I just discovered this wonderful forum! I am the author of Don't Leave Me This or when I get back on my feet you'll be sorry (HarperCollins June 06), my personal memoir of my struggle to regain control over my life and body following a devastating hemorrhagic stroke. I believe my experience is a blueprint for how not to let the system dictate the direction, pace, and objectives of one's recovery. My new mission post-stroke, is to help patients help themselves and improve the doctor/patient relationship. There's an Appendix for patient advocacy tools that any patient (or doctor) will find useful--afterall, it is a partnership.

Julia, Hi, I don't ususally come to this forum, I'm most likeley on the chronic pain or spinal disorder forum.
However my DH is having problems and the drs are afraid he may have a stroke so I happened to ck out the site, I'm happy I did as I ck'ed out your book and from what I read it appears to be a good book and informative, I'll have to ck on getting it.
Most of what your talking about in your book about being your own advocate and about dr/patient relationships is true in medical situation.I think it is great that you have written the book and that you looking for ways to help others that have or are going through such situation.
I hope you continue to ck in and post with us as I'm sure that there is so many of us here that could benifit from all you have to offer.
I was happy to read in your book review what a great recovery you have made even though the drs didn't believ you could, YOU GO GIRL!!!!
Thanks again for posting,
LindaM

Linda, I'm glad I found this site too. Every person has to deal with adversity at one time or another--But the basic tenant to survive whatever our hardship is very common and basic--positive attitude and humor will help
for a better outcome. I'm a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine one can be administered--I hope that my book provides a dose to readers.
Don't forget to listen to your inner voice, which I believe is your soul
whispering to you and it's a direct link to God's voice.
It'll be the truest voice you'll ever hear. Stay strong! -julia

Julia,
Thank you for your sweet reply, it's much appreciated.
I agree with everything you have said in your post and know with my heart your so right, as many others out there I'm sure would agree that at times and after many yrs sometimes the faith and inner voice kind of get lost or buried under all the pressure of the day to day pain and stress.
That is one of many reasons why it is so nice to see a story like yours and know that there can be successful outcomes.
I hope you continue to come around and get to know some of the others here on BT2 board, I'm sure that it would be as benificial to you as it would for many here.
Bless you and thanks,
Linda

julie,
thank you for writing your book journaling your stroke recovery journey.
as a nine year survivor i read and benefit from meeting all other survivors whether in printed books,or here on these boards and online mailing lists as well as face to face in survivor support groups. sharing our experiences makes all of us stronger. jan lennon

Julia,
We apparently were in the hospital at almost the same time, but I'm slightly older than you - say another 40 years +/-. I checked out your very excellent web site. You can check out my feeble attempt at www.hemiplegiarecovery.com
You've certainly got the determination to recover - perhaps totally.
All the best,
Rowland

Jan, it never ceases to amaze me the power of the human spirit to
overcome whatever we are faced with. I agree with you that it is
so important to share our stories with each other as well as with
folks that haven't encountered what we have--I think it is a good
reminder that something can happen in a split second that could
change your life forever. Mine has been forever altered, but I wouldn't
trade all the wonderful experiences and people that have come into my
life--that wouldn't have occurred or appeared without my stroke.
Hard to believe, but I feel it has been a gift. Of course, I hate the
devastation it has done to my body in it's wake--but the untangible
things have been a blessing. Keep up the good fight and continue to
smile. A kindred spirit, julia

Im a new member to this I just recently registered BUT arent I Glad that I did. I was looking for good well known neurosurgeons for my little brother (who is 3yrs old now) Who suffered a Horrifying stroke at only 6 weeks old. Yep you heard correctly he was only 6 weeks old, an infant!! It was devastating for me at the time i was only in the 9th grade and going through a teenager phase of mood swings and stuff like that. Now im 18 yrs old. Well any ways i found your book online which im glad and im going to purchase it ASAP!! SOunds GREAT!! If anyone is interested i found a little information on it on the barnes & Noble website! I wrote down the link but it wont let me send any links which sux!!! BUt I will try again
OK Bye Now !!