One of the most interesting
things about my stroke is relearning everything. Tying my shoes. Using a belt.
Using hairspray – assuming I have hair! Using tooth paste. Using a knife
properly was a cautionary dilemma for me!
These very commonplace tasks are a
struggle for me.
So the gift that keeps giving is
that I have to concentrate for even the most mundane tasks!
Here is the clinical definition:
Apraxia is a disorder of the brain and nervous system in which a person is unable to perform tasks or movements when asked, even though:
·
The request
or command is understood
·
They are
willing to perform the task
·
The muscles
needed to perform the task work properly
·
The task may
have already been learned
Other forms of apraxia include:
·
Ideational
apraxia: Cannot carry out learned complex tasks in the proper order, such as
putting on socks before putting on shoes.
I am grateful that this is getting better. But one of the last grooming issues I have had is tying my shoes. Really.
I had no problems with the left leg. I could put on my left sock and shoe with no problems. But, the right sock gave me fits! I tried and tried. I logically defined the task. I thought about it. But to no avail.
For months and months I practiced.
My son Ethan was the key even though he had no idea. I was trying in vain to put on my right sock. Then Ethan was putting on his socks. And, I had an epiphany! I got it!
No problems now. Of course, I have to think about it just like I have to do with everything I do. It was much simpler then!
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