On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia
Jonathan Hirons's journey following his stroke and diagnosis of aphasia is both inspiring and informative. Here’s a summary of his experience and insights about aphasia:
Jonathan's Experience with Aphasia
1. Initial Incident:
In January 2019, while in a business meeting, Jonathan began to feel strange and soon realized he could not communicate effectively. His colleagues quickly called for medical help.
2. Medical Emergency:
He was rushed to University College Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a stroke due to a bleed on the brain. He spent five nights in the hospital and was diagnosed with aphasia.
3. Impact on Daily Life:
- Jonathan struggled with basic tasks such as speaking, reading, and writing.
- He had memory issues, recalling only his postcode but not his full address or other personal information.
- He faced challenges in understanding spoken language but could still sign his name.
4. Support from Family:
His wife, Ann, played a crucial role in his recovery:
- She encouraged him to read aloud daily and used flashcards to aid in word recognition and writing.
- This early intervention was vital for his rehabilitation.
5. Progress Through Therapy:
With the help of speech therapy, Jonathan made significant improvements:
- He regained much of his ability to read and write, although he still experiences difficulties, especially when tired.
6. Advocacy and Awareness:
- Jonathan has turned his experiences into a creative outlet by producing films, including "On the Tip of My Tongue" and "What is Aphasia?" These films aim to educate others about aphasia and its challenges.
- He actively shares his story to raise awareness about aphasia as a hidden disability and the ongoing need for support beyond initial rehabilitation.
Understanding Aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects communication abilities, including:
- Speaking: Difficulty in forming words or sentences.
- Understanding: Challenges in comprehending spoken or written language.
- Reading and Writing: Problems with reading text or writing coherently.
Key Takeaways
- Aphasia is often a result of brain damage, commonly from strokes, and can significantly impact daily life.
- Early intervention and support are crucial for recovery.
- Awareness and education about aphasia can help reduce stigma and improve support for those affected.
Jonathan's story highlights the resilience of individuals facing such challenges and the importance of community support in their recovery journey.
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On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia
On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 5 - Colin Lyall founder of Say Aphasia
Rebuilding Lives After Stroke: Colin Lyle's Journey with Aphasia
In this episode of the Tip of My Tongue podcast, Colin Lyle, founder of the Say Aphasia charity, discusses his personal journey with aphasia following a stroke 11 years ago. Colin shares details about his former stressful career, his initial denial about the severity of his condition, and the extensive speech and language therapy that aided his recovery. He explains the challenges he faced, including the realization that he could no longer continue his previous work. Colin also talks about the founding of Say Aphasia, the expansion of the charity, and the group's mission to support people with aphasia. He touches on the importance of peer support groups, the impact of stress on health, and the future direction of his charity. Colin highlights the need for more awareness and support for aphasia, revealing that many people still lack access to necessary speech and language therapy.
00:00 Introduction to Aphasia and Colin's Journey
02:22 Colin's Stroke and Initial Recovery
03:26 Challenges and Realizations Post-Stroke
07:47 Founding Say Aphasia Charity
11:50 Expanding the Charity and Overcoming Obstacles
23:09 Future Plans and Reflections
31:33 Conclusion and Resources
#SayAphasia
https://www.sayaphasia.org
Support the show: Donate Now
This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
