Greg Carter - In a few words

Introduction

My Road to Recovery can be broken into some key categories Successes can be categorized in 2 groups “physical” and “cognitive” and Social Engagement

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The Biggest Challenges – The Author’s Perspective[i]

There can be no doubt the biggest challenge and shock to the author was the realization after emerging from a coma were the newly realized limitations, both physically and cognitive

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Physical

Initially the author was unable to walk, sit up, go to the washroom unassisted, or have any use of his left hand.  Additionally, the author suffered from “left neglect” Balance was a significant challenge.

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The author maintains a regular fitness regime that includes dumbbell curls[iv] and crunches. Success can also be gauged by the walks done and “chores” completed without the use of walking aids and if such activities were completed independently; indeed, this is the case for most activities. So too getting dressed is done independently including washing up, walking down stairs, and then preparing coffee and tea.

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Social Engagements and Cognitive Abilities

Another measure of success is an ability to attend social engagements in public; indeed, this has been successfully accomplished without the need of assistance in sitting at the table or using a public washroom[v]

Cognitive 

These include the ability to employ the Microsoft suite of products independently and to research solutions to issues independently all of which has been done to great success though the author must credit Ms. Brogue with assistance in some applications.  Another significant measure of success is the author’s ability to independently consider future assignments without prompting. Demands put on the author both during his army career[vi]   and at Enbridge where demands are substantial requiring the employment of initiative done timely.

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The author conducts regular self-administered cognitive tests, such tests include memory testing, “train of Thought” and special recognition tests, all of which are accessed on the author’s Apple products.  The assignments prepared for Ms. Brogue (WJS Canada) have applied two forms of cognitive skill. The author’s regular review of the Economist magazine undoubtedly contributed to hi ability to remain current and stay abreast of international issues.

Conclusion

The author has found that rehabilitation never ends – “The Fight is NEVER OVER”. The reader is urged to continue rehab seeking help from such organizations like WJS Canada who provided such vital rehab care and in the author’s case this included periodic walks where the    WJS Canada consultant   (Brogue assessed the author’s gait  when walking. MS. Brogue also assisted the author in computer refresher so the author might be prepared in rejoining the workforce as an active employee for the author remains an employee of Enbridge.  This not only succeeded in ensuring the author’s computer skills were in the same level as they were prior to his stroke. While useful, the computer training achieved a crucial goal – the exercise and restoration of the author’s cognitive abilities as the assignments completed by the author required considerable research and the organization of his thoughts and to cogently express his opinion; indeed. He would often ask Ms. Brogue:” well? Have I convinced you “When he did, which was often, this was the measure of success. Therefore, WJS Canada was able to deliver a comprehensive post-hospital rehab program, one ideally suited for one looking for something that will work for the “long[GC1]  game” In the author’s case, the WJS Canada program will continue as a regular routine – GOOD LUCK and be well! STAY STRONG! Enjoy LIFE AND LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST!   

To come to grips with those challenges, the author’s military and Emergency Response experience resulted in him reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of every day’s activities and putting together an action plant correct the weaknesses and reinforcing the strengths.  It id strongly recommended that the reader conduct a similar review, using the necessary help like WJS Canada to ensure success.

GOOD LUCK!        

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[i] It’s important for the reader to understand that the author was in some ways a victim of his past; that is an infantry officer, a senior leader in government and a leader in  a high-pressure, fast-paced private sector company, which, it must be said has been incredibly supportive during the author’s journey.

[ii]

[iii] See Ms. Brogue for a comprehensive list of physical activities including hikes in the mountains, which was NEVER SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN

[iv] Curls are intended to both regain lost muscle mass lost wile on life support ang to work the left hand and re-establishing the connection between brain and hand. The author gauges success if the weight was dropped; indeed, most sessions are a success without the weight being dropped

[v] It must be stated that the original assessment by medical the original medical assessment was that the author would never walk again and probably not be able to breath and perform most routine sanitary functions independently like going to the washroom and entering and exiting the shower and that the author’s family would have to install a “lift system” in the house which has NOT    BEEN necessary; surely a mammoth measure of success!

[vi] See bibliography

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