I am thankful for many things. If you’ve been reading lately, you know that my father went to the Emergency Room last week. I came home from Richmond VA the next day. He was transferred to a second hospital because they found out that he had a subdural hematoma (brain bleed). And finally transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. He’s been in the rehab for the past 6 days.
The second hospital was the one I was in when I had my stroke over 5 years ago. I have had PTSD periodically this past week due to my experiences at this hospital. Although difficult, this has given me the chance to process some things.
There is a phrase I learned since having aphasia. If you know one person with aphasia, you only know ONE person with aphasia. The way aphasia presents for each of us is as individual as we are. But I’ve also learned that we (people with aphasia) know more than anyone else about how having aphasia feels. So at least for me, I feel very comfortable being with others who have aphasia. And because I’m one of the “lucky “ ones who additionally has apraxia and dysarthria, they are my tribe too.
Well, this week it was also confirmed that my dad has been diagnosed with aphasia, too. How precious is that?
Well, it may seem crazy but because if my experiences from 5 years ago and through my stroke/aphasia journey, I am so thankful that I can help my father, perhaps even more than anyone else now.
I know how frustrating it is to have word finding problems (much worse than a senior moment)
I know that neurofatigue is more than physical fatigue.
I know how frightened you can be to think you’ll never to the same.
I know how demoralizing it can be that people think they know what you want to say. And try to speak for you.
I know how irritating it can be for people to talk to everyone but you, even though you are the patient and have opinions.
I’ll continue to advocate for my father and all people I meet with aphasia, apraxia and dysarthria. I am extremely thankful that I can do.
until next time….
I'm sure your Dad is equally thankful to have a daughter who knows what he is going through. How is his rehab going?
So sorry you're understandably plagued with PTSD.
Love the heart-shaped cloud 💖
So sorry to hear about your father, but thankful your presence and action taking in his life. I am taking care of my elderly dad. He doesn't have what your father has, however, I am my father's advocate and voice in a hospital and a doctor's office. Thanks for sharing.
I'm so sorry to read about your father but so happy that you will be his advocate and help him get through the tough days. Prayers to you and your father.
Your father is so blessed to have you as an advocate because you understand what he is experiencing. Not everyone gets to have that. What a beautiful blog post you wrote today. Thank you, Cheryl.