable for me as I can bring my consulting and critical thinking experience to the forefront of my involvement.

My blog "The Down Stream impact of my Stroke" expands on this aspect of my activity.

Also, in 2021 I was invited to join the newly formed Consumer and Community Advisory Group of The George Institute for Global Health in Australia and held the position of the Inaugural Chair for one year.

Other Activities that fill my Post Stroke Days.

Facilitating Workshops.

In late 2023 I was asked by a former business mate to assist in facilitating a residential 3-day workshop with a group of senior executives who were about to be impacted by their company’s merger with another corporation.

Topics covered were dealing with change, creating a new unified workplace culture, and introducing a new strategic direction.Right up my skills set, and it was truly exhilarating!

Another workshop is scheduled for July-WHOOPPEE

Gardening

I spend time gardening and growing seasonal veggies- tomatoes, beans, nothing fancy but it feeds my soul as well as the Beh clan. Good to get dirt under the fingernails.

Introspection

I spend a lot more time “with myself’-sitting at my special place. musing about my life, getting to genuinely appreciate what I have in this world. And sometimes, quietly, and privately reflecting on my past achievements!

Not bad for a lad who grew up on a dairy farm in the Hunter Valley

I also took the opportunity to contact several corporate comrades whom I was estranged from to apologize and "square the ledger" for my behavior during a merger im the 90's when I was project manager

I realized that I had lost touch with many of my workmates and friends since I had retired, so in the last twelve months I have started to reconnect with people who were important to me- not just in my work. but outside the corporate halls.

I have been blessed with a small but special group of friends, whom I value and cherish our time together.

Reconnecting with Friends.

These people in this montage are very special-

Top Left - Anthony Wildman, a noted Australian author, Moi, Robert Gibbs, P.R. Maestro-special friends who have been with me since Day 1.

Top Right- Anthony Rix - A valued Telstra workmate/confidante.

Bottom Left- William Forster - Another valued Telstra workmate.

Bottom Right - 2 special people- Victoria Napier, Mona Maidment- My HR friends who saved my derriere in Telstra on many occasions.

Reading - Pre and Post Stroke.

Pre stroke I was a voracious reader- my tastes were catholic in nature- modern history, the classics- Hemingway, Steinbeck, Shakespeare, Pasternak, James Baldwin Twain Keats, Shelley et al.

I also dabbled in a limited number of “modern’ writers, mostly of the spy gendre = authors like Vince Flynn, Scott Horvath and Brad Thor were among the authors I read.

In the mid 60s, I took a speed-reading course and Gang, it worked – on holidays or long flights I devoured novels= but when it came to business reading, I was able to switch off the’ Go-fast’ button and read at a much-reduced rate.

Post stroke- Since my stroke I find I can only read at about 10 minutes at a time- then I have to physically put the book down, rest for several minutes, then recommence.

Consequently, it can take me a week or two to read a novel- quite puzzling. But I have accepted this situation.

My creative skills have always been there, and since my retirement, with my departure from the corporate world my Right Brain is flourishing-whilst my left brain is only woken now and then.

My business mentor, David G., once described me when introducing me at a conference as “The only man I know that can read and interpret a complicated balance sheet, then compose a brilliant speech for me.”

The People I have met over the previous Eight Years and are now my Heroes.

In Stroke WEEK 2023 I wrote a blog:"Meet the Achievers of Stroke Week 2023"; and it was my tribute to the people whom I have met over the past eight years and now regard them as friends.

I have worked on a range of projects with them all and am blown away by their commitment and dedication to the Stroke Landscape. They are amazing and have a special place in my life.

If I were forced to pick a standout project, I have been involved with over the past eight years it would be a tie - between the work I do with Associate Professor Simone Dorsch and the I-REBOUND Project.

Together with Simone. I have participated in Webinars, focus groups, been involved in the development of training programs in addition to my lecturing to her students at the Australian Catholic University.

In relation to I-TRBOUND I was a member of the Consumer Advisory Group which was an integral part of its development. Here is a link to the Top Ten [Or So] I-REBOUND blogs which I wrote to promote this-innovative; "after stroke resource" -Enjoy

This Exact Moment .....Eight Years Ago.

This Exact Moment .....Eight Years Ago.

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