Dunham Family and My Stroke Story!

   Yesterday, I spoke at a hospital about my Idaho Aphasia, Apraxia and Dysarthria weekly support group.  The audience for my presentation were other stroke survivors who do not have the conditions referenced in the title. The stroke coordinator at the local hospital asked me to speak mainly to talk about the Facebook page I developed several years ago. I post at least three times a week using current articles and YouTube videos about these conditions. I used my Idaho Aphasia Facebook page as a basis for my presentation. One stroke survivor asked about Aphasia which does not happen to many stroke survivors. Rather than doing a clinical diagnosis I showed a YouTube video about Aphasia. Showing a video about Aphasia is the whole purpose for my aphasia Facebook page. I have posted hundreds of articles and videos through the years. Recently, a man from Pakistan who follows my Facebook page asked for help. I’...

My son is 14 years old. He was six years old when my two strokes happened. I got out of the hospital on his seventh birthday. His whole childhood has been colored with strokes and the possibility of "Dad having another one." Dealing with teenage angst and emotions is bad enough in general. But I’m always concerned that my strokes have had a profound and negative impact on my son’s life. I read an article recently that made me think about my son and the impact of my strokes in his life. Here’s an excerpt: Indicators that children may be experiencing difficulties Indicators that children may be experiencing difficulties coping with their parent’s illness may include:   incomplete homework   poor concentration in class   a decrease in academic performance   messy schoolwork   unkempt appearance   tiredness   irritability   being withdrawn, tearful or aggressive   an increase in absences from school ...