Alan was at the height of his career as an Aboriginal educator when he had a stroke. He loved his job. He was making sure that Aboriginal students succeeded in college and university. It wasn’t unusual for him to fly to Ottawa to talk directly to Jean Chretien the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs to ensure that his students received the education they needed to succeed. He was the person who started the program to ensure that Aboriginal students were able to go to medical school to become doctors,nurses and teachers. Alan was a work-a-holic because he loved his job. So when one hand stopped working, he just kept typing the report with one hand until it was completed. When he handed it to his supervisor, he said, “Alan, I think you should go to the doctor, you don’t look healthy.” “I’m just tired.” was Alan’s response. Alan’s wife knew differently. When he said he was just tired and going to bed, she called a neighbor and took him to hospital.
After 10 days in hospital, Alan was discharged home. He drove home but had some difficulty finding his house. Fortunately, he lived in a small city. He stopped at a neighbor’s home and asked directions. The neighbor called Alan’s wife. She helped him to get home.
Alan didn’t have a driving assessment after his stroke. He noticed that he was making errors he would never had made before stroke. He realized that he wasn’t safe on to drive and decided to give up his license voluntarily.
Although Alan’s stroke was mild, and he has few physical problems, he says it has been difficult. Although he went back to work, he found it was too hard to do the same work and the same quality of work as he had pre-stroke. He said without help he lost confidence and self-esteem. He regained both at the Getting on With the Rest of Your Life after Stroke program.
Alan will speak at the April 18 , SRAE meeting.
Alan’s Suggestions for “Putting the Possibility in Stroke Disability”
- Keep a positive attitude.
- My wife is very helpful. Thank your family for the help they provide.
- Get out and get involved! The Getting On with the Rest of Your Life after Stroke program was excellent for me.
Alan’s Traditional Bannock
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 3 tbsp lard (I substitute vegetable shortening)
- 3 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups milk/water
- 1⁄4 cup sugar (optional or 1/8 cup of Splenda for Diabetic)
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