Before my SAH, I wasn’t familiar with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist that had a stroke in 1996. Her TED talk from 2008 is something else. I actually teared up!
3 Likes
Wow @c0nsilience!!
I am on the commute home, and I am tearing up as well. [Don’t worry, someone else is driving! 
]
During my recovery intensive days, I fantasized about doing a TED Talk to let others know. Of course, that didn’t happen, and a good thing too, hers is so much better than mine could ever be. I am fascinated by her experience, as I definitely did not experience the dichotomy she did. My left brain was clearly in charge until it zonked out (despite the fact it happened on the left side).
That was just beautiful. I was not familiar with her, and I am so glad you shared. Now to look her up and see what she is currently up to!
Fin Whale Fan 
4 Likes
She wrote an interesting book. I’ve just started reading it. The first two chapters assume no knowledge of neuroscience, but the chapters from her stroke onward are a wonderful read!
3 Likes
I am just finishing up a podcast she did last year. She discusses her TED Talk, but also speaks to her new book/concept [Whole Brain Living](Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life by Jill Bolte Taylor https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56990809-whole-brain-living). That is fascinating as well, and omg, so relevant! [We are living in a left brain world for sure!]
Now I am even more excited - more brain books to read. 
Fin Whale Fan
4 Likes
Yep! It’s amazing to me how can she recall much of anything from when it happened. I certainly can’t, but what she had was a little different than an SAH as well. Thanks for the tip on the podcast and her other book. I’ll check them both out! 
4 Likes
I watched this TED Talk after I got out of hospital following my SAH in 2016. It is very powerful and helped me a lot
2 Likes
Hi @c0nsilience -
Today, I had another neuropsych eval so we could benchmark against my prior one 1 1/2 years ago.
This was a new neuropsych for me (MUCH closer than my prior one), and I was thrilled when I walked in the door and there was a small bookcase of all kinds of brain books they recommend. Yes, several photos were snapped so I have more on the list! 
During the day, of course, we spoke a lot about brains and brain injuries. Out of nowhere, I was asked if I had read … yes, My Stroke of Insight! Thanks to you, I could say I had seen the TED Talk, and have it on the list. So, needless to say, I am once again thankful you brought this up!
I hope you are still doing ok adjusting to work, and returning to the groove of things. We have your back!
Now off to recover from a heavy cognitive day. 
Fin Whale Fan
4 Likes
Hi @FinWhaleFan,
Reading that made my entire day! I am so happy for you and that you’ve connected with a neuropsych that sets you at ease. A bookshelf full of books is a great thing!
I’m doing ok. Happy to be alive and breathing and taking life as it comes. Work is work. No real complaints, although some of the middle management is reminiscent of Phil from Office Space!
I take most of it in stride and choose my battles wisely. Work is not more important than health and it does not take a high priority for me. I’m grateful to be able to earn, but I steer clear of the office politics. I’m adamant about living life and truly trying to enjoy as much of it as I can. To drink it all in and to be grateful for it.
Thanks again for your update and I look forward to eventually checking out that list of books!
With gratitude,
Benjamin
4 Likes
Hi @c0nsilience!
I agree completely: full shelves of books are always a happy thing! My biggest problem is, of course, having too many. However, I did just take several boxes to my local library just this week, so that means I am free to add more to the pile, right?
So, below are the items that she had displayed that struck my fancy from the title/description, so peruse as of interest to you.
- The Brain Health Book: Using the Power of Neuroscience to Improve Your Life
- High-Octane Brain: 5 Science-Based Steps to Sharpen Your Memory and Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s
- Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age
I spent most of my time perusing a MIND Diet book. You likely have heard me “talk” about it already, so I will try not to repeat myself! However, I still may add it to the list even though I have a couple already. One thing I really appreciated was the seasonality of it (these are the green, leafy vegetables to eat in the winter v. the summer, etc.), as well as different recipes from what I already have found.
In full disclosure, I should confess part of the appeal may well have been a berry soup recipe which sounded perfect for this upcoming heat dome that is going to land over us imminently. Well, plus the fact that local blueberry season has just started, and blueberries are one of my top three favorite foods may also explain the appeal (I am from the home of the domesticated blueberry, so it is part and parcel of who we are!) Well, AND it called for a bottle of riesling (really?!) which used to be my very favorite wine pre-rupture, so I am curious about all that. I may have to check in with the author about that one though, since my former neurologist reamed me out for having alcohol. Well, realistically, the author will say listen to your doctor, so there is likely no permission to have riesling again.. Shucks!
The only other title I remember was this one:
* Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Like you [and from speaking with one of my folks at my neuropsych exam, sounds like this is common for brain injury patients], a deeper and richer gratitude and appreciation for life [and so much more such as neuroradiologists, and arteries and EMTs and all of you and caregivers, etc., etc.] is just part of the new normal. As such, on my own, I found and read another book that might be of interest to you:
The author does get a little technical, and I should probably reread it again, as I know I did not absorb it entirely. However, it wasn’t so overwhelming since I purchased the separate Journal (workbook) as well, so that I could do my homework. Here is where I have need to get back on track though - guess I do need that Atomic Habits book after all!
Those are the top items from the “brain books” pile. I will let you know if she provides any other ideas when I get my test results in a couple of weeks.
Now off to find a berry soup recipe for the heat wave. Well, and also to rewatch Office Space too!
Stay well!
Fin Whale Fan
3 Likes
I would definitely have challenged your neurologist on having a glass of wine. Then I’d look him square in the eyes and blurt out I’m going to ask my neurosurgeon . My neurosurgeon said I could have an occasional glass of wine, just not two on the same day. I forget to drink it so that’s a factor.
Thanks for all the book links!
2 Likes