Brain, Heal Thyself: A Caregiver's New Approach to Recovery from Stroke, Aneurysm, And Traumatic Brain Injuries,   ISBN:9781571744760

Customer Rating: 

Every stroke, aneurysm, traumatic brain injury is different which is one reason it is so tough to deal with recovery, especially with the "at home stage". My husband suffered a massive stroke with evolved to a crainectomy so I have gone thru years of being a caretaker.

what I loved this book is that so many of the suthor's situations and emotions were so "spot on". From being totally overwhelmed in the beginning that one is primarily reacting vs being pro active in dealing with the days after "the event", to learning how to take one day at a time or celebrating one small improvement, to evolving/figuring out a home treatment plan. The hard parts are coming up with ideas for home rehab because the survivor and caretaker are left on their own, and most important, for the caretaker not to get lost in the process.

It was well worth reading.

Customer Rating: 

First off, I'm a caregiver to a stroke patient - my husband, who is 40, and is suffered from 2 massive strokes end of last year and still hospitalized.

The book basically is a testimony of how the author has helped her best friend to get back on her feet from the stroke.

This book is not only an enjoyable read(the author is extremely funny, sometimes, a laugh can help a lot in situation like this), but also offers many constructive ideas of how a caregiver can survive through this life's brutal episode. Yes, a caregiver needs to be well alive first, then to "give care". Because her/his well-being is all it counts when their loved one is struck from a brain trauma. And this book has taught us how.

After reading the book twice, I was really moved by their friendship described in the book. The author has done her best to bring her dear friend back to normal; If she can do that to her friend, there's no reason that I cannot do the same to my husband, and this thought has helped me survived till now.

Back to my husband, after 2 massive strokes and craniotomies and lying in the ICU for 2 weeks, he now can read the newspaper daily and feed himself with fork. Still can't he be able to talk yet, but we're so sure that my strong, funny and loving husband will come back soon.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a confidence boost when taking care to a brain trauma patient, or simply wants an enjoyable read.

God bless.

Fannie

Customer Rating: 

This is a good book about the before, during and after of a drama like brain injuries. The author explains how lonely is the care-taker and how overwhelming is the task. I am in a similare situation as my husband had a stroke at the young age of 46 and I found support and understanding through the pages of this book.
All the aspects are approached like the difficulties, the fears, the financial aspects etc.... a well as the hope, the happiness related to each achievement, the ups and downs and the faith into a future, different from the past but still worth fighting for life.
A must read

Customer Rating: 

This was an enjoyable book to read (considering the topic), but it didn't offer much in the way of specifics for care giving or rehabilitation. Much of the book is dedicated to telling the author's story, and it also heavily references the 12 step program. Although I didn't get the specifics I was looking for, I did get a few ideas for additional research, such as eye exercises for regaining balance. Additionally, the book did provide me with a sense of hopeful optimism about my care giving situation.

Customer Rating: 

I do not remember the excrutiating pain I was apparently in when I had my brain aneurysm. Nor do I recall my months of recovery in hospitals and the nursing home. But I am very grateful that my friend and caregiver never gave up on using her emotion-based approach to brain rehab. I typed the manuscript for Brain, Heal Thyself. I also proofread it. I believe all caregivers and stroke patients (who can read) SHOULD read Brain, Heal Thyself. This caregiving method saved my life. I give this book seven stars!
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