Customer Reviews

Stroke Survivor: A Personal Guide to Coping and Recovery

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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.

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.