Here is a selection of Books that might be of Interest to all stroke survivors and their carers. I have them all but must confess I have not read them all. Family and friends believed that these books could inspire me and help me out of Downers.
Locked In Locked Out By Shawn Jennings
Shawn is the First member of the VAD - Club to publish his own book. Well done Shawn for being a great inspiration to all VAD-CAD Club Members.
You can see it at http://www.chapters.indigo.ca.com
under the search button just type shawn jennings (books) and it should pop up.
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Locked In, Locked Out
By Michael Roberts
Canadian physician Shawn Jennings has written a remarkable book about his experiences following a brainstem stroke, which struck him on a sunny day in 1999, when he was looking forward to taking an afternoon off for a golf game with a colleague. In his professional capacity, Jennings knew what was happening during both the stroke itself and his long rehabilitation. Luckily for readers, his prose style is accessible to the layman. He has a keen eye for detail. During the journey from one facility to another, he spots an osprey on a tower and shares that with us.
He encounters old friends, both patients and doctors and these encounters give us a sense of his membership in a larger community.
Always the physician, Jennings ruminates about the misfortunes that befall some of his patients. An elderly couple dies within hours of one another. An elegant woman who lives alongside a beautiful river succumbs to cancer. The dreariness of the rehabilitation facility and the camaraderie of the patients are visions out of a war zone as are the dark thoughts of hopelessness. These ruminations and the compassion they tap into are part of what sustain Jennings during his own trials. If I could think of a book that this one brings to mind, It would be paraplegic Vietnam vet Ron Kovic's Born On The Fourth of July.
It has that sort of feel to it. Tom Cruise won't fit in the film version but Anthony Edwards might. I know what happens when Elmer Fudd looks down the barrel of his gun. Early in the book, Jennings suggests that it might not be a kindness to offer this story to a survivor early in their recovery. I'm inclined to agree. The sheer hard work of relearning how to do such simple things as swallow your own saliva might be too daunting to face.
While I was hospitalized, I received two copies of "Angela's Ashes," even an audio edition. Terribly depressing when trapped in a sick bed with no end in sight. "Locked In, Locked Out," Jennings 's book is an excellent read for caregivers and survivors who have confronted the initial challenges of recovery. They will probably have, as I did, many been there done that" feelings while reading this book. This is a well-told story. Strokes aren't pretty things. I was reminded several times of an occasion when my wife was talking to me in the brain injury rehabilitation unit cafeteria and was taken aback by a litany of my more disgusting personal complaints.
My wife blanched but a fellow patient, an older lady named Isabelle smiled a little bit. I thank her for understanding.
I understand Jennings 's shock of discovering his catheter. All things considered, I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what goes through a stroke survivor's mind. Jennings has done an excellent job. Two thumbs up!! The left one's a little slow but it's coming! Read this book.
Order the book.
Available through http://www.amazon.com.ca or the publisher Dream Catcher.
Read Comments from the Book Jacket.
http://www.strokenetwork/newsletter/books/jenningsblurbs.htm
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After Stroke by David M. Hinds - www.thorsons.com
"A warm and Motivating Read" says EOIN REDAHAN from the Stroke association
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Stroke Free for Life- David Wiebers, M.D
The Complete Guide to Stroke prevention and Treatment- Take steps today to protect yourself and your family.
# Ground Breaking risk questionaire
# Personalised Prevention Program
# Stroke Emergency Check list
# Comprehensive Stroke survival manual
Published by Quill -A harper Resource Book - http://www.harpercollins.com
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I Can't Walk ,So I'll Learn To Dance
By Varolyn Martin with Greg Lewis
For over 30 years the doctors thought she should be institutionalized.......then she proved them wrong
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Power to Choose, Challenge to Change
By Mark HORTON
A compelling read that will inspire you to become the person you were born to be.
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OUT of the SILENCE By Duane Miller
A personal testimony of Gods Healing Power
"The Doctors said he would never speak again, but God had other plans"
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Stroke Survival Guide - By Leila Henderson
# In hospital and after
# Recovery and Training
# Help and advice for carers
Published by Health Books Sydney Australia
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Migraine and other Head Aches By Prof.James Lance
A practical guide to understanding, preventing and treating head aches
Published By Simon & Schuster , Australia .
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GRAY'S ANATOMY- Henry Gray F.R.S
Published by PARRAGON, United Kingdom
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The Complete Encyclopedia of NATURAL HEALING
By GARY NULL, Ph.D.
A comprehensive A-Z listing of common and chronic illness and theory proven natural treatments
Published by Kensington Publishing Corp, New York , New York - http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
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Practical YOGA By SUMAN SETH
Published by INDIA BOOK HOUSE
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The Ancient Science and Art of Pranic Healing by Choa KOK Sui
Published by Health Accessories for All, Manila , Phillipines.
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The Family Guide to Surviving Stroke and Communication Disorders
by: Dennis C. Tanner
