Damage Caused by Jims Stroke

The stroke damage inflicted can appear insurmountable, a fact best understood by those familiar with its debilitating effects, such as is the case of Hamilton, Ontario resident Jim Pettitt, who fell victim to one in February 2001, at the age of 46.

It was a case of history repeating itself, for Jim's father suffered from one too at the same age, rendering him incapacitated by the damage for the remainder of his life.

Such a fate seemed destined to befall Jim, afflicted as he was with impaired speech and paralysis.

Among the many mysteries yet to be resolved about the brain is why it so willingly submits to the limitations arising from a stroke.

All too quickly, the mind accepts the loss it has incurred, drastically altering the individual, leaving them but a shadow of their former selves.

Having witnessed the sad transformation by stroke of his father, Jim vowed, while lying prostrate in a hospital bed, he would not be diminished by his stroke, thus setting into motion a remarkable recovery by repairing the stroke damage that has inspired countless others since.

No one would have thought less of Jim if he had allowed himself an extended period of time to absorb the impact of what had happened, for he could barely speak, his left hand and arm dangled uselessly, and walking was almost impossible.

Yet just weeks after being hospitalized Jim was up on his feet, communicating, and vigorously exercising his damaged limbs. Why did he demand so much of himself in the immediate aftermath of the event?

He knew every moment counted, that his mind was adjusting to its reduced state, and the effects of the stroke could easily become permanent. Jim could feel he was slipping away, and had to act fast to stop the slid. Recovery was up to him.

Progress was slow at first, but it was measurable and consistent, creating hope and providing confidence. As Jim puts it, "I suddenly began to see light at the end of the tunnel." Those first baby steps soon evolved into giant leaps, resulting in an astounding recovery no one expected.

Less than six months later, Jim was working again, playing golf, even motorcycling. Attributing this amazing recovery to the power of positive thinking is too simple, for it’s more profound than that.

Jim understands in ways few others do the minds resourcefulness and how to tap into areas that often lay dormant. Deceptively simple, it consists of a series of tasks and challenges that engage unused parts of the brain. The tireless pursuit of these goals, however modest they may be, is key to success.

This is the message Jim conveys at speaking engagements, and its one heartily embraced by those in need of help, who feel inadequately served by the health system.

Most exciting of all is the progress Jim has made with individuals who long ago resigned themselves to a lifetime of disability.

He is transforming lives, in the same way he once transformed his own. The fear commonly associated with strokes vanishes in Jim's presence, for he leaves no doubt the worst of its effects can be mastered.

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