My Story
Mark - six days after his stroke
I am Mark Ford, in February 2019, I had a stroke that struck me completely out of the blue. I was fit, ran ultra-marathons, and had no idea that an undiagnosed hole in my heart would cause such a devastating stroke. In the beginning, I was unable to walk, swallow or move my left side.
Looking back, there has been a lot that has helped me get back to where I am today, driving again, working, and getting fit enough to run again.
I am grateful for:
1. My wife Keryn, who as a experience as carer, and understands how difficult the role can be.
2. My rehabilitation. It was (and still is) a long road, and I had access to quality rehabilitation tools that I could continue to use once I returned home. We worked hard together, and were motivated to keep up the rehab. The results have meant I have a much greater quality of life with my family.
While at Burwood Hospital, the inpatient clinicians used a NeuroTrac™ Rehab device daily to promote regaining movement in my left arm. Initially, the device was used on my shoulder, and as my movement and feeling progressed, I used the device on my wrist and fingers. I purchased a NeuroTrac™ Rehab device while still a patient in hospital which meant I was able to have this set up and ready to go on discharge. This allowed me to continue using the device and improve at home.
Mirror Box therapy was briefly used while I was a patient at Burwood to help movement on my left side. After researching the benefits of Mirror Box Therapy, I have recently purchased my own.
Throughout my recovery journey, I have always been acutely aware that there are many survivors out there that are not able to access the rehab devices I was fortunate to be able to obtain during my recovery. This is what led me to create The Brain Health Store - to make these two devices available and affordable to survivors. I am passionate about enabling stroke survivors to continue their rehab in the comfort of their home and rehab to be their best selves after a stroke.
