I have never underestimated the power of tenderness. Now I value it even more highly. I hope I do not offend any sensitivities if I share some very personal thoughts with you my fellow companions on my journey to recovery.
Friends and relatives alike will bear witness to the fact that I have always been a touchy-feely person, never hesitating to hug or give a cuddle when needed or to stroke a hand or cheek in affection or appreciation. Just as the gentleness of the word STROKE belies the strength of the impact of this disorder, so is the underestimation of the power of a tender touch, a gentle word and loving hug.
In the last Chapter I mentioned my experience of an MRI scan. what I forgot to mention was that as I was leaving the unit, I ran into my baby sister, who purely by chance was working in the department that day. She threw her arms around me an gave me a generous hug - just when I needed it most. It was full of warmth, love and appreciation- what a bundle!
In that moment I felt my fears, apprehensions and disappointments just melt away and triggered in my thoughts a revised plan of action in tackling my recovery from Stroke.
There has been much evidence to suggest that patients may suffer with depression following chronic or debilitating illness. Self doubt & depression inevitably creeps in when an active lifestyle is abruptly interrupted by conditions such as a stroke. People seem afraid to make physical contact with you, as though you have now become fragile and wear a 'handle with care' sign around your neck. This can exacerbate the isolation that may be a consequence of the condition. If one is fortunate and surrounded by loving and caring family & friends then there is scarcely a moment to sink to these depths as their generous love will provide an ample cushion of support. However, not everyone is as blessed as I and it is with those stroke recoverers in mind that I offer, with respect, the following thoughts.
But First - A few key words of advice for Friends & Family of Stroke patients based upon my own personal experience.
HUG & be HUGGED freely,
ALLOW TIME in your busy day for being Attentive.
STROKE hair gently & often
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE - give & receive this in large doses
You will stimulate all the right hormones and physiological responses to relieve pain, lift mood and aid recovery.
It is not by chance the above is an acronym for HASU ( Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit) where I started my recovery from this life-changing event.
Those who are not surrounded by family or loved ones may also benefit from the companionship of a pet, if physically possible, who often fulfils all the above requirements.
Please read this article via the following link.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/4625213/ns/health-pet_health/t/puppy-love----its-better-you-think/#.U6qE05VOXmI
YES! Literally ' STROKE IT BETTER'
Friends and relatives alike will bear witness to the fact that I have always been a touchy-feely person, never hesitating to hug or give a cuddle when needed or to stroke a hand or cheek in affection or appreciation. Just as the gentleness of the word STROKE belies the strength of the impact of this disorder, so is the underestimation of the power of a tender touch, a gentle word and loving hug.
In the last Chapter I mentioned my experience of an MRI scan. what I forgot to mention was that as I was leaving the unit, I ran into my baby sister, who purely by chance was working in the department that day. She threw her arms around me an gave me a generous hug - just when I needed it most. It was full of warmth, love and appreciation- what a bundle!
In that moment I felt my fears, apprehensions and disappointments just melt away and triggered in my thoughts a revised plan of action in tackling my recovery from Stroke.
There has been much evidence to suggest that patients may suffer with depression following chronic or debilitating illness. Self doubt & depression inevitably creeps in when an active lifestyle is abruptly interrupted by conditions such as a stroke. People seem afraid to make physical contact with you, as though you have now become fragile and wear a 'handle with care' sign around your neck. This can exacerbate the isolation that may be a consequence of the condition. If one is fortunate and surrounded by loving and caring family & friends then there is scarcely a moment to sink to these depths as their generous love will provide an ample cushion of support. However, not everyone is as blessed as I and it is with those stroke recoverers in mind that I offer, with respect, the following thoughts.
But First - A few key words of advice for Friends & Family of Stroke patients based upon my own personal experience.
HUG & be HUGGED freely,
ALLOW TIME in your busy day for being Attentive.
STROKE hair gently & often
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE - give & receive this in large doses
You will stimulate all the right hormones and physiological responses to relieve pain, lift mood and aid recovery.
It is not by chance the above is an acronym for HASU ( Hyper-Acute Stroke Unit) where I started my recovery from this life-changing event.
Those who are not surrounded by family or loved ones may also benefit from the companionship of a pet, if physically possible, who often fulfils all the above requirements.
Please read this article via the following link.
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/4625213/ns/health-pet_health/t/puppy-love----its-better-you-think/#.U6qE05VOXmI
YES! Literally ' STROKE IT BETTER'
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