Stroke Survivor: A Personal Guide to Coping and Recovery [Paperback]

Andy Mccann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 2006

At the age of 37, Andy McCann was physically fit, strong and in good health. Then, mid-way through instructing his weekly martial arts class, he experienced a stroke and was rushed to hospital. Until then, the word 'stroke' had meant little to Andy, and in this book he recounts the many difficulties in learning to live with his new situation. Funny, poignant and informative, the book is not just a personal story, but also offers a wealth of advice and information for anyone who wants to know more about strokes. He explores a broad range of issues experienced by stroke survivors, from the very practical considerations of managing financial security and understanding medical approaches and terminology to the more personal challenges of coming to terms with a new sense of vulnerability and dealing with the attitudes of friends and family. The common thread throughout is Andy's insistence that he will not be a 'stroke victim' but a 'stroke survivor', determined to live with his new set of circumstances in a positive way. This book is a compelling yet practical source of information that will be valued by professionals and patients alike - whether a fellow stroke survivor, a concerned family member or a health or social care professional working with stroke victims.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Andy McCann held the position of Assistant Headteacher at a secondary school in South Wales when he suffered his stroke. In addition to teaching physical education, he has competed internationally in karate and taught self-defence for many years. In 2002, he was awarded 'Master Instructor of the Year' by an International Martial Arts Academy and was given an award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to martial arts in the UK. Since his stroke he has retired from teaching and is training as a clinical hypnotherapist and life coach. He lives in Cardiff, Wales, with his partner Anne.

Product Details

• Paperback: 254 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub (January 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843104105
• ISBN-13: 978-1843104100
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,792,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unnoticed Gem, September 16, 2007

By 

Chan Joon Yee "Dr Chan" (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stroke Survivor: A Personal Guide to Coping and Recovery (Paperback)

Andy McCann was Assistant Headteacher at a secondary school in South Wales. At 37, he was a karate instructor, seemingly fit as a fiddle. Then, he came down with stroke during one of his martial arts classes.

This 3-part book tells Andy's story from his personal discovery (part 1) to recovery (part 3). Part 2 is a content-heavy section that deals with the biological mechanics of stroke. It's a great book - not bestseller material due to the lack of sensationalism but it packs plenty of useful info and honest reporting.

Andy's unpretentious, sometimes humourous style in recounting his personal experiences makes this book an excellent read. It is definitely a book for the intelligent, well-educated and perhaps even discerning reader. Unfortunately, most of the people who suffer from stroke in Singapore will not be able to process and absorb Andy's wealth of info provided in the book. Not being a sensational crusade against the system/medical establishment or the recommendation of some exciting "new treatment", its honest account is unlikely to make it a bestseller.

It is obvious that the author has done a lot of research on his condition. His knowledge of neuroanatomy demonstrated in Part 2 of the book may put some doctors to shame. However, individuals who are only mildly interested in the subject may want to skip that part.

Though reading the book has not given me any "uplifting" experience as hoped by the author, I certainly find it highly entertaining and educational. No quakery, no sensational, miraculous claims and no vicious attacks on the system.

Though I have never suffered from stroke myself (until now), I'm definitely in a high risk profession. Andy's book is a reminder that we are all vulnerable in spite of our apparent fitness and good health.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well- Researched, January 4, 2008

By 

Michael Beres "michaelberes.com" (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stroke Survivor: A Personal Guide to Coping and Recovery (Paperback)

Final Stroke I found the details in this book fascinating. It confirmed much of the research I did for my own book and the experiences I had as a caregiver to a stroke survivor.