Brain, Heal Thyself: A Caregiver's New Approach to Recovery from Stroke, Aneurysm, And Traumatic Brain Injuries: A New Approach to Recovery from Stroke, Aneurysm, and Other Brain Injuries

by Madonna Siles, Lawrence J. Beuret

When Eve suffered a near-fatal brain aneurysm, Madonna Siles, her housemate and friend, too quickly found herself making critical short- and long-term medical care decisions without any help. When the insurance and financial resources ran out and the conventional therapy providers discharged zombie-like Eve to the homecare of a solitary caregiver, both their futures seemed hopeless. Instead of giving up, Siles drew on life experience and her marketing career to develop a rehabilitation program that harnessed the power of the subconscious mind. Using motivational techniques borrowed from the advertising world, she appealed to Eves subconscious to bypass the brain damage and restore normal functioning. In three short years, even the doctors were amazed at Eves recovery and return to a near-normal life. Part memoir, part recovery manual, Brain, Heal Thyself is a guidebook for thousands of shell-shocked individuals who suddenly find themselves having to make life and death decisions for those they love. With humor, warmth, and arresting honesty, Siless lively narrative closely examines not only the patients recovery, but also the crucial role of caregiversand the emotional, financial, and practical pressures they face.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2006

Reviews

[Liesl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed to be as much, if not more, about the author as about the methods she used to help her friend recover from her brain injury. She seemed to be a very whiny, unhappy person -- which under the circumstances she was dealing with is understandable, but much of this showed through in the writing and I found it somewhat tiresome. I was hoping to find more in this book that could be used to help my brother, who is also the victim of a very serious brain injury. The book seemed more of a catharsis for the author than a how-to book to help others who find themselves in similar circumstances. It's an interesting story, but probably not much help for someone looking for suggestions on how to help someone in that situation.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because a very close friend is recovering from an aneurysm. I was hoping for some insights to help her in that process. This was more about the caregiver with just a few ideas for helping my friend. So it was marginally helpful, but interesting none the less.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Quick, easy read and engaging story. It gave me ideas for things I can do to help my brain to continue to heal and hope that one day I will be able to run again. Anyone who wants to understand the brain better could benefit from this book.