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.
Copyright © 2025 Jonathan Hirons/Buffalo Lounge Studios All Rights Reserved.
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On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia
On the tip of my tongue Podcast: Hidden Voices: Reflections on Aphasia and Care 2024 Round up
Overcoming Aphasia and the Importance of Carers
In this episode, the host reflects on past events and highlights key themes such as surviving a critical health incident in Las Vegas, the significant role of communication in recovery from strokes, and the challenges and strategies for living with aphasia. The episode also emphasizes the importance of unpaid carers, their economic contribution, and the need for perseverance in finding effective communication methods post-injury. The narrative draws an analogy to living in a foreign country to convey the experience of aphasia, highlighting its often hidden nature and the frustration of not being recognized for having a serious condition.
00:00 Reflecting on Past Episodes
00:10 A Harrowing Experience in Las Vegas
00:40 The Importance of Communication Post-Stroke
00:52 Meet Pete Cody: A Story of Resilience
01:05 Tips for a Healthy Brain
01:31 The Role and Impact of Unpaid Carers
02:07 Understanding Aphasia: A Hidden Disability
Support the show: https://pay.gocardless.com/BRT0003MF6G9SBF
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
