My Exciting Stroke - Softcover

Deits, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0974545104 ISBN 13: 9780974545103

Publisher: Frank and Mary Deits, 2004

Synopsis

As Mary Deits emerged from the fog of a major stroke, brain surgery, and four days of coma she embarked upon an unusual path. This was an exciting chance to learn, not an ordeal to be endured. As she moved from the critical stages of physical recovery through a short stay in a rehabilitation hospital to returning home, Mary was always out front leading the way. Her family provided a supportive, encouraging atmosphere allowing her freedom to move at her own pace.

The book is written in story form and organized by theme. Many of the early stories are written in the first person as though you are there. This approach best conveys the story as Mary experienced it. Later stories are in narrative form. When appropriate, Mary has included her current observations of what was happening at the time the event occurred. There are also stories by her husband Frank, daughter Patti, and son John who participated in her recovery.

Woven throughout the book are more subtle themes. Mary and Franks view of the recovery process is unusual. What would ordinarily be seen as a "setback" is viewed as a sign of healing. As reconnections emerge in the brain the immediate result is often disrupting. This is followed by a period of integration with a return of some ability. The book also gives a feeling of Mary’s motivation. In one section Mary writes "Each day I felt like a child excitedly opening a Cracker Jack box. What prize would I find today?"

You will find it hard to lay the book down. The stories in "My Exciting Stroke" are engaging. You will find yourself right there with Mary as she experiences the onset of the stroke, and understand Frank as he is told of Mary’s condition. Laugh, cry, and cheer Mary on as she makes her first attempts at vacuuming, baking cookies, and dealing with the "Fire Breathing Monster".

The book is easy to read. The stories are short and each stands alone. It is intended for the stroke survivor and significant others who need all the help they can get in understanding the experience they are going through.

About this title

From the Publisher

My Exciting Stroke is self-published by Frank and Mary Deits. The decision to self-publish was motivated by a desire to keep control over its content, layout, and quality. The book is printed on high quality coated paper stock in an easy to read type font with open line spacing.

About the Author

Although Mary Deits is the author of the book, her husband Frank was an important part of the story.

Mary is a counselor specializing in biofeedback training. Her work involves ADHD, panic, anxiety, pain, headache and many other issues. Mary received a Masters of Counseling degree from Idaho State University in 1978 at 42 years of age. Frank is an electronic engineer and developer of biofeedback equipment.

At the time of Mary’s stroke we were both physically active and in good health. We enjoyed travel, camping, and exploring. We looked forward to moving from Prescott, Arizona to Ridgecrest, California. Mary was writing a book on the use of biofeedback for professionals. Frank was developing new equipment. We were excited about conducting our third annual week long professional training conference in the use of biofeedback. Life was going well.

We were about to start our 40th year of marriage at the time of Mary’s stroke. During our life together we have pursued a journey of personal and shared growth. While life is not always smooth we have an underlying deep trust in each other. We are able to share our deepest joys and fears. This was very important at the time of the stroke as Frank was left with the responsibility of making life and death decisions, which affected both of us. Later as we moved into Mary’s recovery, her trust of Frank’s support and guidance allowed her to move confidently into activities and areas that would not have been possible otherwise.

Mary has been an amazing person during this whole experience. Her motivation and drive has been unbelievable. During the most difficult and scary times she has kept her eye on the journey rather than the destination. While there have been times of sadness, joy, excitement, anger, and frustration, she was never depressed nor felt sorry for herself. Where many would be annoyed at having their life interrupted, Mary saw this as an opportunity to understand her own brain. Her background in biology, counseling and biofeedback gave her the tools even during the early days of recovery to focus on an awareness of what was happening. This lead to our taking responsibility for her rehab as soon as Mary was past the acute phase of the stroke. The medical setting was too restrictive, and she was ready to move on. Time has proven this to have been an excellent decision.

About this edition

• Publisher: Frank and Mary Deits
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0974545104
• ISBN 13: 9780974545103
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 88