Show notes for Episode 9

All episodes available at http://TheNeuroNerds.com. Follow @TheNeuroNerds on Twitter/Instagram and Like us at Facebook.com/TheNeuroNerds.

Summary

With our co-host, Lauren, traveling abroad, this week’s episode features guest co-host Felice LaZae. Felice is our host, Joe’s long time girlfriend and partner in crime. They discuss the stroke recovery journey from Felice’s perspective as Joe’s caregiver and support system. Joe’s dissociative episodes are also explored and compared to Bruce Banner and the Hulk. Plus Felice and Joe offer tips and advice on how to help your loved one when they’re facing a medical crisis like a stroke or other brain injury.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

• Caregiver and support systems and how tragedy is a time to step up to the hero’s calling to jump into action and support your loved one is in need.

• The instant transformation that occurs for a caregiver in the midst of a loved one’s medical emergency.

• Felice talks about her love of crochet and knitting and how it is good for mental health.

• The loneliness caregivers can experience through the recovery journey because outsiders often don’t understand.

• Like the Hulk is always angry, Joe is always anxious and overwhelmed. He has coping mechanisms and tools to manage his mental health similar to the Hulk like daily meditation.

• Finding humor during the recovery process like Joe’s impulse control issues while in ICU when he kept joking about cocaine and hookers and his Bane impression while using a CPAP machine.

• Creating a recovery plan, how to advocate and the importance of asking questions.

• The stages of coming back from a brain injury that was laid out by Joe’s occupational therapist when he was in the hospital – “Family Guide to The Rancho Levels of Cognitive Functioning.”

Links to Topics Mentioned

• Crochet and knitting good for mental health, https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/lp/stitch-away-stress/

• Headspace app, https://www.headspace.com/

• Youtube video of man saying he’s going to buy cocaine and hookers which inspired Joe to joke about it in the hospital, https://youtu.be/IvE84AGMWpE

• CPAP machine for sleep apnea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_airway_pressure

• Family Guide to The Rancho Levels of Cognitive Functioning, http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhs/218115_RLOCFOriginalFamilyGuide-English.pdf

• The Hulk, http://marvel.com/universe/Hulk_(Bruce_Banner)#axzz5DXgRHZr7

• Pepper Potts, http://marvelcinematicuniverse.wikia.com/wiki/Pepper_Potts

• Agent Carter, http://marvelcinematicuniverse.wikia.com/wiki/Peggy_Carter

• Selina Kyle, http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Catwoman_(Selina_Kyle)

• Talia Al Ghul, http://batman.wikia.com/wiki/Talia_al_Ghul

• YouSoRock Facebook Group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/yousorock

• Submit your story to be featured on YouSoRock, https://www.joesorocks.com/yousorock

Credits

• Co-hosted by Joe Borges and Lauren Manzano

  • Find Joe at http://joesorocks.com and @joesorocks on Twitter/Instagram and submit your stroke/brain injury recovery story at https://www.joesorocks.com/submit-your-story
  • Find Lauren at @laurenlmanzano on Instagram, @tankbbg on Twitter

• Produced by Joe Borges and Felice LaZae

• Edited by Felice LaZae, http://felicelazae.com, @felicelazae on Twitter/Instagram

• Theme song produced by Sleep Deez, @sleepvision on Instagram, @sleepdeez on Twitter