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’m seeking answers for
him given the conditions in his country.
I also showed a
video about emotional flooding which is common for stroke survivors. I
mentioned that my Facebook page is not just for Aphasia survivors. Rather, I
post articles and videos to help all brain injury survivors.
I showed a video
about the concept of emotional flooding and the survivors were shocked when
they realized that they have the same issues.
So what is
emotional flooding?
Here’s a great
description:
Following a
significant brain injury some people find that exposure to normal, everyday
levels of particular stimuli (e.g. bright lights, loud noises or touch), is now
uncomfortable, overwhelming and/or distressing. This problem may be referred to
as ‘hypersensitivity’, ‘over stimulation’ or ‘sensory overload’. This may lead
to fear, anxiety and avoidance of particular stimuli (e.g. keeping curtains
drawn to avoid light) and environments (e.g. avoiding noisy situations such as
supermarkets).
I had a very
graphic example this morning. I went to Starbucks for a business meeting. It
was a very complex subject. Two people use the PowerPoint to convey the topic.
It is a very important and fascinating concept. The whole presentation
including questions and answers took about an hour and a half.
Starbucks is not a
great venue when you have a brain injury. While trying to concentrate on the
presentation, I became distracted because of the sensory overload. Loud noises,
the barista banging coffee grounds, customers ordering, a couple of children
laughing loudly, the glare from the front door, etc.
I kept focused yet
I got incredibly distracted knowing that a headache was forthcoming.
It was a very
successful meeting yet I could not wait to leave. I got into my car and sat
silently for five minutes just to regroup my brain capacity.
I drove home
carefully yet quickly. I got home and sat in a dark room for about half an
hour. And honestly I had to take a massive pain killer.
I do understand
the triggers for my sensory overloads. Often because of business needs, I just
deal with it. Normally a 90 minute conversation at Starbucks is fine. However,
today is Friday and I have had many meetings this week. As a result, a normal
90 minute conversation on a beautiful Friday morning simply blew my mind.
Blowing my mind
it’s kind of funny because 20% of my brain is dead tissue.
I cannot wait to
sleep tonight. Unfortunately, my wife wants to go to Costco. Talk about sensory
overload!
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