On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia

By: Jonathan Hirons and Rob Edwards
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  • Summary

  • Jonathan Hirons's journey following his stroke and diagnosis of aphasia is both inspiring and informative. Here’s a summary of his experience and insights about aphasia:

    ### Jonathan's Experience with Aphasia

    1. **Initial Incident**: In January 2019, while in a business meeting, Jonathan began to feel strange and soon realized he could not communicate effectively. His colleagues quickly called for medical help.

    2. **Medical Emergency**: He was rushed to University College Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a stroke due to a bleed on the brain. He spent five nights in the hospital and was diagnosed with **aphasia**.

    3. **Impact on Daily Life**:
    - Jonathan struggled with basic tasks such as speaking, reading, and writing.
    - He had memory issues, recalling only his postcode but not his full address or other personal information.
    - He faced challenges in understanding spoken language but could still sign his name.

    4. **Support from Family**: His wife, Ann, played a crucial role in his recovery:
    - She encouraged him to read aloud daily and used flashcards to aid in word recognition and writing.
    - This early intervention was vital for his rehabilitation.

    5. **Progress Through Therapy**: With the help of speech therapy, Jonathan made significant improvements:
    - He regained much of his ability to read and write, although he still experiences difficulties, especially when tired.

    6. **Advocacy and Awareness**:
    - Jonathan has turned his experiences into a creative outlet by producing films, including **"On the Tip of My Tongue"** and **"What is Aphasia?"** These films aim to educate others about aphasia and its challenges.
    - He actively shares his story to raise awareness about aphasia as a hidden disability and the ongoing need for support beyond initial rehabilitation.

    ### Understanding Aphasia

    Aphasia is a language disorder that affects communication abilities, including:
    - **Speaking**: Difficulty in forming words or sentences.
    - **Understanding**: Challenges in comprehending spoken or written language.
    - **Reading and Writing**: Problems with reading text or writing coherently.

    ### Key Takeaways

    - **Aphasia is often a result of brain damage**, commonly from strokes, and can significantly impact daily life.
    - **Early intervention and support** are crucial for recovery.
    - **Awareness and education** about aphasia can help reduce stigma and improve support for those affected.

    Jonathan's story highlights the resilience of individuals facing such challenges and the importance of community support in their recovery journey.
    © 2025 On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia
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Episodes
  • On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 6 - Emma Rich: Battling Aphasia and Advocating for Neuro Rehab

    On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 6 - Emma Rich: Battling Aphasia and Advocating for Neuro Rehab
    Jan 9 2025

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    Emma Rich: Battling Aphasia and Advocating for Neuro Rehab

    In this episode, Emma Rich, Charity Coordinator at Say Aphasia, shares her harrowing journey with severe brain injury and subsequent aphasia. She recounts her critical medical emergency, rehabilitation experiences, and the crucial role of neuroplasticity in her recovery. Emma discusses the importance of speech therapy, community support groups, and the uneven access to rehabilitation services. Advocating for better support and employment opportunities for brain injury and stroke survivors, Emma emphasizes the need for education, hope, and inclusive societal attitudes toward individuals with neurological conditions.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:16 Emma's Brain Hemorrhage Experience
    01:51 Recovery Journey Begins
    03:45 Rehabilitation and Neuroplasticity
    05:58 Challenges and Support Systems
    10:21 Involvement with Say Aphasia
    18:43 Employment and Inclusivity
    29:34 Hope and Rehabilitation
    31:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Say Aphasia website: https://www.sayaphasia.org

    Support the show

    Support the show: https://pay.gocardless.com/BRT0003MF6G9SBF

    To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

    http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

    http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
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    35 mins
  • On the tip of my tongue Podcast: Hidden Voices: Reflections on Aphasia and Care 2024 Round up

    On the tip of my tongue Podcast: Hidden Voices: Reflections on Aphasia and Care 2024 Round up
    Jan 1 2025

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    Overcoming Aphasia and the Importance of Carers

    In this episode, the host reflects on past events and highlights key themes such as surviving a critical health incident in Las Vegas, the significant role of communication in recovery from strokes, and the challenges and strategies for living with aphasia. The episode also emphasizes the importance of unpaid carers, their economic contribution, and the need for perseverance in finding effective communication methods post-injury. The narrative draws an analogy to living in a foreign country to convey the experience of aphasia, highlighting its often hidden nature and the frustration of not being recognized for having a serious condition.

    00:00 Reflecting on Past Episodes
    00:10 A Harrowing Experience in Las Vegas
    00:40 The Importance of Communication Post-Stroke
    00:52 Meet Pete Cody: A Story of Resilience
    01:05 Tips for a Healthy Brain
    01:31 The Role and Impact of Unpaid Carers
    02:07 Understanding Aphasia: A Hidden Disability

    Support the show

    Support the show: https://pay.gocardless.com/BRT0003MF6G9SBF

    To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

    http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

    http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 5 - Colin Lyall, founder of Say Aphasia

    On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 5 - Colin Lyall, founder of Say Aphasia
    Dec 16 2024

    Send us a text

    Journey Through Aphasia: An Interview with Colin Lyle

    In this episode of the On the Tip of My Tongue podcast, Colin Lyle, founder of the Say Aphasia charity, shares his powerful journey from experiencing a stroke and developing aphasia to actively supporting others with the condition. Colin talks about his stressful lifestyle that led to his stroke, the challenges he faced during recovery, and his efforts in starting the Say Aphasia charity. The episode covers the importance of speech and language therapy, the challenges of living with aphasia, and the mission to raise awareness and support for those affected. Colin’s inspiring story highlights the significance of community and peer support in navigating life with aphasia.

    00:00 Introduction to Aphasia
    02:22 Colin's Stroke and Initial Challenges
    03:45 Speech and Language Therapy Journey
    07:47 Founding Say Aphasia Charity
    12:04 Expanding the Charity and Overcoming Hurdles
    23:09 Future Plans and Reflections
    31:33 Conclusion and Resources

    Say Aphasia

    The Say Aphasia Charity provides supportive drop-in groups for people with aphasia in the UK. It is run by people with aphasia for people with aphasia.

    Aphasia is not a well known condition and so people with this communication disability can feel alone and isolated from their community.

    Our aim is to provide continuous support in a social environment with people who are experiencing similar life changes.

    Our charity makes a difference to people living with aphasia by:

    • Offering companionship and support
    • Helping to adjust to living with aphasia.
    • Meeting people who are experiencing a similar life change.
    • Making new life long friends.
    • Gaining tips and advice from others with aphasia.
    • Gaining confidence to socialise and communicate as best they can.
    • Re-gaining independence as much as they can.
    • Helping to reduce loneliness.
    • Providing support in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
    • Offering art class and singing class as a therapeutic way to relax and express themselves.

    #AphasiaAwareness

    #StrokeRecovery

    #SayAphasia


    https://www.sayaphasia.org

    Support the show

    Support the show: https://pay.gocardless.com/BRT0003MF6G9SBF

    To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

    http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

    http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
    Show more Show less
    33 mins

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