A Stroke Survivor’s Journey and Life Lessons

A stroke can happen when you least expect it. And it can happen to someone in their 40’s and 50’s. The effects can be devastating for you and for those you love. But there is survival after a stroke. Today Kim will be visiting with Angie Burke the author of “Just Pick UP the Peg: A Nurse’s Journey Back From Stroke” They will discuss: 1. As a registered nurse, wife, and mother of two young adults, what was your life like prior to your stroke at age 46? 2. At one point you fell into negative self-talk and your family was very concerned. Tell us how this started, and how you overcame it. 3. Many stroke survivors, concussion patients, and those with brain injuries suffer from neuro-fatigue. Describe what this is like for our listeners, and how are you trying to deal with this daily. 4. One of the Tip boxes in the book concerns Frustration. “Keeping Your Glass from Overflowing” applies to anyone, not just Stroke Survivors. Please share your concept with our listeners. 5. What is your life like today? Bio: Angie Collins-Burke is 54 years old and lives in Lindsay, Ontario. She has been married for 30 years and has two grown children. Angie is a Registered Nurse and has worked for 26 years at her community hospital, specializing in palliative care. On September 23, 2013, Angie suffered a large stroke. Along with paralysis, vision, and cognition challenges she was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy. After some time in a trauma center and then rehab hospital, Angie returned home and was determined to improve. Gradually her mood began to spiral, and she fell into a major depression and had to be hospitalized for treatment following a suicide attempt. She became more determined than ever and began exercising every day. She also started volunteering as a stroke mentor, at the hospital where she had worked, and as a volunteer with Heart and Stroke Canada. (Unfortunately, the stroke ended her nursing career). Angie began public speaking and kept hearing “you should write a book”. She was introduced to Suzanne Cronkwright and together their efforts resulted in “Just Pick Up the Peg: A nurse’s journey back from Stroke.” It was released in March of 2020. They now write a monthly blog for Psychology Today. com. Reach out to Angie Burke Email: [email protected] Website: www.angiecollinsburke.com Facebook: Facebook.com/angiecollinsburke Twitter: @strokewarrior Instagram: @fitchick_stroke_survivor2.0