Regaining Independence

By Buffy Gilfoil for Heart Insight Magazine

Photo by Kirk Stephen Jordan
During my initial appointment with cardiologist Christopher Stees, he paid close attention when I told my story. My first known episode of atrial fibrillation (AFib) had been eight years earlier, in 2007, at age 56. At the time, I had dismissed it as an isolated occurrence. Some might call that denial.
About five years after that incident, I happened to volunteer for a medical study focusing on lungs. Along with the examination of my lungs, which were in good shape, I had EKGs, some of which showed AFib. The study doctor advised me to see a cardiologist, but I still said my problem was idiopathic, rare and isolated. Some might call that avoidance.

There is life – and hope – after stroke. With time, new routines will become second nature. Rehabilitation can build your strength, capability and confidence. It can help you continue your daily activities despite the effects of your stroke.

Understanding and managing the challenges of living with post-stroke anosognosia

By Jon Caswell for Stroke Connection Magazine
Survivors, convinced there is nothing wrong, resent being treated like there is;
caregivers know there is something wrong and are acting to keep their survivor safe.

Who among us has never experienced denial? Denial is a common, psychological coping mechanism born of an internal need to defend ourselves from being forced to face something unpleasant or unbearable. Sometimes stroke survivors appear to be in denial about some effects of their stroke. But what if their refusal to recognize a deficit isn’t denial, or any other psychological response?