I have aphasia due to a stroke

I developed aphasia as a result of a stroke.

In February 2022, he developed aphasia, higher brain dysfunction, and right paralysis due to cerebral infarction. I was diagnosed with aphasia.

This was a difficult experience for me as I was impaired in my language function. However, the process of facing this obstacle and overcoming it in my own way has had a profound impact on my life.

Today, I would like to share with you the trajectory of my struggle with aphasia.

In February 2022, I experienced aphasia, higher brain dysfunction, and right-side paralysis due to a stroke. I was diagnosed with aphasia. This condition, which impairs language function, was a very challenging experience for me. However, confronting this disability and finding my own ways to overcome it has had a significant impact on my life. Today, I will share with you my journey in battling aphasia.

In February 2022, he developed aphasia, higher brain dysfunction, and right paralysis due to cerebral infarction.

失語症とは何か　What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a disorder of language function caused by brain damage.

Strokes and injuries are the main causes, but sometimes the cause cannot be identified. This disorder interferes with language activities such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

In my case, it was due to a stroke. I was surprised by the sudden onset of the disease, and I was very confused that I could not speak. I was unable to have daily conversations and communicate with my family and friends.

There are various symptoms of aphasia, but the main ones are as follows.

• Decreased speaking ability – inability to get words out, inability to form sentences, etc.
• Poor listening comprehension – inability to understand what the other person is saying
• Illiteracy – difficulty reading and writing

These symptoms vary depending on the severity, but for people with aphasia, they can significantly interfere with daily life.

Aphasia is a disorder of language function caused by brain damage.

The primary causes are strokes and injuries, although sometimes the cause cannot be identified. This disorder affects language activities such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In my case, it was caused by a cerebral infarction.

I was shocked by the sudden onset and felt a great sense of confusion when I could no longer find the words to express myself. I became unable to engage in everyday conversations, losing the ability to communicate with family and friends.

Aphasia presents various symptoms, the main ones being as follows:

• Decreased speaking ability: difficulty finding words or constructing sentences
• Decreased listening ability: inability to understand what others are saying
• Decreased reading and writing ability: trouble reading and writing letters

These symptoms vary in severity, but they significantly disrupt daily life for individuals with aphasia.

失語症との闘い　Struggle with Aphasia

When I was first diagnosed with aphasia, I was very confused and anxious.

At a loss for words, I couldn't express my thoughts, and I felt lonely.

When it comes to aphasia, losing words is more than just a loss of communication.

It means being deprived of some of our self-expression and identity as well.

Words are the way we describe ourselves, the means by which we feel connected to others.

When I had aphasia, I felt frustrated that I couldn't communicate my feelings and thoughts.

This also affected our relationships with others and caused us to feel more isolated.

However, with the support of the medical staff and family, I was able to move forward one step at a time.

When I was initially diagnosed with aphasia, I was overwhelmed with confusion and anxiety.

Losing the ability to express myself made me feel a profound sense of isolation. Aphasia is not just a loss of communication; it means losing a part of our self-expression and identity. Words are our means of self-identification and the way we connect with others.

When I experienced aphasia, I felt frustrated by my inability to communicate my emotions and thoughts. This also impacted my relationships with others, deepening my sense of isolation.

However, with the support of medical staff and my family, I was able to move forward step by step.

リハビリテーションの取り組み　Efforts in Rehabilitation

First of all, we worked on rehabilitation by a speech therapist.

We aimed to recover language function through various approaches, such as daily conversation practice, reading, writing, and pronunciation correction. There were many difficulties at first, but little by little we began to see solid results.

Particularly effective were exercises using picture cards and word cards.

By working on tasks such as looking at words and pronouncing them and imagining words from pictures, we were able to stimulate the activation of the brain's language cortex.

In addition, with the cooperation of my daughter-in-law, I practiced daily conversation.

First, I engaged in rehabilitation with a speech-language therapist.

I aimed to recover my language abilities through various approaches, including practicing daily conversations, reading and writing, and correcting pronunciation.

Although there were many difficulties at first, steady progress was made over time. Particularly effective was the training using picture cards and word cards.

By working on tasks such as pronouncing words and recalling words from pictures, I was able to stimulate the language areas of my brain. Additionally, I practiced daily conversations with the help of my wife.

代替手段の活用　Utilization of Alternatives　

In parallel with rehabilitation, alternative means of communication were also utilized.

I tried different methods depending on the situation, such as using a notepad or whiteboard to write and communicate, or using gestures. The text input app on the smartphone was also very convenient.

Through this experience, I realized the strength of human creativity and adaptability.

The fact that I can communicate with others without words has given me great hope.

I also asked my family and friends to understand my situation and devise ways to communicate.

For example, he was flexible with me, talking to me slowly, and waiting for me to speak.

Alongside rehabilitation, I utilized alternative means of communication. I tried various methods depending on the situation, such as writing on a notepad or whiteboard and using gestures.

Text input apps on my smartphone were particularly convenient. Social media, in particular, was very helpful. Through this experience, I realized the strength of human creativity and adaptability.

The fact that I could connect emotionally with others without words gave me immense hope. My family and friends also took efforts to understand my situation and find ways to communicate with me. For example, they spoke to me slowly and patiently waited for my responses, demonstrating their flexibility.

前向きな心構えの大切さ　The importance of a positive mindset

In addition to rehabilitation and the use of alternatives, the most important thing for me is a positive mindset.

The battle with aphasia was not easy, but I felt that it was important not to give up and to take it one day at a time.

By maintaining the attitude of "don't focus on what you can't do, focus on what you can do," I was able to regain my confidence and move forward.

At times, I felt frustrated, but with the support of my family and medical staff, I was able to move forward again.

In addition to utilizing rehabilitation and alternative methods, what I have valued most is a positive mindset.

The struggle with aphasia has never been easy, but I felt it was important to persevere, taking each day step by step without giving up.

By maintaining the attitude of focusing not on what I cannot do, but on what I can do, I was able to regain my confidence and move forward.

At times, I experienced feelings of frustration, but with the support of my family and medical staff, I was able to push ahead once again.

社会参加への道のり　The Path to Social Participation

As he continued his rehabilitation, he gradually began to see the recovery of his language function.

Little by little, basic skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing returned.

During this recovery process, I decided to pursue a career rehabilitation. We started by interacting with our neighbors.

We exchanged greetings and had simple conversations, and little by little I gained confidence.

Even though I have aphasia, my main goal was to connect with society by starting with what I could.

With the understanding and cooperation of the people around me, I gradually found my place.

As I continued with my rehabilitation, I gradually began to see improvements in my language functions. My basic abilities to speak, listen, read, and write slowly started to return.

During this recovery process, I decided to aim for social reintegration. I began by interacting with people in my neighborhood.

I started with exchanging greetings and engaging in simple conversations, which gradually helped me build confidence. Despite living with aphasia, my major goal was to connect with society by starting with what I could do.

With the understanding and support of those around me, I slowly began to find my place.

失語症との共生　Coexisting with Aphasia

Currently, I am living a fulfilling life while coping well with aphasia.

True, the full restoration of language function can be difficult. However, I think it is important to accept it and improve the quality of life in your own way.

I am currently leading a fulfilling life while coping well with aphasia.

Indeed, a complete recovery of language function may be difficult. However, I believe it is important to accept this and enhance my quality of life in my own way.

自己理解を深める　Deepening self-understanding.

To live with aphasia, it is essential to first understand yourself. It is important to understand the characteristics of your symptoms, what you are good at and what you are not good at, and develop a response plan according to them.

In my case, I tended to be relatively good at reading and writing, but not good at conversation.

Therefore, when communicating, we use methods such as writing and conveying. I've also found that I can't stay focused, so I try to take breaks while working.

In this way, by understanding your own characteristics and developing countermeasures according to them, you will be able to see how to deal with aphasia.

Coexisting with aphasia requires a fundamental understanding of oneself. It is essential to grasp the characteristics of your symptoms, as well as your strengths and weaknesses, and to develop strategies that align with them.

In my case, I found that I am relatively good at reading and writing, but I struggle with conversation. Therefore, I utilize methods such as writing to communicate when engaging in discussions. I also realized that my concentration doesn’t last long, so I make sure to take breaks while working.

By understanding my own characteristics and formulating strategies that suit them, I can better navigate life with aphasia.

周囲の理解を得る　Gaining understanding from those around you.

In order to live with aphasia, it is also essential to understand and cooperate with the people around you. I explained to my family in detail about my symptoms and problems and asked for their support.

I also try to communicate my situation as much as possible to people at work and in the community. Aphasia is a disorder that is difficult to understand at first glance, but with understanding and cooperation, it is possible to participate in society.

Having the people around you understand your situation and get the support you need can make your life with aphasia smoother.

Living with aphasia requires the understanding and cooperation of those around us. I have explained my symptoms and struggles in detail to my family and sought their support.

I also strive to communicate my situation as much as possible to people at work and in my community. Although aphasia is an invisible disability, with understanding and cooperation, it is possible to participate in society.

By helping those around me understand my situation and obtaining the necessary support, managing life with aphasia becomes smoother.

社会への理解と支援の必要性　The necessity of understanding and supporting society.

Through my experience with aphasia, I became keenly aware of the need for society as a whole to understand and support this disease.

Because many people are unaware of the disease, people with aphasia are often misunderstood and often subjected to prejudice.

I myself have felt anxiety and fear due to the influence.

That's why it's important to have a wider understanding of aphasia through education and awareness-raising activities.

What I strongly realized while experiencing aphasia is the necessity for society as a whole to understand and support those affected by this condition.

Many people lack knowledge about this illness, making aphasia patients susceptible to misunderstandings and often exposing them to prejudice.

Personally, I have also felt anxiety and fear as a result of this situation.

That is why it is crucial to promote broader understanding of aphasia through education and awareness activities.

言葉を超えた支え　Support that goes beyond words

My aphasia has made it difficult for me to communicate my thoughts and feelings.

However, my wife always made an effort to understand what I wanted to say.

She tried to read my feelings not only from my words, but also from my facial expressions and gestures, and tried to communicate with me.

These efforts have been truly encouraging.

Becoming aphasic made it difficult for me to express my thoughts and feelings effectively.

My wife was my greatest support during this time.

She consistently made an effort to understand what I wanted to communicate. She tried to read my emotions not only from my words but also from my facial expressions and gestures, facilitating our communication.

Her efforts were truly reassuring.

日々の生活でのサポート　Support in Daily Life

In everyday life, we need words in many situations.

Whether it was a doctor's appointment at the hospital, shopping, or interacting with friends, my wife spun words for me and supported me so that I could live a smooth life.

She was also there to encourage me when I was going through rehabilitation and treatment.

In daily life, words are needed in many situations.

Whether it’s at a hospital appointment, shopping, or interacting with friends, my wife has woven words on my behalf, supporting me so that I can live smoothly.

Furthermore, when facing rehabilitation and treatment, she has always been by my side, encouraging me.

感謝を込めて　With gratitude

I am so grateful to her that the words "Thank you so much, my daughter-in-law" are not enough.

Without her support, I wouldn't have been able to get back to who I am today.

I am truly grateful for her kindness, understanding, and patience.

Words like “Thank you, my wife” don’t seem enough to express the immense gratitude I feel for her.

Without her support, I wouldn’t have been able to regain my current self. I am truly thankful for her kindness, understanding, and patience.

おわりに　In conclusion

I told you about my struggle with aphasia.

The impairment of language function was a great ordeal, but with a positive attitude and the support of those around me, I was able to move forward little by little.

Now, I am able to live a fulfilling life while living with aphasia.

By understanding my own characteristics, acquiring new skills, and enlisting the help of those around me, I was able to overcome my language barrier.

What I learned from this experience is the importance of not giving up and continuing to move forward, and facing challenges in your own way.

I hope that my experience will give some hope to those who have been diagnosed with aphasia.

I shared the journey of my battle with aphasia.

The impairment of language functions has been a significant challenge, but with a positive attitude and support from those around me, I was able to make gradual progress.

Now, I can live a fulfilling life while coexisting with aphasia.

By understanding my unique traits, acquiring new skills, and receiving cooperation from those around me, I was able to overcome the language barrier.

What I learned from this experience is the importance of persevering and facing challenges in my own way without giving up.

I hope my experience can provide some hope to those diagnosed with aphasia.