“What does success look like post encephalitis?” This is the second article in a series of interviews with survivors. I only asked one basic question and it’s been fun to see how this experience moves each of us in a unique way. When I attended my first Encephalitis Global survivors’ and caregivers’ conference, I met […]
Success? Hmmm. Are we measuring in miles or inches? In the interactions I’ve had with hundreds of survivors, success looks different from person to person even though survival looks similar. Regardless of how we acquired encephalitis … West Nile, auto-immune disorder, Herpes, Lyme’s, etc. the outcomes are similar. Memory loss, extreme fatigue, speech disorders and […]
“Still Alice” captures the dramatic nature of dementia in its recent release in theaters. Julianne Moore gracefully depicts the real-life trauma of forgetting and the unfortunate shame that accompanies that circumstance. If years lend us the opportunity to grow older, most of us will gradually meet this tragic and startling experience head on. As a […]
Got Sticky notes on your mirror? Frig door? Back doorknob? It was when my cat’s fur was littered by vet reminders that I decided to work on memory. Memory matters. It’s what shapes our unique identities. Whether recalling a significant childhood milestone or remembering names in a business environment, memory plays a vital role in […]
Sharks attack roughly 75 people worldwide a year, killing an average of 5. In the U.S., out of 1,300 tornadoes per year, about 60 people die. We all have a healthy fear of sharks and tornadoes. But what about mosquitoes? They kill more than 1 million people per year around the globe, claiming the prize […]
Whether it’s a short recipe, instructions to play a kid’s game or basic directions to hook up a gadget, just a simple set of instructions can seem like a foreign language to a brain injury survivor. Following instructions involves cognitive skills such as attention, memory and problem solving. These skills are often negatively impacted during […]
Brainstorming among the brain injured … now there’s an interesting way to spend a Saturday afternoon! At our Nov. 22nd survivor/caregiver meeting, these were the top mentions of helping us help ourselves. That’s what I call a successful brainstorm. Top tips: Listen to your body. Learn to pace yourself. It sounds so simple, yet we […]
Asymptomatic, a beautiful word for someone who knows chronic illness. Today is one of the few days in nearly seven years I woke up with energy, a respite from the daily fatigue that squashes my creativity and challenges my temperament. Today the word “asymptomatic” rolls off my tongue with ease, absent of my usual fear […]
When I found the Encephalitis Global group on Inspire.com, I couldn’t believe the posts I read from fellow survivors and caregivers. It was as if they were reading my mind. If you haven’t connected with others affected by this cruel illness, I urge you to reach out. I can’t emphasize enough the healing aspect of […]
Making a tough decision or facing a health trial can create chaos for the soul. Today I take a break from promoting health tips for encephalitis or health challenges and address the healing aspect of nature. The River of Tranquility Peace flowing over the silky rocks with a steady cadence. Rustling leaves guided through the gushing path. […]