Pathways

Summary

Features six aphasia patients and their families who talk about emotions and new activities that have replaced their old way of doing things. Covers loss of self-esteem.

Details

Stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain. This is the story of six stroke survivors - what happened to them, how their lives changed and where they will go from here. It is told through interviews with the victims and their families.

Ettie Barkholz - "Independent Spirit" and stroke survivor

• have to take charge of as much of your life as you can
• uses kitchen and bath aids to gain independence
• developed new interests to stay busy
• got involved in helping others recover from stroke
• Changes after a stroke:
  • dependent on others
  • must discover new ways to do things

Charlie Solley - "Philosopher" and stroke survivor

• no physical disability after the stroke, all mentation
• still working on writing a book, but had to give up teaching
• no problems with depression
• allows his spouse to help him
• Changes after a stroke:
  • caregivers are often overwhelmed
  • need to know when to take a break

John Grubbs - "Thinker" and stroke survivor

• had total aphasia, had to relearn speech
• difference in how people relate to you when you have speech troubles
• brought the family closer together
• Changes after a stroke:
  • grief, shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance are all stages that may occur
  • sense of loss is triggered anew with each instance of inability to do a familiar thing
  • loss of self esteem
  • most can find fullfillment in helping others

Bob Littky - "Marathon Man" and stroke survivor

• had a heart attack followed by a stroke at age 47
• complete role reversal - wife now pays bills, works outside the home
• now tries to motivate other stroke patients
• began running marathons after the stroke for sense of fullfillment
• everything used to be easy, since the stroke everything is hard
• sexual relationship with his wife ceased with role reversal
• Changes after a stroke:
  • rituals, roles and relationships are redefined
  • nothing happens spontaneously anymore

Jan Stanton - "Survivor" and stroke survivor

• everything was hard after the stroke at age 32
• suffered paralysis and aphasia
• could no longer do her job, turned to painting for fullfillment
• dating was hard at first

Jim Carswell - "The Optimist" and stroke survivor

• role reversal, wife had to go to work
• whatever he can do in the house, he does
• communicate differently but still communicate

After a stroke:

• a sense of humor is important
• need to be flexible
• need to be adaptable
• need to be creative and open to change
• need to ask for help
• need to take risk
• take joy in every small accomplishment
• accept yourself for who you are now
• communicate