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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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