Coping with Stroke: 50 Answers to Everyday Caregiver Challenges

by Monica Vest Wheeler

To see what I see, you have got to be where I am. That is one of the most accurate and straight-forward descriptions you ll ever hear or read about living life with stroke, as the survivor or the caregiver. This compact volume is filled with the best and most practical first-hand quotes, insights and tips you will ever find on coping with the everyday emotional challenges of stroke as a caregiver, because every word of it is real and common sense. This book meets you where you are, no matter where you are in time. While the story of one survivor and/or caregiver can be extraordinarily moving, real life demands that you educate yourself in many classrooms to stretch your imagination and discover new resources and be reminded that you are not alone. Because every stroke and individual is different, you need to glean the perspective of hundreds of survivors and caregivers to bring the diverse realities of stroke into closer focus. That is what you will find neatly packaged here, snippets of one experience, then another and yet another that you can piece together to make sense of how you can best cope with this complex puzzle called stroke. This brain attack has peaks and valleys so ridiculously high and low that this rollercoaster can flip the strongest stomach, heart and mind without warning. Yes, there are physical challenges with stroke, but the emotional exercises can be as or more brutal for both survivor and caregiver. Emotions are often overlooked because the world often only digests, comprehends and responds to what it can see ... such as the loss of the use of a limb or confinement to a wheelchair, which are common stroke side effects. However, we cannot see the other pain within the brain that can plague both survivor and caregiver ... the grief in facing the loss of abilities, the destruction of firmly rooted dreams and finely crafted plans, disappearing friends and family members, and the unexpected changes within the survivor and caregiver as they struggle with this brain attack. We fear most what we cannot see with our own eyes. We are frightened by an unexplained noise behind us, but are calmed when we turn and see its innocent source. We fear what we cannot see happening in the human brain, when the survivor looks perfectly normal but behaves in ways that are not normal for them or most people. That is why we must get inside. Stroke creates a whole new world for everyone touched by it. It is up to each individual on how that new world looks, feels and moves. You, as a caregiver, carry much responsibility in this constant whirlwind of emotions by maintaining a focus on love, compassion, empathy, patience, common sense, physical stamina, and heavy doses of tough love. You are going to need them all and much more. Indulge in these words of wisdom, advice and unique insights as you continue to adjust to your life as a caregiver. Stop to reflect on the short sections entitled Little BIG insight, which feature brief statements about the everyday realities of stroke. The Caregiver insight offers direct quotes from caregivers around the country who do understand the complex emotions that come with the title you now share with them. You are not alone. Period. You will also find survivor insight because it s important for caregivers to peer inside the survivors world and their struggles and successes. These can bolster your understanding and patience as a caregiver. Any of these tidbits can be the starting point for an important conversation with your survivor, as communication can make or break your relationship. Capture what helps so you can share with another future caregiver in need ... as long as you remember that what works for one may not always work for another. It will also serve as a healthy reminder later that you have survived the stroke, too.

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fortunate to have been able to work with the author.