S2 E46: Brain Injury and Relationships Series: Supporting Each Other Post Stroke with Ryan and Anna Teal
The second in our series on relationships; Ryan and Anna Teal come on to share their journey. Ryan suffered a stroke that caused apraxia and aphasia. He and Anna have worked together as a couple to establish new communication patterns and roles within their relationship. They are a shining example of how a willingness to flexibly support each other forged them into a stronger unit that moves forward together.
Their experiences led them to a new purpose, helping adults with aphasia. This has led them to create Aphasia Readers, a workbook for adults looking to practice reading aloud to improve their speech. Join us in this episode to learn more about their recovery path, how they are giving back, aphasia tips, and the things that keep them strong as a couple experiencing the wake post stroke.
In this episode:
Ryan’s survivor story
Ischemic stroke survivor at age 34
Eagle Syndrome- a disorder of the styloids, bone between jaw and ear. The bone was too long and pressed on his carotid artery causing the stroke.
3 months hospitalized
Led to aphasia and apraxia
Aphasia is a speaking and comprehension disorder.
Otter app; a translation app on the phone- for Ryan he does better with reading comprehension so he has the phone translate the conversation to text and reads along
Apraxia trouble getting out speech and can be harder to get the word out the more you try. The mean little elf that is disrupting your speech as you try to get it out. Requires patience with yourself
Right sided weakness and spasticity
Anna and Ryan’s miracle
Anna was feeling scared and hopeless as Ryan was going into surgery with low odds of success. She prayed and asked for a sign that everything was going to be ok
A lady came out of nowhere to tell her that “I know your pain, everything is going to be ok.” They cried together, hugged, and she was gone.
The surgeon came out to report that one of the arteries opened on its own and the brain damage was now contained
The power of positive thinking
Addressing loneliness of aphasia: being able to text and read has been a crucial outlet for Ryan
Aphasia Readers: books tailored to aphasia in adults. Focuses on regaining functional phrases in common settings in life.
Made in collaboration with neurology and speech therapy at Mary A. Rackham Institute University Center for Language and Literacy
Aphasiareaders.com for the book and free resources (link below)
Free resource: Fridge functional phrases- provides conversational phrases to practice. Goal is to place them in a visible area to better integrate your rehab into daily living
Relationship post injury
A drastic shift as things change so quickly.
Eryn talks about her struggles adjusting to changes in her personality and roles in her relationship post stroke. She likens it to being thrown into a relationship with someone new. She highlights the value of mental health therapy for both people in the couple.
A lot of uncertainty with high emotions; a jolting life event where you need to figure things out quickly
Need to accept the new reality while grieving past life
Role shifts can be overwhelming but they are able to support each other
Find new ways to support each other and communicate
Allow gratitude and blessings. Remain kind to each other
Ryan feels very blessed for the tremendous support his wife is to him
Find new tasks you can do to help
Lots of learning with trial and error
Have to be willing to be flexible and compromise
Takes radical acceptance to be able to accept your new position in life post stroke.
Need to know your spouse and figure each other out after stroke. How would you feel in their shoes? Need to be flexible to survive in your relationship
Eryn struggles with patience and emotional dysregulation
Need to figure out new communication patterns and techniques. How does your partner best communicate now?
When planning for the future, make mindful decisions post injury based on the new situation and be willing to go with the flow; your life’s plan will be affected. Be accepting of what life will bring and what you already have. May need to prioritize differently post injury. You don’t know what the future holds.
Eryn discusses the dynamic of her husband having to take over being her caregiver and a loss of independence. Ryan and Anna discuss how limitations from the stroke really change your role in the marriage.
You initially go into survivor mode and do what you need to do to get through. You learn how to best motivate your spouse and support them without nagging. You learn how to be supportive and give the other back a sense of control in their lives.
Wearing all the different hats can be tricky in the caregiver role along with finding the right balance of support and independence
The survivor can feel very lost but it can lead to a fulfilling life if you look for new purpose and choose not to hold onto the victim role
Maintain a sense of understanding for each other
Changes in sense of purpose post injury is really tough. Find a new purpose post stroke and a way to help others
Eryn struggles with accepting the help that her husband provides and the changed roles going from caregiver to care receiver. Both her and her husband have needed to accept changes in roles and responsibilities and be understanding that things will not be the same. Flexibility allows you to move through.
Ryan’s Aphasia tips and strategies
Type it out if someone isn’t understanding your verbal communication
Use technology: phone, Ipad, computer
Practice speaking in the mirror: seeing yourself speak can help you with mouth cues and word retrieval
Join support groups with people who are like you
Apps: Tactus, Phonics, Grammerly, Google recorder, Otter
Watch movies with captions
Use gestures to help communicate the message
Using a dry erase board or paper to write messages to each other. Can also write it on a phone
Reading out loud allows you to practice speech and reduce the loneliness that aphasia can bring
Links to any resources mentioned:
Apps for Aphasia: Otter, Tactus, Phonics, Grammerly, Google recorder> search on your app platform
Aphasiareaders.com: for fridge functional phrases and and to buy the book
Reach out to:
Email: Info@aphasiareaders.com
Eryn on IG @eryn_makingheadwaypodcast
MHP on IG @makingheadwaypodcast
Go to our website www.makingheadwaypodcast.com for full show notes and resources
Stroke Recovery with Motus Nova: https://motusnova.com/makingheadway/
The Headache Nutritionist: https://www.headachenutritionist.com/
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