Peter Corfield’s Story on a Video Blog

Watch how Pete enthusiastically recorded short videos of his day to day account of new developments and be inspired. At the moment he is on his 203rd Day and still counting and anticipating for more improvements to  Recovery Victory. Here’s what he has to say about himself and his video blog:

“I had an AVM stroke 1/6/2010 left paralysed left side. It’s all In my Kindle Books on Stroke Experience Peters Stroke of Luck  Part 1/2/3 all royalties go to survivors via Arni Institute in England.
My wife is my driving force.I just want to help survivors
It(the Video Blog) focuses on my recovery.”

Man of a few words but with a heart of gold!

Watch the videos of his first week blogging below:

See more… 

Great Things Come From Small Beginnings – My Fresh Approach to Recovery

Rather than rant on my helplessness because nerve pain is acting up again, I decided to write something

I remember meeting my rehabilitation doctor a week ago for my monthly check-up. Though he didn’t say anything, he looked to me as if unsatisfied of my progress, which I was not able to stop myself from asking “Doctor, is my recovery taking too slow?” He answered me with a smile and started to talk. What he said totally changed my perspective and cleared doubts of me getting fully recovered. You see, I have encountered fellow survivors who actually haven’t recovered from their disabilities after so many years. Though their hope is still there, I kind of felt bad for them and feared for myself if I do not get back to my physically normal shape. Well, I want to share what he said, “I understand that you are young, such that you want to recover in a dash! And because of that you only look forward to big improvements that you forget to appreciate the small ones.”  Right then, I remember a famous quote “Great things come from small beginnings.”.

Getting back to my senses, I started searching Google for ways to ease nerve pain naturally. When I knew that Exercise is one of them, I grabbed my cane and headed to the stairs.  Before my first step, an idea popped into my mind, so I called my 9-year old cousin and ask her to take pictures of me going up and down the stairs and so she did!

” The most effective way to do it, is to do It.” – Amelia Earhart

I posted this photo on my Facebook page and shared it to some Facebook support groups I joined in, with the label,” The most effective way to do it, is to do It.” by Amelia Earhart. I was then overwhelmed with the warm responses of my fellow survivors. Some were words of encouragement and some were simply thank you messages for being an inspiration….. What a happy heart I had until I realized the nerve pain was gone! I guess, mental diversion works for me every time.

Then, I got an unexpected private message from a middle aged -man (a Facebook friend I do not know personally). I wondered at firs,t but upon seeing that he shares the same last name with my mother, I realized he is a relative and confirmed it with my mom that he’s indeed her cousin. His message was so warm, asking how I am doing with my recovery and that how he got curious and concerned upon seeing my newly uploaded photo on Facebook. He began asking more details, like my rehabilitation exercises and the stuff they do to me in the rehabilitation center, as I answered him politely. Not being satisfied with chatting, he asked for my number instead, and called me. Little did I know that apparently, he is a Physical Therapist in the U.S. and he wants to help with my recovery by being my distant Physiotherapist! Not only that! He even offered to send me some stuff I can use for my exercises when his wife comes back to the country on December! The conversation kept going and since he was getting more technical with words, I called one of my cousins who happens to be a nurse and gave him the phone. He instructed my cousin to do some physical assessment on my movements, and my cousin went along. I was happy to find out that I could already do a little upward movement on my paralyzed foot! I was prescribed some Orthosis stuff for my wrist and ankle movements on my last doctor’s visit, but he told me I do not need them yet. He said they would be my last resort and what I really need now is exercise! He taught me a series of exercises to strengthen my core first. He said that when my trunk becomes strong, my extremities will follow. I am providing a list of these exercises below hoping that it can help my fellow warriors. Just click on each to see how it is done:

1. Shoulder Protraction/Retraction
2. Bridging Exercises ( Progression- simple to more challenging )
3. Dead Bug Exercises
4. Quadruped exercise
5. Superman Exercises
6. Walk with an ankle weights on the wrist of the affected arm to counter resist the flexion.

IMPORTANT: Talk with your rehab doctor before doing any of these exercises as we have different recovery requirements depending on our brain injury.

I decided to follow his advice and will be providing an update here after a month! I’ll mark my calendar, it’s Sept. 26, and I will start today! 🙂

Pilates for Stroke and Brain Trauma Recovery

Pilates is a system of exercises using special apparatus, designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness. It was developed in the 20th century by a German Joseph Pilates,whose father is a prize-winning gymnast and mother who is a naturopath.

It is practiced worldwide, especially in western countries such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Pilates on Stroke Recovery :

Most stroke survivors intuitively hold their breath as they make the arduous journey to learn to move their bodies again. It is instinctive and almost universal when your body suddenly feels unfamiliar, weak and unstable. As a result, their physical recovery lacks efficiency as the body globally contracts its muscles and become easily fatigued from the constant contractions.

Pilates’ emphasis on controlled breathing with each movement not only boosts physical efficiency by decreasing unnecessary contractions but also facilitates proper alignment in posture and overall balance. In addition, the emphasis on elongation of each movement helps to open up the trunk and pelvic area allowing more range of motion resulting in more freedom of movement during dynamic activities. With hemiplegia, there is a strong tendency to shift completely to the unaffected side, which only reinforces the weakness and poor motor control of the affected side. As a result, the asymmetry in the physical body becomes reinforced as opposed to moving towards correction. By using Pilates principles to facilitate proper breathing and alignment, comes improved balance and with improved balance, comes increased confidence.

Pilates May Help Stroke Survivor

Pilates training may help sub-acute-stroke survivors to improve functional balance and quality of life, concluded authors of a small study published in the International Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (2013; 2 [4], 204–11). Subacute-stroke survivors have had a stroke within the preceding 3–6 months.

Researchers from C.U. Shah Physiotherapy College in Surendranagar, Gujarat, India, conducted the study to determine whether a Pilates practice could help stroke survivors, since other studies had found Pilates valuable for improving postural stability and balance in older adults.

The study had an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled design. Investigators divided 23 subjects between two groups: Pilates or a control group. Pilates subjects took 8 weeks of 45-minute Pilates classes three times per week in addition to receiving conventional poststroke therapy. Control participants only attended conventional therapy. Assessors, who did not know which group participants were in, collected data on functional balance and quality of life at baseline and after the 8-week intervention.

Data analysis revealed significant improvement in Pilates group members compared with control subjects in both functional balance and quality of life. While control group participants also showed some balance improvement, they did not experience quality-of-life enhancement. Limitations of the study included its small sample size and short duration. More research was recommended.

Pilates exercises used in the study included the following traditional mat exercises and three standing exercises:

hundred
bridge
alternate toe taps
side to side
side kick
quadruped
spine twist
side leg lift (standing)
tandem stance (standing)
ball wall-squat (standing)
Conventional physical therapy for stroke survivors consisted of basic stretching, strengthening, training in the activities of daily living, and gait training.Pilates May Help Stroke Survivors

Sources: Wikipedia, Idea Health and Fitness Association

My Stroke Victory – Stories to Inspire You

It hasn’t been a  month since I have joined several stroke survivor support groups online and I already am overwhelmed by countless  stories I’ve been coming across with.I for myself have my own story to tell which I haven’t yet completed at the moment, as I still am in the middle of my stroke recovery journey. I must admit I felt more appreciative of even the smallest good thing I still posses, having read my fellow survivors’ experiences and struggles. Being a survivor myself makes me understand how difficult it is, not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well, to go through everyday challenges brought about by our brain injury.

Most of us are emotionally burdened by the fact that sometimes we get misunderstood by some people especially by our family. It is during these times that we keep our thoughts and feelings to ourselves and usually prefer to be alone and stay quiet. It is during these moments that we need encouragement and inspiration the most.

Here is simple e-book  for everyone to read in your alone time when all you want is a peaceful quiet environment…. I hope this can help you in a way… Enjoy Reading!

Just click this  => My_Stroke_Victory

Source: Stroke Association

Can Brain-Machine Interface Technology Be The Answer?

Brain-computer interface reverses paralysis in stroke victims

St. Louis, Missouri – After three strokes that left the right side of his body paralyzed, Rick Arnold told his wife Kim that he had just one wish.

“All I really wanted to do was to be able to hold her hand. In the very beginning, it was to hold her hand,” said Arnold, a paramedic firefighter from Missouri who suffered the first of three paralyzing strokes in 2009.

These days Arnold can hold his wife’s hand again thanks in part to a new device that could potentially change the rules on how well stroke victims recover. Arnold is using brain-machine interface technology developed by Eric Leuthardt, a neurosurgeon at Washington University in St. Louis.

Read more…

Click here for more information on Brain Machine Interface Technology

Sources: Reuters

Grow New Brain Cells

Brain cells called neurons have always been known to not regenerate when destroyed or die, unlike other cells of the human body. Stroke is one of the top causes of brain injury, and there has been a lot of study and research on how to get a high  recovery rating if not full. One of the best  results there is so far is the neuroplasticity which is being used widely nowadays to enhance stroke recovery. Apparently, brain regrowth is possible and one of the best aids to it has always been around.

Taurine Helps in  Brain cell Regeneration

Summary

Taurine, a little-known amino acid,⁷² can do the seemingly impossible: stimulate new brain cells to grow in adult brains. This capability creates an entirely new paradigm for the ways we think about age-related cognitive decline, and even major neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Taurine levels fall as we age, leaving our brains relatively unprotected. Taurine levels are low in people with age-related brain disorders. Animal studies reveal that supplementation can not only restore youthful taurine levels, but also improves deficits in memory and cognition.

Taurine also has a fundamental connection with longevity, particularly related to cardiovascular disorders. Animal studies demonstrate protection against heart disease with taurine supplementation, and human studies show that supplementation produces dramatic improvements in heart and blood vessel function.

People with metabolic syndrome have lower taurine levels than their healthy peers; again, taurine supplementation drives down the detrimental effects of metabolic syndrome while inducing changes that reduce the syndrome’s long-term impact on cardiovascular risk.

A balanced supplement program should aim at restoring youthful levels of nutrients known to counteract the chemical stresses, inflammatory changes, and toxic exposures we experience through life. The evidence for the amino acid taurine suggests that it be included in such a regimen

Read the full article….

Source: Life Extension – Stay Healthy Live Better

A Warrior is a Child – Gary V

[Verse 1]
Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
I’m strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears

[Chorus]
They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
‘Coz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
(Aahhh)

[Verse 2]
Unafraid because His arrow is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
I never face retreat, oh no
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at His feet

[Chorus]
They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
‘Coz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
(Aahhh)

[Chorus]
They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
‘Coz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
(Aahhhe)

Why so serious?

==>>As I was pushing my wheelchair-bound son along the river bank, some men came past on a rowing boat and one shouted “Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!”
Fucking insensitive cox.

==>>I’ve cancelled the over 70s bowling tournament this year.
Last time we had more strokes than strikes.

==>>My mother in law started groaning at me the other day and looking at me with a squinty eye. She then dragged herself around a bit swinging one arm and reaching at me with the other, still groaning and making primate-like noises. It then struck me that she was doing an excellent impression on an ape, so I laughed and joined in with the fun, jumping around doing a typical monkey impression. My wife then came in, saw what we were doing and joined in. Now there were three of us, arsing around the house doing monkey impressions. My mother in law got tired after about five minutes and slumped down on the couch with her eyes closed looking knackered.

Probably should have realized that she was having a stroke.

Source: Sickipedia

Adults in their 50s should take aspirin daily for heart attack, stroke prevention

Adults in their 50s should take aspirin daily for heart attack, stroke prevention dated guidelines issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force recommend daily low-dose aspirin for the prevention of heart attack and stroke among adults aged 50-59 who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
[A bottle of pills spilling out]
The new guidelines say a daily aspirin may prevent first stroke or heart attack for adults aged 50-59.
In addition, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) say individuals aged 50-59 may also reduce their risk for colorectal cancer if they take aspirin for 10 years or more.

While adults aged 60-69 may benefit from daily low-dose aspirin, the new guidelines conclude that the decision to take daily aspirin among this age group should be made based on the patient’s individual circumstances.

Contrary to the 2009 USPSTF guidelines, however, the new recommendations state there is currently insufficient evidence to suggest daily low-dose aspirin is beneficial for adults younger than 50 and older than 70.

Though widely used as a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication, aspirin also acts as an antiplatelet drug, meaning it can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by preventing the formation of blood clots. It is commonly given to patients who have had heart attack or stroke in order to prevent recurrence.

Whether or not daily low-dose aspirin should be used as a primary intervention to lower the risk of such events, however, has been a topic of much debate in recent years.

In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that, while there is evidence that daily aspirin can help prevent heart attack and stroke for those at high risk, there is not enough evidence to suggest it should be used to prevent a first event.

Patients should talk to their doctor prior to taking aspirin
To reach their new recommendations, the USPSTF used a risk calculator created by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, applying it to numerous studies that assessed the link between daily low-dose aspirin use and cardiovascular risk.

Studies investigating the risk of colorectal cancer among daily low-dose aspirin users were also analyzed, as was the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding – a known side effect of long-term aspirin use.

Based on their analysis, the USPSTF recommend low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of heart attack, stroke and colorectal cancer among adults aged 50-59 who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, have a life expectancy of 10 years or more, are not at increased risk for bleeding and who are willing to take the drug daily for at least 10 years.

The analysis showed the benefits of low-dose daily aspirin are smaller for adults aged 60-69. As such, the USPSTF say the decision to take daily aspirin for this age group “should be an individual one based on patients’ risk for cardiovascular disease and bleeding, their overall health, and their personal values and preferences.”

While the analysis identified benefits of daily low-dose aspirin for individuals aged 50-69, the USPSTF note that all individuals should seek advice from their health care provider before initiating such a regimen.

“People aged 50-69 should talk with their doctor about their risk of cardiovascular disease and risk of bleeding, and discuss whether taking aspirin is right for them,” adds USPSTF Vice Chair Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo.

Earlier this year, Medical News Today reported on a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology that found – based on current guidelines for daily aspirin use for prevention of first stroke or heart attack – around 10% of patients in the US are prescribed the drug inappropriately.

Written by Honor Whiteman
Source: Medical News Today

Weekend Flick: “Like Stars on Earth; Every Child is Special”

Ishaan Awasthi (Darsheel Safary) is an eight-year-old whose world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate; colors, fish, dogs and kites are just not important in the world of adults, who are much more interested in things like homework, marks and neatness. And Ishaan just cannot seem to get anything right in class.

When he gets into far more trouble than his parents can handle, he is packed off to a boarding school to be disciplined. Things are no different at his new school, and Ishaan has to contend with the added trauma of separation from his family.

One day a new art teacher bursts onto the scene, Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Aamir Khan), who infects the students with joy and optimism. He breaks all the rules of how things are done by asking them to think, dream and imagine, and all the children respond with enthusiasm, all except Ishaan. Nikumbh soon realizes that Ishaan is very unhappy, and he sets out to discover why. With time, patience and care, he ultimately helps Ishaan find himself.

Source: IMDb