Aphasia

“Not being able to say what you mean isn’t the same as not having anything to say.”- P.Paarmann

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After a stroke, sometimes saying what you mean isn’t easy.

It’s not on purpose. Or because you aren’t trying. It’s Aphasia. 

It affects millions of people and is commonly the result of a stroke.

The ICU Nurses told me it could happen. I might mix up words, forget some, and have some challenges communicating like I had been able to before.  

It happened. I couldn't remember a word. I mixed some up and called things the wrong name. I said dishwasher when I meant the washing machine, and I called the electric mixer a blender. And it happened suddenly.  I also noticed when I did it and worked to correct it.

But I also gave myself a break. I hadn’t broken a fingernail; I’d suffered a brain injury.

Did you know that only 40% of people in the US actually know what Aphasia is?  And even fewer understand that it’s a disorder that, in some cases, can be improved with speech therapy.

I was fortunate. I was able to recover from it almost completely. But once in a while, a word will still come out wrong, even almost eight years later.  And I’m OK with that.

I use tools when I’m writing to make sure I’m spelling and communicating correctly. The quote “slow and steady wins the race” is true.  Taking the time to speak at a pace you are comfortable with, not trying to keep up with people who speed-talk like the disclaimers in commercials, is key.

It’s a conversation, not a race!

If you have people in your life who don’t get it, suggest that they visit aphasia.org.  It's an amazing site with a ton of information and resources. You can learn how to help with your own recovery and find local support, too.

Having a rough day? Don’t be hard on yourself.

You know what you are trying to say, and what you mean. 

That’s all that really matters.