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Don't Leave Me This Way: Or When I Get Back on My Feet You'll Be Sorry – A Moving True Story of One Woman's Fight for Life and Dignity After Stroke
Julia Fox Garrison refused to listen to the professionals she called Dr. Jerk and Dr. Panic, who—after she suffered a massive, debilitating stroke at age thirty-seven—told her she'd probably die, or to Nurse Doom, who ignored her emergency call button. Instead she heeded the advice of kind, gifted Dr. Neuro, who promised her he would "treat your mind as well as your body." Julia figured if she could somehow manage to get herself into a wheelchair, at least she'd always find parking. But after many, many months of hospitalization and rehab—with the help of family, friends, and her own indomitable spirit—Julia not only got into a wheelchair, but she got back out. Don't Leave Me This Way is the funny, inspiring, profoundly moving true story of a woman's fight for her life and dignity—and her determined quest to awaken an entrenched, unfeeling medical community to the fact that there's always a human being inside every patient.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 17, 2018
What an amazing book!
At age 37, Julia Garrison, a wife, mother of a 3 year old boy and ambitious working woman, was stricken by a massive cerebral hemorrhage. She can’t walk. The left side of her body has “disappeared” from her consciousness due to left-side neglect, where her brain does not acknowledge anything having to do with the left side of her body. And no one knows what caused this.
She is determined to get herself back to “normal”, whatever that may be. None of her medical providers believe her. Some fight her along the way. Some claim she is in denial. Her husband and her family are her greatest advocates and supporters.
Through it all she exhibits a resolve and a sense of humor that are incredibly inspiring. She is absolutely determined to reclaim her life, even on her worse days.
Her’s is an amazing story of perseverance, resilience, hope and humor. Always humor. Julia can see the humor in any situation, even the most embarrassing ones. Humor and hope are what get her through everything.
One thing about the title: Don’t Leave Me This Way will start an ear worm in your brain that will go on and on if you are a 70s music fan. Thank you Thelma Houston! 😜
This book is an absolute recommend!
At age 37, Julia Garrison, a wife, mother of a 3 year old boy and ambitious working woman, was stricken by a massive cerebral hemorrhage. She can’t walk. The left side of her body has “disappeared” from her consciousness due to left-side neglect, where her brain does not acknowledge anything having to do with the left side of her body. And no one knows what caused this.
She is determined to get herself back to “normal”, whatever that may be. None of her medical providers believe her. Some fight her along the way. Some claim she is in denial. Her husband and her family are her greatest advocates and supporters.
Through it all she exhibits a resolve and a sense of humor that are incredibly inspiring. She is absolutely determined to reclaim her life, even on her worse days.
Her’s is an amazing story of perseverance, resilience, hope and humor. Always humor. Julia can see the humor in any situation, even the most embarrassing ones. Humor and hope are what get her through everything.
One thing about the title: Don’t Leave Me This Way will start an ear worm in your brain that will go on and on if you are a 70s music fan. Thank you Thelma Houston! 😜
This book is an absolute recommend!
March 28, 2023
This book would be an eye-opener for anyone who has never had a major illness or has never had a loved one with a major illness. Probably should be read by all healthcare professionals to get a patient viewpoint. The writing style is not to my liking, but then that’s not the point of this book.
July 25, 2011
What an remarkable book by a truly amazing woman! Julia is inspiring. She brings you through her whole experience with her massive brain hemorrhage in a very in-depth but extremely interesting way. Just as she had experienced it so that I found myself wondering if she was going to make it even though I had seen her speak at a NH Brain Injury Conference so I knew her outcome. You really felt the emotions she went through and the mystery around her injury and that kept me engaged from word one to the end. Her spirit in the face of such devastation is awe inspiring as she called her hemorrhage a gift. I don't know too many people who can walk hang on to the attitude when staring possible death. She had to face life with a extremely impaired body and get through all the challenges that came with that and her positive attitude was evident every step of the way. I'll say it again one amazing woman who shared her remarkable story for all of us to learn from.
July 29, 2010
What a FANTASTIC book! I had a brain injury too, and Julia has come by to my center for folks with brain injuries and spoken to us a couple times- such a sharp, funny lady and you really feel she understands where you're coming from. She is an inspiration both for folks with Brain Injuries and I think it should be required reading for doctors (both old and new), and therapists- PT, OT, and Speech Therapists.
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March 2, 2009After reading this book, you will never take for granted basic things such as being able to go to the bathroom by yourself or driving! This story revolves around the the author’s struggle after suffering a brain hemorrhage, both with the health care system and with herself as she evolves into the realization of herself in a different light. The power of positive thinking and humor are attributes she brings both to the book and to her wellness philosophy. A great read.
July 1, 2009
After hearing her speak at the local literary festival decided to read the gook. An amazing story of her recovery from a stroke as a very young woman. Great sense of humor. Learned a lot about her fierce fight for what she needed from the medical community. Should be required reading for octors and medical personnel.
September 21, 2014
I would actually give this a 4.5. Great fast paced read. She puts life into perspective with funny antics. Makes you stop & think how mic bed take for granted in our every day lives & it came at a great time for me to read as I am in the hospital recovering from major surgery.
March 12, 2008
I liked this book. It's about a women that has a stroke and what she goes through to recover. This is a true store. It's very inspirational.
June 3, 2008
This author came to my book group!! She is an amazing person who has overcome so many obstacles!! Great read for medical and non medical readers!
August 5, 2008
Story about a young woman recovering from a stroke - honest, funny, and touching at times but honestly I found her a bit annoying and preachy sometimes
April 10, 2021
An amazing journey of a young woman (a budding professional on the precipice of climbing the corporate ladder, and a Mother of a three year old) - faced with a massive stroke rendering her paralyzed on the left side of her body.
I'll get into it further, however the Publisher needs to understand.... one word: MORE. A very warm invitation should be issued to Ms. Julia Fox Garrison to put pen to pad and write another book. Her style of writing engages all types of readers. She is forthright, intelligent, humorous, self-derogating (when the situation required), strong, determined, and intensely personal while revisiting her struggles and triumphs. I'm left with the feeling, I want to hear more from her.
It started out with a normal trek to work on a well traveled highway in Massachusetts, a little onset of a cold and the decision to take an over the counter cold remedy. (Whether or not the ingestion of the cold remedy caused the stroke is not fully disclosed, however it leads me to believe it ultimately was what brought down this 37 year old healthy woman).
The day ended with a life and death scenario - most skillfully put forth to the reader in the Third/Second, and first person; of which detailed her experiences in such a fashion which allowed the reader to actually hover above the situation and truly feel what it is like (unabashed) to deal with such a devastating life altering occurrence at such a young age.
Julia puts forth a staggering blow by blow description throughout the journey of how something like this, dealing with the Medical community, dealing with figuring out how to maneuver varied medical personalities in order to achieve some semblance of the "new normal", was as difficult as one could imagine. Her absolute decision to hold people accountable, acceptance of the fact that, while she needed these people to achieve her end game - toning it down upon occasion required her to put a sock in it (from what I glean from her personality - took great effort).
The writing style was absolutely on point. The chapter breakup was extremely comfortable and the read went in such a way, a bookmark was of no use - I remembered exactly where I left off.
When I say MORE, I'd like to know how she fared over the last almost two decades since her stroke. Where is she now? What is she doing? A little more detail regarding her wonderful Husband Jim, her Son Rory, her amazing/dedicated family. All of this and more... please.
To sum up... somehow she achieved an intimate glimpse into her life (just for me), became an endearing character - so much so, I'd like to sit down with her over a cuppa Joe, chew the fat and explore further.
I'll get into it further, however the Publisher needs to understand.... one word: MORE. A very warm invitation should be issued to Ms. Julia Fox Garrison to put pen to pad and write another book. Her style of writing engages all types of readers. She is forthright, intelligent, humorous, self-derogating (when the situation required), strong, determined, and intensely personal while revisiting her struggles and triumphs. I'm left with the feeling, I want to hear more from her.
It started out with a normal trek to work on a well traveled highway in Massachusetts, a little onset of a cold and the decision to take an over the counter cold remedy. (Whether or not the ingestion of the cold remedy caused the stroke is not fully disclosed, however it leads me to believe it ultimately was what brought down this 37 year old healthy woman).
The day ended with a life and death scenario - most skillfully put forth to the reader in the Third/Second, and first person; of which detailed her experiences in such a fashion which allowed the reader to actually hover above the situation and truly feel what it is like (unabashed) to deal with such a devastating life altering occurrence at such a young age.
Julia puts forth a staggering blow by blow description throughout the journey of how something like this, dealing with the Medical community, dealing with figuring out how to maneuver varied medical personalities in order to achieve some semblance of the "new normal", was as difficult as one could imagine. Her absolute decision to hold people accountable, acceptance of the fact that, while she needed these people to achieve her end game - toning it down upon occasion required her to put a sock in it (from what I glean from her personality - took great effort).
The writing style was absolutely on point. The chapter breakup was extremely comfortable and the read went in such a way, a bookmark was of no use - I remembered exactly where I left off.
When I say MORE, I'd like to know how she fared over the last almost two decades since her stroke. Where is she now? What is she doing? A little more detail regarding her wonderful Husband Jim, her Son Rory, her amazing/dedicated family. All of this and more... please.
To sum up... somehow she achieved an intimate glimpse into her life (just for me), became an endearing character - so much so, I'd like to sit down with her over a cuppa Joe, chew the fat and explore further.
February 1, 2024
This is a revelatory and inspiring book that should be read by anyone who has never suffered a debilitating health event. It realistically describes not only the challenges that physical impairment presents but also the societal ones, which are considerable and range from indifference to well meaning pity to callous presumptions regarding the afflicted individual's unsuitability for everyday life. Perhaps most importantly, however, the author demonstrates how with determination and hope one can prevail over even the most dire circumstances.
March 28, 2020
This is an inspiring book about Julia Fox Garrison who had a massive stroke when she was very young. It tells her story of coming back from the stroke, defying her doctors, and beating the odds. I read this book to my mom after her own stroke and it made us laugh and cry at the same time. Great story, great read, fantastic book.
August 17, 2018
I like the way this book is written as though you are in her shoes to get some insight as to what it can be like in a life changing event. Julia has a lot a courage and a great sense of humor and great support!
June 21, 2018
Delightful, snarky, heart-breaking account of a life-changing "incident" (and the aftermath) in Julia's life. Quite inspirational!
November 27, 2018
Outstanding book. I highly recommend it.
September 29, 2020
This book was amazing!
February 22, 2024
Read this for school such an inspiring story! Really makes you think about life in a different way.
March 4, 2025
I honestly still laugh whenever I recall Julia saying that she felt like she got a wedgie up to her neck
June 19, 2025
great store for health care workers to read to get a patients perspective when dealing with a life changing accident/illness and the many different areas in health care they will interact with
January 5, 2017
This is an incredible story of a woman who endured a very difficult thing and came out of it a stronger and better person. She embraced a terrifying experience and purposed to not live passively but took control of her life, making a decision to grow from it. The tragedy gave her insight into life, love, spirituality and her mission while she remains on earth. 1CI don 19t know whether I 19m going to wake tomorrow morning. Nobody does. But I know I don 19t know that, and a lot of people imagine that they can be certain about tomorrow morning. While I 19m here, I 19m completely comfortable in my own skin. What a sense of freedom. 1D I loved what she said about memories. 1CMemories are my most treasured possession. Memories can soothe you or cripple you. Although I had to summon the past, and shape it, for the book, I try not to remain in it; I work only I the present. I believe each moment we experience really should be our most important moment. 1D I think that is great advise. She reminded us of another fact: for every action, there is a reaction. - Every choice one makes, no matter how benign it may appear, has a consequence. 1CRather than try to change what she has no control over, she has chosen to accept that things happen for a reason and that is 1Cthe Plan. 1D She reminded me not to take anything for granted 13 to celebrate every minute, every hour, every day, every month and every year as a victory and a gift; that helping others is more rewarding than helping myself; that no one has the right to judge another, that even in the midst of something so humiliating as a stroke, you can chose to love life and others and each moment we experience should be our most important moment. What an incredible testimony of a life well lived!!!
February 2, 2011
By coincidence, this is the second book that I've read in the time span of about a month that deals with left neglect ("Left Neglected" by Lisa Genova was the other one). This one was somehow more interesting for me; both dealt with the same issues and problems that the protagonist had to handle, but this book resonated with me better. I think part of it may have been the 2nd person "you" point of view that was used. Whether I like it or not, that POV draws me in better than 1st or 3rd person.
If you have any interest in reading a book about neurological issues that can occur to women, I recommend this book. You'll like it.
If you have any interest in reading a book about neurological issues that can occur to women, I recommend this book. You'll like it.
November 10, 2012
I really loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Although I've never suffered any of the physical impairments that the author has, her story is very easy to relate to. Not to mention that it serves as a reminder to all of us to never give up, and to never take anything for granted.
Ms. Garrison's persistance is to be admired, as is her sense of humor through ordeals that have broken the spirits of many. Kudos to you, Julia, and may you never lose your courage, love of life, and wonderful spirit!
Ms. Garrison's persistance is to be admired, as is her sense of humor through ordeals that have broken the spirits of many. Kudos to you, Julia, and may you never lose your courage, love of life, and wonderful spirit!
February 18, 2013
I read Left Neglected first then I read Don't Leave Me This Way, I think I preferred LN although both stories are about the same type of Brian damage, but LN its not as gritty perhaps because Don't Leave Me is a memoir and LN is a work of fiction thus a lot more fluff I wonder if I read it in the other order if I would find LN too fluffy and preferred Don't Leave Me This Way, with this being said I don't think I'd want to piss off Julia as she would take you down so fast and laugh the whole time doing it...
June 18, 2015
As a student in graduate school for speech-language pathology I found this book to be a refreshing take on the rehabilitation process. Julia gives the reader an honest look at her struggles and I was struck by her stellar optimism. This book changed the way I interact with my patients because I now have a greater appreciation for their struggles. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the rehabilitation process after a stroke or has experienced a stroke or another health related illness.
March 20, 2012
This is a funny, searingly honest and refreshingly politically incorrect memoir about a woman's fight to get her independence back after suffering a mysterious brain disorder that leaves her partly paralysed and suffering from hemineglect. Her fight is not just with the disease, but with the medical system and how it fails patients like Julia. She triumphs on many fronts, and this book is one of those triumphs.
February 14, 2013
As a fellow stroke survivor, this book put into words what I couldn't describe to my loved ones, Garrison found eloquent vocabulary to describe a traumatic experience, her honesty about the challenges and self-esteem issues a stroke survivor has to overcome was reassuring, this book is both hopeful and life-affirming, a must-read for anyone experiencing a life-changing health event!
February 7, 2009
Interesting read about dealing with what life throws at you in a positive way. Julia gives us a humorous look at the medical community and how she chooses to heal after a tragic stroke at the age of 37.
August 18, 2009
Dixie, Lillian and I heard this author speak. The book is a tale of her recovery from a massive stroke that left her left side paralyzed. She was only 36 and had a three year old son. This story is so insprirational. She is very humorous, so it's not a "downer" to read.
April 9, 2010
This is the true story of a woman that at the age of 38 has a massive brain hemorrhage. Through her ordeal she never losses her faith, sense of humor and hope that things will be better. It is a remarkable inspirational story and one I feel both drs, nurses and caregivers should read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews