Stroke of Genius

STROKE OF GENIUS

By Lin Wisman

In his book, Stroke of Genius, Sandy Simon shares his stroke experiences. The massive cerebral hemorrhage happened in November 1993 when he was 56 years old. At the time he was an active businessman.

In the book he tells of his journey from near death to recovery eight years later.

Not only does he reveal the huge physical problems he had to surmount, but also the emotional ones. At first he could not fathom that it might take a year to get his old life back. Like many stroke survivors, rehabilitation has taken many years and life has never returned to the way it was. That struggle is featured in the book.

He had a number of excellent therapists who were able to help him in many ways. He does an excellent job of explaining the criticalness of therapists and particularly their understanding of stroke.

He addresses the issue of personality changes as he was forced to experience life as a disabled human being. He fought to maintain his dignity and to build a new life. He talks of his appreciation for caregivers who struggle to maintain their own patience.

He found it very helpful to "get out in the world" by maintaining past contacts and making new ones. This has greatly assisted his emotional recovery.

Sandy was able to see his stroke as an opportunity to reevaluate and to create his life anew.

This is a great book for medical professionals, relatives of stroke survivors and stroke caregivers. It describes the deep struggles, which stroke survivors must work through. It is a great book for stroke survivors as it discusses common problems which each must face. Hearing one survivor's story can assist in recovery.

Order the book

The Stroke Network, Inc.

P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009