Two years ago this week, I had a stroke, Because nine years previously to that, I had had a seizure, the doctors just assumed I was having another seizure. But from the doctor’s further findings, they discovered I have a brain disease called CAA. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a brain disease where abnormal amyloid proteins build up on the walls of small and medium-sized arteries. (See below a full explanation.)
Since then, with the Lord’s help, I have clawed my way back after working on my therapies with a physical therapist, occupational therapist and a speech therapist. I also have been challenged by low cognition. Even now, I’m finding it hard to think clearly, and type without a lot of mistakes. I’m using a software called Wispr, a speech-to-text platform.
As a result, I have been able to read out loud some of my old books into text in a file, so my next book will be released in a month or two. It’s called “Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Worry.” I’m eager to share more about it in the future. I can highly recommend the software, Wispr. I’m amazed that it gets so many things clear. Even scripture references addresses.
Emotionally, I’m finding I have more anxiety, and I now understand how someone can not overcome anxiety easily. I used to think that just recommending prayer and quoting a Bible verse could remove the anxiety easily. But now I’m finding no matter how much I use prayer and no matter how many Bible verses I tell myself, it doesn’t work so quickly and easily. Believe me when I say I have more sympathy for those who struggle with persistent anxiety.
My husband, Larry, has been so supportive and wants to make sure that any stress I have doesn’t raise my blood pressure which is dangerous for me. Believe me, it’s a real advantage–I could use his good graces for my selfish purposes. But I don’t. I’m comforted and encouraged to know he does that to bless me.
Since my last post, my most recent book has been published, called Managing Anger Jesus Style.
Managing Anger—Jesus Style explores how Jesus can be our example of responding in godly ways to frustrating circumstances and people who normally cause some form of anger within us, whether impatience, raising our voices, lack of joy, or a hardened heart
Endorsement from Carol Kent:
“Kathy’s careful research makes each chapter shine, and the discussion questions move the reader to take transformational action steps. Read it on your own first, and then gather a group of friends and accept the challenge of getting real with God and with each other.—Carol Kent, Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Ministries, Speaker and Author, When I Lay My Isaac Down (NavPress)
Welcome back to my blog and website. I’m so thankful for your support.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a cerebrovascular disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β-peptide within the leptomeninges and small- to medium-sized cerebral blood vessels.[1] Amyloid deposition creates fragile vessels that may result in lobar intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH). CAA may also present with cognitive impairment, incidental microbleeds, hemosiderosis, inflammatory leukoencephalopathy, Alzheimer disease, or transient neurological symptoms.[2] CAA can also occur in specific familial syndromes or sporadically. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical, pathological, and radiographic findings. However, a definitive diagnosis requires a postmortem examination of the brain. Currently, no disease-modifying treatments are available. Prognosis depends on the presenting features, with worse outcomes in older patients with large hematomas.