Posted By CAROL STEEDMAN
Posted 15 days ago
My June 12, 2004, and June 12, 2006, columns were about aphasia, a condition shared by about 40,000 Ontarians.
Aphasia is a language impairment that results from a blockage or bleed in the blood flow on the left side of the brain. More commonly known as a stroke or aneurysm, this damage is a brain attack, in the same way a person can suffer a heart attack. Depending on the location and extent of injury, the loss of language affects each person differently. The ability to talk, read, write and comprehend conversation can be impaired. This doesn't mean that the person's intellect is affected. The person can think and knows what he wants to communicate, but must find an alternate way to express his thoughts.
My husband, Steve Goff, had a stroke 15 years ago in March, at the age of 48. It changed his life immensely. He was unable to read, write, speak, or move his right arm and leg. The physical impairment cleared quickly, but he remained unable to speak many words. He had speech therapy in Kingston, where he was living at the time. Now he speaks a few words, but mainly uses writing and gestures to communicate.
I happen to be able to read in reverse, as a mirror image, so Steve writes words in the air, and I'm usually able to catch his meaning. I'm sure it amuses or captivates people who happen to see us in a discussion in a store or restaurant. ....NEXT....
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